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Big Bear, California is a breathtaking, mountainous region known for its snow sports, camping, fishing, hiking, sightseeing, and more. Nestled in the San Bernardino Forest in Southern California, it is the place to escape from the hustle of big cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Vegas, and everywhere in between.
Hikers, bikers, anglers, campers, snowboarders, skiers, nature enthusiasts, families, and everyone in between flocks to Big Bear throughout the year to take in its beauty and enjoy the breathtaking views of the 6.5 square mile city of Big Bear, California.
If you want to visit the incredible Big Bear country, you have come to the right place. This article will lay out everything you need to know to get ready for your visit. From go-karts to horseback riding, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you are looking for family attractions, can’t-miss sites, or exciting things to do as a solo traveler, we have something for you. Here is the list of the top things to do in Big Bear, CA.
Snow Sports
The thing that originally brought me to visit Big Bear for my first time was skiing and snowboarding. With the best slopes in southern California, Big Bear has some incredibly fun winter recreation opportunities. Stopping by a ski resort is the best way to enjoy the winter season at Big Bear.
Big Bear Mountain Resort has a variety of terrain with park features spread across the resort. It drops 8200 feet and features 26 lifts spanning across 438 developed acres. Right next door is Snow Summit, which features slightly mellower terrain and the opportunity to night ski underneath the moon and stars!
If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, then consider checking out the tubing slopes at Big Bear Snow Play. This family-friendly winter wonderland is a fun way to enjoy the snow on long tubing hills. With a magic carpet that pulls you back up, you can relax and enjoy the ride all day long.
All of the snow activities are usually open between late November and the Easter season. When snowfall becomes sparse, they create their own snow using snow-making machines, allowing you to enjoy the winter festivities for as long as possible.
Camping
Camping is a year-round activity in Big Bear and allows you to immerse yourself fully in all of the glory that the San Bernardino Forest has to offer. Whether you are looking for an RV park, a tent camping site, or a luxurious cabin (glamping, anyone?) then you are in luck.
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Beginning as a rehabilitation program for injured animals after a forest fire in 1959, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo has become one of the best Big Bear activities. All animals in the zoo have been injured and are being rehabilitated and reintroduced into the wild whenever possible.
The zoo is home to close to 200 different animals from 85 different species. From black bears to bobcats, the zoo has something that every member of the family can enjoy.
Big Bear Discovery Center
The Big Bear Discovery Center houses information for everything you need to know about the region. With maps for hiking, biking, camping, and sightseeing, the discovery center will help you discover the perfect adventure for you. They offer exhibits related to flora and fauna of the San Bernardino National Forest.
They offer activities for children and entertainment for adults as well, such as an outdoor amphitheater with evening shows. I would recommend stopping at the center at the beginning of your trip so that you can discover all that the area has to offer and plan out your activities.
Zip Lining
Zipline tours are an adrenaline-fueled way to have a great time and enjoy the Big Bear country. From 85 feet, you can see the entire forest just as a bird would, and with rides from 140 feet to 860 feet, you will get your blood pumping while you enjoy the view. Zip lining tours are one of my favorite activities to do in Big Bear and can be enjoyed safely alone or with friends and family.
Fishing on Big Bear Lake
People come from all over California and surrounding states to fish in the picturesque Big Bear Lake. The most popular kind of fish in the lake are rainbow trout, mainly found on the north shore, where they thrive all year round. People shore fish and fish from boats, which you can bring or rent at the lake. Along with rainbow trout, you can expect to see panfish such as bluegill, crappie, and pumpkinseed dispersed in the lake, mostly on the south shore.
Boulder Bay Park
Boulder Bay Park is one of the prettiest free things to do at Big Bear. Brink a picnic and remember to bring your camera because this is a truly insta-worthy view. Located only about two miles away from the Big Bear Dam, it is easy to access and a beautiful place to relax by yourself or recreate with your family.
From Boulder Bay Park you will be able to see water, trees, rock islands, mountains, wildlife, flowers, and more from one stunning place.
Planetarium Projector Museum
If you are looking for something more unique to do in the Big Bear area, consider stopping at the Planetarium Projector Museum. It contains the largest collection of planetarium projectors in the entire world, making it a very niche spot.
All of the projectors at the museum are still working, and you can have them turned on to see how they work. This museum attracts a very specific group of people. If you are interested in stopping by, make sure and check if it is open when you are passing through since it is a traveling museum and is sometimes in different parts of the country.
Lake Activities
Big Bear Lake is one of the most breathtaking spots in the entire region. Big Bear Lake has plenty of activities to offer for anyone who is wanting to get wet! Some of the possible activities include paddle boarding, water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, inner tubing, kayaking, canoeing, motor boating, and more! Six marinas are surrounding Big Bear Lake, which has 23 miles of shoreline.
You can rent all of the equipment you need to enjoy any of these sports. They also offer water sports lessons for people wanting to learn a new hobby. The marinas are open from early spring to late fall, allowing you to recreate on the lake for most of the year.
Helicopter Tours
If you want to see Big Bear from the best angle on earth (or above the earth) you need to try out a helicopter tour. These scenic aerial tours are reasonably priced and are relaxing and enjoyable. They can be taken all year round and seven days a week, even on holidays!
10 different flight options range from seven to forty-five minutes of flying time. You need no experience and are open to all ages. Feel free to walk in and ask for a tour, although you should call and schedule ahead of time if you know you want one. Get your cameras ready for this amazing tour above the beautiful town of Big Bear.
Hiking Trails
If you want to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy some trees, wildlife, and wildflowers, then head to a trailhead and go for a hike. Hikers love the incredible views available throughout the Big Bear area.
Here are some of the most beautiful and recommended hikes in the Big Bear region:
Castle Rock trail – a 1.3 mile out and back trail that is rated as difficult and features 500 feet of elevation gain in the first .5 mile alone. The view from the top has been rated one of the most beautiful places to visit in the United States.
Cougar crest trail – a 5.2 miles round trip hike rated as challenging and is best hiked between March and November.
Pine Knot trail – a 6.2 miles out and back trail is perfect for biking, horseback riding, or hiking. It is rated as moderate and is best hiked in the spring.
Alpine Slide
The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is Southern California’s only bobsledding experience. It is great for families and features several fun, child-friendly activities. The bobsledding slides are open all year round and allow you to control your speed. They also feature snow tubing in the winter and a water slide in the summer months.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Big Bear is a sanctuary for mountain biking, hiking trails, snowboarding, skiing, water activities, museums, shopping, and so much more. There is truly something for anyone to enjoy at Big Bear, any time of the year. Whether you are traveling with your family, honeymooning with your lover, passing through on a solo trip, or something else, you are sure to enjoy yourself at Big Bear.
Pack up your mountain bike, kayak, jet ski, hiking shoes, and get ready for a fabulous getaway or some family fun!
