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Jan 16, 2024 · The best time to visit Big Bear is either during the city’s busiest season in summer (June–August) or the second busiest season in spring (March–May). March, April, and May see temperatures between 25°F and 68°F.
- Enjoy the Water of Big Bear Lake. Big Bear Lake is a central sightseeing destination in the San Bernardino National Forest. This human-made lake caters to just about every water activity under the sun, including boating, fishing, and swimming.
- Ski or Snowboard at Big Bear Mountain Resort. The best skiing and snowboarding in Southern California is at Big Bear Mountain Resort, minutes from the south shore of Big Bear Lake.
- See Wildlife at Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge, formerly Moonridge Animal Park, has helped rehabilitate wildlife since 1959.
- Visit the Big Bear Discovery Center. The Big Bear Discovery Center, near the lake's north shore, should be one of the first stops on a Big Bear vacation.
Things to Do in Big Bear Lake. Check out must-see sights and activities: Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge, Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, Hiking Trails, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product. Build your trip.
- Map of Things to Do in Big Bear Lake
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Explore Big Bear Village
Big Bear Village is the lake’s hub, where you’ll find restaurants, bars, and shops to explore. This is where seasonal festivals are celebrated, like the Christmas tree lightingor turkey trot, which are some of the best things to do in Big Bear in November. As you’d expect, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or fuel up on coffee, but Big Bear Village also has some interesting stores to browse as well. If you’re wondering how to get that glam-rustic look, head over to O Koo Ran, w...
Fly through the Sky on a Zipline
Feeling adventurous? Fly through the San Bernardino National Forest at speeds of up to 35mph on a zipline course with Action Tours. A course takes approximately three hours and includes an off-road vehicle ride into the mountains, nine zip lines, and a suspension bridge crossing. You can record the whole experience by renting a Go Pro and capturing the stunning views of Mt. San Gorgonio as you ride. The zipline is open all year.
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping on a Ropes Course
TheBig Bear Ropes Courseat Big Bear Snow Play is an aerial adventure through 37 obstacles spread over 6,400 square feet. Test your skills on two levels, 12 to 35 feet in the air, as you climb around the course. The ropes course is available to anyone over 42”, although those under 48” must be accompanied by someone who’s at least 18 years old to participate. The Big Bear Ropes Course is open year-round, although it closes in bad weather.
Go Hiking
There are trails all around Big Bear Lake for all abilities. The most popular hike is the Castle Rock Trail, a 2.4-mile roundtrip hike through San Bernardino National Forest that goes past a seasonal creek. This trail starts one mile east of Big Bear Dam on Highway 18 and you can park at the turnout near the trailhead. If you have young kids, try the Woodland Interpretive Trail, an easy 1.5-mile loop with 16 posted stops detailing the geology, history, and wildlife of the area. Note that you’...
Head to the Beach for a Swim in the Lake
Enjoy some classic summertime fun at the lake with an afternoon of sunbathing, picnicking, and swimming. Big Bear is an alpine lake so it remains pretty cold, even in the Southern California summertime, but let’s call it “refreshing”. The only beach with lifeguards at Big Bear Lake is Ski Beach at Meadow Park. There’s a small fee to get in but entry includes the use of the giant inflatable slide, so I’d call it worth it. If you’re after a more natural swim experience, try China Island, where...
Hit the Trail on a Mountain Bike
Mountain biking is one of the top-rated Big Bear summer activities. In the summer, the ski resort of Summit Mountainbecomes a mountain biking playground. Ski lifts transform into bike lifts, and ski runs become riding trails when the weather warms up. As with skiing, there are runs and terrains for all abilities, and if you don’t have your own gear, you can rent everything you need. There are even mountain biking lessons available for first-timers or those who would like to improve their skil...
Discover a Hidden Gem at Gold Rush Mining Adventures
Hunt for your own gems like a real 49er at Gold Rush Mining Adventures. Practice panning, sluicing, and polishing precious stones at this fun interactive gift store. Kids who are into Minecraft will love to try “real” mining and the crystal-filled store is fun to browse. Staff will be happy to help you find your birthstone or numerology gemstone. Check out the free ghost town at the back, it’s perfect for some fun pictures.
Go Bobsledding on Alpine Slide
Hurtle down the mountain on Southern California’s only authentic bobsled ride, the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. Open year-round, it starts with a scenic chair ride to the summit. You then get an individual sled, which you ride down a quarter-mile-long track. There’s a brake you can use to control your speed, which you’ll need around the twists and turns. Riders on Alpine Slide must be 36” tall and kids under 48” must ride with an adult.
Explore Big Bear with a Scavenger Hunt
Make learning about local history fun with a scavenger hunt around Big Bear Village. Clues are delivered to your smartphone and you solve them at your own pace as you explore the town. There are two options: Urban Adventure Quest, which takes about 90 minutes, and Riddle Routes, which gives you riddles to solve as you walk around. Both scavenger hunts are designed for teams of two to four people, so grab your friends and family and challenge yourselves to a Big Bear Lake walking tour with a t...
Big Bear Lake is a four-season resort, so pick your dates based on the activities you want to do. Some activities are only available in one season, but there are plenty of places that are open year-round. If you don’t care about skiing or snowboarding, one of my favorite times to visit Big Bear is in the fall, especially around September and early ...
If you’re visiting in the winter, prepare for snow and ice on the roads. Bring tire chains, and know how to use them.
During the winter, pack snow boots, winter coats, and warm hats. Sunscreen and sunglassesare essential in Southern California, whatever the season. If you’re hitting the slopes, you’ll also want to pack the usual snow gear, like snow pants and gloves. If you’re traveling in the winter months, snow chainsare also a must! The highways are regularly p...
How many days do you need in Big Bear?
You could go for a weekend or the whole season. I would recommend a three-day weekend to make the most of all the fun things to do in Big Bear.
Is the drive to Big Bear difficult?
You’ll be driving up a mountain, so expect winding roads, single lanes, and sheer drops on one side (there’s a guard rail). During the winter, snow and ice at high elevations make driving more dangerous. On weekends, you can expect traffic, especially on a Friday afternoon. If you’re concerned about the road, take Highway 38 instead of Highway 330. It’s a longer route but with fewer turns.
Are there bears in Big Bear?
Absolutely, although consider yourself lucky if you see one. Sightings are rare on Big Bear Mountain, despite the name. California black bears are not considered dangerous in the way grizzlies are, although you should still keep a respectful distance. They’ve been known to attack people if they feel cornered.
Jun 26, 2019 · Spring, Summer & Fall: Boating and biking play a significant part in Big Bear summers when you can enjoy water sports or go fishing on the lake. Big Bear Lake also offers steep, winding roads that can even challenge world-class cyclists.
- Betsy Malloy
In this guide, I’ll share outdoor escapades, cozy village charms, and unique local experiences that cater to your craving for adventure and comfort alike. I dive into Big Bear’s best without the fluff – here’s your direct ticket to the activities that locals love and visitors cherish.
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As the winter snow melts away, springtime brings new growth, gorgeous wildflowers, and a whole new set of adventures to Big Bear - like premium trout fishing and epic outdoor events. Big Bear's pine forests offer miles of hiking & biking trails through changing landscapes.
