10 Things to do in Big Bear Region That You Shouldn't Miss

April 14, 2022 Terina Blouin

Big Bear Lake has two resorts: Snow Summit, one of the biggest in Southern California (31 runs on 240 skiable acres) and Bear Mountain, which appeals to the snowboarding crowd with Southern California's only superpipe. Golf, ski, fish or hike amid majestic mountains at this nature lover's paradise blessed with perfect weather year-round. Lodging options range from resorts with outdoor activities and private beaches to cozy inns with country ambience.
Restaurants in Big Bear Region

1. Big Bear Lake

Hwys 30, 330 & 18 Corner of Division Dr. and Big Bear Blvd., CA 92315 +1 800-424-4232 http://www.bigbearevents.com
Excellent
62%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 660 reviews

Big Bear Lake

Reviewed By harnhnv - Pasadena, United States

A great getaway for Angelinos to be in the mountains and at the same time with a big body of water to enjoy. the lake itself is great for water activities in the summer, and the road around makes a nice biking/running route as well. highly recommended.

2. Big Bear Discovery Center

40971 North Shore Drive / Hwy 38, CA 92333 +1 909-382-2790 http://mountainsfoundation.org/big-bear-discovery-center
Excellent
53%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 213 reviews

Big Bear Discovery Center

Located on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, this learning center features educational exhibits and hands-on activities regarding the natural environment and wildlife in the region.

3. Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge

43285 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92314 +1 909-584-1299 [email protected] http://www.bigbearzoo.org
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 628 reviews

Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals a safe haven; temporarily while they heal or permanently as they are unable to survive on their own.We are extremely proud that 90% of all the animals brought to us for rehabilitation are successfully released back into their native environment.Those that remain with us on exhibit are either too injured or have been imprinted by humans and can not be released back into the wild to care for themselves.

Reviewed By PAGSB - Belleair Beach, United States

Small but very nice zoo! It’s a must do in the area! The kids had a great time. Staff appear to be local volunteers and very knowledgeable!

4. Boulder Bay Park

39148 California 18, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 +1 909-866-7521 http://www.bigbearlake.net/lakes-trails-parks/Parks/Boulder-Bay-Park
Excellent
54%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 211 reviews

Boulder Bay Park

Reviewed By roberthV154OS - Mira Mesa, United States

Relax while sitting at your favorite park. Pack a lunch, bring the kids. Let them fish while you sit under the big trees. Bathrooms are clean. And well maintained. Park is beautiful. Walking your dogs is allowed while on a leash. Enjoy your time. Be safe.

5. Castle Rock Trail

630 Bartlett Rd 630 Bartlett rd is the visitor center where you can get maps, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 +1 909-866-7000 http://alltrails.com
Excellent
62%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 229 reviews

Castle Rock Trail

Reviewed By MandC0218 - Riverside, United States

You'll need some 'Rock scrambling' skills if you want to go to the very top of the big boulders at the end this hike, but it is so worth it. We went with a total of 6 family members including kids aged 12, 13, and 16. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes if you plan on doing some rock scrambling. I was not aware that we were doing rock scrambling, so I only wore regular sneakers, but still made it to the top with a few helping hands. Hikers and climbers at the top were very friendly to help each other , especially when there was a sudden thunderstorm when we were ready to climb down from the boulders. You can still see a great view of the beautiful lake on the trial near the top. It's an easy one mile hike with the boulders at the very top. It's a challenging hike if you want to try rock scrambling for the first time and such a rewarding experience on top. 

6. Alpine Pedal Path

N Shore Dr North shore of lake between Stanfield Cutoff & 40390 N Shore Lane, Big Bear Lake, CA 92314 +1 909-382-2600 http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110512&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=null&cid=FSE_003741&recid=26349&ttype=recarea&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&position=BROWS
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 46 reviews

Alpine Pedal Path

Reviewed By PJ-Phoenix - Redlands, United States

We had a lovely 2 1/2 mile ride right next to Big Bear Lake. The well maintained and smooth path took us through a beautiful natural areas with lovely trees and singing birds. This is beginner level biking which was nice for leisurely sight seeing. There are a number of picnic table just off the bike path near the water that would make for a nice scenic bike ride with a picnic near the north side of the lake.

7. Cougar Crest Trail

40650 North Shore Drive 0.6 miles west of Big Bear Discovery Center; GPS 34.263455, -116.911284, Big Bear Lake, CA 92314
Excellent
69%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Cougar Crest Trail

Reviewed By KarenEph320 - Pismo Beach, United States

We did this hike with an inexperienced hiker who was not in the best of shape, but he managed just fine. There are lots of things to see along the way and the climb isn't too bad. Near the top, their are lots of benches too sit and take in the view and have some peace and quiet. We started our hike around 4pm and were all alone on the trail. Got to see the sunset and got down before visibility became and issue.

8. Snow Summit

880 Summit Blvd., CA 92315 +1 909-866-5766 [email protected] http://www.snowsummit.com
Excellent
47%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 459 reviews

Snow Summit

Snow Summit is the ultimate destination for summertime fun! Snow Summit offers a wide range of summer activities, including lift-serviced downhill mountain biking, cross-country mountain biking, Scenic Sky Chair rides, hiking, and more! This summer, the always-popular Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair offers the most breathtaking views in all of Big Bear! Once at the top, grab some bites and brews at the most scenic BBQ in Big Bear, the Skyline Taphouse, while taking in the views of the valleys below and the surrounding mountains. From the top of the mountain, downhill mountain bikers can enjoy the famous Snow Summit Bike Park. For cross country riders, Snow Summit's chair lifts provide access to a huge network of trails around the resort that have something for everyone. For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, Snow Summit is the perfect hiking destination. Snow Summit and the surrounding area offer an expansive network of trails and roads, where hikers can enjoy picturesque hiking trails and roads with stunning scenic terrain and incredible views of Big Bear Lake. Want to step off the trails and work on your golf swing? Feel like a pro at 7,000 feet - you'll be surprised at how far your ball will soar! Bear Mountain Golf Course is a great destination for golf and features a challenging golf course, golf lessons with seasoned pros and a great driving range. From hiking to sightseeing to cross country and downhill mountain biking to golfing, there's plenty of fun for everyone this summer at Snow Summit! Experience a winter vacation close to home! Snow Summit and Bear Mountain (Big Bear Mountain Resorts)offers two distinct mountains to suit your style. With a free shuttle between the two resorts you can enjoy access to 26 lifts, over 436 developed acres and 1,800 vertical feet along with shopping and dining choices. Snow Summit provides the premier mountain resort experience for everyday skiers and riders in pursuit of wide-open groomed runs and picturesque alpine views. Winter sports enthusiasts are guaranteed to enjoy their time on the snow with unparalleled learning programs for snowboarders and skiers of all ages, limited ticket sales, and beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain.

Reviewed By JCJOHNCONNOR - Bexhill-on-Sea, United Kingdom

Just had a days skiing planned for a Wednesday, started off brilliantly as it was my birthday and you get a free lift pass. There were no crowds at all never had to queue at lifts. Ousted were Loveland wide and in excellent condition. Loved it

9. Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

800 Wildrose Lane, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 +1 909-866-4626 [email protected] http://www.alpineslidebigbear.com/
Excellent
35%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
2%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 304 reviews

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

Reviewed By Antsy33

Went in September so it wasn't busy. It was a little pricey, but what do you expect from a tourist place in big bear? We did the alpine slide which was fun! Totally worth the $7 and you get to ride the ski lift to the top of the mountain which made it extra cool. There is a beginner and advanced course. I went in front of my daughter on the beginner one, even though I wanted to do the other one. I would go back on both of these again - it was a lot of fun! Great way to see the whole area around you. I actually liked this so much better than the mountain shaft coaster which I felt was really overpriced and not like a real coaster at all.

10. Pine Knot Village

CA
Excellent
43%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 124 reviews

Pine Knot Village

Reviewed By dctrue76

Very nice area to walk around and explore. Lots of interesting shops and good places to eat plus all the people in the different establishments were very friendly.

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