Smarter Car Renting

Here are car rental tips from the road trip-seasoned editors of RoadsideAmerica.com:

•  Book your reservation in advance. Rates can vary drastically, even for the same rental car in Bakersfield California. By booking your car early, you can avoid last minute rate increases. It can also help assure your desired vehicle-type will be available at high demand car rental locations.

•  Damaged: Always carefully eyeball your vehicle before leaving the rental agency, whether you're in Bakersfield or East Podunkville. The last renter may have pulled in after a meteor shower! Prior scratches, dents, and other vehicle damage can cause extra headaches and costs if not noted before you leave the rental car lot. If you see any damage on the car's exterior and interior before you leave, make sure it's noted on the rental car papers, and point it out to an agency employee. This will resolve any questions that could arise when you return. And avoid meteor showers.

•  Fear of the Unknown: Unfamiliar with the streets of Bakersfield? Consider adding a GPS navigation system to your rental. GPS provides turn-by-turn directions to a number of Bakersfield attractions and businesses, and is offered by almost all Bakersfield car rental agencies. The GPS helps you navigate like some mythical Greek God of Navigation! You can also add your own portable GPS on your handy windshield sucker, but remember to take it all with you when you turn in the car at the end of your trip.

Click here to see Bakersfield attractions

Bakersfield CA Area Attractions

• Air Conditioning Duct Man
• Bakersfield Convention Bureau
• Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
• Bakersfield Museum of Art
• Bakersfield School of Art
• Big Shoe Repair - Shoe-shaped Building
• Buena Vista Museum-Natural
• California Living Museum
• California State University - Bakersfield
• Muffler Man - The Indian Warrior
• Point Loma Nazarene University
• Rabobank Arena Theater & Convention Center
• Rio Bravo-Extraordinary Resort
• Sam Lynn Ballpark
• Indian Point Ostrich Ranch (28.55 miles)
• Delano Regional Medical Center (29.21 miles)
• Tehachapi Hospital Rural Health (36.94 miles)
• Tehachapi Museum (36.94 miles)

Bakersfield rental guide