If you have a bit of extra time and you’re happy to travel 25 miles, check out Ridgecrest. This lively place offers a world of things to keep you engaged. Among the first stops you make here ought to be Ridgecrest City Hall, China Lake Golf Course and Maturango Museum. The locals are also likely to point you in the direction of Kernville, 30 miles away. If you only see one thing here, make sure it’s Cannell Trail. (But we’re also huge fans of Kern River Valley Historical Society and The Kern Valley Museum.)