Things To Do
in Big Bear City
Big Bear City is a small community located in southern California, known for its picturesque mountain setting and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town is situated near the popular Big Bear Lake, a popular destination for boating, fishing, and hiking. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the area's beautiful natural surroundings, including forests, mountains, and wildlife.
With an abundance of outdoor activities and a tranquil atmosphere, Big Bear City offers a peaceful retreat from city life.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike on Castle Rock Trail to enjoy breathtaking views of Big Bear Lake. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
After your hike, visit the Big Bear Lake Museum to learn about the area's history and culture. Grab lunch at a local café for a taste of the region’s cuisine.
Wind down with a scenic boat ride on Big Bear Lake as the sun sets. Enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant with beautiful views.
Hit the slopes early at Snow Summit for some exhilarating skiing or snowboarding. Lessons are available for beginners to ensure everyone has a great time.
Break for lunch at the mountain resort’s lodge and refuel for more fun on the slopes. Try snow tubing for some family-friendly fun post-lunch.
Relax and unwind with a cozy dinner at a mountain bar. Savor a hot chocolate or a cocktail as you recount the day's adventures with friends or family.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery with mountains and lakes.
- Year-round outdoor recreational activities including skiing, hiking, and fishing.
- Small-town charm with a close-knit community.
- Fresh air and a peaceful environment, away from urban hustle.
- Affordable real estate options compared to larger cities.
- Limited access to major shopping and entertainment options.
- Higher cost of living compared to nearby urban areas.
- Potential for harsh winter weather, affecting travel and outdoor activities.
- Limited job opportunities in certain industries.
- Potential issues with tourism crowding during peak seasons.
Best Activities in Big Bear City
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore numerous scenic trails ranging from easy to challenging, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and lakes.
Enjoy a variety of mountain biking trails suitable for different skill levels, with options for both novice and experienced riders.
Rent a kayak and paddle on Big Bear Lake, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and wildlife.
Take advantage of the great fishing opportunities at Big Bear Lake, where you can catch species such as trout and bass.
Experience the great outdoors by camping in one of the many campgrounds in the area, offering amenities and access to nature.
Visit during winter to enjoy skiing or snowboarding at the nearby resort, accommodating all skill levels.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer, birds, and more, while exploring the natural beauty of the area.
Rent an ATV and explore the rugged terrain around Big Bear, with trails that provide thrilling adventures.
Tours
Uncover the best of Big Bear City with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Big Bear City
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular ski resort that offers stunning panoramic views of the San Bernardino National Forest and the surrounding mountains, especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
Another ski area that provides breathtaking views year-round, where you can capture the beauty of the lake and the alpine landscape.
A picturesque spot for photography, capturing reflections of the mountains on the lake, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
A hiking trail that leads to a viewpoint with spectacular views over Big Bear Lake and the surrounding areas, perfect for nature photography.
Offers several lookout points along the way that provide fantastic views of the stars and the night sky, make it ideal for astrophotography.
A quiet scenic spot that provides unique perspectives of wildlife and the lake itself, great for photography, especially during golden hour.
Features a mountain slide and scenic chairlift rides, where visitors can enjoy and photograph the sprawling views of Big Bear Valley.
A scenic hiking trail that rewards photographers with views of the forest and lake at various intervals.
The charming heart of the city, filled with unique shops and eateries surrounded by picturesque mountain views, perfect for street photography.
Offers rugged terrain with incredible views of both the forest and the lake, ideal for adventurous photographers looking to capture the beauty of the wilderness.
Food in Big Bear City
Big Bear City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature dish featuring a juicy patty made with locally sourced beef, topped with fresh ingredients and served on a freshly baked bun. Available at Murray's Saloon & Eatery.
Must-Try!
Freshly caught trout grilled to perfection, often served with seasonal vegetables and a side of wild rice. Recommended at The Pines Lakefront.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Big Bear City better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market showcasing local produce, artisanal goods, and prepared foods. Visitors can sample a variety of street foods such as gourmet tacos and fresh fruit smoothies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Big Bear City is known for its beautiful natural surroundings. Visitors and residents alike are encouraged to respect the environment by following 'leave no trace' principles, such as taking your trash with you and avoiding damage to local flora and fauna.
As a popular tourist destination, many visitors come to Big Bear City to enjoy peace and quiet. It's respectful to keep noise levels down, especially in residential areas and during early morning or late evening hours.
Take the time to learn about and engage with the local community. This includes supporting local businesses, participating in community events, and being open to learning about the history and culture of Big Bear City.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Big Bear City with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Big Bear City
Ensure a smooth experience
In Big Bear City, tipping practices generally follow the standard norms found across the United States. It is customary to tip service workers such as waitstaff, bartenders, taxi drivers, and hotel staff. A typical tip ranges from 15% to 20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service. However, in some tourist-oriented locations or for exceptional service, tips can be higher. Cash tips are preferred, though credit card payments may also allow for tipping options.
Payment practices in Big Bear City are similar to those in most American towns. Most establishments accept major credit cards and debit cards for transactions. Cash is also widely accepted, though some places may prefer electronic payments. In addition to traditional payment methods, mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly being utilized. Visitors are recommended to have a mix of cash and card available, especially when visiting smaller businesses or local vendors.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Big Bear City.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Winter in Big Bear City typically runs from December to February. This is the peak season for skiing and snowboarding at local resorts. Expect cold temperatures, with average highs around 40°F and lows around 20°F. The area is covered in snow, making it a perfect destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Spring lasts from March to May. The snow begins to melt, and the area transitions to beautiful wildflower scenery. Temperatures range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F during the day, making it a great time for hiking and outdoor activities without the winter crowds.
Summers, from June to August, are warm and sunny. Expect temperatures to range from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F. This is the ideal time for boating, fishing, hiking, and enjoying the numerous summer festivals. Accommodations can be busy, so booking in advance is advisable.
Fall, from September to November, brings cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage. Highs can range from the mid-60s to mid-70s°F in September, dropping to the 50s by November. This season is perfect for those who enjoy cooler weather and scenic nature walks.
Big Bear City at Night
Hiking in Big Bear City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A moderate 2.4-mile round-trip hike that offers stunning views of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding mountains.
A scenic trail that provides breathtaking views of the lake, perfect for a short hike and great for families.
A challenging 4.5-mile round-trip hike that leads to the summit of Grays Peak, featuring panoramic views of the San Bernardino Mountains.
A popular 3.1-mile round-trip trail that takes hikers through beautiful pine forests and rewards with views of the lake at the top.
This 3-mile round-trip hike is a bit strenuous but leads to one of the highest points around Big Bear, offering exceptional views.
A gentle 1.5-mile loop along the lake's edge, ideal for casual hikes and family outings.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Big Bear City through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Big Bear City by plane.
The primary international airport serving Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, located approximately 100 miles from Big Bear City.
An international airport located approximately 60 miles from Big Bear City, serving the Inland Empire region.
An airport located about 70 miles from Big Bear City, offering international and domestic flights, primarily aimed at tourists visiting the Coachella Valley.
Located about 90 miles from Big Bear City, this airport serves Orange County and offers a range of domestic and some international flights.
An airport that is approximately 40 miles from Big Bear City, offering both passenger and cargo services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Euro-American ancestry, the White demographic represents the largest racial group in Big Bear City.
Individuals of Hispanic or Latino descent, contributing to the cultural diversity of the area.
A smaller demographic group that represents individuals of African American descent.
Includes individuals from various Asian backgrounds, contributing to the multicultural community.
Represents individuals identifying with two or more racial backgrounds.
A small demographic group consisting of individuals with Native American ancestry.
A very small demographic group indigenous to the Pacific Islands.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Big Bear City is known for its ski resorts, making skiing a popular winter sport among visitors and locals.
Alongside skiing, snowboarding is a favored activity in the snowy terrain of Big Bear, attracting enthusiasts to its slopes.
With its beautiful natural landscapes, hiking is a very popular pastime, especially during the warmer months.
The area offers many trails for mountain biking, making it a popular sport for outdoor lovers.
Big Bear Lake provides ample opportunities for fishing, drawing many anglers to the area.
During the warmer months, boating and water sports become popular activities on Big Bear Lake.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Big Bear City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
A charming cafe and bakery with a focus on organic and gluten-free offerings. From hearty salads to delectable pastries, they cater to various dietary needs with flavorful options.