17 Epic Things to Do in Big Bear Lake

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Hiking & Beaches | Unique | Winter Activities

Any California mountain folk will tell you that there are plenty of fun things to do in Big Bear Lake. This popular Southern California mountain town draws everyone from intrepid outdoor adventurers to those seeking a peaceful vacation.

As a California local, I’ve spent many seasons exploring Big Bear Lake’s backcountry, staying in the town’s cozy cabins, and kayaking on the lake. In this article, I’ll cover the best activities Big Bear offers, as well as places to stay and where to eat.

Let’s dive in!

17 Best Things to Do in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake

Swim in the cooling waters of Big Bear Lake in the summer or watch for crossing wildlife in the winter.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free

It’s nearly impossible to miss the massive lake that defines the entire city layout in Big Bear. Big Bear Lake sits in the middle of town with all of the main attractions and establishments surrounding its outskirts. 

During the summer months, swimming is a favorite activity here. There are no lifeguards on duty at any time, so swim with little ones at your own risk. There are also boat and kayak rentals available, a popular option for an afternoon of leisure.

Big Bear Lake is a great attraction regardless of when you visit California, but my favorite time to visit is in the winter! Although the lake is usually frozen over and swimming is near impossible, this is the most scenic time to view the lake and search for black bear prints in the snow.

Big Bear Village

Explore the local coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and shops of this downtown area.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 424-4232 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

Get to know the local community by exploring Big Bear Village, one of the best mountain towns in California.

European-style establishments line either side of the village area offering coffee, burgers, boutique shopping, and more. The bulk of Big Bear’s restaurants and bars are located in the village area, so you will most likely find yourself here multiple times during your stay. 

While you’re here, check out some of the community events. For example, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas in the Village activities summon locals and visitors to participate in holiday cheer. The village also hosts a wine walk in the spring and a chili cookoff in the summer.

Big Bear Discovery Center

Stop by the Big Bear Valley visitor center for information about current conditions.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 382-2790 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm daily; closed Tues & Wed | Entrance: Free

Head to the Big Bear Discovery Center to get all of your travel questions answered, learn about local flora and fauna, and pick up a free map!

There are special programs and eco-tours that leave from the Big Bear Discovery Center, as well as outdoor concerts and nighttime interpretive programs. You can also pick up an Adventure Pass at the visitor center, purchase Smokey the Bear merchandise, and be a part of a snowshoeing tour group in the winter!

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

Visit native California animals while they undergo rehabilitation at this local center.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 584-1299 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: $17, adults, $12 seniors over 59 & children under 13, free under 2

Not everyone will luck out with the chance to see a native California black bear in the wild. If this is high on your bucket list, then head on over to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo!

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a wildlife rehabilitation center that focuses on releasing injured animals back into the wild. It’s one of only two alpine zoos in the United States. This is the best way to view local wildlife in the safest and most sustainable way possible.

There is also a permanent selection of animals on view at the zoo. These animals have been determined unfit for release back into the wild and live in the inclusive zoo environment. 

Alpine Pedal Path

Bike or walk along Big Bear Lake on this paved path.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 382-2790 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: $5/day or $30/year

Alpine Pedal Path was designed specifically for biking, walking, and skating next to Big Bear Lake. It is wheelchair accessible and a hotspot for sighting California bald eagles.

This is great for visitors who want to see great lake views but aren’t keen on spending all day on a challenging hiking trail. There are also plenty of options for picnicking along the path, like the Juniper Point Picnic Area.

Hiking & Beaches

Pine Knot Trail

Hike through tall Jeffrey pines to arrive at one of the best viewpoints of the lake.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 382-2790 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: $5/day or $30/year

The Pine Knot Trail is one of my favorite hiking trails in Big Bear because it doesn’t take all day to finish. Plus, the aerial views of Big Bear Lake are the best in town. 

At 6.9 miles round-trip to Grand View Point, Pine Knot is a moderate trek that typically takes around 3 hours to complete. A dense pine canopy accompanies the trail the entire way, with colorful leaves in autumn and seasonal snow cover. 

Pine Knot Trail is also a popular area for horseback riding and mountain biking, so be prepared to share the trail and yield whenever necessary. This hike is pet-friendly, too. Just make sure you bring enough water for you and your furry friend.

Castle Rock Trail

Hike up the side of the mountain for views of Big Bear Lake and the neighboring village.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 382-2790 | Website | Entrance: Free

Castle Rock Trail is an easy, 2.7-mile out-and-back hiking trail that takes hikers from the thick of the forest to the banks of Big Bear Lake. There are lots of viewpoints along the way and plenty of places to stop for a photo of the lake.

This hike consists of steep climbing and small sections of boulder crossings. The trailhead is close to the village and attracts a lot of foot traffic in the summer months. For a more pleasant, serene mountain experience, I suggest hiking the Castle Rock Trail in the late fall months.

The views of the lake make the steep grade forgivable. If you choose to hike this trail in the late fall, winter, or early spring months, be prepared for snow on the trail, and bring microspikes and trekking poles just in case.

Bertha Peak Trail

Climb to 8,201 feet above sea level on this challenging mountain hike.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free

Bertha Peak Trail is for more experienced hikers. This is one of the best things to do for visitors who like a challenge.

Set aside 3-5 hours for this 7.5-mile round-trip hike in Big Bear Lake. Starting from the Big Bear Discovery Center, this is a popular hiking and mountain biking trail that is also open to pets on and off-leash.

This area receives snow in the winter months, so be sure to check the conditions beforehand or bring the proper snow trekking equipment like microspikes and an ice axe.

Boulder Bay Park

Kayak or canoe around the park lake or bring your lunch and have a picnic with a loved one.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 866-5831 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm; Closed Sat & Sun | Entrance: Free

Head to Boulder Bay Park if you’re hoping to kayak or canoe while in Big Bear! This public park is right off the 18 highway — look to your left as you head into town. 

Founded in 1907, residents and visitors have enjoyed the park’s free amenities for over 100 years. It has since developed into a hub for picnics and other leisurely outdoor recreation activities.

Kayaking is the most popular activity to do at Boulder Bay. You can also fish off the park docks or go swimming in the summer. This small body of water is the perfect place to enjoy lake activities without major crowds, also making it one of the most romantic getaways in California.

Bluff Lake Reserve

Visit a protected wilderness area in Big Bear to see endangered plant species thriving.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm, May 1 to November 1 | Entrance: Free

The Bluff Lake Reserve is located at 7,600 feet and is part of a conservatory program. It’s home to a 20-acre lake, a majestic meadow, and boulder outcroppings surrounded by towering pines.

Endangered mountain plants are protected at this reserve, like the Bear Valley bluegrass, the Big Bear checkerbloom, and the California dandelion. Famous movies like Disney’s The Parent Trap and Dr. Doolittle 2 were filmed at this quietly beautiful location. 

This site is open only seasonally, so make sure to visit in the summer or early fall months if you want to relax in this tranquil forest area.

Unique Activities & Attractions

Big Bear Jeep Experience

Hold on tight as you traverse rock and mud terrain in an off-road jeep tour.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 420-5828 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: Varies per activity

Experience the back roads of Big Bear like never before with a Jeep tour! Climb boulders, splash through rivers, and trample over mud on this thrilling off-road adventure.

Big Bear Jeep Experience offers tours for different types of visitors. From timid to advanced, you will find the perfect level of off-road adventuring for you.

I personally enjoy the advanced rock crawling trails, but unseasoned off-road individuals may prefer a jeep sightseeing tour instead. Both are great options to get to know the backside of Big Bear!

Baldwin Lake Stables

Go for a horseback ride through the pine trees and the surrounding San Bernardino Mountains.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 585-6482 | Website

When was the last time you went horseback riding? This fun excursion isn’t reserved only for vacations to the Rocky Mountains or the southern tropics. You can have some real horseback riding fun here in Big Bear.

The Baldwin Lake Stables in Big Bear take visitors on riding tours throughout the San Bernardino Mountains year-round. Choose between 1, 2, or 3-hour horseback rides with professional guides. 

Escape the traffic and tourism of the village with a horseback retreat into the secluded mountains. My favorite Baldwin Lake Stables tour is the sunset horseback ride!

Bear Mountain Golf Course

Strike luck with a hole-in-one at this golf course with insane views of the San Bernardino Mountains.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 585-8002 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 6 pm Fri-Wed; 8:30 am – 5:30 pm Thu | Entrance: $45-65 for 9-round, $68-98 for 18-round

Bear Mountain Golf Course welcomes you with open arms if you find yourself in the mountain town during the non-ski season and have already explored the hiking and biking trails.

Here, you will find a unique 9-hole golf experience with stunning views. This golf course overlooks Big Bear Lake and the surrounding peaks of San Bernardino National Forest. 

A fun day on the course doesn’t break the bank either. A 9-hole round with impressive surrounding views is less than $40, and a round of 18-hole golf is less than $60.

🛎️ Need a Hotel? ITH Big Bear Lake Hostel and Lodge is 4 miles from the golf course, and it’s incredibly cozy and an unbeatable price.

Teddy Bear Restaurant

Taste the most delicious homemade pies in Southern California.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 866-5415 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 10 pm daily

Teddy Bear Restaurant is one of the most popular diners in Big Bear Lake. The home-style food and homemade pies are to die for. Established in 1944, you will likely encounter most Big Bear locals at this diner for breakfast or brunch! 

Although the pies are the biggest draw to this mountain eatery, the soups, chilis, and chicken pot pies hit the spot on cold winter evenings. Be sure to hit up the ATM located at the entrance, as the Teddy Bear Restaurant is cash-only.

Brown Bear Gift Shop

Buy Big Bear souvenir essentials at this one-of-a-kind gift shop in the village.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 866-4345 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 9 pm Mon-Thu; 9 am – 10 pm Fri-Sat; 9 am – 9 pm Sun | Entrance: Free

Brown Bear Gift Shop is your one-stop shop for all souvenirs in Big Bear Lake! The old Western exterior of the gift shop lures visitors into its trinket-filled interior. It is located in the village next to the lake and other boutiques, so don’t miss it while you’re exploring the downtown.

Winter Activities

Big Bear Mountain Resort

Shred down the mountain this winter at the top ski resort in the area.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (844) 462-2327 | Website | Hours: Subject to change based on weather and conditions | Entrance: $129 adults over 17, $53 children under 13 (Pricing subject to change)

Many Big Bear visitors are here just for Big Bear Mountain Resort. Open from November to March each year, this seasonal resort is one of the best ski resorts in California.

Ski or snowboard down steep slopes at nearly 9,000 feet. Big Bear Mountain Resort boasts over 400 acres of skiable terrain, 19 lifts, and 58 runs.

Big Bear Snow Play

Sled down slippery slopes for an unforgettable winter mountain experience.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 585-0075 | Website | Hours: 10 am-4 pm; Glow Tubing Friday, Saturday, and Holidays: 5-9 pm; only open seasonally | Entrance: Varies per activity

Winter time is peak season in Big Bear Lake, as the area receives around 120 inches of annual snowfall. Playing in the snow is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in California in winter! 

The Big Bear Snow Play resort provides snow-covered slopes for sledding and tubing. To make things easy, there’s a magic carpet lift ride back up to the top.

In the non-winter months, this recreational activity haven also offers go-kart racing, rope courses, and ziplining. Head to Big Bear Snow Play if you are traveling with children who aren’t ready to hit the ski slopes but are eager to experience shredding down the slopes!

👉 Need help packing? Get your free, printable California packing list here!

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Have fun exploring all the fun things to do in Big Bear! Before your trip, be sure to check out my guide to the best things to do in San Bernardino for more great area-specific adventures.