Facility Overview

Situated in the heart of historic Downtown Bakersfield, the 1717 20th St Parking facility provides convenient, open-air surface parking for motorists exploring the city\'s lively Arts District and civic center. Positioned on 20th Street between G Street and H Street, this paved lot offers direct, level ground access without the tight spiral ramps or claustrophobic driving lanes typical of multi-deck garages. Because it is an unobstructed open-air lot, there are no low overhead clearance restrictions, making it an outstanding parking option for oversized vehicles, high-profile pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, conversion vans, and commercial service vehicles carrying roof racks or equipment.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

The lot places drivers within immediate walking distance of Bakersfield\'s most prominent cultural, entertainment, and governmental venues:

• Historic Fox Theater: Located less than two blocks away at the corner of 20th and H Streets (a brief 2-minute walk), making this lot a premier choice for evening concerts, comedy shows, and film screenings.
• The Padre Hotel: Positioned just two blocks south on 18th Street, giving visitors rapid access to upscale dining, rooftop drinks at Prairie Fire, and boutique accommodations.
• Bakersfield Arts and Antique District: Steps away from 19th Street\'s eclectic collection of antique shops, independent art galleries, cafes, and craft breweries.
• Kern County Superior Court & Civic Center: Approximately a 5- to 7-minute walk south toward Truxtun Avenue, ideal for legal professionals, county employees, and jury service attendees.
• Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center: Situated less than 0.7 miles away, offering an easy 12-minute walk or 3-minute rideshare trip to professional hockey games, arena concerts, and conventions.
• Bakersfield Museum of Art (BMoA) & Central Park: Roughly four blocks east, providing scenic green spaces and rotary community walking paths along the Mill Creek linear canal.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress to 1717 20th Street are straightforward, featuring broad curb cuts directly off 20th Street. The surrounding downtown grid system offers multiple parallel routes—including 19th, 21st, Chester Avenue, and H Street—which helps disperse vehicular traffic quickly even following high-capacity events at the Fox Theater. Regional drivers can smoothly connect to State Route 178 (just blocks to the north) and State Route 99 via California Avenue or 24th Street / Golden State Highway. Public transit riders will find Golden Empire Transit (GET) local bus lines running along nearby Chester Avenue, while the downtown Bakersfield Amtrak station on Truxtun Avenue is within a 15-minute walk.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Paved, open-air surface parking with clear bay striping and wide drive aisles.
• Zero vertical height restrictions, accommodating lifted trucks, commercial vans, and roof-cargo carriers.
• Designated accessible parking spaces featuring level ground for wheelchair accessibility.
• Evenings illuminated by surrounding streetlights and perimeter fixture poles.
• Direct sidewalk integration ensuring seamless pedestrian egress toward downtown venues.
• Flexible payment options via on-site pay stations and popular mobile parking applications where designated.

Ideal For

• Concertgoers and Theater Patrons: Enjoy a brief, flat walk to the historic Fox Theater and nearby evening lounges.
• Downtown Diners and Shoppers: Convenient base for lunch meetings, weekend antique hunting, and restaurant hopping on 18th and 19th Streets.
• Government & Legal Visitors: Reliable parking for Kern County administrative offices, city halls, and courtroom visits.
• Drivers of Tall & Oversized Vehicles: Open sky overhead ensures zero risk of clearance collisions.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to marquee showtimes at the Fox Theater, as surrounding street and lot spaces fill swiftly during major performances. If you are visiting for county court appointments or jury duty, check daily meter regulations or pre-purchase sufficient daytime parking to avoid mid-session renewals. When setting your GPS navigation, approach from H Street or Chester Avenue to easily turn onto 20th Street without circling crowded one-way corridors.