Location: Big Bear Lake
Top Things to do in Big Bear Lake
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9 Free Things to do in Big Bear Lake That You Shouldn't Miss
Big Bear Lake is a small city in San Bernardino County, California, located in the San Bernardino Mountains along the south shore of Big Bear Lake, and surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. The city is located about 25 miles (40 km) northeast of the city of San Bernardino, and immediately west of the unincorporated town of Big Bear City. The population was approximately 5,019 at the 2010 census, down from 5,438 at the 2000 census. Being a popular year-round resort destination, however, the actual number of people staying in or visiting the greater Big Bear Valley area regularly surges to over 100,000 during many weekends of the year.
Restaurants in Big Bear Lake
1. Boulder Bay Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
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.
2. Castle Rock Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
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.
3. Village Sweet Shoppe
4. Big Bear Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Visit the Center for the most complete information provided by a friendly Big Bear local, who knows the ins and outs of what’s happening and things to do in Big Bear. You may visit the Visitors Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m everyday. Here you will find literature and brochures from various lodges, restaurants, shops, recreation, services and attractions. Big Bear map information and other useful guides are available to help you get around town, on the lake or on the trails, as well. Get up-to-the minute weather reports, road conditions and other useful Big Bear map assistance. Here you can purchase a day-use Adventure Pass for access to the wilderness. The Big Bear Visitor Center is a great place to find out what events are happening around town with a calendar of events kiosk at the front entrance. The Big Bear Visitor Center does not allow overnight parking and cannot accommodate motor coach parking.
Reviewed By SFamilyVI - Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica
The visitors center beautiful. Everyone there was very helpful. We went there after our ACTION ZIPLINE tour we paid for 10 days in advance was overbooked and they would not refund our money. Trip Advisor overbooked we did not but yet Action zipline would only reschedule, we were leaving that evening back to Alabam. We were looking for something else to do on our vacation. Big Bear Visitors Center recommended the boat ride and adventure center, these were very nice and would recommend them.
5. Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve
6. Gold Rush Mining Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
We are a place where people come together, share some fun and create memorable experiences! Visit Big Bear's only Ghost Town and experience the most unique immersive specialty gift store and attraction in Big Bear Lake! A one-of-a-kind experience like no other! The "mining cave" gift shop is filled with rocks, crystals, minerals from all over the world as well as jewelry, toys, handcrafted fudge, unique soda's, candies, and souvenirs. The Ghost Town allows a glimpse of the past as well as numerous photo opts and fun moments. All ages can experience themed Panning Activities. Discover Real Gold, Gemstones, Crystals, and Fossils. Harvest oysters and reveal the real Pearl hidden within, crack open a real Geode! You will take home all the treasures you discover! Adventure discovery options include the water sluice, dinosaur excavation pit or the Cosmic Mine. An identification chart is included. Visit our website for more information.
Reviewed By Antsy33
Rudi / Crystal was amazing! It was my daughter's 10th birthday in September. We had been supposed to go to Disneyworld, but then corona. She made this whole experience for our family. She was warm and informative and most importantly I felt like she actually cared about us. This place is expensive, but what do you expect from a tourist attraction in Big Bear? We panned for gold, cracked open several geodes and spent quite a bit of time looking around the shop and grounds. I paid about $100 and would do it again in a heart beat. Mining for gold is physically demanding so just be prepared. In total we were here for maybe 2.5 to 3 hours and I felt like we got our money worth. There are plenty of options price wise and the amount of physical effort you need to put into each activity. If nothing else come stop by and see what they have to offer!
7. Alpine Pedal Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
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.
8. Cougar Crest Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
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.
9. Pine Knot Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By 01mars - Woodland, United States
Parking available at trail head. About 6 mile roundtrip. Views of valley are beautiful. Well marked trail used by both hikers and bicycles.
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