Local Guide
Things to do in Big Bear
From lake days and trailheads to cozy meals and family stops, this guide gathers the experiences that shape a memorable stay in the mountains.
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Activities
Water Sports
Big Bear Lake
A stunning 7-mile alpine lake at 6,743 feet offering world-class trout fishing, boating, and swimming in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains.
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Winter Sports
Snow Summit Ski Resort
Big Bear's premier ski resort with 240 acres of skiable terrain, night skiing, and a family-friendly tubing area.
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Winter Sports
Bear Mountain Resort
Home to the first terrain park in North America — Southern California's top freestyle destination with 100+ features and panoramic summit views.
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Family Fun
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
A unique wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in Moonridge, home to 127+ rescued animals of the San Bernardino Mountains and beyond.
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Shopping
The Village
Big Bear's walkable downtown district along Pine Knot Avenue — 50+ shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and year-round events.
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Water Sports
Fishing on Big Bear Lake
Cast for trout, bass, and catfish on a 7-mile alpine lake with 23 miles of shoreline — boat rentals and guided trips available year-round.
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Water Sports
Jet Skiing on Big Bear Lake
Rent jet skis and waverunners at Big Bear Lake marinas — open water, mountain scenery, and a 35 mph speed limit for safe fun.
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Water Sports
Kayaking on Big Bear Lake
Explore Big Bear Lake's tranquil coves by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard — singles from $49 for 2 hours, full-day rentals under $100.
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Hiking & Nature
Boulder Bay Park
A lakeside park on the west end of Big Bear Lake with a small swimming beach, picnic areas, paved paths, and a self-launch for kayaks and paddleboards.
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Hiking
Castle Rock Trail
A popular moderate 2.8-mile round-trip hike to dramatic granite rock formations with sweeping panoramic views of Big Bear Lake.
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Hiking
Pine Knot Trail
A scenic 7.1-mile round-trip trail through pine forest to Grand View Point (7,784 ft), with panoramic vistas reaching to San Gorgonio and Catalina Island on clear days.
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Outdoor Adventure
Big Bear Mountain Biking
Ride lift-served downhill and cross-country trails at Snow Summit Bike Park — 17 trails, skill-builder park, and miles of singletrack through the San Bernardino National Forest.
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Outdoor Adventure
Horseback Riding
Guided 1- to 4-hour horseback rides and sunset trails through the San Bernardino Mountains with Baldwin Lake Stables in Big Bear City.
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Family Fun
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
A year-round family amusement park featuring a dual-track bobsled-style alpine slide, go-karts, mini golf, and a double waterslide.
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Family Fun
Scenic Sky Chair Rides
Ride Snow Summit's chairlift to 8,200 ft for panoramic views of Big Bear Lake and the San Bernardino Mountains — June through October.
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Family Fun
Bowling Barn
Big Bear's favorite family entertainment center featuring 16 bowling lanes, arcade games, a full sports bar (Alley Oops), and a grill.
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Dining & Drinks
Craft Breweries & Wine Tasting
Sample craft beer, small-batch wines, and Glühwein at Big Bear's growing collection of taprooms and wine bars — most walkable from The Village.
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Outdoor Adventure
Stargazing at Big Bear
Experience brilliant night skies at 6,750 feet elevation with Bortle 4.5–5.5 darkness — home to the world-renowned Big Bear Solar Observatory.
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Stay in one of our curated mountain retreats, steps from Big Bear's finest trails, slopes, and lakefront.
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