Mention that you’re taking a trip to Southern California and there’s a good chance endless sun and year-round warm weather come to mind. However, if you’re looking to head this way and take time to unwind in a place that savors four seasons instead, you’ll want to look to Big Bear. Situated just two hours from Los Angeles, Big Bear, California is an off-the-beaten-path vacation destination that calls to travelers looking for scenery, cooler temperatures, and easy access to outdoor adventure alike. Whether you’re excited for time on the lake, hikes in the mountains, or moments spent savoring the view from a delicious restaurant patio, there is something for everyone to enjoy here. Because Big Bear sits at 7,000 feet above sea level, it paints a refreshing weather contrast to nearby Los Angeles and has plenty of snow for wintertime visitors to enjoy. You can count on the average temperature in Big Bear to be around 20 degrees cooler than Los Angeles no matter when you arrive. Despite its relatively hidden-away appeal, Big Bear still sees big waves of visitors during certain times of the year. When you want to maximize the fun and the tranquility of your visit, consider a vacation in Big Bear during the quiet seasons instead.
Plan for a Great Quiet Season Getaway
High travel season in Big Bear is typically considered to encompass winter and summer. During the wintertime, ski enthusiasts arrive in droves to take advantage of time on the slopes and the alpine slide! In the summertime, Big Bear Lake is brimming over with those who are excited to spend as much time on the waves as possible. That makes spring and fall ideal times of year for those who are looking for a quieter escape from the daily hustle of life. The spring off-season in Big Bear includes April through June while the fall off-season travel time runs from September through October. No matter which of these timeframes works in your schedule, many of the benefits are the same. Traveling during the quiet seasons at Big Bear means making the most of ideal weather, far fewer crowds at local attractions and on the trails, and cheaper rates at most places too.
Getting Here
If you’re traveling to Big Bear from Los Angeles in the quiet seasons, the best way to reach your final destination is to follow the 101 South to the 210 East for approximately two hours. Visitors who are heading in from further away often choose to fly into Ontario International Airport which is located at the halfway mark between Big Bear and Los Angeles. This airport has a variety of convenient rental car options on-site making it simple to get behind the wheel and get your off-season adventure underway.
Activities to Enjoy While You’re Here
In both the quiet seasons of spring and fall in Big Bear, visitors who love a good deal are going to want to set aside some quality time to explore the many stores located downtown. Big Bear Village is a hub for retail fun and this time of year, you’ll likely find deep discounts on everything from apparel and home goods to souvenirs. Afterward, make sure to get out and explore the beautiful hiking trails. A spring journey this way means you’ll beat the summer heat and crowds, giving you options to move beyond an early morning hike into an afternoon stroll if you choose to. If you’re in Big Bear in the fall, time on the trails can easily be matched up with admiring the fall foliage that brings the mountains to life in color. In both quiet seasons, the Pine Knot Trail remains a highly recommended route for hikers of all skill levels. In total, this path spans 6.8 miles of scenic terrain and if you head all the way to the top, you get rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views of your lush surroundings.
Both fall and spring in Big Bear are incredible times of the year for those with a passion for casting a line. Getting out on the water is a breeze with fewer fellow visitors to contend with, and quieter waters mean more opportunities to reel in something extra exciting. Whether you pack your own tackle box or you sign up for a guided outing, the waters here are a great place to try for bass, catfish, rainbow trout, and more.
Book Great Accommodations in the Quiet Seasons
All year long, the team at Big Bear Vacations is committed to providing our guests with access to incredible vacation rental options across Big Bear, and the quiet seasons are no exception! When you’re ready to turn those travel plans into a reality, we’re here to help. Reach out today to learn more about our luxurious lineup of Big Bear vacation rentals options available and how we can help you take your quiet season travel plans to the next level of excellence with every reservation.
