McKittrick Travel Guide

Explore the best attractions of McKittrick, California with this comprehensive travel guide. Find out everything you need to know from where to stay and what to do to safety tips and transportation options.


Introduction to McKittrick

McKittrick is a small town situated in Kern County, in San Joaquin Valley, California. The town is known for its rich cultural history and natural beauty. It is the perfect destination for those looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

In this travel guide, we’ll help you plan your trip to McKittrick, including the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, and how to get there.

List of Places to Visit in McKittrick

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re a history buff, you’ll love exploring McKittrick’s culturally important attractions. These are some of the must-visit museums and historical places in the town:

  • McKittrick Museum: The McKittrick Museum, housed in a historical building, showcases the town’s rich history through a collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits.

  • Black Gold Cafe and Museum: The Black Gold Cafe and Museum is a unique museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the oil and gas industry’s history in McKittrick.

  • McKittrick Tar Pits: The McKittrick Tar Pits are a significant natural landmark in the town. They contain fossils that date back to the Pleistocene epoch and provide valuable information about the region’s prehistoric fauna.

Natural Attractions of McKittrick: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For those who love the great outdoors, McKittrick offers plenty of opportunities to explore its natural attractions. Here are some of the best places to visit:

  • McKittrick Canyon: McKittrick Canyon is a popular hiking destination that features scenic views and native flora and fauna.

  • Carrizo Plain National Monument: Carrizo Plain National Monument is a vast 250,000-acre expanse of grasslands, wildflowers, and cacti. It also serves as a habitat for endangered species such as the San Joaquin kit fox and blunt-nosed leopard lizard.

  • Temblor Range: The Temblor Range offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for offroading and dirt biking adventures.

Hiking/Biking Routes of McKittrick

McKittrick offers many opportunities for hikers and bikers to explore the great outdoors. You’ll find trails suitable for all skill levels. Here are some of the popular routes:

  • Lost Hills Road Trail: This easy 2.5-mile trail traverses through the oil fields and provides stunning views of the surrounding area.

  • Tule Elk Trail: The Tule Elk Trail is a 3.5-mile trail in the Carrizo Plain National Monument suitable for intermediate hikers.

  • Elkhorn Road Trail: This challenging 16-mile trail connects McKittrick to Buttonwillow and offers fantastic scenic views of the Temblor Range.

Best Things to Do in McKittrick: Activities and Tours

Apart from outdoor adventures, McKittrick offers plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Oil Rig Tours: Take a tour of one of the many active oil rigs in the region and learn about the oil industry’s history and current practices.

  • Dark Sky Astronomy: Experience the stunning night sky views that McKittrick offers with a guided tour of the stars.

  • Wine Tasting: Take a short drive to nearby Paso Robles, one of the best wine regions in the country, and enjoy a wine tasting session at one of the many vineyards.

Week-Long Itinerary for McKittrick

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to McKittrick:

Day 1: Visit the McKittrick Museum and the Black Gold Cafe and Museum.

Day 2: Go for an easy hike on the Lost Hills Road Trail and then explore the nearby natural attractions.

Day 3: Take an oil rig tour and enjoy lunch at one of the local cafes.

Day 4: Explore the stunning Carrizo Plain National Monument and take the Tule Elk Trail.

Day 5: Take an offroading tour of the Temblor Range and enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Day 6: Visit Paso Robles and enjoy a wine tasting session.

Day 7: Enjoy stargazing with a guided tour of the night sky.

Food and Drink Scene of McKittrick

McKittrick has a small but vibrant food and drink scene. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • McKittrick Burger: This burger, made with locally sourced beef, is a must-try at any of the local cafes.

  • Beef Tri-Tip: Beef Tri-Tip is a famous cut of meat in McKittrick and is often served at local restaurants.

  • Basque-style food: Visit any of the Basque-style restaurants in the town, and you won’t be disappointed.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: The Paso Robles region produces some of the best wines in the country, which are available at local vineyards.

  • Craft Beer: McKittrick has its own brewery, which produces several local craft beers.

Where to Stay in McKittrick: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several accommodation options in McKittrick, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • McKittrick Hotel: The McKittrick Hotel is a budget-friendly option that offers clean and comfortable rooms.

  • Oil Worker’s Inn: The Oil Worker’s Inn is a mid-range option that offers comfortable rooms and amenities.

  • Best Western Plus Taft Inn: The Best Western Plus Taft Inn is a luxury option located in nearby Taft, offering upscale rooms and amenities.

What to Buy in McKittrick: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

McKittrick offers several unique souvenirs and local products that you’ll love bringing back home. Here are some of the best things to buy:

  • Oil and Gas Memorabilia: Visit any of the local gift shops and buy some oil and gas industry memorabilia.

  • Handcrafted Gifts: Visit the local farmers’ market and buy some handcrafted gifts made by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of McKittrick

McKittrick has a rich cultural history, heavily influenced by the oil and gas industry. The locals are friendly and welcoming to visitors.

Best Time to Visit McKittrick

The best time to visit McKittrick is in the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild, and the natural attractions are at their best.

Do’s and Don’ts of McKittrick

Do:

  • Do respect the natural environment.

  • Do comply with the safety regulations while exploring the oil rigs.

  • Do try the Basque-style food.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in the natural areas.

  • Don’t trespass on private oil rig property.

  • Don’t miss out on the wine tasting sessions in the nearby Paso Robles region.

Safety and Health

Safety in McKittrick

McKittrick is a safe town, but visitors should take standard safety precautions like not leaving valuables in the car and following traffic rules.

Health in McKittrick

The nearest medical facilities to McKittrick can be found in Bakersfield, located around an hour’s drive away.

Getting to McKittrick: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near McKittrick

The nearest airport to McKittrick is Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, located approximately 30 miles away.

Bus Stations Near McKittrick

The nearest bus station to McKittrick is located in Taft, around 15 miles away.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a taxi or rent a car from nearby cities like Bakersfield or Taft.

How to Get Around in McKittrick

The best way to get around McKittrick is by renting a car. Visitors can also use taxis or hire tour guides for exploring the natural attractions.

Where to Go Next from McKittrick: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions that you can explore:

  • Bakersfield: Drive down to Bakersfield and explore the city’s cultural attractions, including the Buck Owens Crystal Palace and the Kern County Museum.

  • Los Padres National Forest: Los Padres National Forest is located around 80 miles away from McKittrick, and it offers visitors some of the best hiking and camping opportunities in the region.

Conclusion

McKittrick is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history. With this guide, you’re now equipped with all the information you need to plan your trip. Happy travels!