Introduction
With mountain resorts, a freshwater lake, and a roster of annual festivities, the alpine town of Big Bear is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts all throughout the year. Located 100 miles from Downtown Los Angeles, the Southern California city lures snow bunnies in the winter with its downhill slopes and terrain parks, while the destination attracts hikers, bikers, fishers, and swimmers during the warm weather months.
Big Bear Lake is a year-round playground for outdoor lovers, families, and adventure seekers. Whether you are hiking through pine forests, skiing the slopes at Snow Summit, or exploring The Village, there is no shortage of unforgettable experiences. From thrilling adventures to peaceful lake views, this guide covers the best things to do in Big Bear and how to make the most of your stay.
Whether you are paddling across glassy lake water, hiking trails framed by wildflowers or golden leaves, or gazing at the stars from a quiet cabin porch, this is where moments are made. Explore year-round experiences from outdoor thrills to cozy village strolls. There is something unforgettable waiting for you in every season.
Ski and Snowboard at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain
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. Snow Summit is Southern California’s snow capital, with 16 lifts, 31 runs, 18 miles of rideable terrain, and the most dependable snow conditions in the region.Bear Mountain and Snow Summit together offer over 430 acres, 26 lifts, and more than 55 runs combined. Experience some of the best snow conditions and most rideable terrain in Southern California at Big Bear Mountain Resort. Beginners benefit from dedicated learning terrain and professional instruction, while advanced riders find challenging steeps and well-maintained terrain parks throughout both mountains.
Hike the Pine Knot Trail for Panoramic Lake Views
The Pine Knot Trail is one of the most beloved hiking trails in Big Bear because it does not take all day to finish. At 6.9 miles round-trip to Grand View Point, Pine Knot is a moderate trek that typically takes around 3 hours to complete. Hike through tall Jeffrey pines to arrive at one of the best viewpoints of the lake. The trailhead is accessible year-round depending on snow conditions, with the summer and fall seasons offering the most consistent access and the most spectacular scenery. Big Bear’s pine forests offer miles of hiking and biking trails through changing landscapes. Take in the sweeping views on foot, bike, horseback, and even four wheels when you hit the off-road trails. Fall is particularly special on the Pine Knot Trail when the surrounding maple and oak trees turn crimson and gold against the backdrop of the deep blue lake.
Enjoy Water Activities on Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake offers 23 miles of water activities including paddle boarding, pontoon boating, sailing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and much more. Boats and equipment can be rented at any one of the marinas. Boating, paddle sports, fishing, inner tubing, jet skiing, you name it, all are available on Big Bear Lake. Several marinas around the lake open between April and May each year to offer a wide range of rentals that will suit whatever fun you have planned on the lake. Some even offer lessons in activities like wakeboarding and waterskiing. Big Bear Marina offers an extensive rental fleet from pontoons to fishing boats, as well as a fishing charter service, a pro tackle shop, and an official weigh station. Big Bear Marina also rents wave runners, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards.
Ride the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
The Alpine Slide is Southern California’s only authentic bobsled experience. Riders navigate their own individually controlled sleds, each with Teflon runners and ball bearing wheels, down their choice of two quarter-mile-long cement tracks filled with high banked turns and long straightaways. After taking a scenic chairlift with panoramic lake views, you will navigate your own bobsled down one of two quarter-mile cement tracks filled with twists and turns. Magic Mountain also offers a host of other activities, including go-karts, mini golf, and a roller coaster. The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain Recreation Area offers fun-filled activities for the whole family year-round. In the summer, take a ride on their waterslide, and in the winter, head for the hills for some snow tubing.
Take the Scenic Sky Chair to the Mountain Summit
Snow Summit is the ultimate destination for summertime fun offering a wide range of activities including the Scenic Sky Chair rides. The always-popular Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair offers the most breathtaking views in all of Big Bear. Once at the top, grab some bites and brews at the most scenic BBQ in Big Bear, the Skyline Taphouse, while taking in the views of the valleys below and the surrounding mountains. During the winter, a ski lift can bring you to an elevation of 8,200 feet for dramatic views of the snowy San Bernardino National Forest. In the spring and summer, the Scenic Sky Chair takes you to the same elevation, where, after admiring the sights of the mountains and lake, you can hike back down the peak on either the Log Chute Trail or the Mountain Top Loop.
Mountain Bike at Snow Summit Bike Park
Big Bear Mountain Resort is home to Southern California’s best lift-served bike park with an extensive network of trails and terrain for riders of all disciplines and abilities. Whether you are new to the mountain bike scene, or a seasoned rider, Snow Summit is the place to be for all things mountain biking in the summer. Big Bear is a mountain biking destination in Southern California. This world-class mountain biking region has more than one hundred miles of trails and forest service roads to satisfy bikers of all ages and skill levels. From the top of the mountain, downhill mountain bikers can enjoy the famous Snow Summit Bike Park. For cross-country riders, Snow Summit’s chair lifts provide access to a huge network of trails around the resort that have something for everyone.
Go Fishing on Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is a snow-fed, fish-filled lake perfect for casting a line to catch Rainbow Trout, Bass, Carp, Crayfish, and a variety of Sun Fish. The temperatures never get too hot in Big Bear, so the fish stay active even in the warmest parts of the summer, making this natural reservoir a wonderful place for experienced anglers and novices to enjoy this popular local pastime. If you are looking for something a bit less active, a scenic lake tour is a good option. Fishing licenses are required and are easily obtained online before arrival. The calm early morning hours on the lake with the San Bernardino Mountains reflected in the glassy water surface produce some of the most memorable Big Bear experiences regardless of whether any fish are caught.
Visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
A favorite stop for any true animal-lover, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility and sanctuary for orphaned, injured, or imprinted animals. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo houses wildlife in need and rehabilitates them back into their natural habitat. The zoo features native California wildlife including black bears, mountain lions, bald eagles, wolves, and a variety of birds of prey, all housed in naturalistic enclosures designed to support rehabilitation and eventual return to the wild where possible. It is one of the most genuinely educational and emotionally rewarding activities in Big Bear for visitors of all ages, and the bald eagle viewing is particularly special given the species’ significance to the surrounding wilderness ecosystem.
Explore The Village for Shopping and Dining
The Village is centered around Village Drive and Pine Knot Avenue, the rustic downtown district serving as the central hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Here, diverse culinary options include everything from family-owned cafes to fine dining, and cuisines ranging from burgers and pizza to Indian and Japanese. The Big Bear Village is the central hub with over 120 local vendors. Stroll through The Village every season to enjoy holiday festivities during the winter, colorful flowers in the spring and summer, and breathtaking warm autumn colors in the fall. The fall season brings the most vibrant foliage you will find in Southern California. Walk The Village to marvel at crimson red and radiant yellow leaves on maples and oaks lining the streets. Sit for a hot coffee and enjoy the crisp autumn air.
Try the Big Bear Zipline Tour
This 3-hour zipline tour takes Big Bear visitors on 9 high-speed zipline runs that get longer, faster, and higher as you go, eventually taking you up to 35 mph. You will also cross a mountain suspension bridge and travel in off-road vehicles as part of the tour, so you will definitely be able to get the adrenaline pumping. The tour offers unbeatable views of Johnson Valley and Mt. San Gorgonio, Southern California’s highest peak. The zipline tour operates year-round when weather conditions permit and represents one of the most genuinely thrilling ways to experience the scale and beauty of the Big Bear mountain landscape from an aerial perspective that no trail or chairlift can fully replicate.
Go Snow Tubing and Sledding at Big Bear Snow Play
Big Bear Snow Play, a former ski hill known as Rebel Ridge, offers fun for the whole family with an aerial rope course, a speedway, snow tubing, and after-dark glow tubing. Head to Big Bear Snow Play if you are traveling with children who are not ready to hit the ski slopes but are eager to experience shredding down the slopes. 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. Snow tubing requires no previous skill or experience, making it the most accessible winter snow activity in Big Bear and the one most consistently enjoyed across every age group from young children to adults.
Take an Off-Road Jeep Tour
The Big Bear Jeep Experience gives you a choice of driving yourself or enjoying a guided tour from the pros. You follow the tour guide through an exciting and educational tour along some of the hundreds of miles of Jeep trails throughout Big Bear Valley. The Big Bear Jeep Experience offers tours for the whole family, and their most popular kid-friendly tour explores Holcomb Valley and ends with exploring an old miner’s settlement. From off-road tours and adrenaline-pumping ziplines to horse trails that shed new light on stunning terrain, those who set their sights on a Big Bear getaway are sure to find unforgettable fun waiting to greet them upon arrival. The Holcomb Valley tour in particular provides a historically rich perspective on Big Bear’s gold rush past while delivering the off-road adventure experience that the mountainous terrain is uniquely suited to provide.
Visit the Big Bear Discovery Center
On the north side of the lake, the Big Bear Discovery Center features eco-tours, nature-based exhibitions, and children’s educational activities. Located on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, this learning center features educational exhibits and hands-on activities regarding the natural environment and wildlife in the region. The Southern California Mountains Foundation at the Discovery Center offers kids nature walks, story time, and nature crafts. The Discovery Center serves as one of the most valuable first stops for any Big Bear visit because it provides context for the natural environment that makes all of the outdoor activities throughout the trip more meaningful and informed. Guided eco-tours led by knowledgeable naturalists are available seasonally and provide access to areas of the San Bernardino National Forest that independent hikers rarely discover.
Explore the Big Bear Historical Museum
Big Bear Historical Museum is a fantastic way to discover the rich history of the area. Step back in time as you watch live blacksmith demonstrations, observe over 1 million artifacts on display, explore nine restored buildings, and pan for gold. The museum documents Big Bear’s transformation from a gold rush mining settlement to a ranching community to the beloved mountain resort destination it is today, and the collection of over one million artifacts spanning this history makes it one of the most comprehensively documented small-town historical museums in California. The gold panning experience is a particularly memorable hands-on activity for families with children.
Kayak and Picnic at Boulder Bay Park
Head to Boulder Bay Park if you are hoping to kayak or canoe while in Big Bear. This public park is right off the 18 highway. Founded in 1907, residents and visitors have enjoyed the park’s free amenities for over 100 years. It has 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. Boulder Bay Park is well-maintained with pristine trails and green spaces great for roaming. Picnic tables can be found placed throughout the park and make for lunch underneath the California sun.
Stargaze from a Cabin Porch
Whether you are paddling across glassy lake water, hiking trails framed by wildflowers or golden leaves, or gazing at the stars from a quiet cabin porch, this is where moments are made. Big Bear’s elevation of approximately 6,752 feet and its distance from the dense light pollution of the Los Angeles basin create exceptional stargazing conditions that are genuinely rare in Southern California. Of the resort’s year-round activities, a favorite is the spellbinding New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade, when more than 100 skiers and snowboarders light up the night as they make their way down the mountain in the dark with torches.On clear winter nights the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye from elevated vantage points around the lake, and the Big Bear Solar Observatory on the north shore of the lake conducts occasional public viewing events that provide a guided introduction to the night sky above the San Bernardino Mountains.
Planning Your Visit to Big Bear Year-Round
There is never a bad time to visit Big Bear Lake, as there is always adventure, beauty, and luxury just waiting to be discovered. Winter draws the largest crowds during peak ski weekends from December through February, and booking accommodation well in advance is essential for holiday periods. Summer offers the full range of lake and outdoor activities with warm sunny days and cool evenings. Los Angeles is famous for its traffic, and it is definitely a factor to consider when traveling to Big Bear. While the 100-mile trip can take as little as 2 hours, it can also take much longer depending on how busy the roads are. Traveling on weekdays or departing Los Angeles before 7 in the morning on weekends produces the most consistently manageable drive times throughout the year.
Conclusion
Big Bear Lake is a year-round playground for outdoor lovers, families, and adventure seekers. Whether you are hiking through pine forests, skiing the slopes at Snow Summit, or exploring The Village, there is no shortage of unforgettable experiences. The 16 best things to do in Big Bear in this guide collectively cover every season, every activity type, and every visitor profile from solo adventurers to multigenerational families. There is something unforgettable waiting for you in every season. Explore year-round experiences from outdoor thrills to cozy village strolls. Whatever brings you to Big Bear for the first time, the destination has a consistent record of delivering more than visitors expect and sending them home already planning the return trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Big Bear from Los Angeles and how long does it take to drive?
Big Bear is located 100 miles from Downtown Los Angeles. The trip can take as little as 2 hours, but it can also take much longer depending on how busy the roads are. Traffic on Highway 18 and Highway 38 can add significant time to the journey on busy winter weekends. Checking traffic conditions before departure and considering a midweek visit produces the most predictable and manageable drive times.
What is the best time of year to visit Big Bear California?
There is never a bad time to visit Big Bear Lake, as there is always adventure, beauty, and luxury just waiting to be discovered. Winter from November through March is ideal for skiing and snow activities. Summer from June through September offers the full range of lake and hiking activities. Fall delivers the most spectacular foliage in Southern California and fewer crowds than either peak season.
Do you need chains or a four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach Big Bear in winter?
Chain controls are frequently required on Highway 18 during and after significant snowstorms and are enforced by Caltrans. Carrying chains even in a four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended during winter visits. Checking the Caltrans Quickmap for current chain control requirements before departure is the most reliable way to prepare for winter road conditions on any given day.
What are the best activities in Big Bear for families with young children?
The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain Recreation Area offers fun-filled activities for the whole family year-round. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Big Bear Snow Play snow tubing, Boulder Bay Park picnicking and kayaking, the Big Bear Discovery Center nature activities, and the Big Bear Historical Museum gold panning experience are all consistently well-rated family activities that suit children across a wide range of ages and activity preferences.
Is Big Bear worth visiting in summer or only in winter?
Big Bear’s pine forests offer miles of hiking and biking trails through changing landscapes. Summer season recreation ranges from water activities like fishing, boating, paddle sports, jet skiing, and wakeboarding to shoreline relaxation. Twenty-two miles of shoreline invite you to lay out in the sun and enjoy panoramic views. Summer is genuinely one of the best seasons to visit Big Bear because the lake activities, mountain biking, hiking, and cooler mountain temperatures provide a compelling escape from the intense heat of Los Angeles and the surrounding Southern California lowlands.
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