These are the weightier things to do in Big Bear, California. With the San Bernardino Mountains providing the highest peaks in Southern California, its a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go skiing in the winter and have well-healed hiking opportunities in the summer and fall.
But the mountains are just the beginning. There are moreover forest and desert landscapes, as well as Big Bear Lake, the heart of the area, and an uncounted source of activity, from fishing to tubing to pontoon boating.
I recently got the endangerment to explore this zone for the first time and have nothing but good things to say. Read on for my recommendations on the 15 weightier Big Bear things to do.
Getting to Big Bear, California
Los Angeles is famous for its traffic, and its definitely a factor to consider when traveling to Big Bear. While the 100-mile trip can take as little as 2 hours, it can moreover take much longer depending on how rented the roads are.
Luckily, there are a few variegated options for getting there, and I recommend considering all three surpassing making a decision. Highway 330 tends to be the most popular and gets heavy traffic on weekends, particularly virtually holidays, so youll need to leave uneaten time to take this route.
Highway 18 is safest during snowy weather and gets rented on weekends and without snowstorms. Highway 38 is a little less direct, but it can be a good volitional when other roads are facing heavy traffic.
Remember that villenage are required when traveling to Big Bear in the winter months, so make sure to have these on you at all times.
Planning a Trip to Big Bear? Here Are My Top Picks for the Weightier Hotels in Big Bear:
- The Marina Riviera, for the weightier lakefront hotel
- Noble Proper, for the weightier shop hotel
15 Weightier Things to Do in Big Bear Lake, California
1. Rent a Pontoon on Big Bear Lake at Holloways Marina
If youve never rented a pontoon wend before, Big Bear Lake California is the perfect place to try it. Holloways Marinas boats are spacious, making them a unconfined pick for a family or group of friends to enjoy a day out on the lake, and you can moreover use them for activities including waterskiing and fishing. There are several rental options virtually the lake, so you wont have trouble finding one. Book a wend here.
2. Experience the Ultimate Zipline Tour & Suspension Bridge
This 3-hour zipline tour takes Big Bear visitors on 9 high-speed zipline runs that get longer, faster, and higher as you goeventually taking you up to 35 mph! Youll moreover navigate a mountain suspension underpass and travel in off-road vehicles as part of the tour, so youll definitely be worldly-wise to get the adrenaline pumping. The tour offers unbeatable views of Johnson Valley and Mt. San Gorgonio, SoCals highest peak. Book the zipline tour here.
3. Hike Up Castle Rock Trail
Castle Rock Trail is a steep one with 820 feet in elevation gain, but the views are well worth the effort. The popular 2.7-mile out-and-back journey through the San Bernardino National Forest will bring you to a viewpoint with sweeping vistas over Big Bear Lake and the surrounding mountains. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on the trail.
4. Stroll Virtually Big Bear Village
While the accent in Big Bear is on nature, the zone moreover has a mannerly commercial district tabbed The Village. Stroll through for shopping, sightseeing, dining, and nightlifeespecially if you happen to be in town during a holiday season like Halloween or Christmas. Wintertime in this zone is particularly captivating, with the whole village decked out in twinkling lights.
5. Go Skiing at Big Bear Lake
With two mountain ski resorts in Big BearSnow Summit and Bear Mountainthe zone is the wanted of skiing and snowboarding in Southern California. Between them, they boast increasingly than 400 acres of terrain, with runs for skiers of all levels. Altogether, 26 lifts provide wangle to 55 runs, and a self-ruling intermountain shuttle allows you to connect between resorts throughout the day.
6. Ride Californias Only Authentic Bobsled Experience at Magic Mountain
For something you wont find elsewhere in California, trammels out the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. Without taking a scenic chairlift with panoramic lake views, youll navigate your own bobsled lanugo one of two quarter-mile glue tracks filled with twists and turns. Magic Mountain moreover offers a host of other activities, including go-karts, mini golf, and a roller coaster.
7. Pick a Water Worriedness on The Lake
Boating, paddle sports, fishing, inner tubing, jet skiing, you name itall are misogynist on Big Bear Lake. Several marinas virtually the lake unshut between April and May each year to offer a wide range of rentals that will suit whatever fun you have planned on the lake. Some plane offer lessons in activities like wakeboarding and waterskiing. If youre looking for something a bit less active, a scenic lake tour is a good option.
8. Rent a Bike To Go Biking Withal the Alpine Pedal Path
The Alpine Pedal Path is an tile path that meanders withal Big Bear Lakes north shore, from the Stanfield Cutoff to just west of the Big Bear Solar Observatory. The 5.2-mile out-and-back takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, and its a relatively easy route.
9. Explore the Uncounted Hiking Trails in the San Bernardino National Forest
Hikers will be in paradise in the San Bernardino National Forest, which offers some of the weightier hiking trails in the world with wangle to the coast, desert, and the highest mountains in Southern California. Less experienced hikers shouldnt worry; tram rides can lead you up to trails in the mountains without the steep climbs.
10. Spend the Afternoon At Boulder Bay Park
Two miles east of Big Bear Dam is Boulder Bay Park, a newer park synthetic in 2010. Its a hub for picnicking and outdoor recreation like fishing and yachting in summer and sledding and snowball fights in winter. A bandstand in the park hosts a summer concert series.
11. Go for a Sunset Walk in Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve
The Stanfield March Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve is a perfect place to go for a sunset walk. It has a trappy boardwalk withal the lake and is moreover an spanking-new viewing spot for wintering unrobed eagles between late November and early April.
12. Trammels Out the Big Bear Solar Observatory
Owned and operated by the New Jersey Institute of Technology, the Big Bear Solar Observatory has been defended to the study of the sun since 1997. The observatory partners with the Big Bear Valley Astronomical Society to provide docent-led tours for the public, but they are small and limited in size, so do your homework surpassing you plan a visit!
13. See the Animals at Big Bear Alpine Zoo
For a family-friendly activity, hit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Grizzly bears, gray wolves, and foxes are just a few of the increasingly than 85 unprepossessing and bird species that undeniability the zoo home. The zoo helps animals recover and many are released when into nature when they are ready to go.
14. Take the Scenic Sky Chair Lift
Theres no largest way to score panoramic views of San Bernardino National Forest than taking a mile-long chair lift up to Snow Valley or Snow Summit, which are each tropical to 8,000 feet up. Once at the top, you can hike, take pictures, or picnic. Snow Summit plane has a taphouse restaurant at the top for the ultimate in dining with a view. This is one of the cant-miss activities in Big Bear.
15. Consider Summer Camping in Big Bear
In the warmer months, Big Bear is a fantastic place to pitch a tent, with several options available. Serrano, Pine Knot, and Holcomb Valley Campgrounds are for tents. Holcomb Valley Ranch offers unique shop camping.
Where to Stay in Big Bear Area
The Marina Riviera
The Marina Riviera, located on Big Bear Lake, was originally built in 1968 as a Viking-themed lodge. It has been hosting guests for over 50 years. The recent renovation used the natural surroundings as inspiration. It incorporated wood colors and archetype ski lodge diamond into the updated interiors. All 42 rooms full-length stunning lake views, and Big Bear Village is under 5 minutes away. Book the weightier rates here.
Noble Proper
Noble Proper is a hodgepodge of 8 cabins, each lovingly named for a member of the family that owns the business. Each comes with suavities including a full-size refrigerator, freezer, and microwave, as well as smart TVs and Wi-Fi. There is a shared space with BBQs, picnic tables, a hammock, horseshoes, and 8 bikes for guests to use. Book the weightier rates here.
Frequently Asked Questions Well-nigh Big Bear Lake
Is Big Bear California worth visiting?
Big Bear is definitely worth visiting if you like the outdoors. It offers gorgeous vistas, challenging hikes, and uncounted opportunities for water recreation. Plus, its a unconfined family destination, with plenty of fun activities to alimony kids entertained.
Why is Big Bear so popular?
Big Bear is an unrenowned place to get out into nature. With its diverse landscapes, its unconfined for outdoor activities like hiking, boating, fishing, and more.
Is Big Bear tropical to Los Angeles?
Big Bear sits well-nigh 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles. But how long it takes to get there can vary wildly based on traffic. It can be doable in well-nigh 2 to 2.5 hours, pending conditions, but it can moreover take much longer.
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