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Planning the perfect vacation can be daunting and can take hours of planning and researching just to make sure you’re picking the perfect accommodation. We know from experience that you’ll be deciding if you need a place with a mini-fridge or if you need a full kitchen. Of course, you’ll need to know if there’s free wifi or if the family intends to bring the family dog; you’ll need to find a pet-friendly place.
Then comes the decisions on whether you’d like a hot tub, a heated outdoor pool, or if you’re the outdoorsy type looking to do some hiking, mountain biking or kayaking, you’ll want to know if the accommodation is lakeside or up in the mountains.
So we decided to create this guide to help you search for the perfect place to give you an idea of the different areas around Big Bear. We’ve broken it down into three separate locations in the San Bernardino Mountains that’ll give you either lakeside access, proximity to the shops in the village or further out where you can enjoy the more peaceful side of the mountain. Armed with this information, it’ll most definitely help you figure out the best place to look for the perfect mountain getaway.
Big Bear Lake
Staying in the town of Big Bear is a great option if you want the convenience of being right in the middle of all that this tourist town has to offer. Only a 2-3 hour drive from the city of Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake is a popular destination for Californians and visitors from around the world.
It is the quintessential little mountain town perfectly placed along the shore of the lake and nestled into the breathtaking San Bernardino Mountains. Because of this, it offers the unique experience of not only having a true mountainside vacation but also all the fun and excitement of being lakeside. If you’re planning a trip to California in June, this charming town should definitely be on your itinerary for a perfect blend of mountain adventure and lakeside relaxation
When staying in Big Bear Lake, there will be a ton of fun right at your fingertips. A few of the attractions that we recommend are:
- Castle Rock Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Big Bear area and where most of the visitors to the village start their hiking adventures. It is located only 3 miles west of the village and is an easy climb making it a great option for a fun-filled family event that the whole family can enjoy, even your pup.
- Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is the place for thrills and adrenaline-pumping activity. This theme park is a guest favourite boasting Southern California’s only authentic bobsled experience. Imagine returning home and being able to tell your friends that you actually got the chance to try your hand at bobsledding while you were away?!? But if bobsledding isn’t quite your thing, then you also have the option to mini-golf or try out their new alpine mini slide.
- Big Bear Alpine Zoo is more than a zoo; it’s a sanctuary and rehabilitation facility for injured and orphaned animals. Be ready to have your heartstrings tugged at as you tour the beautiful grounds and spend time with the animals. Plan to go early because as the day warms up, the animals tend to take cover in the shade, and there will be less opportunity for viewing them.
- The Village is the hub of activity in Big Bear. It has over 120 unique vendors, including boutique shops, to purchase anything from souvenirs to clothing and houseware. It’s also where you’ll want to head for fine dining, roadside diners and small cafes to unwind in, but if you’re looking for some mountain and lakeside nightlife, be sure to check out the calendar of all the social events the town has planned.
Fawnskin
Fawnskin is a phenomenal option when choosing where to stay in Big Bear. Located along the North Shore of Big Bear Lake, it is a little pocket of lakeside paradise that should at the very least be at the top of your list for places to visit if not stay. This rustic little mountain town was once a hub for musicians, artists and actors alike that wanted an escape from the smog and the demands of Los Angeles.
In Fawnskin, you are only a short drive away from The Village in Big Bear and all Big Bear’s attractions but far enough away to enjoy the peaceful life of mountain and lakeside living.
Some of the attractions and amenities you can find in Fawnskin are:
- Fawnskin Market is a cute little country shop conveniently located for you to stop off and pick up any essentials you may need without having to drive over to the other side of the lake to Big Bear and the shops in The Village.
- North Shore Landing has the largest selection of water vehicles for rent, from party platform pontoons to wave runners and everything in between. But just to push this place right over the top, they also have pirate ship tours where you and your family can hop aboard and set sail or charter the entire ship and host a party. Ships Ahoy Matey!
- Grays Peak Trail is located only half a mile from Fawnskin. If you’re looking to get some hiking in, this is an easy to moderate trail with slightly less traffic because of its starting point on the North Shore. This trail will definitely be one that the whole family will enjoy, including your family dog. Mountain bikers are also welcome.
Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is an exclusive mountain resort town, making it a nordic vacation dream. It’s smaller than Big Bear but still a vacation destination in its own right. It is important to note that the lake itself is not open to the public like Big Bear Lake is. The weather is a little bit different, too, due to Lake Arrowhead’s lower elevation. Snow does fall here, but there are fewer snow days than you’ll find further up the mountain.
Lake Arrowhead appeals to a tourist that is less concerned with experiencing the four seasons, enjoys fewer snow days and is not affected by the strict access rules to the lake. There’s a lot to see and do in this chic little mountain hideaway, making it a popular destination for mountain bikers, hikers, kayakers, campers and people looking to experience the decadence of a 5-star mountain retreat without all the busyness of Big Bear. But, if you do want to head over to Big Bear, it’s just a short drive away.
Some of the places that guests to Lake Arrowhead spend their time are:
- Lake Arrowhead Village is the hub of the community where shopping, dining and entertainment abounds. You can spend the day in their more than 50 designer and local boutiques, enjoy food out at a lakefront tavern, cafe or the local Mexican restaurant, or you can plan to head to one of their summer nights concert events to toss back some beers with the locals in the beer garden.
- Lake Arrowhead Queen, where you can purchase tickets for a voyage on a southern paddlewheel boat and learn the area’s history from the water.
- Skyline Balloons is another popular destination for Lake Arrowhead. Here, you can participate in wine tastings and float above the pines and mountains in your very own hot air balloon for a magical view of the Southern Californian San Bernardino mountains.
Final Thoughts
Big Bear Lake is truly an alpine paradise. Whether travelling alone, as a couple or with a family, you’re sure to make memories you’ll cherish for years to come. We hope that this guide on where to stay in Big Bear provides you with clarity as you continue your search for the perfect accommodations to relax and recharge in.
Don’t forget to take lots of pictures and definitely don’t forget to bring a pair of hiking shoes. You’re going to need them!
