Big Bear Lake Favorites
Food scene
Must visit lunch spot. Staff is extremely friendly and all the ingredients are incredibly fresh. All the dishes on the menu are amazing but you must go for early lunch or breakfast because when they run out of fresh fish they are out for the day.
231 locals recommend
Big Bear Local
40616 Village DrMust visit lunch spot. Staff is extremely friendly and all the ingredients are incredibly fresh. All the dishes on the menu are amazing but you must go for early lunch or breakfast because when they run out of fresh fish they are out for the day.
Amazing fresh burger place. Wait can get a bit long during peak lunch time but its well worth the wait. They have vegetarian options as well so no one is left out.
135 locals recommend
Get the Burger
42151 Big Bear BoulevardAmazing fresh burger place. Wait can get a bit long during peak lunch time but its well worth the wait. They have vegetarian options as well so no one is left out.
Great vibe and decor especially on the patio for the fire pit and music. Diverse dining options to satisfy everyone in the group.
421 locals recommend
572 Social kitchen & lounge
572 Pine Knot AveGreat vibe and decor especially on the patio for the fire pit and music. Diverse dining options to satisfy everyone in the group.
Must visit place for higher end burgers. Loaded tots are to die for with a great selection of beers to go along with them.
192 locals recommend
Fire Rock Burgers & Brews
618 Pine Knot AveMust visit place for higher end burgers. Loaded tots are to die for with a great selection of beers to go along with them.
Great place for a nice dinner with family. Nice patio for dining in warmer months, and a wrap around balcony if only stopping by for a quick drink.
307 locals recommend
Oakside
40701 Village DrGreat place for a nice dinner with family. Nice patio for dining in warmer months, and a wrap around balcony if only stopping by for a quick drink.
Sightseeing
Small local zoo that only houses injured and rescued animals. Its a great visit for a day out with the kids and learn about local wildlife.
723 locals recommend
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
42801 Club View DrSmall local zoo that only houses injured and rescued animals. Its a great visit for a day out with the kids and learn about local wildlife.
Fun trail for walking, running, or biking. Great views of the mountains and lake while enjoying the fresh air.
194 locals recommend
Alpine Pedal Path Trail 1E50
740 Stanfield CutoffFun trail for walking, running, or biking. Great views of the mountains and lake while enjoying the fresh air.
Fun are to walk and shop or grab a bite to eat. This is the main hub to visit with activities happening most weekends.
166 locals recommend
The VILLAGE SHOPS AND COURTYARD
652 Pine Knot AveFun are to walk and shop or grab a bite to eat. This is the main hub to visit with activities happening most weekends.
Must stop visit if planning any hiking or off-road activities. This acts as a ranger station, kids play area and base camp for a number of hikes.
488 locals recommend
Big Bear Discovery Center
Must stop visit if planning any hiking or off-road activities. This acts as a ranger station, kids play area and base camp for a number of hikes.
Weekend afternoons can become very busy so try to visit in the morning or weekdays to avoid the crowd.
652 locals recommend
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
800 Wildrose LnWeekend afternoons can become very busy so try to visit in the morning or weekdays to avoid the crowd.
Bit more family friendly vibe for both Skiing/Snowboarding in Winter and Mountain Biking in Summer.
48 locals recommend
Snow Summit Ski Resort
880 Summit BoulevardBit more family friendly vibe for both Skiing/Snowboarding in Winter and Mountain Biking in Summer.
More of a younger crowd with more extensive terrain park with advanced features.
870 locals recommend
Bear Mountain Ski Resort
43101 Goldmine DrMore of a younger crowd with more extensive terrain park with advanced features.
Go to place to launch your boat during the summer. Holiday weekends can get a bit busy as all boats need to be inspected by the city for mussels. Go early to beat the crowds. If you plan on boating multiple days make sure to get a boat banding so you can bypass inspection on the next visit.
9 locals recommend
Carol Morrison East Public Launch Ramp
41911 N Shore DrGo to place to launch your boat during the summer. Holiday weekends can get a bit busy as all boats need to be inspected by the city for mussels. Go early to beat the crowds. If you plan on boating multiple days make sure to get a boat banding so you can bypass inspection on the next visit.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Always carry chains in winter months.
Whenever traveling to Big Bear Lake in winter months weather can change quickly. Roads up and down go under chain restrictions much sooner than the city itself, so its a great idea to be prepared for the unexpected.
What to pack
Multiple layers of clothes
Just like most of Southern California the weather can change morning to afternoon. Its always a great idea to have multiple layers for the changing temperature.
Ways to save
Plan a home cooked meal
Big Bear Lake has 2 main grocery stores, Vons and Stater Bros. When staying in an Airbnb its always smart to plan out a few main meals at local restaurants and smaller meals at home. Not only will it save you a bit of time and money but also lets you stay safe and warm during the winter storms.
Traveling with kids
Local parks for the kids to unwind
Big Bear Lake is home to a number of parks for kids to blow off steam. Our personal favorite is Meadow park which is 3 parks in 1 including a kid friendly zip line and a dog park for the furry kids.