Big Bear Lake is located in California's San Bernardino Mountains that provides scenic beauty outdoor adventures and things to do all year round. During winter, skiing and snowboarding are done at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Travelers during summer enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking around the area.
The village itself has numerous shops, restaurants, and special events like Oktoberfest, adding significant character to it. Its calm waters and pine forests surrounding the lake provide an ideal retreat for nature lovers and families.
Here are 20 memorable things to do in Big Bear Lake, California:
1. Attend Starlight Festival
The Starlight Festival is an annual event that brings astronomy enthusiasts, experts, and curious visitors together to have a good time under the night sky. Organized in places that boast ideal sky conditions, it hosts interesting lectures by prominent astronomers and astrophysicists, shedding light on the numerous mysteries of the universe.
Interactive sessions in the program include viewing by telescope, through which one can see planets, stars, and very distant galaxies. These shall often include workshops, educative talks, and interactive exhibits, making it a very family-friendly event. The Starlight Festival avails the chance to take your knowledge of the cosmos to a new level, in a very rare and far-between opportunity.
2. Visit Big Bear Escape Room
Big Bear Escape Room is an interesting, immersive adventure for those who dare to challenge their problem-solving skills. From the pirate who's hunting down his treasure to the mysterious crime, or even an escape from a haunted house, every room is set to keep your mind working out, test teamwork, and stretch your imagination.
Perfect for groups of friends, families, or corporate team-building activities, these escape rooms certainly prove to be truly exciting adventures wherein participants are prompted to think en masse in solving the clues that will lead to their way out before time runs out.
3. Celebrate Big Bear Oktoberfest
Big Bear Oktoberfest is an energetic display of German tradition against the beautiful backdrop of Big Bear Lake. Oktoberfest brings a taste of Bavaria's 'Oktoberfest' to California. German food will include fun-filled varieties, such as bratwurst, pretzels, and sauerkraut, in addition to the traditional ones.
Guests can gorge on a few steins of authentic German beers while they are serenaded with live music from German bands. The fest also includes traditional folk dances, whereby one can get involved in the fun of dancing the polka and other dance styles. Log sawing contests, stein holding contests, and a very festive atmosphere of activities truly give Big Bear Oktoberfest a taste of rich German heritage.
4. Fishing
The most popular things to do on Big Bear Lake provide anglers with a nice variety, including rainbow trout, bass, and catfish. Being a regularly stocked lake, it is perfect for any angler, from the beginner to the expert. Its crystal-clear waters and serene mountain backdrop offer the perfect ambiance to get your fish on for the day.
The season typically runs from spring into fall, and anglers have the serenity and quiet of the outdoors while they wait for their next big catch. Additionally, local shops provide all the necessary bait, tackle, and even rentals of gear to ensure you have everything that you may need on the lake.
5. Helicopter Tours
Come and enjoy the exciting helicopter tours of New Big Bear Lake with its unforgettable birds-eye view of the lake surrounded by forests and the San Bernardino Mountains. As you fly overhead, you will view the vista's natural beauty through new eyes: from the azure, glistening waters of our lake to the tawny, craggy mountains and the tiny village below.
The duration of the scheduled tours varies in the reach of particular areas, including the scenic Big Bear Valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Helicopter tours at Big Bear Lake make your special celebration day, or just adventure, bright with exciting and picturesque views of the landscape around.
6. Snow Play
Big Bear Snow Play offers excellent winter snowplay. This place has some of the best family snow play time that people can avail of. You can have the best adventure in tubing and sledding on their fully groomed slopes at this place. You can ride down at one of many tubing lanes or take a leisurely cruise with options for all ages and all skill levels.
Get into winter vibes with no stress about your gear; rental equipment is available. Besides tubing, there are other sledding areas nearby, so everyone has room to play in the snow. Add a beautiful mountain backdrop, and it is simply an ideal spot to capture winter memories with friends and loved ones.
7. Off-Road Adventures
Off-road adventure is now among the most thrilling activities to do when in Big Bear Lake. It provides a thrilling, high-energy version of the views of the windswept terrain surrounding the lake. This can be powered by renting a Jeep or ATV and navigating through the scenic trails and backroads surrounding the lake.
Off-road vehicles such as these are great to cover diversified landscapes, from rocky paths to forested trails. Guide yourself on a two-track for an exciting push, or a slow, easy-going adventure; either way, you can experience off-road fun in the big outdoors around Big Bear Lake. Most of these kinds of rentals offer to lead tours or several can be found renting equipment with suggested take-to-the-trail maps and advice.
8. Participate In Big Bear Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Big Bear Scavenger Hunt Adventure is the coolest way to seek out attractions in Big Bear Lake, intelligently interleaved with an exciting challenge. In this self-guided adventure, participants have to seek out clues and complete challenges to move their journey through local landmarks and hidden gems.
During your hunt, you may pass famous spots like scenic viewpoints, historic sites, quaint shops, and restaurants. It will turn this simple act of exploration into a cool exercise and is, therefore, just the right activity for families, groups of friends, or teams looking for special experiences.
9. Visit Baldwin Lake Stables
The stables at Baldwin Lake Stables, situated in Big Bear Lake, California, offer one of the most memorable horseback riding experiences. It has cool stables that, with a beautiful mountain trail backdrop, will let you enjoy a guided horse ride through its scenic beauty. The trails accommodate different levels of skills and display beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
Riding through peaceful forests and along the edge of the lake, you will get a unique view of Big Bear Lake's natural beauty. Baldwin Lake Stables is perfect for any individual who desires to surround himself or herself with outdoor beauty in this region and have that classic Western adventure in his or her specified category.
10. Take A Big Bear Pirate Ship
The Big Bear Pirate Ship offers a different and fun way to enjoy the beauty of Big Bear Lake. Onboard this replica pirate ship, enjoy an adventurous cruise of breathtaking views and swashbuckling excitement across the lake. You will see beautiful views of mountains and surrounding forests from off the water.
The swashbuckling flavor gives the experience a light-hearted value, making it a surefire with families and anybody else seeking a memorable afternoon out. The Big Bear Pirate Ship offers both a tranquil boat ride and an entertaining adventure on the lake with its themed activities and interesting comments.
11. Explore Village Shopping And Dining
Village Shopping and Dining in Big Bear Lake is a unique way to feel the charm that the town offers. Through the charming Big Bear Village, one will find the most spectacular one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques everything from handmade craft items from local artists to outdoor gear from known and quality brands.
There are a variety of restaurants and cafes, boasting everything from good comfort food to fine dining. Usually, it's a quiet corner to eat or a place to find that special gift, there's something here for everyone. And along with shopping and dining, comes entertainment with live music and seasonal events.
12. Visit The Big Bear Lake Solar Observatory
The Big Bear Lake Solar Observatory is one of the places that would interest most solar astronomy enthusiasts. This facility was primarily established for sun-related research, offering the visiting public an opportunity to learn more about solar phenomena and the latest research studies in this field.
This observatory enables a visitor to get special insight into the sun's activity, including solar flares and sunspots, thanks to its modern equipment and a high-power telescope. Guided tours and educational programs are usually generic activities, where one may further learn about the science behind solar observations.
13. Discover Big Bear Discovery Center
The Big Bear Discovery Center in the area of Big Bear Lake, provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about natural history and wildlife. The education center houses a lot of displays, with numerous interactive exhibits revealing the local ecosystem actually, the flora and fauna of the place.
Nature walks, educational programs, and workshops are some of the activities that the center offers to the public, making it a great stop for a family visit or to satisfy the soul of that nature enthusiast. The Big Bear Discovery Center prepares you for your visit with interesting displays and resources that connect you to the natural beauty and biodiversity of Big Bear Lake.
14. Experience Alpine Slide At Magic Mountain
The Magic Mountain Alpine Slide is one of those certain experiences sure to bring out the adrenaline rush in every thrill enthusiast. Situated in Big Bear Lake, this attraction offers a curvy, twisting track down which you can ride a bobsled on the side of a mountain.
The slide offers both a combination of speed and brilliant views, making for a great activity to be had by each visitor of every age. You'll feel the whims of curves and straightaways right on the track, having your speed within control of that added element of excitement. Join in on outdoor fun at the Alpine Slide, while taking in the beautiful scenery of Big Bear Lake's mountains.
15. Hike To Castle Rock Trail
Castle Rock Trail is one of Big Bear Lake's most popular hiking spots, known for its views and picturesque beauty. This average trail will bring hikers to a rocky outcropping providing a view of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding mountain landscape. On this hike, you will work up through diverse terrain a mixture of forested areas and open rocky spots that will result in some breathtaking views.
This well-marked trail provides the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains. If you are a hardcore hiker or just a view seeker, then Castle Rock Trail will reward you with great views and fun outdoor experiences.
16. Visit Big Bear Alpine Zoo
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rescue zoo which means it focuses on rehabilitating and taking care of injured, orphaned, and not releasable animals. It is a great place for all animal lovers and those interested in wildlife preservation. The visitors come across both native and exotics, such as black bears, mountain lions, and wolves, and even small creatures like birds and reptiles.
The zoo's major agenda is education through awareness about the natural habitats and problems posed to the animals. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo promises a fulfilling experience, full of learning, while also ensuring the well-being of its resident animals.
17. Snow Summit
Snow Summit is one of the largest outdoor sports players in Big Bear Lake, offering sports all year long. In winter, it becomes a very busy resort of ski and snowboard slopes with well-groomed slopes and varied terrains suitable for all different expertise. Whatever your taste in snow sports may be, you will have ample opportunity to get your thrill.
In the warmer months, Snow Summit shifts gears to mountain biking and hiking. With a full range of trails, for casual riders looking to advance bikers and scenic hiking paths that include vistas of beautiful mountain landscapes, Snow Summit offers enjoyment and exploration with every season.
18. Enjoy Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake allows one to engage in all kinds of water activities on its very pristine waters. Boating is a beloved activity whereby rentals are provided for various types of boats, such as slow, non-motorized pontoon boats and fast motorboats. Fishing anglers are free to throw their lines for a variety of species like trout and bass in this well-stocked lake.
For those who enjoy more active water sports, kayaking, and paddleboarding enable one to observe the lake shoreline and the views from the mountains without a lot of fanfare. Looking to laze around the water or seek adventure? Big Bear Lake has the perfect setting.
19. Visit Bear Mountain Resort
Of California's most famous winter sports resorts, the Bear Mountain Resort brings wintertime sporting adventures alive amidst beautiful scenery. Having some of the finest terrain parks, this resort offers the best experiences at any level to a snowboarder or a skier. One can be assured of challenging oneself with jumps and rails to half-pipe tricks at this mountain.
This resort has diverse terrain suitable for all people, ranging from the easiest slopes and beginning runs to the most extreme for the most advanced riders. Other than skiing and snowboarding, visitors to Bear Mountain are also treated to stunning views of the San Bernardino Mountains and Big Bear Lake, which offer more of an outdoor adventure.
20. Discover Big Bear Historical Museum
The Big Bear Historical Museum gives one of the most interesting looks into the vast and varied history of Big Bear Valley. Located in the center of Big Bear Lake, this museum showcases exhibits and artifacts of this area, revealing its past, like early settlers, mining history, and Native American heritage.
This museum exhibits historical photographs, documents, and memorabilia to show visitors how the region developed from the past to the present. The museum usually hosts educational programs and special events that help to divulge more of the local history. It provides a really interesting and informative experience for those who wish to learn more about Big Bear Valley's heritage.
