Take a much-needed break to a locale full of fresh mountain air, lake calm, and small-town charm. Point your compass to Big Bear and enjoy it all. When these are the major features of your vacation destination, you’ll want to soak up all the outdoor fun you can while you’re here. There are plenty of Big Bear outdoor activities for all ages and skill levels, as well as family-friendly options so everyone has a great outdoor experience in Big Bear no matter how young or old.
Horseback Ride
Gather your loved ones and saddle up for a horseback ride of Big Bear and the surrounding area. Baldwin Lake Stables offers rides through Big Bear Valley in one-, two-, and three-hour trips. Choose your trip length and take a tour of the area to major destinations including Big Bear Valley, Pacific Crest Trail, and parts of the vast Mojave Desert. Opt for the sunset ride and watch the sun sink below the mountains as you wander the great outdoors. For the longer rides, you can bring a lunch with you and the tour will stop for a bite to eat before heading back.
Alpine Pedal Path
If you’d rather stretch your legs, you can set out on foot, or rent some bikes and point yourself in the direction of the Alpine Pedal Path. The path is located on the north shore of Big Bear Lake. The 2.5-mile-long path is perfect for all ages and skill levels, since it is mostly asphalt and mostly flat. There are sections that cut close to the water for a beautiful view of the lake, as well as through trees and beautiful scenery for a fun way to get a breath of fresh mountain air and sunshine on one of the best outdoor activities in Big Bear. Start your adventure at the Stanfield Cutoff, and end near the Solar Observatory. No matter what mode of transportation you choose, make sure to watch for walkers, joggers, bikers, and others gliding along the path on rollerblades.
Hiking
A breath of fresh mountain air, beautiful mountain scenery, pine forests, and open landscape as far as the eye can see. Lace up your hiking shoes or boots and pack plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection and head out to explore the nature of Big Bear and the surrounding area. You’ll find many parks and trails in and around Big Bear to hike to see nature’s beauty at its best. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture pictures of breathtaking landscapes and local wildlife in their natural habitat.
Water Activities
There are six marinas around Big Bear Lake! That mean you can find just about any water sport or rental gear you need for the perfect lakeside getaway.
Enjoy traditional water activities like swimming, and maybe some you haven’t thought of trying before. Rent a boat and cruise the lake, go wakeboarding or water skiing. For some extra adrenaline, rent a jet ski. The marinas also rent gear for activities like canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water sports. After a splash in the lake, dry off on shore and sunbathe, watch the kids build sand castles, or plant a beach umbrella and lounge the day away. Make sure you secure fishing and boating licenses if required.
Magic Mountain
Enjoy some thrills on land. There’s the thrill of the alpine slide, which weaves down a bobsled-style course with high-banking turns and fast straightaways snaking through beautiful mountain scenery, then spend some time at the many other attractions at Magic Mountain park. Cool off with a ride down the alpine water slide when you twist and turn down one of two slides before splashing down into the 3 ½-foot-deep splash pool. All riders must wear a provided life jacket. Spend the day on the slide or occupy yourself with go-karts, mini-golf, or the newest attraction, the “Soaring Eagle” ride that takes riders steadily backwards 100 feet vertical and 500 feet long to a launch tower that then catapults you at speeds of up to 28 miles per hour back to the base. Make sure to check hours and book tickets online. Participants must be at least 36” tall for most of the rides.
The Great Outdoors of Big Bear
Extend the fun and relaxation you crave to your accommodations by booking a vacation rental with Big Bear Vacations. Make a home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Gather together on the couch and watch a movie or spend some time outdoors with the myriad of activities available. Choose a cozy one-bedroom for your small family, all the way up to a sprawling five-bedroom for a fun family or group reunion full of outdoor fun. Book a premium unit for upgrades like stainless steel appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, flat screen TVs and more!
Contact us today to book and take the first step toward planning your Big Bear outdoor adventure!
