Things to do in Big Bear Lake

Activities, attractions and tours

Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake showing landscape views, forest scenes and kayaking or canoeing
Big Bear Lake featuring cuddly or friendly animals and a park as well as a couple
Big Bear Lake
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What to do in Big Bear Lake

Popular places to visit

BIg Bear lake landscape, with lakeside cottages, mountains covered in pine trees and snow covered peaks in the distance.

The Village

With a visit to The Village, a popular shopping spot in Big Bear Lake, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home.

The Village
A3GPW9 Snow Summit ski area and vacation homes at Big Bear Lake San Bernardino Mountains California

Snow Summit

4/5(2 reviews)

Hit the slopes at Snow Summit, a top ski area in Big Bear Lake. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the mountain views in this quaint area.

Snow Summit
big bear lake

Big Bear Marina

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Explore the waterfront of Big Bear Marina and enjoy activities such as skiing in Big Bear Lake. Wander through the lakeside and lush forest in this quaint area.

Big Bear Marina
Big bear lake CA

Boulder Bay Park

After visiting Boulder Bay Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Big Bear Lake. Wander through the lakeside and lush forest in this quaint area.

Boulder Bay Park
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Big Bear Alpine Zoo

Why not visit the animals who call Big Bear Alpine Zoo home during your trip to Big Bear Lake? Amble around this quaint area's lakeside or seek out the ski slopes.

Big Bear Alpine Zoo
IMHO the most epic view for a modest hike in all of SoCal. 30 minutes of hard work and you get the most amazing panoramic view of Big Bear above all the surrounding tree tops. Tip - this is a really popular hike so to avoid the crowds go on a weekday or early morning before most people have gotten up. #AdventurePacked #TroverTips

Castle Rock Trail

Enjoy a trip to Castle Rock Trail and popular activities such as skiing in Big Bear Lake. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the mountain views in this quaint area.

Castle Rock Trail

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

You can enjoy the entertainment at Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain during your travels to Big Bear Lake. Wander the lakeside or discover the mountain views in this quaint area.

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

Bear Mountain Express Lift

You can take time to visit Bear Mountain Express Lift during your travels to Big Bear Lake. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the mountain views in this quaint area.

Bear Mountain Express Lift

Big Bear Visitor Center

4/5(1 review)

After visiting Big Bear Visitor Center, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Big Bear Lake. Stroll along the lakeside in this quaint area or seek out the ski slopes.

Big Bear Visitor Center

Areas of Big Bear Lake

Mountain lake and sky view in Big Bear California

Moonridge

Skiing and mountain views are notable features of Moonridge. You might consider stopping by Big Bear Mountain Resort while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Moonridge
First time to do snowboarding and it was fun!

Big Bear Central

If you're spending some time in Big Bear Central, The Village and Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain are top sights worth seeing.

Big Bear Central
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Upper Moonridge

If you're spending some time in Upper Moonridge, Big Bear Mountain Resort and Chair 7 are top sights worth seeing.

Upper Moonridge
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Summit Estates

Summit Estates might not have many top sights, but Snow Summit and The Village are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Summit Estates
First time to do snowboarding and it was fun!

The Village

While visiting The Village, you might make a stop by sights like The Village and Pine Knot Marina.

The Village
Louie the wooden bear statue holding a welcome to Big Bear Lake sign at Boulder Bay Park in Big Bear, California.

Boulder Bay

While visiting Boulder Bay, you might make a stop by sights like Big Bear Lake and Pleasure Point Marina.

Boulder Bay
San Bernadino Mountains from camp trail. Spectacular variance with fire burnt forest, rocky terrain, and old growth next to Santa Anna river.

Angelus Oaks

Frequently asked questions

Is Big Bear Lake worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor activities and history, there are plenty of fun things to do in Big Bear Lake. Be sure to enjoy the area's blend of cool attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Big Bear Lake?
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain and Big Bear Marina are two awesome places to start your getaway adventures. Be sure to check out the shopping and dining options in Big Bear Lake while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Big Bear Lake?
Don't leave without visiting Snow Summit, ranked the top tourist attraction in Big Bear Lake.
Is three days enough to stay in Big Bear Lake?
You can easily tour popular attractions like Snow Summit, Big Bear Alpine Zoo and Community Arts Theatre Society with a three-day break in Big Bear Lake. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out San Bernardino.
Is Big Bear Lake a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Big Bear Lake, including Snow Summit and Big Bear Alpine Zoo, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 3 kilometres from the city centre of Big Bear Lake is Winter Park and Summit Estates is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Big Bear Lake with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Big Bear Lake with kids.

What to do in Big Bear Lake for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Big Bear Lake, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Gold Mountain Memorial Park.
Are there free things to do in Big Bear Lake?
In Big Bear Lake, Big Bear Marina is a top spot for anyone planning to enjoy the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's an easy way to find out about the best free things to do in Big Bear Lake.

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