A car-free Bakersfield business trip made easy

Arrive via Meadows Field Airport or Amtrak, meet at Dignity Health Arena, and explore Basque dining, breweries, and the Kern River Parkway Trail.

Edited by Taylor Cahan | December 19, 2025

Enjoy a seamless business trip to Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield, California welcomes business travelers with a blend of convenience and local flavor. Arriving is seamless, whether you fly into Meadows Field Airport or roll in on the Amtrak San Joaquins. Downtown pulses with energy from the Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention Center, while walkable streets lead to lively Basque restaurants, breweries, and the scenic Kern River Parkway Trail. Here, meetings flow into evenings out, and wellness is always within reach. With so many things to do in Bakersfield, it’s easy to mix productivity with pleasure — all without needing a car.

Plan your Bakersfield business trip

Arrive car-free: Airport and Amtrak logistics

Meetings in the heart of Bakersfield

Group dining: Basque classics and breweries

Wellness breaks on the Kern River Trail

Arrive car-free: Airport and Amtrak logistics

Touch down at Meadows Field Airport or step off the Amtrak Gold Runner, and you’re less than 8 miles (about 12 kilometers) from downtown Bakersfield, and the train station is in the heart of the city. Rideshare pickups are easy at the airport, with typical transfer times of 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. For late arrivals or early flights, staying near the airport streamlines your schedule. Hampton Inn & Suites Bakersfield North-Airport is an airport-friendly hotel for early flights, offering free hot breakfast, spacious guest rooms, and a fitness center. Guests can also book a free shuttle to the airport.

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Meetings in the heart of Bakersfield

Bakersfield’s downtown convention complex — anchored by Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention Center — features over 70,000 square feet of event space and 13 breakout rooms. Walk to The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater for post-conference entertainment, or hop in a rideshare to Kern River Parkway Trail for a scenic wellness break. For a base near downtown meetings, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield delivers approachable service, a signature warm cookie welcome, and flexible spaces for team huddles or solo work.

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Group dining: Basque classics and breweries

Bakersfield’s Basque restaurants are a local tradition, perfect for group reservations and family-style dining. Large tables and set menus make it easy to gather colleagues after a productive day. For a lively post-session atmosphere, Temblor Brewing pairs craft beers with casual bites and private event space. Hilton Garden Inn Bakersfield is a base near downtown meetings and dining, with comfortable guest rooms and an on-site restaurant.

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Wellness breaks on the Kern River Trail

The Kern River Parkway Trail spans more than 30 miles (48.3 kilometers) of paved path through Bakersfield, making it easy to fit in a morning run or evening ride before or after meetings. Access points are close to the downtown convention district, and early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for outdoor sessions. Spark by Hilton Bakersfield Central is a base near downtown meetings and the trail, with reliable essentials, free breakfast (including a bagel bar), and 24/7 coffee.

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Disclaimer: We used AI assistance to generate this content. All information was reviewed by Hilton's team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and ethics, allowing us to better match your travel needs and connect you with the right stay.