Big Bear Lake

Just two hours from Los Angeles, the San Bernardino Mountains offer a cool, pine-scented escape. At an altitude of 6,759 feet, Big Bear Lake is a hub for alpine recreation. Known for its ski resorts in the winter and its seven-mile lake and golfing in the summer, Big Bear serves as a year-round Southern California escape.

Skiing and Snowboarding at Big Bear Lake

As for skiing and boarding, famed Big Bear Mountain Resort (which includes both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain) has 62 runs and 748 acres of skiable terrain; trails range from easy groomers to the challenges of Grizzly Bowl, so everyone can find places to play. Not a skier or snowboarder? The mountain is also home to lift-assisted sledding and tubing runs at Big Bear Snow Play and Grizzly Ridge Tube Park for both daytime and nighttime fun, and there are plenty of off-slope things to do in the winter as well.

Summer Outdoor Fun at Big Bear Lake

When the snow melts, a whole other world of activity opens up. Snow Summit’s Scenic Sky Chair transforms into a mile-long ride to 8,200-foot panoramic views, and biking, hiking, and camping options abound. Whether you’re seeking single-track climbs or flat lakeside paths, .2-mile strolls or rugged 15-mile loops, Big Bear offers a collection of recreational trails for every level—many of which offer incredible views of the lake below.

Surrounded by towering peaks and lined by Ponderosa pine forests, the shimmering Big Bear Lake is a popular playground for motorized- and people-powered watercraft. You can rent equipment of all kinds, including jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks, or boats for waterskiing. For those interested in fishing, the lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including trout and bass, making it a prime spot for anglers. (During the winter months, while the lake freezes, visitors can partake in ice fishing or ice skating.)

Off-Road and Airborne Adventures in Big Bear Lake

Looking for a unique perspective of this alpine town? Fly over mountain lakes and the Mojave Desert on a helicopter tour, get behind the wheel to take on rugged terrain on a Big Bear Jeep Experience, or glide among the treetops on a zipline tour with Action Zipline Tours. You’ll soar as high as 85 feet above the forest floor—the sweeping views of the snowy scenery are unbeatable as you slice through the brisk mountain air. The lake is also home to nesting bald eagles in winter, which you can see on tours offered by Big Bear Discovery Center.

Events in Big Bear Lake

If you’re looking to anchor your trip to a specific occasion, there’s no shortage of events throughout the year, ranging from fishing tournaments and fireworks to the annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, where you can test your strength at the stein-holding competition and sample German food throughout consecutive weekends every fall.

Restaurants in Big Bear Lake

There are plenty of places to eat in Big Bear—stop into Saucy Mama's, in the middle of town, for homemade pastas, pizzas, sandwiches. At longtime local favorite Nottingham's Tavern you'll find something for everyone (including vegans) on its menu of steaks, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and an extensive selection of breakfast staples. Stella Luna, Himalayan Cafe, The Barnstorm Restaurant are other great options for casual dining. For something a little more upscale, The Pines Lakefront provides a scenic lakeside setting with options such as prime rib, New Zealand rack of lamb, and Pacific salmon.

Shopping at Big Bear Lake

Many of the shopping options here are found in The Village, the heart of the town’s retail scene. This pedestrian-friendly area features a mix of specialty shops, boutiques, and artisan stores. Check out Brown Bear Gift Shop for unique souvenirs and locally made crafts. Fashion enthusiasts will enjoy browsing trendy apparel at Bear Essentials. For outdoor gear, North Pole Fudge & Coffee doubles as a sweet treat destination and shop for hiking accessories. Don't miss The Copper Q, where you can pick up gourmet kitchenware and delicious baked goods.

Things to Do Near Big Bear Lake

If you have some extra time on your hands in this part of the Inland Empire, there are several nearby destinations well worth visiting. Less than 70 miles away to the east, desert spots like Pioneertown and Joshua Tree National Park are a completely different—and fascinating—environment; travel 25 miles to the west and you’ll be in Lake Arrowhead, a great place for hiking and watersports. There are lots of camping options here, or you can stay at the deluxe Lake Arrowhead Resort. About an hour’s drive southeast is San Bernardino, where you can immerse yourself in Route 66 history and book a night in one of the Wigwam Motel’s concrete teepees.