Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake is a haven for those seeking refuge from the city. Just 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles, this stunning destination offers a perfect blend of outdoor thrills and cozy village strolls.
As you explore this four-season paradise, you’ll discover endless opportunities for adventure, from skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking, biking, and water sports in summer. With its picturesque lake, scenic trails, and charming village, Big Bear Lake is an ideal getaway for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Whether you’re looking for thrilling experiences or a peaceful retreat, this mountain paradise has something for everyone. So, come and experience the natural beauty of Big Bear Lake for yourself.
Discovering the Mountain Paradise of Big Bear Lake
Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake is a year-round destination that offers a diverse range of activities and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or simply want to relax in a serene environment, Big Bear Lake has something for everyone.
When to Visit: Year-Round Appeal of Big Bear
Big Bear Lake transforms dramatically with each season, offering unique experiences and natural beauty throughout the year. In the spring, the area comes alive with blooming wildflowers and mild temperatures, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor events. Summer turns Big Bear into a water recreation paradise, with 22 miles of shoreline perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing.
As autumn arrives, the fall foliage showcases Southern California’s most vibrant colors, creating a spectacular backdrop for hiking and photography. In the winter, Big Bear Lake becomes a snowy wonderland, with two major ski resorts, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, offering skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing adventures.
Getting to Big Bear Lake from Major Cities
Getting to Big Bear Lake is relatively easy, with Highway 330 providing direct access from San Bernardino Valley. The drive from Los Angeles takes approximately 2-3 hours depending on traffic, making it an accessible destination for weekend getaways or longer vacations. Visitors should check road conditions during winter months, as chains or snow tires may be required.
The Big Bear Valley area encompasses not just the lake but also surrounding communities like Fawnskin and Big Bear City, each offering their own unique charm and attractions.
Outdoor Adventures in San Bernardino National Forest
Big Bear Lake, nestled within the San Bernardino National Forest, provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. The forest offers over 100 miles of multi-use trails, showcasing diverse ecosystems and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Hiking Trails for All Skill Levels
The San Bernardino National Forest has trails for all ability levels. You can hike the family-friendly Alpine Pedal Path, a 5.2-mile lakeside trail, or challenge yourself on the Castle Rock Trail for panoramic views of the lake and mountains. Guided tours are available through Big Bear Hiking Adventures, led by knowledgeable locals.
Mountain Biking on Summit Bike Park
Summit Bike Park offers an exciting downhill biking experience starting from 8,200 feet via the Scenic Sky Chair. The park features over 60 miles of cross-country trails and downhill runs, catering to all skill levels. Bike rentals are available throughout Big Bear Lake, making it easy to hit the trails.
Water Recreation on Big Bear Lake
Experience the thrill of water recreation on Big Bear Lake, where adventure meets serenity. Big Bear Lake offers 3,000 acres of pristine mountain water, perfect for a variety of water activities.
Boating and Water Sports Options
You can rent boats like pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore the clear waters of Big Bear Lake. For thrill-seekers, activities like wakeboarding, waterskiing, and inner tubing are available. Marinas around the lake, such as Pine Knot Marina, offer numerous boat rentals for your adventure.
Enjoy water sports like wakeboarding and waterskiing with the mountains as your backdrop. For a more relaxed experience, take a slow tour of the lake at your own pace.
Fishing Opportunities and Guided Tours
Big Bear Lake is renowned for its fishing, with charters and tours available for all skill levels. Local guides will take you to the best fishing spots, provide gear, and share their fishing knowledge. Fishing enthusiasts flock to Big Bear Lake for its abundant trout, bass, and catfish populations.
The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, making it one of Southern California’s premier fishing destinations. You can enjoy year-round fishing opportunities, including ice fishing during the winter months.
Winter Sports at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit
Big Bear Lake transforms into a winter wonderland with Bear Mountain and Snow Summit at its core. For snow sports enthusiasts, Big Bear has two premier ski resorts: Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. These resorts combine to form Big Bear Mountain Resort, offering over 400 acres of skiable terrain and 55 runs for all skill levels.
Skiing and Snowboarding Experiences
Bear Mountain is renowned for its freestyle terrain parks with over 200 features, making it a favorite among snowboarders and terrain park skiers. Snow Summit, on the other hand, offers more traditional alpine skiing with longer runs and spectacular views of Big Bear Lake.
Snow Tubing and Winter Activities for Non-Skiers
For those not into skiing or snowboarding, Big Bear offers numerous snow tubing parks, including Grizzly Ridge Tube Park at Snow Summit and Big Bear Snow Play. Additionally, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails throughout the San Bernardino National Forest, providing a peaceful winter recreation experience.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Big Bear
Families visiting Big Bear Lake can enjoy a diverse selection of activities and attractions that make for an unforgettable experience. From thrilling rides to educational wildlife encounters, Big Bear offers something for everyone.
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Experience the thrill of the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, a top family attraction in Big Bear. Take a scenic chairlift ride up the mountain, then enjoy the exhilarating descent down a quarter-mile concrete track in a controllable bobsled-style cart. During summer, the slide transforms into a refreshing waterpark experience.
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
For a more serene adventure, visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, a rehabilitation facility for injured, orphaned, and imprinted wildlife. With over 85 animals and birds, including grizzly bears, snow leopards, and wolves, the zoo offers a unique opportunity to learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
Both the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain and the Big Bear Alpine Zoo are conveniently located near Big Bear Village, making them easy to incorporate into a day of family activities, shopping, and dining. These attractions operate year-round, offering seasonal variations in fun.
Thrilling Adventure Activities for Adrenaline Seekers
Big Bear is a paradise for adventure seekers, with activities that will get your heart racing. Whether you’re a fan of ziplining through the forest or off-roading in rugged terrain, Big Bear has something for everyone.
Action Zipline Tours Through the Forest
Action Zipline Tours offers an adrenaline-pumping 3-hour adventure featuring nine high-speed ziplines that send you soaring through the forest canopy at speeds up to 35 mph with spectacular mountain views.
- Experience a thrilling tour of 9 high-speed zip lines and a suspension bridge through the mountains.
- The adventure begins with a 2-mile ride in Swiss Army vehicles over rugged terrain to reach the course.
- Expert guides lead the tour, providing safety instruction and interesting facts about the local ecosystem.
Off-Roading Adventures and Jeep Experiences
For off-road enthusiasts, Big Bear offers numerous trails ranging from easy scenic routes to challenging technical terrain. The Big Bear Jeep Experience allows you to drive your own Jeep Wrangler on guided tours through historic gold mining areas and to scenic overlooks.
- Explore the scenic backcountry vistas and historic sites with a guided tour.
- Communicate with your guide via two-way radio for historical commentary along the route.
- Betty’s Buggies offers a unique twist on off-roading with their colorful VW-style dune buggies for rent.
These adventure activities operate year-round, weather permitting, offering different scenery and trail conditions that create varied experiences even for repeat visitors. All tours provide necessary safety equipment and instruction, making them accessible to beginners while still exciting for experienced thrill-seekers.
Scenic Views and Mountain Experiences
Experience the natural beauty of Big Bear Lake from new heights. Big Bear Lake is a paradise for those seeking breathtaking views and thrilling mountain adventures.
Scenic Sky Chair for Panoramic Vistas
The Scenic Sky Chair takes you up to the top of Snow Summit or Snow Valley, offering panoramic views of the wild, mountainous landscape at an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet. At the summit, you can hike, dine at mountain-top restaurants, or simply enjoy the scenic views.
The Scenic Sky Chair at Snow Summit is one of the most accessible ways to experience Big Bear’s breathtaking mountain vistas. During summer and fall, the chair lift ride showcases the region’s diverse landscape, with opportunities to spot wildlife like deer and eagles.
Helicopter Tours Over Big Bear Lake
For an even more dramatic perspective, helicopter tours provide an unforgettable aerial experience over Big Bear Lake and the San Bernardino National Forest. Helicopter Big Bear offers various tour packages, ranging from 15-minute flights to extended tours that showcase the area’s most scenic locations.
These tours are designed to be family-friendly, with thorough safety briefings for first-time passengers. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to capture stunning landscape images from new heights.
Big Bear (Bear Mountain), California: Best Things to Do – Top Picks for Summer
Summer in Big Bear Lake is a refreshing escape from the heat, offering a range of activities for all ages. The area transforms into a vibrant alpine playground, attracting visitors from all over.
Water Parks and Summer Slides
Cool off with a splash at the Alpine Slide Waterpark in Big Bear Lake! This summer twist on the classic slide adds water to the track, turning your ride into a refreshing downhill adventure. After a scenic chairlift ride, hop on your sled and race through turns and drops with cool mountain water flowing beside you.
Golfing at Bear Mountain Golf Course
It’s tee time at Bear Mountain Golf Course! Bear Mountain Golf Course is a proud participant of SCGA (Southern California Golf Association) and committed to providing you with the best possible golfing experience. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned golfer, Bear Mountain is an idyllic setting with rolling fairways and manicured greens, plus a full-service pro shop, driving range, and PGA-certified lessons.
Summer in Big Bear offers a variety of experiences, from the Alpine Slide Waterpark to golfing at Bear Mountain Golf Course. The area’s cooler mountain temperatures make it an ideal summer destination for Southern California residents looking to escape the heat while enjoying outdoor recreation. Visitors can also enjoy the Big Bear Speedway for go-kart racing, the Soaring Eagle zipline ride, and numerous hiking trails that showcase summer wildflowers and wildlife.
Exploring The Village: Shopping and Dining
The Village in Big Bear Lake is a vibrant hub of activity, where you can enjoy everything from boutique shopping to live music and delicious dining experiences. As you stroll through the pedestrian-friendly alpine-themed downtown area, you’ll discover over 100 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Boutique Shopping and Souvenir Spots
Big Bear Village offers a variety of boutique shopping experiences. You can find unique mountain-inspired fashion at stores like Del Lagos Boutique, handcrafted jewelry and gifts at O Koo Ran, and numerous specialty shops selling handmade candles, custom artwork, and more. Souvenir hunters will enjoy shops like Mountain Memories and Bear Essentials, which offer Big Bear-themed merchandise and locally made products.
Restaurants and Nightlife Options
The dining scene in Big Bear Village is diverse, ranging from casual cafés like Copper Q’s to upscale dining experiences at Peppercorn Grille and Captain’s Anchorage. For nightlife, Whiskey Dave’s offers live music and games, while The Cave features touring bands and tribute acts. Big Bear Bar & Grill is another popular spot, staying open until 2 a.m. on weekends.
Whether you’re shopping, dining, or enjoying the entertainment options, Big Bear Village is the perfect place to spend your day. With free public parking lots surrounding The Village, you can easily explore the area on foot and enjoy the many attractions within walking distance.
Unique Experiences and Hidden Gems
Big Bear Lake is a treasure trove of unique experiences, from scientific exploration to equestrian adventures. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities that go beyond the typical tourist attractions.
Big Bear Solar Observatory
The Big Bear Solar Observatory is a must-visit for those interested in science and technology. Run by the New Jersey Institute of Technology since 1997, it offers guided tours that provide insights into the latest solar science research. On the second and fourth Thursdays of June, July, and August, the observatory opens its doors for free public tours, allowing visitors to explore the world’s largest solar telescope.
Baldwin Lake Stables Horseback Riding
Baldwin Lake Stables offers authentic Western horseback riding experiences through the picturesque landscapes of Big Bear Valley. With trails tailored to riders of all experience levels, you can enjoy a leisurely ride through the national forest. The sunset ride is particularly popular, offering breathtaking views of the mountain sunset.
Other hidden gems in the area include the Hollywood Studios at Santa Land, a unique movie-themed attraction, and the Big Bear Valley Historical Museum, showcasing the region’s rich history. Whether you’re interested in science, nature, or entertainment, Big Bear has something for everyone.
Where to Stay in Big Bear Lake
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, Big Bear Lake’s accommodations can cater to your needs. Big Bear Lake offers a diverse range of places to stay, from luxury hotels by the lake to cozy cabins in the woods.
Lakefront Accommodations
Lakefront accommodations at Big Bear Lake provide stunning water views and direct lake access. Properties like the Marina Riviera offer renovated rooms that blend modern amenities with the natural beauty of their waterfront setting. You can enjoy your stay in a peaceful and fancy environment, perfect for those who love the lake.
Many lakefront properties come with private docks, allowing you to enjoy water activities right from your doorstep. The Marina Riviera, for instance, has a rich history, having started as a Viking-themed lodge in 1968 and now offering a modern yet natural ambiance.
Cozy Mountain Cabins and Boutique Hotels
For a more intimate experience, consider the Noble + Proper cabins, which are like boutique cabins in the woods. Each cabin is named after a family member and comes equipped with amenities like big refrigerators and microwaves, making you feel at home.
Big Bear Lake offers hundreds of vacation rental cabins throughout the area, ranging from intimate one-bedroom retreats to sprawling multi-bedroom lodges. These cozy mountain cabins and boutique hotels provide a unique stay that combines rustic charm with upscale amenities.
Conclusion: Planning Your Perfect Big Bear Getaway
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, Big Bear Lake has something for everyone. This year-round destination offers a mix of outdoor activities, unique experiences, and family-friendly fun.
You can enjoy water sports on the lake, explore the surrounding mountains, or relax in a cozy cabin. The area around Pine Knot marina and The Village offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
To make the most of your trip, consider visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons to avoid crowds. First-time visitors should plan to spend at least 3-4 days to experience the diverse recreation opportunities in Big Bear.
- Check the Big Bear Valley events calendar to catch festivals and special events.
- Pack layers for changing mountain weather.
- Explore beyond main tourist areas for hidden gems.
With its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm, Big Bear Lake is perfect for creating lasting memories.
