Year Round
You can always find something to do in Big Bear no matter the time or season!
Big Bear Lake is a beautiful and popular tourist destination located in Southern California. It is situated in the San Bernardino Mountains, about 100 miles east of Los Angeles. The lake itself is a reservoir formed by the Big Bear Dam on the Santa Ana River.
Big Bear Lake offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, making it a popular year-round destination. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming in the lake. There are also several hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
In the winter, Big Bear Lake transforms into a winter wonderland with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. The nearby ski resorts, such as Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, attract both beginners and experienced winter sports enthusiasts.
We have a had place up in Big Bear for as long as I can remember. There are dozens of beautiful Airbnb’s available to rent year round. You could even rent ours if you like. Or there is some hotel options, I recommend The Lodge at Big Bear Lake or Marina Riviera both are nice spots, centrally located and have lots to offer.
During the summer you can rent mountain bikes and hit the mountain, there are so many trails. We like to rent from Chains Required Bike Shop. If you are more into water sports, you can rent a boat from Halloway’s Marina and cruise the lake, hang out, go fishing. They are also and RV Park if you want to bring your motorhome and camp by the lake. I personally love to take a morning walk by the lake, there is a beautiful path on the north side, Alpine Pedal Path, it is paved and about 2.5 miles.
During the winter you can defiantly go skiing or snowboarding. Stop by Leroys Board Shop to grab anything you need on your way up to the mountain. There is always something going on up at the mountain even if you aren’t on the slopes you can hang out at the Bar and people watch listen to music. You never know who will show up there! You can also take the kids over to the Alpine Slide for some tubing. They are open year round now with slides, a roller coaster, tubing and waterslides.
Big Bear Lake has a charming village area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Visitors can explore the quaint shops, dine at local eateries, or relax in one of the cozy cafes. The village also hosts various events throughout the year, including art festivals, car shows, and Oktoberfest celebrations. There are firepits you can warm up by in the winter and the trees are filled with twinkle lights to give you all those special feels. There is a small movie theater and a bowling alley in town for evening entertainment. Sometimes this little town can get very busy and crowded so you may want to play accordingly. But if you get there on a off weekend it really is a gem of a place.
Big has lots of wonderful food options. There are plenty of options all through out town, these are just my top picks.
Top Food Recommendations
BREAKFAST
Grizzly Manor Cafe – The best in town but ALWAYS busy so be prepared to wait. Its a small shop and has been around forever. Wonder why?
Stella Luna – Newer spot. Lovely setting and good food.
FRUSION – Juice Factory with fresh ingredients, yummy bowls, smoothies and more!
LUNCH
Big Bear Mountain Brewery – This place is just out side of the main town area on the West side. If you like the feel of a quaint brewery, its a nice little spot.
Laguna Grill – Straightforward spot with a diner vibe offering traditional Mexican plates with cocktails & beer. Right next to the water.
Murray’s Saloon & Eatery – Dive Bar Vibe, Chill, family-run bar offering complimentary billiards & snacks, plus karaoke & good American food.
DINNER
Oakside – This is my personal favorite place to eat in Big Bear. I go every time I’m in town. Upstairs is a bar and you can eat up there with less of a wait. The food is great. and the vibe is fun, relaxed, lodge feel.
572 Social – This place is good, they have indoor and outdoor seating and they very often have live music. Plus it right on the main drag of the village so you can people watch if you are outside.
Peppercorn – This is a fancier restaurant and probably the priciest in Big Bear however, the food is really good!
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