Understand

Taft, California is a city known for its thriving oil and gas industry. The region is home to some of the most productive oil fields in the state, including the famous Midway Sunset field. Just minutes away from the city, this field showcases the impressive scale of oil production. In addition to the oil industry, Taft has other major employers such as a nearby Federal prison and even kitty litter mines. The town offers a wide range of services and amenities to its residents, including supermarkets, restaurants, a downtown theater and arts center, as well as a college. If you're a film enthusiast, you'll be excited to know that Taft is a popular filming location, conveniently located only a little over 2 hours north of LA. Recent movies, like the gripping period drama There Will be Blood, have been filmed in this area, shedding light on the fascinating history of the oil industry in Taft. While Taft may not be the typical vacation destination, there are still interesting sites to explore. Visit the Oil museum to learn more about the rich history of oil extraction in the area. Explore the historic fort, offering a glimpse into the past. Nature lovers can venture to the Carrizo Plains National Monument, a magnificent natural landscape. Off-road enthusiasts will also delight in the vast BLM lands open for exploration. To further boost tourism, Taft has been marketing itself as the gateway to the Carrizo Plain National Monument. Although the infrastructure to support tourism is currently limited, city planners are actively working on improvements. While there are only a handful of hotels in town, expect to see advancements in the near future as Taft embraces its potential as a tourist destination.

Map & Climate

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

**1. Hamburger**The hamburger, often simply called a burger, is a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground beef, usually served in a bun with toppings and condiments such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and pickles. It is a quintessential American fast food item that can be found at restaurants, fast food joints, and even street vendors throughout the country. While traditional hamburgers typically include beef, there are also vegetarian options available made from plant-based ingredients.

**2. Pizza**Pizza is a popular Italian-American dish consisting of a yeasted flatbread base, typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various other ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and herbs. In the United States, pizza is often sold as both a take-out and sit-down dining option, with numerous regional variations in styles and toppings. Pepperoni is a particularly popular topping in the U.S., but vegetarian and vegan pizzas are also widely available.

**3. Fried Chicken**Fried chicken is a southern-style dish comprised of marinated chicken pieces that are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Originating from the American South, fried chicken has become a staple in the country's culinary landscape, with various regional variations in preparation styles and seasonings. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as part of a larger feast, and although traditionally prepared with chicken, vegetarian alternatives do exist.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing