Where is McFarland, California

McFarland is a city in the southern San Joaquin Valley and part of Kern County. Located about 30 miles north of Bakersfield, it is surrounded by productive farmland and agricultural fields. McFarland is known for its strong farming economy, small-town setting, and the story of its cross-country runners, which inspired the film McFarland, USA.

Location Map of McFarland, Kern County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of McFarland in Kern County, in the U.S. state of California.

McFarland Map, California

Where is McFarland Located?

McFarland is a city located in Kern County, California, the United States. It lies in the southern San Joaquin Valley, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield and roughly 20 miles south of Delano. McFarland is located at approximately 35.678° North latitude and 119.229° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 14,161 residents, and the city covers about 2.66 square miles (6.89 sq km). McFarland was founded in the early 20th century and incorporated in 1957. The community grew around agriculture, with cotton, grapes, almonds, citrus, and other crops supporting the local economy. Its flat valley landscape is dominated by farmland, irrigation canals, orchards, and agricultural operations. McFarland became widely known for its high school cross-country program, which produced successful runners from the local community. Their story later inspired the 2015 film McFarland, USA, making the city recognizable well beyond Kern County. The McFarland High School cross-country tradition remains an important part of the community's identity. A unique feature of McFarland is the strong connection between its agricultural roots and its nationally known running tradition. The city is also close to the foothills of the southern Sierra Nevada, which rise east of the San Joaquin Valley. Nearby attractions include the Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, and the larger recreational and cultural attractions of Bakersfield. State Route 99 provides the main north-south transportation route through the region, connecting McFarland with Bakersfield, Fresno, and other San Joaquin Valley communities.

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McFarland City Facts

Distance from McFarland, CA to Nearby Cities

• Delano, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Wasco, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Shafter, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
• Bakersfield, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
• Porterville, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Taft, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
• Tulare, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
• Visalia, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
• Hanford, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
• Fresno, CA – 80 miles (129 km)
• Coalinga, CA – 80 miles (129 km)
• Santa Maria, CA – 145 miles (233 km)
• Los Angeles, CA – 125 miles (201 km)
• San Luis Obispo, CA – 125 miles (201 km)
• Santa Barbara, CA – 150 miles (241 km)

Top Attractions in McFarland

• McFarland High School – The school is closely associated with the city's famous cross-country running tradition and the story depicted in the film McFarland, USA.
• Kern National Wildlife Refuge – A protected wetland area south of McFarland providing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
• Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park – A historic California state park preserving the story of Allensworth, an African American-founded community in the southern San Joaquin Valley.
• McFarland City Park – A local recreation area with open space, sports facilities, and community amenities.
• San Joaquin Valley – The surrounding agricultural valley features extensive orchards, vineyards, fields, irrigation canals, and wide views toward the Sierra Nevada.
• Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area – A nearby outdoor recreation area south of Bakersfield with fishing, boating, camping, and water activities.
• California Area Living Museum – A regional wildlife and natural history center in Bakersfield featuring native California animals and plants.
• Sequoia National Forest – A major mountain recreation area east of McFarland with forests, hiking trails, rivers, and access to the southern Sierra Nevada.

Airports Near McFarland

• Meadows Field Airport (BFL) – 30 miles
• Porterville Municipal Airport (PTV) – 35 miles
• Visalia Municipal Airport (VIS) – 50 miles
• Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) – 85 miles
• San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) – 125 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official McFarland city website and local government records.

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