Why Big Bear Is a Top Choice for Southern California Mountain Escapes

Southern Californians have plenty of options for mountain getaways. From the ski-bike-hike haven of Mammoth Lakes in the eastern Sierras to the unique, artistic vibe of Idyllwild in the San Jacinto range, the choices are plentiful. Big Bear, nestled in the San Bernardino mountains, attracts visitors for several reasons. Its convenient location (just 2 hours from L.A., 90 minutes from Palm Springs, and a -hour drive from Las Vegas) makes it accessible, and the city, mountain resort, and lake offer a wealth of activities within a compact area. Having visited many times across the seasons, most recently in April 2024, here are a few of my favorite things to enjoy in Big Bear, no matter the time of year.

Summer Activities in Big Bear

Summer and early fall in Big Bear are characterized by warm weather, rarely surpassing 85 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for extended days of outdoor adventures.

Take a plunge into the lake

During the summer, jet skiers, kayakers, and anglers take full advantage of Big Bear Lake’s seven miles of pristine waters—recent snowfall from the 2023 winter season has ensured the lake is well-stocked. Waterskiing and wakeboarding are exhilarating activities here, while wakesurfing offers a thrilling yet accessible option. Numerous water sports schools are available to help you get started. You can also enjoy a scenic tour of the lake aboard a paddlewheel boat or a pirate ship.

Explore the trails

In spring, the ski trails are transformed into exciting downhill mountain biking paths by the mountain resort team, featuring runs rated as green, blue, or black diamond. Rent a bike and safety gear at the base, take a ski lift to the top (staff will assist in loading your bike onto a specialized chair), and then race back down. For a more leisurely ride, opt for the flatter trails at the summit, take a fire road down, or cycle around the lake.

Zoom down the mountain

The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain operates year-round, but it’s especially enjoyable outside the ski season. The Alpine Slide features small sleds on concrete tracks, allowing riders to control their speed with a hand brake—great for younger kids—while the Mineshaft Coaster adds a bit more thrill yet still offers full control. In addition, the fun park offers go-karts, video games, and the Soaring Eagle catapult ride to entertain the whole family for a morning.

Activities to enjoy in Big Bear during winter

Each winter, Big Bear receives a beautiful layer of powder, with snowfall typically peaking from December through March.

Carve it up or take it slow with a snowplow

During the colder months, three mountaintops are blanketed in snow, with Snow Valley, Snow Summit, and Bear Mountain receiving between 39 and 168 inches of snowfall over the last four seasons. To supplement during dry spells, artificial snow machines are used. Snow Summit reaches an elevation of 8,200 feet, while Bear Mountain climbs to 8,805 feet. A single lift pass grants access to both mountains, offering skiers and snowboarders 400 skiable acres, 19 lifts, and over 58 runs. Various seasonal ski passes, including the Ikon pass, are also available for access.

The rental process is efficient, complemented by a robust ski school program. My instructor Glen was exceptionally knowledgeable and patient during my last visit as I returned to skiing after some less successful attempts at snowboarding.

Slide down the slopes (or trek with snowshoes)

The roads leading into Big Bear are filled with parked cars, signaling the presence of sledders, while flashes of bright clothing peek through the trees, indicating the slopes they’ve found. My favorite sledding spot is a hill at the end of a road just behind the Snow Summit resort, but there are plenty of opportunities as long as you stay clear of private property. There are also some designated areas for sledding and snow tubing.

Big Bear’s national forest land offers miles of peaceful snowshoe trails for anyone equipped with snowshoes and an Adventure Pass for parking at trailheads. Several local operators provide tours and rentals as well.

Dining options in Big Bear

Big Bear features a variety of restaurants serving hearty mountain dishes to replenish those calories burned after a day on the slopes or trails. There’s always a queue at Get the Burger for their selection of burgers, tater tots, and sweet potato fries, all set against walls decorated with retro diner imagery, pine trees, and classic cars. Country Kitchen offers a warm welcome and a wide array of breakfast combinations.

In the village center, don’t miss Amangela for sandwiches and bagels, or stop by Big Bear Lake Brewing Company for carne asada fries or pretzels paired with a local IPA. For more diverse tastes, Sweet Basil Bistro serves delicious Italian dishes, while Hacienda Grill and Royal Thai cater to your Mexican and Thai cravings, respectively.

Accommodation options in Big Bear

Big Bear is packed with charming cabins, ranging from delightfully vintage to simply retro, ensuring a variety of good choices for your stay.

During my recent visit in spring 2024, I stayed at the newly opened Marina Riviera, part of the Casetta Group, renowned for its boutique hotels in Palm Springs and San Diego. Set in a prime location by the lake and within walking distance to the village, it features a three-story lodge with 42 guest rooms overlooking a barrel-shaped sauna, as well as six cozy cabins across the street. A restaurant and bar are slated to open later in 2024 as of my last update.

Our cabin was a cozy haven, well-stocked with canned wine, thoughtfully selected board games, fern-inspired art, Mooncloth products, and a comforting fire. Two features stood out: the dark evergreen Sherwin Williams hues that adorned the ceilings and upper walls, creating an ambiance reminiscent of a serene night sky, and a strong dedication to sustainability. This included EV charging stations, reusable glass bottles, umbrellas made from recycled materials, and even brown, bamboo-based toilet paper that comes with an informative note about the chemicals used in bleaching conventional toilet paper.

During another recent visit, we enjoyed a roomy three-story house managed by Cool Cabins. It was conveniently located on the main road into town, across from a park with lake views, and featured a game room in the garage along with a snow-covered hot tub in the backyard.

I also explored the beautifully adorned new cabins at Noble + Proper, each featuring 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a kitchenette, and a living room nestled among the pines. Every cabin is named after one of the owners' grandparents, showcasing a blend of vintage and custom furnishings; expect vibrant wallpapers, curiosities in every corner, and countless Instagram-worthy spots.

Getting to Big Bear

Most visitors take the 210 from L.A. and switch to the 18 for the mountain ascent. If you're coming from desert areas like Palm Springs or Joshua Tree, the back road from the northeast is a good option. There's also a slightly longer route, the 38. Be sure to rely on Waze and check Caltrans for road closures, especially in winter. Once you arrive, stop by the Discovery Center for maps and information on responsible recreation.

This article was first published in March 2023 and updated in May 2024 with the latest information.