Things to Do in Big Bear

Big Bear Discovery Center

To book this experience call: 909-382-2790

Hours:

Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 9AM-4PM

Tuesday-Wednesday: closed

A trip to Big Bear Lake a dream for outdoor enthusiasts that hail from near and far. This lush landscape teeming with wildlife and prime hiking trails makes for excellent adventures in the great outdoors. Whether you’re an expert outdoorsman, or new to getting out into nature, a stop by the Big Bear Discovery Center is an essential add to the itinerary.

Boulder Bay Park

To book this experience call: 909-866-5831

This is a new highlight for visitors and is located east of the Big Bear Lake Dam. Well-maintained with pristine trails and green spaces great for roaming, Boulder Bay Park is a place to spend an afternoon with the family. Picnic tables can be found placed throughout the park and make for lunch underneath the California sun. When the picnic is complete, feel free to go down the dock and admire the waterfront view just waiting to be captured in just as effective as a prime fishing destination.

Fishing

Prices usually start at $20.00 for a single-day permit, which can be applied toward a $50.00 seasonal permit.

You can charter your own fishing boat with charter services (Big Bear Charter Fishing and Lucky Bear Fishing Charters). If you have your own gear and boat, you would just buy a fishing permit and take your boat and equipment to one of the two public boat launches in the area. The public boat launches (on the eastern and western shores of the lake), also have fishing permits for purchase.

Helicopter Ride

To book this experience call: 909-585-1200

Hours:

Monday-Friday: 10:30AM-4PM

Saturday-Sunday: 10AM-5PM

501 Valley Boulevard Big Bear City, Ca 92314
Located at the Big Bear City Airport Terminal

Driving to Big Bear offers lovely views of the San Bernadino mountains.  Once you arrive the view continues to be spectacular.  If you want an entirely different perspective, take a helicopter tour.  You can see the mountains and Big Bear Valley from above and see things you just might miss on the ground!

Horseback Riding

To book this experience call: 909-585-6482

Because Baldwin Lake Stables is open year-round, horseback rides can be experienced no matter the season. In fact, visitors often find that winter rides are a one-of-a-kind experience that combines a gorgeous ride with a horse’s passion for running through the snow. Fall provides stunning scenery of colorful foliage and summer makes for an exceptional experience as the scenery rests in full bloom. No matter what month you choose to ride, guests can pick between 1, 2 or 3-hours excursions. Reservations for a half-day ride come complete with a packed sack lunch for guests to enjoy at stopping points.

Pine Knot Village

Big Bear Lake brings the natural wonder to the center of any visit. Surrounded by mountains, waterways and lush forests, it’s almost impossible to make your way to this area without absorbing a sense of wonder at all the beauty that surrounds you. While the natural world that makes up Big Bear Lake is vast, there are some smaller point of charming exploration that should not be missed. Pine Knot Village is a regional highlight that combines the best of small-town vibes with quaint, local shopping opportunities.

Romantic Spots in Big Bear

The stunning and diverse landscape of Big Bear Lake makes it a wonderful place to go when you’re planning a romantic getaway. Whether you’re all about getting out into nature together or enjoying fine dining with a stunning view, there’s bound to be something that keeps you close and lets you make those romantic memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Stanfield Marsh Wildlife & Waterfowl Preserve

Located at Big Bear Boulevard and Stanfield Cutoff, the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve is a peaceful place to spend an afternoon and offers easy access points for exploration. The preserve is easily identifiable by the stunning wooden gazebo that marks a strategic starting point. Minimal parking encourages visitors to show up at staggered times throughout the day and makes for a quiet and serene experience for both the animals that live here and the people looking to make the most of the experience.

Think barrels overflowing with candy. A candy castle stares down at you, enormous and inviting. Gelato is ribboned into chilled containers inside the glass display case. Welcome to the Village Sweet Shoppe. Eat your fill and feel like a kid again!

Hiking

Oh, the places you will go!  So many amazing hiking trails to choose from in Big Bear.  From easy to difficult, the entire family and/or group will enjoy the trails.  Some of the best hiking in southern California and the views of the mountains and lake will not disappoint.

3 Days in Big Bear

A trip to Big Bear Lake is best enjoyed on an extended schedule. With so much to see, do and explore you could stay well beyond your intended itinerary and still find more to discover. However, it is possible to plan a weekend getaway to this gorgeous destination and 3-days can be transformed into unforgettable memories when you hit some of these Big Bear fun places and highlights.

7 Days in Big Bear

If you’re lucky enough to have a week to spare to indulge in all that Big Bear has to offer, you’re in great luck! This beautiful place provides tourists from near and far with opportunities to engage with nature, explore rugged landscapes, soak up the sun lakeside and mix and mingle with other travelers! Not to mention the tasty dining opportunities that wait around almost every corner.

Big Bear Farmers Market

The Big Bear Mountains are home to some amazing natural views and wonders. Outdoor fans come from near and far to explore the rugged terrain, incredible wildlife, and stunning scenery when the summer months come. While it’s amazing to explore, this area also serves up a tasty treat in the form of the Big Bear Farmers Market.

Planning a Trip to Big Bear on a Budget

When you envision a trip to this westernmost state, it’s easy to imagine loads of sunshine, pricey vehicles swerving along chic boulevards and infinite coastline waiting to be surfed. While swanky Southern California most definitely has its perks, there’s much more to this area waiting to be explored! When you’re searching for a destination that brings big fun, scenic beauty, rugged landscapes, and pristine waterways, look no further than Big Bear Lake. While you’ll indulge in the beauty, you won’t break the bank.

Open year round, visit Big Bear’s premier gemstone experience! Featured in magazines and newspapers as well as on the lifestyle television show of “This is LA”, the Gold Rush Mining Co. is the most unique, immersive and interactive gift store and attraction dedicated to the mining theme. Designed to appeal to all ages, stimulate imagination and satisfy various interests in earth’s elements. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of interesting artifacts and items in addition to crystals, rocks, minerals, fossils and geodes originating from all over the world. Also showcased is a selection of jewelry, toys, souvenirs as well as other retail items – all placed within thoughtfully created displays. One is sure to find something for everyone in your party. From the moment you step onto the property, It’s a visual extravaganza not to be missed!

Experience Package – Available with a Big Bear Vacations Cabin Rental!

To book this experience call: 855-638-3971

Hours:

Monday-Sunday: 7AM-12AM

Off Road Tours

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 offer tours for the whole family, and their most popular kid-friendly tour explores Holcomb Valley and ends with exploring an old miner’s settlement. They also have more intermediate and advanced tour options!

Experience Package – Available with a Big Bear Vacations Cabin Rental!

To book this experience call: 855-638-3971

Hours:

Monday-Friday: 10AM-4PM

Saturday-Sunday: 10AM-6PM

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

Enjoy family fun activities year round. 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.

Experience Package – Available with a Big Bear Vacations Cabin Rental

To book this experience call: 855-638-3971

Hours:

Monday-Sunday: 10AM-4PM

Alpine Zoo

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a must-see during your stay in Big Bear Lake.

The Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured and orphaned wild animals a safe haven, temporarily while they heal or permanently, as they are unable to survive on their own. 90% of all animals brought to the Zoo are successfully released back into their native environment.

Adults (ages 11-up) $12.00
Seniors (age 60+) $9.00
Children (ages 3-10) $9.00
Children (2 –under) Free