15 Best Things to Do in Delano (CA)

Delano is a city with a population of about 53,000 situated in Kern County. It’s a suburb of Bakersfield, which is only 31 miles away.

The city is known for its agricultural industry, beautiful weather and central location. It has easy access to many of the area’s attractions, including wilderness areas.

In Delano, there are many parks, restaurants and shopping areas, such as Delano Marketplace, Delano Shopping Center, and Hot Outlet. The world-class museums and arts venues of Bakersfield are only a short drive away.

Several festivals and events take place in Delano throughout the year, including The Cinco De Mayo Fiesta and the Annual Philippine Weekend Festival.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Delano, California.

1. Spend a Lovely Afternoon in Cecil Park

If you’re looking for a place to relax outside for a few hours, Cecil Park is a nice urban green space with plenty of wide-open areas.

On-site, you’ll find a playground, gazebo, basketball courts, picnic areas with barbecue facilities and restrooms.

2. Learn About Regional History at the Kern County Museum

The Kern County Museum in nearby Bakersfield is unique in that it’s a museum spread across 56 historic buildings.

The museum collects and displays items related to the history and culture of Kern County. On-site you’ll find the jail, an oil derrick, a general store and several old homes. The exhibits cover a range of topics, including Native American history, the railroad, agriculture, and mining.

As you make your way from building to building, you’ll see thousands of artefacts, photos, and documents.

Throughout the year, a variety of special events take place on-site, including educational programs for all ages.

3. Enjoy a Hearty, Traditional Meal at Charros Mexican Food

Charros Mexican Food is a lively family-run eatery that has been serving classic Mexican cuisine since it opened in 1996.

Staff put extra love and care into each dish they prepare so you can be assured of top quality food every time.

On the menu, you’ll find many items including appetizers, burritos, salads, tacos, tortas, enchiladas, burgers, pasta dishes, seafood dishes, and a variety of combo meals.

4. Take in a Live Show at the Fox Theater

Situated in downtown Bakersfield, Fox Theater is the primary venue for performing arts in the area.

The historic building dates back to the 1930s and features a beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture exterior and a more modern and stylish finish inside.

Some of the world-class performances that take place throughout the year at this venue include ballets, concerts, comedy acts, dance performances, theatre performances and symphony performances.

5. Play a Round of Golf at Delano Golf Course

Delano Golf Course is a scenic, well-maintained 9-hole course in Memorial Park suitable for all levels. If you wish to practice your skills before you hit the course, the property has a driving range, putting green, chipping area, and practice bunker.

The Hole in One Restaurant serves traditional American dishes and beverages in a laid-back atmosphere.

6. Admire Fine Art at the Bakersfield Museum of Art

Since 1956, The Bakersfield Museum of Art has been showcasing fine art and is said to be one of the city’s top attractions.

Inside this large museum are two large galleries and two smaller ones. The permanent collection features art by local artists. The rest of the rotating exhibits feature a mix of art from all over.

The outside grounds of the museum are home to some beautiful gardens and sculptures.

7. See Local Flora and Fauna Kern National Wildlife Refuge

About 20 miles away from Delano is a wild, protected area known as the Kern National Wildlife Refuge. This 1,246-acre refuge is one of the best places in the region to see local plant and animal life in pristine natural habitats.

As you explore the area, you’ll pass through a variety of habitats, including desert uplands, developed marsh, riparian, salt cedar, valley sink scrub, and grassland habitats.

A wide variety of migratory birds are frequently spotted in the area. Coyote, squirrels, rattlesnakes, and lizards are among some of the wildlife you’ll have a good chance of spotting during your visit.

At the visitor center, you can learn more about the history of the preserve and its purpose when it comes to local preservation.

8. Visit Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

No trip to the Delano area is complete without visiting the museum that pays tribute to the late, great country music singer and songwriter, Buck Owens.

Originally opened in 1996 as a live music venue, today, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace is a museum dedicated to the legendary performer.

The exhibits feature many items related to his life and times, including some of his guitars, his flashy outfits, and an array of concert memorabilia.

A restaurant is also on-site and traditional American comfort food is on the menu.

9. Get a History Lesson at the Delano Heritage Park Museum

The Delano Heritage Park Museum is located in a restored historic building.

Inside, several exhibits showcase various items related to the history and culture of Delano, including old photos and artefacts.

10. Have a Family Day at Murray Family Farms

At Murray Family Farms in nearby Bakersfield, visitors of all ages can experience the hard work that goes into running a large family farm, while having some good ol’ fashion farm fun.

This working farm features many acres of cultivated fields, where strawberries, citrus fruit, apples, melons, tomatoes, pumpkins, and much more are grown.

Take a tour of the property on a tractor-driven wagon, pick your own fruit and get to know some of the friendly resident farm animals at the petting zoo, including goats, sheep and horses.

Also on-site is a butterfly house, mazes and the Red Barn, where you purchase fresh pies and jams.

11. Try your Luck at the Aviator Casino

If you’re looking for an exciting night on the town, Aviator Casino is a fun place to spend an evening and you’ll have the chance to win some money.

This casino doesn’t have slot machines but has plenty of card tables where you can join in on exciting games of blackjack, poker, and more.

The on-site restaurant serves delicious meals, snacks, and beverages.

12. Visit the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History in nearby Bakersfield is a great place to visit if you’re interested in the topics of geology, archaeology, palaeontology, and anthropology.

As you browse the fascinating exhibits, you’ll see a large fossil collection originally started by Bob and Mary Ernst.

Other exhibits include The Miocene, North American Animals, Native American Lifeways, Rocks and Minerals, African Animals, and the Palaeontology Collection. Guided tours are available.

13. Take the Kids to Camelot Park

For a day of fun for all ages, Camelot Park in nearby Bakersfield has many attractions to entertain the whole family.

Bumper boats, miniature golf, batting cages, a rookie Jr. Grand Prix, thrilling rides, and go-karts are just some of the amusements. The park’s arcade has a wide variety of games, including those suitable for young children

The park also hosts a wide variety of fun events from time-to-time.

14. Get Outdoors at Lake Woollomes

Lake Woollomes near Delano is a perfect place to escape the city. Spend a day on the lake surrounded by nature and the peace and quiet it brings.

There are many facilities around the lake, including picnic areas with barbecue facilities, playgrounds, a concession stand, and restrooms.

Fishing is a popular activity on the lake, and anglers have a chance to reel in a variety of species including crappie, bass and catfish. Boating is also allowed on the lake, as long as your craft is not motorized.

15. Learn About local Wildlife at the California Living Museum

The California Living Museum, in nearby Bakersfield, is best described as a native zoo. Since the early 1980s, this 14-acre property has housed over 80 native species of animals, in spaces that are as close to their natural habitats as possible.

This facility looks after animals that are unable to be released into the wild because they are either injured or unable to survive on their own.

Some of the exhibits include the black bear habitat, birds of prey, the mammal house, a duck pond, and a reptile house. Owls, hawks, eagles, bobcats, foxes, and deer are some of the animals living here.

Many endangered species are housed at this facility as well, and there are also some domestic animals that you can pet and interact with.