Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and go relax and rejuvenate at Big Bear Lake, a quaint resort town nestled in the quiet and peaceful San Bernardino Mountains in California. On the lake you can enjoy great fishing, pleasure boating and canoeing. Scenic and rugged trails in the nearby San Bernardino Forest make for some of the best mountain biking in the region. Put your mettle to the test and go on a hiking or rock climbing trip in the San Bernardino Mountains. In the winter, skiers, snowboarders, and anyone who loves playing in snow, flock to the city to enjoy the deep powder of Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Spring and fall are prime seasons for a visit to Big Bear Lake. Temperatures are comfortable and the lake is much less crowded. Big Bear Lake is only a 90-mile drive to Los Angeles!
Boating and fishing are favorite activities on Big Bear Lake. All types of motorboats, kayaks, canoes and jet skis are available for rent on the shores of the lake at Big Bear Marina or at Pleasure Point Marina. Anglers will find stocks of catfish, trout and bass just waiting to be caught. A number of fishing charter companies dot the shores, and boat launch ramps are generally open from April until the beginning of December.
The San Bernardino Forest attracts mountain bikers from around the country. A good trail to start out on is the Alpine Pedal Path, a 3 1/2-mile paved asphalt spin around the north shore of the lake, through rolling hills and meadows. More experienced riders can try the Arctic Canyon Overlook, a 19 1/2-mile unpaved trail that twists through the San Bernardino Mountains to the Arctic Canyon Overlook, with a view that spans all the way through the Mojave Desert far to the east.
Winter sport lovers, get ready for some fantastic skiing and snowboarding on Bear Mountain. Spread over 748 acres, the mountain resort offers gorgeous and challenging trails. By purchasing a day or half-day pass, you gain access to four peaks topping out at 8,805 feet.
Mountain climbers will find plenty of terrain to ascend. The area has three canyons for hiking and climbing: Deer, Goldmine and Bow. Check in with mountain patrol before you go. If you prefer to see nature on horseback, enjoy the scenic mountain views of Big Bear Lake by taking a 1-3 hour, or half-day ride with Baldwin Lake Stables along a variety of trails and terrains in the area including the San Bernardino Wilderness area.
Disabled visitors can also ski and enjoy outdoor activities at Big Bear Lake. The United States Adaptive Recreation Center for the physically disabled provides access to winter and water sports with a downhill ski area, educational site, lakefront, mountain, sports camp/clinic and a sports complex. There's also an all-terrain vehicle trail.
Aside from the outdoor activities, there is plenty to do in the area. There are open, grassy spots along the lake, perfect for a family picnic, or to play catch, fly a kite or just hang out. Check out the Aspen Glen Picnic Area off of Mill Creek Road to enjoy lunch in the sun. If you love animals, the Petting Zoo in Big Bear City is worthwhile. You can also visit the Moonridge Animal Park across the street from the ski resort, and come face to face with bald eagles, grizzly bears, foxes, owls, bison, mountain lions, bobcats and many other animals. Don't miss the guided feeding tour. Afterward, visit the Big Bear Discovery Center on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, with educational exhibits and hands-on activities exploring the natural environment and wildlife in the region.
After learning about the lake, let loose and have some fun! The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain on Wildrose Lane is a fun park complete with gorgeous mountain views. Take a ride on the alpine bobsled or water slide, and enjoy a snow play area, go-carts and mini-golf. Make sure to come with cash, because the park doesn't accept checks or credit.
When you're ready to rest after your adventures in the outdoors, enjoy one of the fourteen restaurants and cafés in town. Stop by one of the espresso bars or lounges for some music, drinks and general relaxation. Big Bear Lake has several great family-owned shopping spots, where you can find gifts, souvenirs and clothing. One of our favorites is Big Bear Mountain Trading Co., on Moonridge Road, an adorable shop with country gifts, home decor and old-fashioned candy. There are also a number of art galleries in the village with works for sale. If you like all things natural, a farmers market, held every Tuesday morning in front of the Big Bear Convention Center, offers fresh produce along with antiques and hand-made crafts.
There is an active cultural scene in the Big Bear area, with many theaters, including the historic California Theatre of the Performing Arts, the San Bernardino Valley Concert Association, Theater Arts International, the Sturges Theater and the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra. Catch a play while you're in town, and if you still haven't quenched your thirst for the arts, see an exhibit of local art at the San Bernardino Art Association.
Nearby San Bernardino has a vibrant downtown waiting to be explored. There are many local bars, and the Court Street Square occasionally hosts concerts and festivals. Other nightlife in San Bernardino includes an authentic saloon and dance hall experience at the Brandin Iron on South E Street, featuring live country bands, dancing, and even a mechanical bull for those brave cowboys-at-heart. The Music Room on North Sierra Way offers live music as well as darts, karaoke and pool. If you are seeking a trendy dance club experience, the Gotham Night Club, located on East Caroline Street, is very popular and plays all kinds of music. Sports fans will love the Pool Club, a two story sports bar and grill on South E Street.
There are many places to stay at Big Bear Lake. You may want to spend a night or two at one of the ski mountain resorts, Bear Mountain or Snow Summit, or check out a local inn, such as the StarGazers Inn & Observatory on Jeffries Road, where every room has a ceiling full of glittering stars at night. StarGazers also has a warm indoor pool and a spa, pool table and movie collection. If you are coming with a big group, go to Golden Bear Cottages in Golden Bear Manor, where you can stay in a huge, fully-equipped cabin that comfortably sleeps about 20 people. Golden Bear has ping pong tables, a basketball court, volleyball net, a swimming pool and a hot tub. If you prefer to sleep outside, , check out Big Bear Shores, a private campground on the north shore of the lake. Each site has a fireplace and grill, nice patio furniture, and some even have outside bars and spas. The campsite also has a swimming pool. There are many other hotels, motels, cabins and lodges within a 10-mile radius of the lake, so you are sure to find something that suits your needs.