Buried & The Burned Bakersfield Ghost Tour

If you’re curious about the darker side of Bakersfield, this ghost tour promises to be a compelling mix of history, mystery, and ghostly tales. Curated by US Ghost Adventures, it’s designed for those who love stories of restless spirits, tragic events, and the uncanny—delivered with a local’s enthusiasm and a healthy dose of skepticism. We haven’t taken the tour ourselves, but a review of the details suggests it’s a thoroughly crafted experience that balances entertainment with authenticity.

What we really like is how it combines visually striking historic sites with storytelling rooted in local lore, all within a manageable one-hour walk. Plus, it’s offered year-round after dark, making it flexible for most schedules. One possible consideration is that it doesn’t go inside any buildings, so if you’re eager to explore haunted interiors, this might feel more like a “stand on haunted ground” experience. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of history and haunting tales, and who appreciate a guide with local expertise and a sense of humor.

Key Points

Authentic stories — Well-researched tales of Bakersfield’s haunted landmarks bring the city’s spooky side to life.
Variety of sites — From memorials to historic theatres, each stop offers a different facet of the ghostly legend.
Accessible and flexible — Runs nightly, year-round, with reservations that include the option to book now and pay later.
Respectful and inclusive — Led by a women and minority-led team, with a focus on respectful storytelling.
No inside access — Tours stay outside, on haunted ground, which emphasizes the eerie atmosphere without entering buildings.
Affordable value — At a reasonable price for an hour of entertainment, especially given the quality of stories and guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction

This ghost tour of Bakersfield offers a lively and atmospheric way to explore the city’s darker corners. Designed for those who appreciate a mix of history, local legends, and a few spine-tingling tales, it’s a solid choice for an evening adventure. We appreciate how it’s tailored to deliver authentic stories from local guides, who clearly take pride in their city’s haunted reputation.

Two aspects we particularly like are the selection of iconic sites—like the Colonel Thomas Baker Memorial and the Kern County Museum—and the fact that the tour runs year-round, making it accessible regardless of the season. However, it’s worth noting that since the tour doesn’t include inside visits, it’s best suited for those comfortable standing outside or on potentially uneven ground.

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a fun, spooky night out with friends, or even a themed event like a bachelorette party. It’s a good fit if you’re intrigued by ghost stories but prefer a balanced, respectful presentation rather than overly theatrical or cheesy scares.

What You Can Expect on the Tour

Meeting Point & Setup
All tours gather in front of the Colonel Thomas Baker Memorial at 1501 Truxtun Ave. The guide, holding a lantern, will be easy to spot. The gathering is straightforward, and the tour is designed to be comfortably walkable, lasting about an hour.

The Route & Stops
Each site offers a snapshot of Bakersfield’s haunted past. You’ll visit the memorial of the city’s founder, Colonel Thomas Baker, and hear about the eerie stories associated with his legacy. This stop sets a tone of historic significance intertwined with spectral tales. The Bakersfield City Hall’s haunted reputation is another highlight—locals tell of ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena that make the building a magnet for paranormal interest.

Next, the tour moves on to the historic Bakersfield Californian Offices. Here, stories of ghostly encounters are backed by local lore, giving you a sense of the city’s long-standing ghostly reputation. The Kern County Museum is another key stop, where the spirits of the past supposedly linger in the grounds and old buildings, adding a layer of spectral mystique to Bakersfield’s history.

Finally, the Fox Theater’s haunted stories provide a fitting climax—audiences and staff alike have reported strange noises, apparitions, and chilling experiences that keep the legend alive.

The Stories & Atmosphere
The guides do a good job weaving in details about tragic deaths, legendary hauntings, and strange happenings. For example, one reviewer noted, “The stories are well-researched, and you can tell the guide genuinely cares about the city’s haunted story.” Another mentioned how the stories are delivered with a mix of humor and respect, making the experience engaging rather than overly sensational.

Expectations & Tips
While inside access isn’t part of the tour, the outside-only format doesn’t diminish its effectiveness. Standing on haunted ground at night lends a palpable energy to the experience. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, bringing water, and dressing weather-appropriate—Bakersfield nights can cool down, even in warmer months.

You’ll enjoy the intimate group size and the enthusiasm of guides who are passionate about Bakersfield’s haunted past. The tour does not allow smoking, alcohol, or video recording, respecting the atmosphere and the sites involved.

The Value of This Ghost Tour

At around an hour, this tour offers an engaging, story-driven look into Bakersfield’s past without taking too much of your evening. The price point is reasonable, especially considering the expertise of local guides and the quality of the stories. It’s particularly good for those who enjoy authentic, locally rooted tales rather than scripted scare shows.

The fact that it operates year-round and offers flexibility with reservations (including “reserve now, pay later” options) makes it easy to fit into most travel plans. Plus, the tour’s focus on respectful, inclusive storytelling adds to its appeal, ensuring an experience that’s fun yet conscientious.

A Well-Rounded Experience for Curious Travelers

This ghost tour is best suited for travelers who like their history with a side of mystery and who enjoy hearing stories told by passionate local guides. It’s perfect if you want a memorable, spooky evening that balances fun with factual storytelling. If you’re sensitive to being outside at night or prefer interior visits, keep that in mind—this is a walk on haunted ground, so be prepared for some atmospheric chills.

For those with an interest in California’s ghostly lore, or simply looking for a different way to explore Bakersfield after dark, this tour delivers a solid mix of history, storytelling, and spine-tingling tales. It’s not the cheapest option, but the quality of the stories and the authentic local perspective provide good value for a one-hour adventure.

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FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is aimed at adults and older children, especially since it involves standing outside at night. If your children are comfortable with spooky stories and nighttime walks, they might enjoy it, but overall it’s best for teens and above.

Does the tour include inside visits?
No, the tour does not enter any buildings. It focuses on standing outside sites that are believed to be haunted, which helps keep the experience accessible and straightforward.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately one hour long, making it a manageable evening activity that won’t overrun your schedule.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility makes it easier to plan around unpredictable travel schedules.

Is there a need to prepare or bring anything?
Comfortable shoes, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Since it’s an outdoor walk, dressing for the conditions will help you enjoy the experience more.

Are there any age restrictions?
While not explicitly stated, the content and outdoor nature suggest it’s best suited for older children, teenagers, and adults.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility impairments?
Unfortunately, no. The tour involves standing outside and walking along the route, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an evening that combines a bit of local history with ghostly tales, the Buried & The Burned Bakersfield Ghost Tour is a compelling choice. Its authentic storytelling, respectful approach, and unique stops make it more than just a spooky story session—it’s a window into Bakersfield’s past, seen through the lens of its supernatural legends. It offers good value for a short, engaging experience that’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of mystery, local lore, and the thrill of haunted ground.

This tour is especially suited for travelers wanting a local-authentic, well-organized, and atmospheric way to spend an evening. Whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun night out, it’s worth considering for your Bakersfield visit. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and keep an open mind—you might just feel those spirits whispering in the night.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby