If you are driving by Bakersfield on a day after a rainy day and the sky has thereby been washed, by all means, get out and enjoy the view of the Great Valley, a pale hint of what it looked like a hundred years ago when it was one of the most impressive sights on the Continent. Nowadays, smog, haze and dust obscure the views most of the time and because of that, no one considers Bakersfield to be a beauty spot. But once in a great while... Top Secret Sight-Seeing Tip: If there's been a winter storm you might seek out the local university Science Building and catch a view of the mountains from the fourth floor balcony. The University (CSUB) is about 4-miles west of Hwy-99. Easier: Go to Beach Park, which is adjacent to 99(on the eastern side thereof)and good for a rest stop. You can walk along the levee [also a bike path] for a bit. Also at Beach Park--near the entrance--is the Kern County Visitors Bureau. Maps, brochures, advice and stuff.