California's Admired Lake Nestled Amidst Verdant Peaks Provides Year-long Entertainment
Big Bear Lake, nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains of California, is a four-season destination that offers a wide range of activities, seasonal attractions, and camping options, making it suitable for adventure, relaxation, and family outings year-round.
Activities
Visitors can enjoy hiking on numerous trails like Castle Rock Trail and Cougar Crest Trail, which offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Adventure seekers may try the Mineshaft Coaster mountain ride or horseback riding to explore the natural landscape. Water activities include open-water swims, paddle races, and a floating waterpark at Pine Knot Marina in summer. For winter, family-friendly options like glow tubing at Big Bear Snow Play are available. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers wildlife experiences including guided twilight tours.
Seasonal Attractions
Summer draws visitors with lakeside festivals featuring live music, beer gardens, and local vendors, as well as outdoor yoga and trail runs. Fall remains ideal for hiking and wellness activities like outdoor meditation and mountain yoga. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding at resorts like Snow Summit, with related events and live music performances. Each season offers unique festivals, races, and community events enriching the visitor experience.
Camping Sites
Big Bear National Forest surrounding the lake provides multiple camping areas accessible for tents and RVs, typically located near trails and water access points that complement hiking and boating activities. These sites usually offer a natural mountain camping environment ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Getting There
Big Bear is approximately 2 hours from Los Angeles. A car is necessary to access the area, as Big Bear does not have an airport.
Accommodations
Big Bear offers a wide range of accommodations, including cabins, lodges, bed and breakfasts, motels, cottages, and hostels, suitable for every budget.
Winter Wonderland
By winter, snow blankets the village rooftops and forested slopes of Big Bear, turning it into a winter wonderland. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain offer a combined 400 acres of terrain, 17 lifts, and over 55 runs appropriate for most skiers, with Snow Summit being an easier option for beginners. Snowshoeing and sledding trails are available for those who prefer a slower pace.
Year-Round Fun
Big Bear remains a great destination for a getaway in any season. In summer, Snow Summit transforms into a mountain biking park with a scenic sky chair lift and trails for all skill levels. Autumn turns the hillsides of Big Bear into a tapestry of colors. The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, Big Bear Snow Play, and Grizzly Ridge Tube Park offer tubing and bobsledding activities year-round. Big Bear's downtown village offers a variety of local boutiques, gift shops, restaurants, bakeries, coffeehouses, bars, and breweries.
Big Bear's rich history includes being one of the most filmed lakes in the world, having been used in movies like "Gone with the Wind". Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a family outing, Big Bear Lake offers something for everyone throughout the year.
