Big Bear Lake Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California, Big Bear Lake is a charming city that offers an array of outdoor adventures and natural beauty. With its pristine alpine lake, towering pine trees, and picturesque mountain views, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, outdoor sports enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Big Bear Lake is a haven for water activities. The sparkling blue lake is perfect for fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at catching trout, bass, catfish, and more. The lake's calm waters are also ideal for a leisurely boat ride, allowing visitors to soak in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings.

For those who prefer to explore on land, Big Bear Lake offers an extensive network of hiking and biking trails. From easy strolls to challenging hikes, there are options for all levels of fitness. The trails wind through dense forests, offering glimpses of wildlife and stunning vistas. Mountain biking enthusiasts can test their skills on the thrilling downhill trails or opt for a more leisurely ride through the scenic countryside.

During the winter season, Big Bear Lake transforms into a winter wonderland. Snow-covered slopes beckon skiers and snowboarders to hit the slopes at the nearby Snow Summit and Bear Mountain resorts. With a variety of terrain and runs for all levels, it is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy sledding, snowshoeing, and snow tubing, making it a perfect destination for a family-friendly winter getaway.

Beyond the outdoor activities, Big Bear Lake offers a range of amenities and attractions. The village area is dotted with charming shops, boutiques, and restaurants, offering a delightful shopping and dining experience. Art galleries and museums showcase the region's rich history and culture, providing visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the local heritage.

Alternative names: Population: 5.2 thous.Area: 6.54 mi²Elevation: 6883 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°14'25"N, 116°53'42"W

Location

CaliforniaUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Big Bear Lake Top Attractions

Big Bear Lake Attractions - What to See and Explore

Big Bear Lake offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, Big Bear Discovery Center, Snow Summit Mountain Resort, Bear Mountain Resort. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

34°14'15"N • 116°55'12"W
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Amusement • Amusement park • Ski area
Visitor center • Tourist information • Trail
Big Bear Discovery Center
Big Bear Discovery Center is a regional visitor center and nature center, located in the Big Bear Valley of the San Bernardino Mountains, and within the San Bernardino National Forest, in San Bernardino County, southern California.
Winter sport • Ski area • Park
Snow Summit Mountain Resort
Snow Summit is a ski resort that was established in 1952 and is in the San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California. It is located by Big Bear Lake along with its sister resort Bear Mountain; these two resorts which operate under the same management are collectively known as Big Bear Mountain Resorts.

34°13'41"N • 116°51'36"W
Bear Mountain Resort
Winter sport • Ski area • Golf
34°15'35"N • 116°52'5"W
Big Bear Snow Play
Winter sport • Ski area • Park
Valley • Nature
Holcomb Valley
Holcomb Valley, located in the San Bernardino Mountains about five miles north of Big Bear Lake, was the site of the most gold mines in Southern California. It was named after William F. Holcomb, who found gold there in 1860. That year started the largest gold rush in the Southern California region.
Large zoo rehabilitating wildlife
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a zoo in Big Bear Lake, California, United States. It is one of two Alpine zoos in the United States. It specializes in rehab and release of local Alpine species and also has a permanent collection of animals in their zoo. It was located across the street from Bear Mountain Ski Resort.

Things to See and Do in Big Bear Lake by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Big Bear Lake.

Active

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Big Bear Lake
AmusementAmusement parkSki area
Snow Summit Mountain Resort
Big Bear Lake
Winter sportSki areaPark
Bear Mountain Resort
Big Bear Lake
Winter sportSki areaGolf
Big Bear Snow Play
Big Bear Lake
Winter sportSki areaPark

Other categories

Ski area Park

Day trips

Big Bear Lake – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Big Bear Lake, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Tahquitz Canyon (Palm Springs), Calico Ghost Town (Barstow), Benton Museum of Art (Claremont).

36 milesSE
Canyon
Tahquitz Canyon, Palm Springs
Nestled within the desert city of Palm Springs, Tahquitz Canyon stands as a natural marvel, offering visitors a unique blend of cultural history and scenic beauty. This striking canyon, part of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation land, is renowned...
49 milesN
Town, Museum
Calico Ghost Town, Barstow
Nestled in the rugged landscape of the Mojave Desert lies Calico Ghost Town, a once-thriving mining town turned tourist attraction in the city of Barstow, California. Established in 1881 during the largest silver strike in California, Calico experienced a booming...
48 milesW
Museum, Art museum
Benton Museum of Art, Claremont
The Benton Museum of Art, located in the picturesque city of Claremont, California, is a cultural gem nestled within the Claremont Colleges. This contemporary art museum, which is part of Pomona College, offers a rich tapestry of visual arts that spans various mediums...
46 milesSW
Museum
Planes of Fame Air Museum, Chino
Tucked away in the city of Chino, California, the Planes of Fame Air Museum serves as a soaring tribute to the history of aviation. This museum is a must-see destination for aircraft enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Established in 1957, the Planes of Fame Air...
40 milesSW
Amusement park, Theme park, Event space
Castle Park, Riverside
Nestled in the heart of Riverside, California, Castle Park offers a kingdom of family-friendly amusement where laughter and joy reign supreme. Founded in 1976, this cherished amusement park has been captivating visitors of all ages with its blend of thrilling rides...

Show all

Best Time To Visit Big Bear Lake

Learn when is the best time to travel to Big Bear Lake weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

January and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in December.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February, March and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in June. Most of it rains in January, February and March.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Big Bear Lake?

The top attractions to visit in Big Bear Lake are:

What is the best time to visit Big Bear Lake?

January and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in December. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February, March and December.