Big Bear Lake is one of the best places you can go for a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Southern California sprawl. Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, the town offers visitors breathtaking views and a wide range of outdoor activities to indulge in.
8 Things to Do at Big Bear Lake
The picturesque mountain town of Big Bear Lake is popular among solo backpackers and families alike, offering countless opportunities for outdoor adventures and fun-filled activities. If you’re considering a trip here, take some time to check out eight things to do at – or near – Big Bear Lake to help you plan the ideal getaway!
1. Visit the Iconic Bear Mountain Ski Resort
Big Bear Lake is perhaps best known for the Bear Mountain Ski Resort, featuring over 1,700 acres of skiable terrain. Whether you’re a novice who’s just learned to ski or an experienced snowboarder looking for your next thrill, there’s bound to be a ski run for you at the Bear Mountain Ski Resort.
The resort also features a terrain park containing over 150 jumps, rails and other obstacles for snowboarders and skiers alike. You can also try night skiing at neighboring Snow Summit, which can be a surreal and definitely memorable experience regardless of your skiing proficiency. There are also lots of restaurants and eating establishments in the area –ranging from homey to chic – for you to spend your downtime when you’re not on the slopes.
Visiting Big Bear in the summer? There are more ways to get your adrenaline going with mountain biking at the resort’s Summit Bike Park, which offers bikers a variety of downhill singletrack trails with minimal braking or pedaling.
2. Try Tree Rope Climbing in the Big Bear Mountains
The San Bernardino mountains offer you unbeatable accessibility to get close to nature. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, consider visiting a tree rope climbing course just outside town.
Ropes courses offer multiple activities for thrillseekers of all ages. You can traverse the treelines on ropes or zipline through the mountains and feast your eyes on the breathtaking views.
3. Go Snow Tubing at Big Bear Snow Play
If you’re visiting in the winter, you can go snow tubing at Big Bear Snow Play. The facility provides all the necessary equipment that you’ll need, and you’ll be able to slide down groomed tubing lanes up to 500 feet long.
The snowmaking conditions at Big Bear Lake between the months of November and April are just right for an adventurous day of sliding down fluffy white snow hills.
4. Rent a Boat or Go Charter Fishing
The Lake itself is chock full of different varieties of fish including trout, bass, and catfish. If you have a passion for fishing or just want to try your hand at catching your own dinner, you can rent a fishing boat or go charter fishing on the lake.
With charter fishing, you don’t have to worry about the nitty gritty details of planning a boat trip. Charter fishing involves hiring an experienced angler who will bring you out onto the lake on their boat and provide all the equipment you’ll need, including tackle, rods and reels. They’ll also know the best fishing spots on the lake.
5. Explore the Lake on a Jetski, Tube or Wakeboard
Big Bear Lake is also a great place to try out some watersports. With the lake spanning over 2,900 acres, there’s lots for you to explore on a jetski, tube or wakeboard.
Some of the best views of the mountains and the city can be had from the lake, making a day of watersports on the lake a great option to create lasting memories.
6. Visit Goldrush Mining Adventures
For a fun day outing with the family, visit Goldrush Mining Adventures, a theme park where the kids can try their hands at mining for gold. Admission is free and reservations are not required, so you can easily incorporate this stop into your schedule.
7. Catch a Movie at the Village Theaters
If you need a break from all the outdoor activities, you can also visit Village Theaters to catch the latest movie. Located in the heart of Big Bear Lake, Village Theaters is a quaint theater packed with nostalgic charm.
8. Check Out the Wildlife at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
If you live in the city, don’t pass up on this opportunity to get closer to nature and check out indigenous wildlife at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The zoo specializes in the rehabilitation and release of local alpine animals, and it is one of only two alpine zoos in the United States.
The zoo is also home to a permanent collection of alpine wildlife, and you can see animals up close here that you would not ordinarily have the chance to encounter. Admission to the zoo is also relatively affordable, just $15 for an adult ticket and $10 for a youth or senior ticket.
… And So Much More
Of course, there are countless things that you can do in Big Bear Lake and these are just some of the most popular options. For a more comprehensive list of the top restaurants, stores, and activity providers in Big Bear Lake, check out our Big Bear directory here.
Cabins in Big Bear Lake
No trip to Big Bear Lake is complete without staying a few nights in a classic cabin retreat and having nature at your doorstep. Instead of going straight to hotel booking options for your next Big Bear getaway, consider a vacation rental instead.
Here at Sky High Cabins, we offer a wide variety of cabins & vacation rentals in Big Bear Lake for you to choose from. From cabins tucked away in the mountains to our lakefront retreats that offer unbeatable views, we can guarantee that you’ll be spoiled for choice when you book your next vacation rental with us.
Book your home away from home today, or contact us for more information!