If you love nature, you won't want to miss this important holiday: Nature Photography Day. It falls on Tuesday, June 15th this year, and it's the perfect excuse to snap some photos of yourself enjoying nature's beauty. This raises the question: What are some of the best spots for nature shots in the Bakersfield area? Our agents have some recommendations. 

• The Park at River Walk: 1200 Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield, CA 93311
  At The Park at River Walk, you could snap some pictures of yourself sitting along the river, leaning against a tree, or standing on one of the little bridges that stretch across the creeks.
  
  This charming park has a pond with ducks and fish, a playground for kids, and lots of trails for walking and bike riding. It's a great place to stop with kids or with your dog. Just note that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. You could even snap a family photo as you all enjoy lunch at a picnic table. There are restrooms on-site, free WiFi, and barbecue grills for public use.
  
  
• Panorama Park: Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93305
  If you're in the area looking at Bakersfield homes for sale, and you want to see a lot of unique scenery in one spot, then Panorama Park is the place to visit. This park is not very large, but it offers some really unique photo opportunities.
  
  Snap a photo of yourself gazing down at the city below from the towering bluffs. Or, photograph yourself meandering amongst the rocky, barren soil in the oilfields. They may be stark, but they have their own natural appeal. Panorama Park has a 1.8-mile trail that encircles it. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of benches and water fountains on-site. 
  
  
• Wind Wolves Preserve: 16019 Maricopa Hwy., Bakersfield, CA 93311
  Wind Wolves Preserve is a nature preserve located where the Sierra Nevada, Mojave Desert, and San Joaquin Valley converge. Admission is free, and there are so many opportunities for nature photography within.
  
  At Wind Wolves Preserve, you can photograph yourself with mountains in the background or with a grassy marsh at your feet. If you're lucky, you might be able to capture a wolf or eagle in the background. They do offer guided tours from time to time; check their website for a schedule.
  
  
• Tule Elk State Natural Reserve: 8653 Station Rd., Buttonwillow, CA 93206
  Grab your telephoto lens to capture the small herd of tule elk that roam this nature preserve. Once in danger of extinction, the herd has been protected at Tule Elk State Natural Reserve since 1932. Elk transplanted from the herd can also be seen roaming foothills and grasslands elsewhere in California.
  
  Trails, beaches, and day-use areas are currently open, with park hours from 9 a.m. to sunset.
  
  
• Kern County Museum: 3801 Chester Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301
  If you want to combine some nature photos with a museum visit, Kern County Museum is the place to do it. Admission is free after 3:30 pm!
  
  The Pioneer Village is set on 16 acres of gorgeous land and lets you explore California history in a hands-on way. Take a self-guided tour, and snap some photos beneath a palm tree.

The Bakersfield area is so scenic, offering lots of wonderful photo opportunities for Nature Photography Day. Snap some great shots as you explore these sites, and don't forget to contact us if you're looking for a local real estate agent.