Worry Free Flexible Cancellation 14 Days Before Arrival!!
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!
Discover what gem is specific to your astrological sign, birth month and planetary stone. Find your numerology gem. We’ll show you how to calculate your information and find the right gemstones! Gain insight into Chakra and healing gemstones as well as the Aura and how the colors affect your body!
Scientists cannot agree….Was it a volcanic eruption or a meteorite crashing to earth? Whatever the case, there’s both to explore! Volcanic gas bubbles, known as geodes, take millions of years to develop their sparkling crystalline centers. Choose one for yourself and make use of the custom built machine to crack it open, be the first to reveal its hidden crystals! Imagine, folks gathering to admire the glistening center, you are pleased this volcanic masterpiece is yours to take home.
Seize the moment, voyage among the stars! Lunar debris is abundant with celestial gems. Visit our cosmic galaxy and take home treasures beyond the earth!
Museum replicas cast from dinosaurs that once roamed the earth are on display in addition to the fossils offered for purchase. Earn a dinosaur hunting license and experience a dino-rrifically good time by unearthing fossils from a volcanic sand pit. Keep all the fossils you find! Don’t let this opportunity go extinct….You’ll be sorry-a-saurus if you miss out!
Suitable for all ages! Embrace your inner explorer and try one of our themed gemstone panning or digging activities. They’re fun as well as educational. Every miner will take home a collection of souvenirs. Gemstone panning is a fun alternative to traditional gold panning. We offer a variety of diverse themes to choose from. Each theme’s treasures are different from the next as well as the reveal process. A mineral chart is included to identify your finds and also serves as a resource for additional facts. Best of all, take home all that you discover!
Our fanciful, one of a kind location takes visitors back in time. The Big Bear area brought many miners seeking gold after a bear hunter named William Holcomb discovered the biggest strike in Southern California! Word spread fast and the gold fervor hit at a fevers pitch. Soon after, a town was resurrected to exploit the wealth of gold and the rush was on. Many came to stake their claim in hopes of finding the mother lode. To this very day, the mother lode has not been discovered! At Gold Rush, visitors will gain a glimpse of the past by walking the weathered boardwalk of the Glitter Gulch ghost town. The towns’ afterlife has its own unique personality! The atmosphere will infuse the fever responsible in creating the fascination of the gold rush phenomenon still alive today! Seize an opportunity to pan for real gold and experience the thrill of a eureka moment! Get jailed at the courthouse, check out the Gold N’ Spirits Saloon, meet Maribelle – the miners mule, pay your respects at the “Pay Dirt” Cemetery and so much more! Friendly ghosts roam the grounds, photo opts abound and are encouraged to capture your memorable experiences! Warning…..We know its’ tempting, but, PLEASE don’t encourage the ghosts to follow you home. We love our friendly inhabitants and would be sad to see them go.
Go on our Gold Rush Scavenger Hunt! Custom designed to our location, gamers and puzzle solvers may choose to take the challenge of unlocking clues in order to find the “hidden” treasure!
Order our Special Blend of Gem Gravel Online…
Can’t make it up to our location but want to pan at home. Email or call and one of our glitter gals have your order shipped directly to your door along with instructions. Mining at home is easy and fun. A great activity for children’s kids parties, fundraisers or organization events.
Reservations are required. Please call for details.
Treasure is all around us….at our feet, under the earth and sea as well as above our heads.
We continually add new and interesting options for our returning guests. Special events are held throughout the year.
Photos are highly encouraged to capture the never ending smiles, laughter and moments absolutely guaranteed!
Open Year Round, Rain, Snow or Shine. Our Covered Sluice is Open- Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
The Gold Rush Mining Company is located at 40016 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, Ca. 92315
Appropriate for All Ages – For More Information Call: 909-866-5678
Website: WWW.goldrushminingco.com
Email: goldrushattraction@gmail.com
Days & Hours: Vary by Season – please call to confirm.
There are no special requirements – except to have fun!
Ghost Town Admission: FREE! Retail & Mining Options Range: $ – $$$
California has a way of bringing beauty to mind. When you envision a trip to this westernmost state, it’s easy to imagine loads of sunshine, pricey vehicles swerving along chic boulevards and endless 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 looking for a destination that brings big fun, scenic beauty, rugged landscapes, and pristine waterways, look no further than Big Bear Lake, California. While you’ll indulge in the beauty, you won’t break the bank. Get ready to get out and make the most of a Big Bear vacation without having to spend much to have an amazing time.
When you’re searching for a wonderful low, cost way to explore and understand this vibrant and rich area, be sure to add the Big Bear Historical Museum to your itinerary. This is a great afternoon stop for an immersive and engaging experience. Stop by for a chance to gain an understanding of the cowboys, gold mining rush, Serrano Indians, cattle ranching and farming that made up the past which led to present day Big Bear. The San Bernardino Mountains have long been a place where stories unfold, and this museum has perfected the art of preserving the past for the sake of the future.
Getting out and onto the many trails in Big Bear is a great way to capture the essence of this location while communing with nature. Pine Knot Trail is a top-rated destination for those hiking with friends and family. With a trailhead at Mill Creek Road, Pine Knot Trail covers just over 3-miles of land and provides scenic opportunities to view trees, foliage, wildlife and more! If you circle back to your starting point at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area, you’ll find several picnic tables perfect for enjoying lunch in the open-air.
When you’ve worked up an appetite in the museums and on the trails, head over to Nottinghams Restaurant and Tavern for a well-priced, extra flavorful meal you’re sure to enjoy. Enjoy a rustic ambiance in this wood-façade locale that serves up everything from steak to hamburgers and seafood with Southern California flair. Grab a comfy booth or select an outdoor patio table to enjoy your dinner. This restaurant often hosts live musical performances, making a meal that much sweeter.
You don’t have to bend your budget to make a trip to Big Bear memorable. When you’re here, let the team at Big Bear Vacations book your ideal rental home that matches your taste, style and pocketbook. Contact us today to begin planning!
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.
The Big Bear Mountains are home to some truly spectacular natural views and wonders. Outdoor enthusiasts come from near and far to explore the rugged terrain, incredible wildlife, and spectacular scenery when the summer months arrive. While it’s amazing to explore, this area also serves up a tasty treat in the form of the Big Bear Farmers Market.
Every Tuesday, April through the end of September between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm, visitors and locals are invited to come to indulge in the flavors and colors that let you know the Big Bear Farmers Market is in full swing. This farm to table experience is hosted at the corner of Division and Big Bear Boulevard towards the corner of the Big Bear Convention Center. The Big Bear Farmers Market provides the perfect opportunity for California farmers to display and sell their goods much to the delight of those visiting and browsing. All farmers at this farm-fresh market are certified, California-based growers who pride themselves on offering up top-quality products and produce. Whether you’re in the mood for fish, vegetables or food, the Big Bear Farmers Market is a wonderful place to pick up something savory.
While the highlight of the Big Bear Farmers Market is the fresh food, visitors will have a chance to browse merchandise from a variety of on-site vendors that includes everything from hand-crafted art to Avon products. Candles, carpets and vintage finds are all a part of a day spent wandering and enjoying the atmosphere at The Big Bear Farmers Market.
This farmers market is loved for its farm-fresh take on an afternoon of shopping, but the experience is also dedicated to supporting local businesses. In the name of promoting local shopping opportunities, many food stands, trucks and sample tables set up for this Tuesday event in the hopes of spreading the word about their business. Feel free to dig in and indulge in some local flavors when you try everything from local coffee to tacos and even lemonade.
After a day spent strolling through the Big Bear Farmers Market, make your way back to a home away from home that greets you in stylish comfort. Big Bear Vacations is your number one destination for all things vacation rentals in Big Bear. We’re here to help you book a pristine property that speaks to your specific vacation taste. Contact us today to start planning your next trip.
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.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a week to spare to simply indulge in all that Big Bear, California has to offer, you’re in great luck! This beautiful piece of Southern California provides visitors from near and far with opportunities to engage with nature, explore rugged landscapes, soak up the sun lakeside and mix and mingle with fellow travelers! Not to mention the delicious dining opportunities that wait around nearly every corner. When you’re here for a week, make the most of your time by adding these highlight destinations to your ideal Big Bear to do list.
While it’s incredible to get out and explore the beautiful landscape that makes up Big Bear, the Big Bear Discovery Center on North Shore Drive is the perfect way to get more in-depth with your experience. This combined visitor center, resource center and nature center first opened in 1998 and welcomes 190,000 visitors every year. Stop by and check out the exhibits featuring the area’s many wildlife, speak with a naturalist about hiking and biking in the area or sign up for one of the many eco-tours the center hosts.
When it’s time to hit the trails, Castle Rock is the place to start. The trailhead lies east of the dam on Highway 18 and in total, covers over 2.5-miles of ground. This is a popular route that puts you in touch with other outdoor enthusiasts while maintaining a moderate level of hiking difficulty. The path provides views of the lake and surrounding forests and is a wonderful location for spotting wildlife and birds. Photographers are fond of this path for its many natural frames and often beautiful lighting.
Whether you’re into live music, kayaking or canoeing, Boulder Bay Park is the place for you during a visit to Big Bear. A variety of walking trails make this destination a great place to land with children. Fishing piers provide a wonderful lookout for admiring the many large boulders that surround and find themselves immersed in the lake. Kayakers and canoers will have an easy time making the most of the water with boat ramps readily available. During the summer months, Boulder Bay Park frequently hosts live musical performances on the bandstand so it’s worth keeping an eye on the events calendar!
A week in Big Bear, California is sure to lead to lifetime memories with the amazing options in our Big Bear to do list. As you get ready to explore this beautiful destination, let the team at Big Bear Vacations book you into a rental home that fits your taste and style. Make the trip stress free by focusing on the fun while we take care of the accommodation details. Contact us today to start planning your next adventure!
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.
A trip to Big Bear Lake, California 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 beautiful destination and 3-days can be transformed into unforgettable memories when you hit some of these Big Bear fun places and highlights.
The rugged landscape and lush foliage that encompass Big Bear Lake make this destination one that beckons to outdoor enthusiasts from near and far. When you’re here for three days, make sure to dedicate one of those days to a biking trip around Alpine Pedal Path. Hugging North Shore Drive, this path provides pristinely maintained paved roadway dedicated to bike and foot traffic. Opportunities to view the lake while making your way through towering trees alongside local wildlife make this the perfect destination for the entire family.
Once you’ve spent time admiring the water at Big Bear, it’s time to dedicate some time to the wildlife that calls this area home. Big Bear is teeming with incredible creatures and many of them are protected at Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Fowl Preserve. A stroll along the boardwalk offers up unsurpassed views of the natural marsh and the many birds that use this ecosystem for nesting. The preserve covers nearly 45-acres and provides a peaceful place to see nature thrive without the commotion of boats or swimmers nearby.
End your 3-day Big Bear getaway on a sweet note by booking tickets for a show at The Cave. This movie theater turned performance venue is a family-friendly establishment that features up and coming musicians on a regular basis. Two levels of seating and options to reserve VIP tickets make this destination a musical treat for everyone. Whether you’re into folk, disco or rock, The Cave on Village Drive is an excellent place to top off your Southern California vacation.
The team at Big Bear Vacations is happy to help you book the perfect vacation home for your 3-day stay in Big Bear, but we’re pretty sure one trip here will lead to another and we’ll see you again soon. No matter how many times you visit, we’ll be sure to have you settled in a Big Bear home away from home that makes you feel like family. Contact us today to start planning your Big bear getaway and visit the best Big Bear fun places!
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.
Hiking in a scenic mountain setting like Big Bear means that you and your traveling companions have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the area’s breathtaking wilderness firsthand. Find out more about Big Bear hiking trails down below!
Hikers of all skills and abilities will find a trail to love with the extensive network of Big Bear hiking trails. Whether you’re not too experienced with hiking or you just want to go on an easy, laid-back Big Bear hike, the best places to start are Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail and Woodland Trail for hiking in Big Bear and Alpine Pedal Pathon the northern shore of Big Bear Lake for a nice paved walk.
Find More Fun Things to Do
Book Big Bear Rentals
Learn More About Hiking in Big Bear
The Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail is just over a half-mile long, taking hikers to one of the tallest trees in all of Big Bear: the Champion Lodgepole Pine. Woodland Trail offers beautiful sights as well, while the Alpine Pedal Path is two miles long and exposes visitors to gorgeous views of Big Bear Lake along the way.
On the opposite end of the difficulty, spectrum is Cougar Crest Trail. For any hiker looking for a challenge, Cougar Crest Trail might be the best Big Bear hiking trail around, as its four to five-and-a-half mile-length makes it one of the longer trails around and it links up with the amazing Pacific Crest Trail. You’ll encounter the trailhead at a half-mile past the Discovery Center.
Hikers seeking trails that are more challenging than a nature walk and less challenging than Cougar Crest Trail might want to try Pine Knot Trail or Castle Rock Trail. The trailhead for Pine Knot Trail starts in the Aspen Glen Picnic Area and takes hikers through a winding path lined with white fir and Jeffrey pine trees until you reach Grand View Point, for a total of six miles.
Castle Rock Trail, meanwhile, can be found along Big Bear Lake’s southern shore. It’s a popular Big Bear hiking trail for its sweeping views that span a full three hundred and sixty degrees of panoramic sights, making the mild two and a half-mile length of the trail more than worth it.
https://www.alltrails.com/us/california/big-bear-lake
Contact our reservation specialists to learn about hiking in Big Bear and other fun outdoor activities and sports that you can do in Big Bear when you book your lodgings in one of our quaint vacation rental cabins or lodges today!
Big Bear Lake, California offers up unsurpassed views nearly everywhere you look, but nothing compares to getting out and hitting up the many trails this area calls its own. Between the mountains that stretch towards the blue skies, the gently flowing waterways, pristine lakes and towering forests, hiking in this region is sure to an experience in natural discovery. While the options for hiking are vast, there are a few trails that stand out from the rest and shouldn’t be missed.
Before you make your way to the trailhead, be sure that you’ve packed for the occasion. Hikers are encouraged to carry enough water to last for the entire hike and should always come prepared with durable footwear and layered clothing. While trails fluctuate between levels of difficulty, the terrain here includes rock outcroppings, steep inclines and a variety of plant life that should be taken into consideration before heading out. Hiking in teams is a great way to keep the adventure safe and provides backup if you should require assistance. Visitors should also note that trail maps and information on off-the-beaten path routes are always available at the Big Bear Visitor Center upon request.
Covering over 3-miles of ground, Pine Knot Trail is an excellent hike for those looking for a moderately challenging excursion. Located off Mill Creek Road, those who take this trail are sure to encounter an array of beautiful wildflowers as well as Pine and Oak trees that line the path. A panoramic view of Big Bear Lake marks a significant point of natural beauty on this trail.
Located just east of Big Bear Dam, Castle Rock Trail is a very popular destination with visitors to the area. While this trail doesn’t make for a long climb, those looking to enjoy a vertical challenge will enjoy the elevation fluctuations of 500-feet. Rock outcroppings make for picturesque stops along the way while Cedar, Pine and White Fir trees make up the primary population of the surrounding forest. A panoramic view of the lake is waiting for hikers at the highest point of the trail and is well worth the climb.
Those looking for a family hike will want to make their way towards the Alpine Pedal Path Trail that begins at the Stanfield Cutoff. This paved trail covers over 3-miles of ground in total and is a convenient route for those traveling with skateboards, bikes or strollers. This area is also infamous for the potential to view the Bald Eagle population that makes its way towards the San Bernardino Mountains between the months of November and April each year.
When you’ve hiked the trails and need a place to refuel for upcoming adventures, make sure you’re booked into a vacation home that provides the comfort you deserve. The team at Big Bear Vacations is happy to help you find a location that fits your outdoor taste and style. Let us know if you’re looking for a rustic cabin, a lakefront home or a place that provides a private hot tub. Our large portfolio of properties means we can help customized any stay. Contact us to start planning!
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.
Click below to see our amazing Big Bear Vacation Rentals!Search Our Big Bear Vacation Rentals
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!
The phrase “like a kid in a candy store” truly applies to visitor to this shop. Walk in intending to spend $10, and you most certainly will walk out having spent $20 or more. The Village offers 16 types of taffy, 21 kinds of Sixlets, Jelly Bellys galore, chocolates, cotton candy, Rice Krispies treats, candy apples and more.You’ll take a walk down memory lane with rainbow belts and candy cigarettes.
This place isn’t just about the candy. How about bacon cotton candy? Yep, they sell it. How about a bacon scented mustache? Yep, they sell it. And it makes total sense when you think about it. Who doesn’t love the smell of bacon? Smack it on your upper lip and you can be breathing it in for hours.
Forget the candy necklace. How about a candy bra? Yep, they sell it. Walk in to buy your favorites, and you’ll always come out finding something new.
The unexpected favorite of this Big Bear candy store? Gelato. Visitors rave about it, which is the best after a long, hot day on the lake. The mango sorbetto and creme brûlée gelato are crowd favorites.
The Village Sweet Shoppe also sells a fun selection of toys and gag gifts, which will definitely keep you longer (and laughing) than you expected.
North Shore is one of two marinas on Big Bear Lake. This Big Bear marina is a one-stop shop for all your water sport needs. You can take wakeboard and waterski rides and rent kayaks, pontoon boats, fishing equipment, Jet Skis and canoes.
North Shore offers one-person, two-person and three-person jet ski rentals. If this is your first time riding one or you just need a refresher course, North Shore has you covered. Friendly staff will make sure you feel comfortable with your new ride.
If you’re bringing family and friends, try Big Bear marina boat rentals, like a speed boat! It’s a fun, adventurous, adrenaline-fueled way to enjoy your vacation at Big Bear. Bring a cooler on the boat, pack a lunch and make it a day. Better yet, rent inner tubes to pull behind your boat and your kids will never forget their trip to Big Bear Lake.
Pontoon boats, or party barges, also are a great way to enjoy the day, especially if you have a larger party or have small children. Pontoon boats offer a slower-paced, easy way to enjoy the lake. Anchor and stay awhile while you eat your lunch, drink your beer and let the kids swim and fish.
All Big Bear marina boat rentals are stocked with Coast Guard life preservers for adults as well as an anchor, paddle, horn, lines, fenders, throwable device and fire extinguisher. Ski jackets are available free of charge for children as young as 6 months old to adults.
No trip to Big Bear Lake is a complete without a lake tour aboard the lake’s pirate ship, “Time Bandit,” which is sailed by pirates! North Shore Big Bear marina offers daily tours for all ages. Each captain puts his or her own twist on the tour, so use your imagination and have some fun with it. Adults cost $22, seniors 64 and over cost $20, children 3 and over cost $14, and children less than 2 are free.
North Shore Landing Big Bear Marina
To book this experience call: 909-878-4386
Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 8AM-8PM
North Shore Big Bear marina offers daily tours for all ages. Each captain puts his or her own twist on the tour, so use your imagination and have some fun with it. Adults cost $22, seniors 64 and over cost $20, children 3 and over cost $14, and children less than 2 are free.
sdfsdfsfsdf
