Big Bear Lake, California: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Ever dreamed of leaving city life behind for a peaceful mountain retreat? Big Bear Lake, California, is your ideal escape. It's filled with outdoor fun, beautiful views, and activities for the whole family. But what makes Big Bear Lake special? Let's explore why it's a top choice for unforgettable trips.

Key Takeaways

• Big Bear Lake is a four-season outdoor destination with a wide range of activities, from hiking and skiing to boating and fishing.
• The area offers stunning natural beauty, with the San Bernardino Mountains providing the highest peaks in Southern California.
• Big Bear is a popular spot for both outdoor enthusiasts and families, with a charming commercial district called The Village offering shopping, dining, and nightlife options.
• Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as paddle boarding, jet skiing, and pontoon boat rentals, on the 22-mile shoreline of Big Bear Lake.
• Big Bear is located just 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles, making it an easily accessible destination for a quick getaway or a longer vacation.

Explore the Stunning Outdoors of Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake sits in the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest. It's a paradise for nature lovers. With its scenic trails and peaceful lakeside paths, it's perfect for those wanting to enjoy nature.

Hiking Trails in San Bernardino National Forest

The San Bernardino National Forest around Big Bear Lake has many trails. The Castle Rock Trail gives you amazing views of the lake and mountains. Or, try the Alpine Pedal Path, a 5.2-mile trail by the lake. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk and offers stunning views.

If you want to go up high without a tough hike, the tram rides can take you to the mountains. From there, you can explore different terrains and see beautiful views.

Alpine Pedal Path: A Scenic Lakeside Trail

The Alpine Pedal Path is a favorite spot in Big Bear Lake. It's a 5.2-mile trail that follows the lake's shoreline. It's easy and great for walking, running, or biking. It lets you enjoy the peaceful beauty of the area.

Walking or biking on the Alpine Pedal Path shows you the beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest and Big Bear Lake. This trail is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience the outdoors in Big Bear Lake.

Thrilling Adventures and Outdoor Activities

Big Bear Lake is a top spot for those who love excitement and the outdoors. It has many fun activities to try. The Action Zipline Tours are a big hit, offering a 3-hour ride with 9 high-speed ziplines. You'll zip through the mountains at up to 35 mph.

For snow sports fans, Big Bear has two great ski resorts: Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. These resorts have over 400 acres of land and 55 runs for all skill levels. In winter, it turns into a magical winter wonderland. You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and more snow sports.

Big Bear Lake is perfect for those who love adventure or just want to enjoy nature. It has everything from zipline tours to big ski slopes. This mountain is a dream spot for outdoor lovers.

"Big Bear Lake is a winter wonderland, offering unparalleled opportunities for snow sports enthusiasts."

Water Recreation on Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is perfect for both thrill-seekers and those who want a calm day by the water. You can rent boats like pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore the clear waters. For those who love excitement, try wakeboarding, waterskiing, or inner tubing. Or, take a slow tour of the lake at your own pace.

Boat Rentals and Water Sports

Marinas around the lake have many boat rentals for your adventure. You can ride on a pontoon boat, kayak through hidden spots, or paddleboard. For more fun, try wakeboarding or waterskiing with the mountains as your backdrop.

Fishing Charters and Guided Tours

Big Bear Lake is famous for fishing, with charters and tours for all skill levels. Local guides will take you to the best fishing spots, provide gear, and share their fishing knowledge. These tours are great for both new and experienced anglers, offering a fun and rewarding fishing experience.

"Big Bear Lake is a true haven for water sports and fishing enthusiasts, with its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop providing the perfect setting for unforgettable adventures."

Big Bear Lake has many options for boat rentals, water sports, and fishing tours. It's perfect for those looking for excitement or a peaceful day. This beautiful lake has activities for everyone.

Family-Friendly Fun in Big Bear

Big Bear Lake is full of exciting activities for the whole family. A top spot is the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. Here, you can ride your own bobsled down a fun quarter-mile track. It's filled with twists and turns.

After going up the mountain on a scenic chairlift, you get to control your slide's speed and direction. It's the ultimate thrill.

For a calmer adventure, visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. It has over 85 animals and birds, like grizzly bears and gray wolves. The zoo helps animals get ready to live in the wild again. Walking through the zoo lets you learn about local wildlife and enjoy nature.

• Enjoy discounts on various activities at Big Bear Mountain Resort, including free lift tickets and lower pricing on dining for kids and seniors.
• Explore the diverse range of winter recreation opportunities in Big Bear, such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, ice skating, and winter hiking.
• Discover budget-friendly winter activities like snowshoe adventures and affordable sledding in the picturesque mountain setting.

Big Bear has lots of fun activities for families. Whether you want exciting rides or to learn about wildlife, there's something for everyone. Your vacation will be unforgettable.

Scenic Vistas and Viewpoints

Big Bear Lake in California lets visitors enjoy stunning panoramic vistas of the San Bernardino National Forest and tall mountains. A great way to see these scenic views is by riding the Scenic Sky Chair.

Scenic Sky Chair for Panoramic Views

The Scenic Sky Chair takes you up to the top of Snow Summit or Snow Valley. These spots are almost 8,000 feet high. From there, you get to see amazing panoramic views of the wild, mountainous landscape.

Once you reach the top, you can hike, eat at the mountain-top restaurants, or just enjoy the scenic views. The Scenic Sky Chair is a fun and easy way to make your Big Bear trip unforgettable and capture beautiful memories.

"The Scenic Sky Chair is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Big Bear. The views from the top are simply incredible - it's a true feast for the senses."

If you love hiking, nature, or just beautiful scenic views, the Scenic Sky Chair is perfect for you. Don't miss the chance to fly above Big Bear Lake and dive into the area's panoramic vistas.

Culinary Delights and Nightlife

The area around Big Bear is known for its outdoor fun, but it also has a special spot called The Village. This place is filled with dining and nightlife spots. Visitors can walk around, check out the shops, restaurants, and bars. It's especially magical during the holiday seasons with its twinkling lights.

Dining and Nightlife in The Village

The Village in Big Bear Lake has something for every taste in culinary experiences. You can enjoy American food at Nottingham's Tavern, which is cozy and open all day. For those who love live music, Big Bear Bar & Grill and Whiskey Dave's are great choices. They have music on weekends and stay open till 2 a.m.

If you're looking for something more upscale, Barrel 33 Big Bear is the place to be. It's known for its wine, beer flights, and seasonal dishes. Captain's Anchorage is another spot with a rich history and a ghost story to tell.

The Village isn't just for dining and nightlife. It also has entertainment options. You can watch movies at Village Theaters, which shows films in the evenings and on weekends. For fun activities, there's a 16-lane bowling alley with Glow Bowling every night. It has food and is open late.

Looking for a cozy meal, fun night out, or a unique culinary experience? The Village in Big Bear Lake has it all. With its lovely setting and many choices, it's a great addition to the area's natural beauty.

Big Bear Lake, California: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Big Bear Lake is a place you can visit all year round. It has lots of activities and experiences for everyone. You can enjoy outdoor adventures, family-friendly spots, and unique places to eat and have fun.

The area is surrounded by beautiful landscapes like the San Bernardino National Forest and Big Bear Lake. These places are perfect for exploring and having fun.

It's just 2-3 hours from Los Angeles, making it a great escape from the city. The town has two main mountains for skiing and snowboarding. Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are the names. Snow Summit has more courses and great views of the lake.

For a city feel, check out the Big Bear Village Shops. You'll find local shops, places to eat, and fun attractions. Del Lagos Boutique and O KOO RAN are great for shopping. Copper Q's is known for its tasty drinks and pastries. Whiskey Dave's is where you can enjoy live music, pool, and foosball.

Big Bear Lake is perfect for water fun in the summer. You can go canoeing, kayaking, swimming, jet skiing, boating, and fishing here.

There are many things for families to do, like the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. It has a bobsled-like ride, a rollercoaster, and snow tubing. The Big Bear Mountain Resort offers outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and scenic chairlift rides.

Big Bear Lake has outdoor adventures, cozy cabins, and special events for everyone. Its beautiful mountain views will make your visit unforgettable.

Unique Experiences in Big Bear

Beyond its stunning beauty and exciting outdoor activities, Big Bear Lake has more to offer. It's home to the Big Bear Solar Observatory and the Hollywood Studios at Santa Land. These places are perfect for those looking for something different.

Big Bear Solar Observatory

The Big Bear Solar Observatory is run by the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Since 1997, it has studied the sun. It welcomes visitors with guided tours that show how it works.

Here, you can learn about the latest in solar science. The observatory's team shares their discoveries with visitors.

Hollywood Studios at Santa Land

The Hollywood Studios at Santa Land is a special place to visit. It's filled with movie-themed displays. You can step into the world of your favorite films.

See famous movie sets, take photos with big characters, and feel the magic of Hollywood. It's right in Big Bear.

Big Bear Lake is a unique spot with something for everyone. It has science, movies, and beautiful views. This mountain town is full of unique experiences waiting to be found.

Accommodations in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is a beautiful mountain spot in California. It has many places to stay for every kind of traveler. You can find everything from luxury hotels by the lake to cozy cabins in the woods.

The Marina Riviera: Lakefront Luxury

The Marina Riviera is a hotel right by the lake. It has been updated with a modern look while keeping its natural beauty. This hotel started as a Viking-themed lodge in 1968. Now, it's a peaceful and fancy place for those who love the lake.

Noble + Proper: Boutique Cabin Getaway

If you want something more intimate, try the Noble + Proper cabins. They are like boutique cabins in the woods. Each one is named after a family member and has things like big refrigerators and microwaves. It feels like a home away from home.

Looking for a fancy lakefront stay or a cozy cabin? Big Bear Lake has it all. You can pick from many options to make your stay comfy and memorable. Enjoy the beautiful nature around you.

Getting to Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake sits in the San Bernardino Mountains, a favorite spot for those looking to escape the city. It's about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles. The drive time can change a lot because of traffic and the route you pick.

Highway 330 is a direct way to get to Big Bear Lake from the San Bernardino Valley. It's known for its beautiful views. You can also take Highway 18 or Highway 38, each with its own unique features like scenery and traffic.

Be ready for delays, especially on weekends and holidays. In winter, you might need chains or snow tires to get to Big Bear Lake safely. Plan ahead and check the conditions for a smooth trip to this beautiful place.

Conclusion

Big Bear Lake is a true gem in Southern California. It offers outdoor activities, unique experiences, and family-friendly fun all year. You can enjoy hiking trails, scenic views, water sports, and cozy cabins.

It's perfect for adventurers, nature lovers, and those looking for peace. The place is great whether you want to ski in winter or enjoy the mild weather in spring and fall. You can explore the Alpine Pedal Path, go ziplining, or fish and boat on the lake.

The downtown area, The Village, is full of life too. It has many dining options, local beers, and unique shops. You can find everything from international food to a cozy cafe for your morning coffee.