CALIFORNIA ✦ WEEKEND GETAWAY

Last Updated On: February 28, 2024
Posted by: Highly Likely Out of Office

big bear lake, california

Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake is a breathtaking sight to behold. This picturesque landscape offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy during the sunny months of summer. In addition to water activities, there are plenty of hiking and mountain biking opportunities, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding forests.

As you venture through the area, you’ll also discover a rich history including tales of early settlers (the Yuhaviat, “people of the pines”), Southern California’s largest gold rush in 1860 where they found actual gold flakes in a creek, and a few decades later- the backdrop of Hollywood glamour.

If you already know how and when you plan to go to Big Bear, feel free to skip right to The Best Things To Do in Big Bear Lake this 2023 section of this post.

How to Get to Big Bear

Driving
The drive is a scenic one, passing through San Bernardino and then up into the mountains making for a nice little road trip. Once you reach the lake, you’ll be greeted with a stunning view of the mountains and deep blue waters.

✦ Driving from Los Angeles: 2-3 hours | route
✦ Driving from San Diego: 3-4 hours | route

Flying
The closest airport to Big Bear, California is the Ontario International Airport (ONT). Skyscanner is always a great place to start looking for flight deals. From the airport, you’ll need to rent a car or arrange transportation to the lake – make sure to book your car ahead of time get the best prices.

Note: Sprinkled all over this post are affiliate links that direct you to experiences, stays, or products recommended by myself along with the free guides and tips on this blog! This just means that should you decide to use these links, I may earn a small commission that directly supports this blog and my coffees 😉 at absolutely no additional cost to you. Cheers!

Big Bear Lake in the Summer

The best time to go to Big Bear Lake is in the summer between the months of June and August, when the days are long and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities and water sports.

big bear seasons

As in a lot of places in Caifornia, you’ll find that there is actually no bad time to go. Come in Spring for a chance to see wildflowers in bloom. Fall is a great time to visit Big Bear Lake, with crisp temperatures and colorful foliage. And in the Winter, the region transforms into a winter wonderland with skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing at popular ski resorts such as Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and Snow Valley.

15 best Things to Do in Big Bear this Summer

Big Bear Lake is a nature lover’s paradise! Scenic drives like Rim of the World and McKenzie Pass provide stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Water sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the lake by kayaking, paddleboarding or fishing. And for those who want a true nature experience, camping under the stars is the perfect option. There are countless ways to enjoy this lakeside community, but here’s a quick list of the highlights:

Explore Big Bear Lake Village

The Big Bear Lake Village (location) is a charming little mountain town filled with restaurants, shops, and other amenities. Explore the village to find unique souvenirs, enjoy some local eats, or simply take in the mountain views. Tip: Parking can be a little tricky here especially on busy weekends and peak hours like lunch time or dinner time so try to go a little earlier to beat the crowds.

Fourth of July Fireworks in Big Bear Lake

Celebrate the Fourth of July in style with a fireworks show at Big Bear Lake. Enjoy your barbecue and drinks on your cabin’s deck or patio with a view of fireworks courtesy of the city of Big Bear. Check out their viewing & safety guidelines on their page here.

Best places to view fireworks? The best place (and most stylish way) to view the fireworks is from the water so check with boat rental companies ahead for special arrangements and reservations. Accommodations along the water, however, are your most convenient option. Choose a hotel or cabin close to Pine Knot Marina where the show takes place from a barge. Start looking for accommodations here!

Get Out on the water

Explore from right on the water! Big Bear Lake in summer offers so many lake activities: whether you want to rent a boat, try wakeboarding, or go kayaking on your own. The following marinas offer rentals for all sorts of activities on the water such as kayaks, pontoon boats, personal watercrafts, etc.

✦ Big Bear Marina | 500 Paine Ct | 909.866.3218
✦ Holloway’s Marina & RV Park | 398 Edgemoor Road | 909.878.4386
✦ Pine Knot Marina | 439 Pine Knot Ave | 909.633.7511
✦ Pleasure Point Marina | 603 Landlock Landing Rd | 909.866.2455

Pontoon Boating

Getting on a pontoon boat is a popular activity in Big Bear if you want to just relax and enjoy the views. If you’re interested in renting a pontoon boat, Big Bear Marina and Pleasure Point Marina are two of Yelp’s most highly rated rentals. If you have your own boat, there are two public boat launch ramps: East Boat Ramp & West Boat Ramp.

Paddleboard & Kayaking

For more active fun on the water, get on a paddle board or kayak, or try out wakeboarding. Rentals: Big Bear Marina and Getboards.

Fishing

Big Bear Lake is also home to a wide variety of fish species, including bass and rainbow trout. Get your tackle ready and cast a line out into the lake in search of a big catch. If you want to learn more about the best months and spots to go, Best Fishing in America has a great guide on Big Bear Lake Fishing.

Swimming

Swimming is a great way to stay refreshed in the summer heat. Keep reading for the best swimming spots on the lake.

Mountain Biking

Big Bear Lake in summer is also a great time to explore the trails on two wheels. The area is home to some of the best bike trails in California and offers a range of routes for all skill levels. For bike rentals, check out Bear Valley Bikes or Goldsmith’s Sports. For biking trails, there are two kinds to choose from: Mountain Biking or Road Cycling.

Mountain Biking
✦ Snow Summit Bike Park has several trails to choose from depending on your skill level and interest
✦ Trails: Going Green (4miles, beginners), Cabin 89 Trail (1.7 miles, intermediate), 10 -Ply (1 mile, advanced) , Cougar Crest Trail (4 miles, difficult)

Road Cycling
✦ Trails: Alpine Pedal Path (3.5 miles, beginner), Lake Loop (15-20 miles, intermediate), Onyx Summit (9 miles, advanced)

sip wine at barrel 33

Barrel 33 is a great place to enjoy the afternoon away sipping on wine from all over California. If you’re not a wine drinker, they also have some local craft beers.

go off-roading on a jeep

Big Bear has three Jeep Badge of Honor trails. Check out: Gold Mountain, Holcomb Creek, and John Bull! Bring your own car or join a Jeep Adventure Tour!

Chill Out by the Water at Boulder Bay Park

Boulder Bay Park (location) is a beautiful spot to relax and take in the views of Big Bear Lake. You’ll see it right away as you enter the city. Pack a picnic lunch, or just find a spot to lay out a blanket and soak up the sun.

Hiking in Big Bear

Summer is the perfect time to explore Big Bear on foot – they have more than 70 miles of trails. With cooler temperatures and blooming wildflowers, a hike around the area is a must-do! Some popular trails worth checking out are Castle Rock Trail, Cougar Crest Trail, and the Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point.

Castle Rock Trail (Moderate)
✦ Trailhead: Google Maps
✦ Length & Elevation: 2.7 miles, 820ft elev
✦ Type: Out & Back
✦ Time to complete: 1 hour

Cougar Crest Trail (Moderate)
✦ Trailhead: Google Maps
✦ Length & Elevation: 5.6 miles, 895ft elev
✦ Type: Out & Back
✦ Time to complete: 2 hours 30 mins

Pine Knot Trail to Grand View Point (Moderate)
✦ Trailhead: Google Maps
✦ Length & Elevation: 6.9 miles, 1,158ft elev
✦ Type: Out & Back
✦ Time to complete: 3 hours 15 mins

Enjoy Big Bear from the Sky: Chairlift

Take the aerial route to explore Big Bear! You can take a scenic chairlift ride or jump onboard a helicopter tour for even more spectacular views of the region. Book your Scenic Sky Chair Lift here. Note that ticket types will depend on the season (summer/ski) so check in closer to the summer months for when they’re ready to accommodate summer rides.

Glamping/Camping in Big Bear

Live it up by going glamping. Big Bear Lake in the summer is the perfect time to enjoy the forest and lake. You can rent luxury tent cabins or opt for a comforting stay in a cozy cabin. Not too far off is Getaway House Big Bear (actually in Running Springs) – if you want to learn more about this experience, my stay review post will tell you all about it!

As in a lot of places in California, you’ll find that there is actually no bad time to go. Come in Spring for a chance to see wildflowers in bloom. Fall is a great time to visit Big Bear Lake, with crisp temperatures and colorful foliage. And in the Winter, the region transforms into a winter wonderland with skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing at popular ski resorts such as Bear Mountain, Snow Summit, and Snow Valley.

Big Bear Discovery Center

Stop by the Big Bear Discovery Center to learn more about the local ecology and pick up useful tips for exploring the outdoors.

Enjoy a bowl of authentic Hawaiian Poké

Big Bear Lake in summer is the perfect time to enjoy a delicious bowl of Hawaiian poké with fish flown fresh from Hawaii every night! Get your fix from Tropicali. Honestly no matter the season, I never skip this stop when in Big Bear.

Family Fun at the Big Bear Lake Alpine Slide

Have some family-friendly fun at the Big Bear Lake Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. Zip down over 1,500 feet of track on a sled while you enjoy the views!

Enjoy a Lakeside Cabin Getaway

Big Bear Lake is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway even if you aren’t too keen on engaging in active summer activities or water sports. Rent a lakeside cabin and enjoy all the amenities that come with it – from hot tubs to peaceful lake views.

Horseback Riding

Enjoy a horseback riding tour through the alpine forest and along the lake for a truly unique experience. Check out Baldwin Lake Stables for horseback riding experiences that range from a few hours to half a day.

If you have more time and energy, other popular activities in Big Bear are: visiting the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Bowling Barn, go-karts at Magic Mountain, and hitting the golf course.

Where to Swim in
Big Bear Lake CA

Big Bear Lake in summer is teeming with activity and life, it’s one of the best places to cool off during the summer months. There are plenty of swimming spots around town, the best ones are:

✦ Meadow Park / Mcdill Swim Beach
Google Maps | Great for families, has a lifeguard & other recreational amenities

✦ Garstin Island (Treasure Island)
Google Maps | For swimming near rock formations, no life guard

✦ Boulder Bay Park
Google Maps | Popular spot for water activities

✦ East Boat Ramp Beach
Google Maps | Great for kids, near restrooms & fishing dock

Where to Stay in
Big Bear Lake CA

If you’re planning a lake vacation, the decision of where to stay can truly make your entire trip. Thankfully, you have options: campsites, cabins, and hotels. Each offers a different level of comfort and immersion in nature.

Campsites
There are a variety of campsites available to suit everyone’s needs. Equestrian camping? Boutique camping? RV camping? Just plainly, camping? Check out Serrano Campground, Pine Knot Campground, Holcomb Valley Campground, or Holcomb Valley Ranch.

Hotels
Hotels are always great for their amenities, convenience, and sometimes even cost. You’ll certainly find the typical hotel chains in Big Bear, but for a more lakeside vibe and bespoke experience, consider staying in one of the lodges below:

✦ Noon Lodge
3-star | great for couples
Google Maps | Check for deals

✦ Worldmark Big Bear Lake
3-star | great location
Google Maps | Check for deals

✦ Marina Riviera
3-star | great lakeside location
Google Maps | Check for deals

✦ Colorado Lodge
Bespoke cabins | great for couples & groups
Google Maps | Check for deals

✦ Bluegreen Vacations Big Bear
3-star | great for families
Google Maps | Check for deals

Vacation Homes for Large Groups
Vacation home rentals are so great for large groups and families because they come with all the amenities you could ever want in a lake-side home. Check out these great options:

✦ Rather Be Mountain Getaway | Link
✦ Walk to Snow Summit – Big Bear Townhouse | Link
✦ Summit Chalet | Link
✦ Big Bear Cabin with Deck & Hot Tub | Link
✦ Bearadise Chalet | Link
✦ Cougar Lodge | Link

Where to Eat in Big Bear Lake CA

There are so any options for dining in Big Bear. Below are my recommendations:

✦ Tropicali | Google Maps | Come for the poke bowls! Line is usually long and out the door– it’s worth it!
✦ Fire Rock Burgers & Brews | Google Maps | Great burgers, always busy but you can try ordering ahead
✦ North Pole Fudge & Icecream | Google Maps | I come for the candy apples
✦ Dank Donuts | Google Maps | Great spot for morning coffee & donuts
✦ Café Crêpe | Google Maps | Great spot for crepes – both savory & sweet!

Pet Friendly Things to Do

If you’re traveling with a pup, Big Bear Lake has plenty of dog-friendly activities! Take your furry friend on an adventure along the Alpine Pedal Path and explore the area’s many trails. Some dog parks to explore are in Meadow Park & Erwin Lake Park.

Tips for Visiting Big Bear in the Summer

What to Pack
Before you embark on your adventure, always consider what to pack for the climate. Although it’s summertime, don’t let the warmer temperatures fool you. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, so it’s important to bring layers. Also, if you’re planning to go hiking or exploring, pack sturdy sneakers or hiking boots, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. And to capture all of the stunning scenery, don’t forget your camera!

Respect Nature
When hiking, always leave no trace and clean up after yourself and your group to protect the natural habitat of the animals that live here and the experience of other people too.

faq

conclusion

Big Bear Lake California is a beautiful and unique summer destination that should be put on your must-visit list. The stunning views of the lake are reason enough to make the trip, so let’s get going!