Things to do in Big Bear Lake, CA

Big Bear Lake, CA is a popular mountain town located in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. Here are some of the best things to do in Big Bear Lake:

Ski or snowboard

Big Bear Lake is home to two ski resorts, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Both resorts offer skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities like snowshoeing and tubing. You can find more information about their websites: Snow Summit and Bear Mountain

Hiking

The San Bernardino Mountains offer numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging summit hikes. A popular intermediate trail in Big Bear is the Gladys Divide Trail, which leads to beautiful views of the lake. You can find all the details on this trail on the Hiking Project.

Cozy cabin retreat

Enjoy the serene surroundings of Big Bear Lake, CA with a cozy cabin retreat. With a variety of cabin rentals available to choose from, you can experience the perfect vacation in stunning natural settings. In Big Bear Lake, CA, you can explore a multitude of outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, fishing, kayaking or paddleboarding while enjoying the comfort of your private rental cabin.

Boating and fishing

The lake is a popular destination for boating and fishing, with several marinas offering rentals and guided tours. The lake is stocked with trout, bass, and other fish, making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts. You can find more information about the marinas and tours on the Big Bear Lake website.

Kayaking and paddleboarding

Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to explore the lake at their own pace. The lake’s calm waters make it an ideal spot for beginners. You can find more information about rentals on the Paddles and Pedals website.

Biking

Big Bear Lake has several biking trails for all skill levels, from paved bike paths to challenging mountain bike trails. Visitors can rent bikes in town or bring their own. You can find more information about biking trails on the Big Bear Cycling Association website.

Shopping and dining

The town of Big Bear Lake offers a range of shops and restaurants to explore. Visitors can find everything from souvenir shops to art galleries and enjoy a variety of dining options ranging from pizza and burgers to fine dining. Big Bear Vacations website has a comprehensive list of restaurants in Big Bear.

Zipline or ropes course

Big Bear Lake is home to several outdoor adventure parks that offer ziplines, rope courses, and other adrenaline-pumping activities. You can find more information about the adventure parks on the Action Tours California website.

Alpine Slide

Ride the Alpine Slide, a popular summer and winter attraction at Big Bear. The slide takes visitors down a 1/4-mile-long track, with twists and turns. You can find more information about the Alpine Slide on the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain website.

Snowshoeing

Visitors can also try snowshoeing in the winter months, a popular activity in Big Bear. You can find more information about snowshoeing on the Open Air Big Bear website.

Helicopter tours

For a different view of Big Bear, visitors can take a helicopter tour to see the mountain scenery and surrounding national forest. You can find more information about helicopter tours on the Helicopter Big Bear website.