Wasco CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wasco, California.
1. Wasco Union High School Auditorium
HISTORIC RENAISSANCE REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE
Wasco Union High School Auditorium was built in 1928 and was designed by Ernest J. Kump. It is classified as a Renaissance Revival architectural style and stands as a historical landmark in the city. Visitors can appreciate the historical significance and architectural beauty of this nearly century-old building.
2. Wasco Historical Society & Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Wasco Historical Society & Museum is located at 918 6th Street and preserves the rich history of the area. The museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of Wasco's development over the years. Visitors can learn about local culture, agricultural heritage, and the people who shaped this San Joaquin Valley community.
3. Barker Park
RECREATION AND SWIMMING
Barker Park is one of four parks in Wasco offering recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The park features a public swimming pool that provides relief during the hot San Joaquin Valley summers. Families can enjoy various amenities including picnic areas and open spaces for relaxation and outdoor activities.
4. Westside Park
SKATE AND PLAY
Westside Park features a modern skate park that attracts skateboarding enthusiasts of all skill levels. The park provides a dedicated space for skateboarding, roller skating, and BMX riding in a safe environment. Additional recreational facilities make this park a popular destination for local youth and families.
5. Wasco Amtrak Station
SAN JOAQUINS RAIL STOP
The Wasco Amtrak station serves as a stop on the San Joaquins rail line, connecting Wasco to other California cities. The station features a platform next to the single track, although the original station building was demolished in 2021. It stands as an important transportation hub for the community, providing access to the broader California rail network.
6. Wasco Recreation & Parks Office
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES HUB
The Wasco Recreation & Parks Office coordinates various recreational programs and activities for community members of all ages. They organize baseball, youth football, and Little League programs throughout the year for local participation. Visitors can contact the office at 661-758-3081 for information about seasonal events and recreational opportunities in the city.
7. Wasco High School Tennis Courts
PUBLIC TENNIS FACILITIES
The tennis courts located at Wasco Union High School are available for both student and public use. These well-maintained courts provide a venue for casual play, lessons, and occasional tournaments. Tennis enthusiasts can enjoy the facilities while taking in views of the surrounding San Joaquin Valley landscape.
8. Wasco Festival of Roses
COLORFUL FLORAL CELEBRATION
The Wasco Festival of Roses celebrates the city's heritage as a major rose-growing region. This annual event features parades, rose displays, food vendors, and entertainment that draws visitors from throughout the San Joaquin Valley. The festival highlights Wasco's agricultural importance and community spirit with colorful floral arrangements and family-friendly activities.
9. Buttonwillow Raceway Park
HIGH-SPEED RACING VENUE
Buttonwillow Raceway Park is located near Wasco and offers an exciting destination for motorsport enthusiasts. The facility features multiple track configurations for car racing, motorcycle events, and driver training programs. Visitors can watch competitive races or participate in track days and driving schools throughout the year.
10. Kern National Wildlife Refuge
WETLANDS BIRD SANCTUARY
Kern National Wildlife Refuge is a short drive from Wasco and serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds and local wildlife. The refuge encompasses wetlands, uplands, and riparian areas that support diverse ecosystems within the San Joaquin Valley. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, photography, and seasonal hunting in designated areas of this natural preserve.
11. Bakersfield Fox Theater
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Fox Theater in nearby Bakersfield is a historic entertainment venue known for its stunning Art Deco architecture. Built in 1930, the theater hosts concerts, comedy shows, film screenings, and other cultural events throughout the year. The beautifully restored interior transports visitors back to the golden age of cinema while providing modern entertainment options.
12. Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
COUNTRY MUSIC LANDMARK
Buck Owens' Crystal Palace in Bakersfield celebrates the legacy of country music legend Buck Owens and the famous Bakersfield Sound. The venue combines a museum showcasing memorabilia from Owens' career with a restaurant and performance space for live music. Visitors can enjoy authentic country music performances while dining on American cuisine in this unique cultural attraction.
13. Murray Family Farms
FRUIT PICKING ADVENTURE
Murray Family Farms is an agricultural attraction near Wasco offering seasonal fruit picking, farm tours, and family activities. Visitors can pick their own cherries, peaches, apples, and other fruits depending on the season while learning about sustainable farming practices. The farm also features a country store, bakery, and special events throughout the year for an authentic agricultural experience.
14. Buena Vista Museum of Natural History
PREHISTORIC WILDLIFE EXHIBITS
The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History in Bakersfield showcases fossils, minerals, and artifacts from California's rich natural history. The museum's collection includes impressive displays of prehistoric marine life discovered in the nearby Sharktooth Hill deposits. Visitors can explore exhibits on paleontology, geology, and native cultures that once thrived in the San Joaquin Valley region.
15. Kern County Museum
PIONEER VILLAGE EXPERIENCE
The Kern County Museum features a 16-acre Pioneer Village with over 60 historic buildings that recreate life in early California. Visitors can walk through authentically furnished structures including homes, businesses, and public buildings dating from the 1800s to early 1900s. The museum also houses changing exhibits on regional history, art, and culture that complement the outdoor historical village.