27 Amazing Things To Do In Big Bear Lake California
There are so many fun things to do in Big Bear Lake California and I had no idea. I had been to California a number of times either for business purposes or for vacation and seen a number of beautiful places like Yosemite National Park, Disneyland Park, Golden Gate Bridge, the famous Alcatraz Island, and many locations but never been to Big Bear.
One day I was browsing through the internet and saw this spectacular place and wondered where this location is and then found out it is in California. Within a month I decided to take a short trip to visit this extraordinary place called Big Bear Lake.
With my limited time I did some wonderful things here.
Let’s dive in to
What To Do In Big Bear Lake California
1.Big Bear Discovery Center
I would always suggest going to the visitor center first to get the details about the place you are going to explore. You will get expert advice about trails and how to avoid places where you may find animals. They also provide information about hiking and camping and also host tours and concerts.
2.Big Bear Pirate Ship
It is an entertaining lake tour. You will certainly enjoy it with your family.
3.Big Bear Marina
You can rent boats, go for lake tours, go fishing, tubing and all kind of water sports.
4.Miss Liberty Paddlewheel Tour Boat
It is a 90 minutes of interesting narrated tour.
5.Snow Summit Ski Resort
It is a very popular family-friendly ski resort known for snowboarding and skiing in Southern California or SoCal as it is fondly called. It is almost 3 hours from Los Angeles.
I had a lot of fun in Grizzly Ridge Tube Park and doing skiing. For snowboarders, I would suggest Bear Mountain. Bear Peak is Bear Mountain’s most famous peak at 8800 feet in height.
Read: Hikes In Big Bear – The Best List
6.Holloway’s Marina And RV Park
It is a great option for boating or lake cruising. You can rent a kayak or jet ski.
7.Big Bear Sporting Goods
This is one of the most popular fishing store.
8. Pine Knot Marina
Explore this interesting marina.
9.Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Big Bear Alpine Zoo was my second destination as it was very close to Big Bear Mountain Resort. You can see cougar, wolf, bear, snow leopard and 80 more species, what I liked most about this zoo is the presentation about the animals in the noon.
10. Alpine Slide At Magic Mountain
One of my favorite things to do here was Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. If you are visiting in the summers you will enjoy summer slide and in winter enjoy snow tubing rides.
11.North Shore Landing
You will love their marinas and can enjoy boating and waterski rides.
12.Mountain Room Escapes
It is one of the best escape room center here.
13.Big Bear Valley Historical Museum
People who love history and who want to know the story behind Big Bear must visit the Big Bear Valley Historical Museum.
Here you can see gold mining artifacts, antique wagons. The best thing is there is no admission charge. It is one of my favorite Big Bear Lake activities.
Related:
Jobs That Require Travel And Pay Well Also
14.Big Bear Snow Play
One of the best places for tubing on the snowy slopes. The Rope course will help you in crossing bridges and other obstacles easily.
Read:Big Bear Hiking Trails With Waterfalls
15.Segway Tours
Enjoy the Big Bear experience on Segway.
16.Big Bear Speedway
If you are a car racing fan and want to have a real racing experience visit Big Bear Speedway A maximum of 11 cars are allowed on the track, really a thrilling experience.
Big Bear Lake Water Activities You Must Do-Charter fishing, lake tours, water skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating
Read:Hot Springs in California-Top 9
17.Experience The Trails
One of the most exciting things to do here is go hiking or do mountain biking. The most famous trail here is Castle Rock Trail as it gives a beautiful view of the location.
There are a few parking spots so grab your parking spot as soon as you can. It gives you a glimpse of the wildlife as well. For bikers, I would suggest the Skyline Ridge trail.
The other trails you can explore are Pine Knot trail and Alpine Pedal Path trail
Related: California Bucket List
18.Big Bear Discount
It is a popular gift shop so don’t miss the excitement.
19.Fishing Charters
Learn the art of fishing through Fishing Charters.
20.Action Zipline Tour
If you like adventure like me you must do Action Zipline Tour.
You will have a similar experience like the birds but it’s much faster. You will experience the mesmerizing view of Johnson valley. With nine high-speed zip lines, it was one of the most exciting things to do. The Action Zipline tour includes a three-hour off-road ride on a safari jeep. It was an awesome experience.
21.Boulder Bay Park
If you are in the mood to just chill and relax you can visit Boulder Bay Park. A lot of tourists come here for picnics. You can go fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Read: Parasailing in Big Bear-Top 10 Spots
22.Urban Adventure Quest
It is one of the most adventurous scavenger hunt.
23.Big Bear Jeep Experience
Experience the excitement of the trails on Jeep. It will be a total fun experience with your family and friends.
24.Big Bear Solar Observatory
Big Bear Solar Observatory is another highlight and offers a free public tour. It has the most powerful telescope that studies the sun. It is 1/2 mile to the west of the Discovery Center.
Read:Big Bear In Summer-Top 7 Things To Do
25.Pleasure Point Marina
You can do fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking in this marina.
26.Big Bear Escape Room
Experience the thrill and adventure of escape room here.
27.Gold Rush Mining Company Adventures
Explore the mining adventure and find the rare gem stones.
Other Highlights
If you have more time unlike me there are couple of other options like
Fawn Park
Mineshaft Coaster-A thrilling ride
Bluff Lake Reserve
Holcomb Valley Trail
Enjoy golf at Bear Mountain Golf Course
Get the thrill of waterskiing at Designated Wakesports
The Red Barn-Great place to buy gifts and a great Balsamic vinegar tasting bar.
Horseback Riding at Baldwin Lake Stables
Take an aerial view of Big Bear through helicopter tour
People who are interested in yoga can join Mountain Yoga Center
With so much adventure and activities you definitely deserve mouthwatering food.
Restaurants In Big Bear California
Grizzly Manor Cafe
If you want an amazing breakfast Grizzly Manor Cafe offers wonderful bacon, sausage, and pancakes.
Saucy Mama’s Pizzeria
If you are craving for pizza after spending your energy in the beautiful locales head to Saucy Mama’s Pizzeria. The food and customer service is outstanding.
Oakside Restaurant And Bar
With indoor and outside seating arrangement Oakside Restaurant And Bar offers amazing food with beers, wines, and cocktails.
Murray’s Saloon And Eatery
Murray’s Saloon And Eatery is one of the famous eateries which offers complimentary billiards. Other things included karaoke and a lot of variety of drinks.
Some Facts About Big Bear
It is a man-made lake.
It was named Big Bear because a number of grizzly bears used to roam in this area.
Snowfall starts here every November.
The Lake is busiest from December to February because of the skiing season. Head to Bowling Barn for ice skating. It is one of the best things to do in Big Bear in winter.
Big Bear Cycling week happens every July
Things To Do In Big Bear-Summer
Summer is from June to August. The best things to do in summer are waterskiing, kayaking, fishing, road cycling, mountain biking. Join the summer bike park. It is a lot of fun.
I had a great time visiting here and I strongly recommend it. I am planning to visit California again this winter and this place will be on my bucket list for sure as this is one of the best places to go in California.
Travel Essentials
Before we travel we do some last-minute shopping for our travel essentials. The best option for me is amazon.com, everything in one platform
Accommodation
I book my accommodation through Agoda.com or Booking.com
Flights
I always book my flight through Trip.com or Skyscanner.com
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance gives complete protection from all mishaps like illness, accidents or thefts or anything so I prefer Worlds Nomad and if you are working abroad this is a must.
Tours
Get Your Guide and Viator give you some amazing tour options in Big Bear Lake.
Must Read:13 Most Exciting Things To Do In Cancun Mexico
Get Free Travel Checklist
Pin This Post To Your Travel Board
