Where is Taft, California

Taft is a city in western Kern County, California, in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Located about 35 miles west of Bakersfield, the city sits near the Temblor Range and the vast Midway-Sunset Oil Field. Taft is known for its oil industry, West Kern Oil Museum, Carrizo Plain National Monument, and long connection to California's petroleum history.

Location Map of Taft, Kern County, California

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

Taft Map, California

Where is Taft Located?

Taft is a city located in Kern County, California, the United States. It lies in western Kern County near the foothills of the Temblor Range, about 35 miles west of Bakersfield and roughly 90 miles north of Los Angeles. Maricopa is about 10 miles south, while McKittrick is approximately 15 miles west of Taft. The city is located at 35.1425° North latitude and 119.4565° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 9,327 residents. Taft covers about 15.10 square miles, or approximately 39.11 square kilometers. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dry hills, oil fields, grasslands, and agricultural areas. The Midway-Sunset Oil Field, one of California's major petroleum-producing regions, has shaped Taft's economy and identity for more than a century. The West Kern Oil Museum documents this history through historic equipment, photographs, and exhibits. Carrizo Plain National Monument lies west of Taft and protects a large natural grassland known for seasonal wildflowers and important wildlife habitat. A unique feature of Taft is its location beside one of the largest oil fields in California, making petroleum history a central part of the city's story.

Most Viewed US Maps

Taft City Facts

Distance from Taft, CA to Nearby Cities

• Maricopa, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
• McKittrick, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
• Buttonwillow, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Bakersfield, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Shafter, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Wasco, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
• Arvin, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
• Delano, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
• Lost Hills, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
• Tehachapi, CA – 65 miles (105 km)
• Santa Maria, CA – 105 miles (169 km)
• San Luis Obispo, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
• Fresno, CA – 120 miles (193 km)
• Visalia, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
• Santa Barbara, CA – 120 miles (193 km)
• Ventura, CA – 125 miles (201 km)
• Los Angeles, CA – 125 miles (201 km)
• San Bernardino, CA – 175 miles (282 km)

Top Attractions in Taft

• West Kern Oil Museum – A local museum documenting the history of petroleum production in the Taft area through historic equipment, photographs, and exhibits.
• Midway-Sunset Oil Field – One of California's largest oil fields and a defining part of Taft's industrial landscape and history.
• Carrizo Plain National Monument – A vast protected grassland west of Taft known for seasonal wildflowers, wildlife habitat, geological features, and scenic open landscapes.
• Taft Historic District – Historic commercial buildings and community landmarks reflect Taft's development during the growth of the local oil industry.
• Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area – A nearby reservoir and recreation area offering fishing, boating, camping, birdwatching, and outdoor activities.
• Taft Petroleum Club – A historic local institution connected to the city's long petroleum industry and community history.
• Temblor Range – The nearby mountain range provides scenic views and access to rugged desert and grassland landscapes.
• Elk Hills – A major oil-producing area southwest of Taft with a long history connected to petroleum development in Kern County.
• Fort Tejon State Historic Park – A historic California state park within driving distance, preserving the remains of a 19th-century military outpost and surrounding mountain landscape.

Airports Near Taft, California

• Meadows Field Airport (BFL) – 40 miles
• Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) – 105 miles
• San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) – 100 miles
• William M. Thomas Airport (BIH) – 130 miles
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 135 miles

Sources:

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

California Related Links