The best of Big Bear
Sightseeing
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is one of the best things to do in Big Bear with kids! There are only two alpine zoos in the US and one of them is so conveniently located next to Bear Mountain Ski Resort. This makes it 100% worth a stop!
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals a temporary home while they heal (or a permanent one if they are unable to survive on their own).
You’ll see animals native to the area, including black bears, wolves, coyotes, bald eagles, arctic foxes, and snow leopards.
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Big Bear Alpine Zoo
42801 Club View DrThe Big Bear Alpine Zoo is one of the best things to do in Big Bear with kids! There are only two alpine zoos in the US and one of them is so conveniently located next to Bear Mountain Ski Resort. This makes it 100% worth a stop!
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals a temporary home while they heal (or a permanent one if they are unable to survive on their own).
You’ll see animals native to the area, including black bears, wolves, coyotes, bald eagles, arctic foxes, and snow leopards.
In the heart of Big Bear Lake you’ll find a charming district known as The Village, which serves as the central hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. There are lots of family-friendly attractions in The Village such as urban scavenger hunts, bowling, and arcade gaming rooms.
Not to mention, many of the annual Big Bear Events are held in this area, so be sure to check if there are any events on the days you decide to visit.
There is plenty of free parking available throughout The Village.
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Village Drive
Village DriveIn the heart of Big Bear Lake you’ll find a charming district known as The Village, which serves as the central hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. There are lots of family-friendly attractions in The Village such as urban scavenger hunts, bowling, and arcade gaming rooms.
Not to mention, many of the annual Big Bear Events are held in this area, so be sure to check if there are any events on the days you decide to visit.
There is plenty of free parking available throughout The Village.
The Castle Rock hike (2.4 miles round-trip, intermediate/difficult) is one of the most popular trails because of the amazing panoramic views and how easy it is to access. If you only have time for one hike, make it this one!
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Castle Rock Trail 1W03
Big Bear BoulevardThe Castle Rock hike (2.4 miles round-trip, intermediate/difficult) is one of the most popular trails because of the amazing panoramic views and how easy it is to access. If you only have time for one hike, make it this one!
Swimming in Big Bear Lake during the summer is so, so refreshing. It goes so well with a picnic as well! For parents who want a safe swimming area to bring the family, Meadow Park is the best place to go. The swimmable beach has a lifeguard, a floating dock, and even water toys, as well as a snack bar and public restrooms.
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Ski Beach Park
41216 Park AveSwimming in Big Bear Lake during the summer is so, so refreshing. It goes so well with a picnic as well! For parents who want a safe swimming area to bring the family, Meadow Park is the best place to go. The swimmable beach has a lifeguard, a floating dock, and even water toys, as well as a snack bar and public restrooms.
The East Boat Ramp beach is another popular option for families and small children. There are bathroom facilities and also a fishing dock for use as well.
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Carol Morrison East Public Launch Ramp
41911 N Shore DrThe East Boat Ramp beach is another popular option for families and small children. There are bathroom facilities and also a fishing dock for use as well.
For more adventurous swimmers: head to China Island (aka Garstin Island); you can climb up the rock formation behind China Island and take a plunge into the water below.
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Treasure Island or China Island (Garstin Island)
For more adventurous swimmers: head to China Island (aka Garstin Island); you can climb up the rock formation behind China Island and take a plunge into the water below.
This is hands down one of the most popular spots in Big Bear. Most residents and visitors say Boulder Bay Park has the best universal views of Big Bear!
Whether sunbathing in the summertime or prancing through the park in the spring, this place is a great spot to add to your itinerary. The massive boulders are perfectly backdropped by the lake, which makes for amazing photos.
There are picnic tables, public bathrooms, and plenty of space to enjoy a picnic in peace.
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Boulder Bay Park
39080 Big Bear BlvdThis is hands down one of the most popular spots in Big Bear. Most residents and visitors say Boulder Bay Park has the best universal views of Big Bear!
Whether sunbathing in the summertime or prancing through the park in the spring, this place is a great spot to add to your itinerary. The massive boulders are perfectly backdropped by the lake, which makes for amazing photos.
There are picnic tables, public bathrooms, and plenty of space to enjoy a picnic in peace.
Big Bear Mountain Resort is renowned for its skiing and snowboarding in the winter, but it’s also a ton of fun in the summer, featuring plenty of family-friendly options like mountain biking, hiking, and base area activities.
If you’re with a group that isn’t afraid of heights, you’re in luck! There is a 30-foot rock climbing wall here, fun ziplining opportunities, as well as EuroBungee (bouncing on an oversized trampoline while safely tethered to a harness via giant bungee cords).
Want to do it all? Consider getting an Adventure Day Pass, which includes unlimited, single-day access to the following Basecamp activities:
Climbing wall
Euro Bungee trampoline
Zip line
Quick Jump free fall
Grizzly Ridge Tube Park
Scenic Sky Chair
Kid Full Throttle
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Big Bear Mountain Resort
880 Summit BlvdBig Bear Mountain Resort is renowned for its skiing and snowboarding in the winter, but it’s also a ton of fun in the summer, featuring plenty of family-friendly options like mountain biking, hiking, and base area activities.
If you’re with a group that isn’t afraid of heights, you’re in luck! There is a 30-foot rock climbing wall here, fun ziplining opportunities, as well as EuroBungee (bouncing on an oversized trampoline while safely tethered to a harness via giant bungee cords).
Want to do it all? Consider getting an Adventure Day Pass, which includes unlimited, single-day access to the following Basecamp activities:
Climbing wall
Euro Bungee trampoline
Zip line
Quick Jump free fall
Grizzly Ridge Tube Park
Scenic Sky Chair
Kid Full Throttle
Take a shot at off-roading with a beginner-level trail. I recommend driving along the Holcomb Valley Scenic Drive (10.8 mile trail), where you will for sure encounter breathtaking photo spots. There’s a section approximately 7-9 miles in that’s pretty rocky, but any 2WD vehicle will handle it without problems.
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Holcomb Valley Campground
Holcomb Valley RoadTake a shot at off-roading with a beginner-level trail. I recommend driving along the Holcomb Valley Scenic Drive (10.8 mile trail), where you will for sure encounter breathtaking photo spots. There’s a section approximately 7-9 miles in that’s pretty rocky, but any 2WD vehicle will handle it without problems.
When you’re ready to spend some time inside, head to The Bowling Barn where all members of the family can partake in a few friendly games of bowling.
The Bowling Barn features 16 lanes, an onsite snack bar, and arcade games, all perfect for the younger ones. There’s also the Alley Oops Sports Bar where adults can enjoy drinks while watching sports.
The Bowling Barn also hosts their nightly Glow Bowling event, where they turn the lights off, turn the music up, light the room up with black lights and roll the screens down for music videos! It’s a whole lot of fun.
Pro Tip: Before visiting, be sure to check their website for any coupons and promotions.
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Big Bear Bowling Barn Inc.
40625 Big Bear BlvdWhen you’re ready to spend some time inside, head to The Bowling Barn where all members of the family can partake in a few friendly games of bowling.
The Bowling Barn features 16 lanes, an onsite snack bar, and arcade games, all perfect for the younger ones. There’s also the Alley Oops Sports Bar where adults can enjoy drinks while watching sports.
The Bowling Barn also hosts their nightly Glow Bowling event, where they turn the lights off, turn the music up, light the room up with black lights and roll the screens down for music videos! It’s a whole lot of fun.
Pro Tip: Before visiting, be sure to check their website for any coupons and promotions.
Experience the beauty of Big Bear from a great vantage point – on horseback! Horseback riding will give you more time to explore and enjoy the scenic beauty that surrounds you. To all my non-hikers and families traveling with kids, this option is for you!
At Baldwin Lake Stables, you can opt-in for hourly, half-day, sunset, and even overnight rides. One of the most popular choices is the sunset rides, where you ascend to the top of a summit to enjoy the scenic sunset views.
For families with younger children, you can opt for the onsite pony rides instead. Your kid can also enjoy a petting zoo featuring goats, sheep, rabbits, and more adorable little animals!
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Baldwin Lake Stables
46475 Pioneer Town RdExperience the beauty of Big Bear from a great vantage point – on horseback! Horseback riding will give you more time to explore and enjoy the scenic beauty that surrounds you. To all my non-hikers and families traveling with kids, this option is for you!
At Baldwin Lake Stables, you can opt-in for hourly, half-day, sunset, and even overnight rides. One of the most popular choices is the sunset rides, where you ascend to the top of a summit to enjoy the scenic sunset views.
For families with younger children, you can opt for the onsite pony rides instead. Your kid can also enjoy a petting zoo featuring goats, sheep, rabbits, and more adorable little animals!
Big Bear was put on the map in the 1990s as the ultimate mountain biking mecca when it hosted a variety of national mountain bike races. Renowned for its top-quality terrain (some may even say it rivals the best of the best in the world), Big Bear has a network of more than 100 miles of trails and Forest Service roads to satisfy riders of all ages and skill levels.
If you’re a mountain biker, check out Skyline Ridge. Snow Summit also turns into downhill mountain biking trails in the summer.
Even if you’re not a mountain biker and want to get out there on a road bike, there are various running/biking trails encircling the lake that will make for an excellent excursion.
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Skyline Trail
Skyline TrailBig Bear was put on the map in the 1990s as the ultimate mountain biking mecca when it hosted a variety of national mountain bike races. Renowned for its top-quality terrain (some may even say it rivals the best of the best in the world), Big Bear has a network of more than 100 miles of trails and Forest Service roads to satisfy riders of all ages and skill levels.
If you’re a mountain biker, check out Skyline Ridge. Snow Summit also turns into downhill mountain biking trails in the summer.
Even if you’re not a mountain biker and want to get out there on a road bike, there are various running/biking trails encircling the lake that will make for an excellent excursion.
Summer in Big Bear is the best time to camp and if you love camping, you can’t miss it! Popular campgrounds include the Serrano Campground in the San Bernardino Mountains on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, and the Holcomb Valley Campground, which is more isolated and situated even more north.
If those campground reservations are unavailable, consider Pineknot Campground, which has a bit more availability than the other two.
Don’t forget to pack the s’mores and get the campfire stories ready!
Serrano Campground
40650 N Shore DrSummer in Big Bear is the best time to camp and if you love camping, you can’t miss it! Popular campgrounds include the Serrano Campground in the San Bernardino Mountains on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, and the Holcomb Valley Campground, which is more isolated and situated even more north.
If those campground reservations are unavailable, consider Pineknot Campground, which has a bit more availability than the other two.
Don’t forget to pack the s’mores and get the campfire stories ready!
Exploring the forest roads in Big Bear in your own vehicle and on your own time is fun, but if you’re not interested in going with your own car, try a guided off-roading tour.
Big Bear Jeep Experience allows you to explore the ridges, canyons, and meadows of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains in fully equipped Jeeps. You will even have a lead guide that stays in contact with your group during the entire tour.
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Big Bear Jeep Experience
42011 Big Bear BlvdExploring the forest roads in Big Bear in your own vehicle and on your own time is fun, but if you’re not interested in going with your own car, try a guided off-roading tour.
Big Bear Jeep Experience allows you to explore the ridges, canyons, and meadows of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains in fully equipped Jeeps. You will even have a lead guide that stays in contact with your group during the entire tour.
Ok, what kid (or any swashbuckler at heart, really) doesn’t love pirates and pirate ships? If that sounds like you, then you need to seriously consider this pirate ship cruise.
On this pirate ship tour, you’ll enjoy 1.5 hours filled with corny jokes, stunning scenery, and historical enrichment onboard the Big Bear Lake Time Bandit. No tour is ever exactly the same as they have a rotating cast of captains and crew who each bring their own flavor to the tour.
Tours are publicly available on a limited basis, or you can charter the whole ship for a private event (birthday, brunch, or other function). Children under 3 are free!
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Big Bear Pirate Ship
398 Edgemoor RdOk, what kid (or any swashbuckler at heart, really) doesn’t love pirates and pirate ships? If that sounds like you, then you need to seriously consider this pirate ship cruise.
On this pirate ship tour, you’ll enjoy 1.5 hours filled with corny jokes, stunning scenery, and historical enrichment onboard the Big Bear Lake Time Bandit. No tour is ever exactly the same as they have a rotating cast of captains and crew who each bring their own flavor to the tour.
Tours are publicly available on a limited basis, or you can charter the whole ship for a private event (birthday, brunch, or other function). Children under 3 are free!
The Alpine Slide, Southern California’s only authentic bobsled experience, is open all year-long and will begin with a scenic chairlift ride to the top.
From there, riders navigate their own individually controlled sleds, each with Teflon runners and ball-bearing wheels, down their choice of two quarter-mile long cement tracks filled with both turns and long straightaways. Riders can go as fast or slow as they want, by merely applying a touch of the brake with the control handle!
Bobsledding not your thing? No worries! There are a variety of other attractions at the recreation area, which include year-round operations of the go-karts, an 18 hole miniature golf course, as well as the Mineshaft Coaster and The Soaring Eagle rides.
Winter activity: In the winter, natural snow and snowmaking machines ensure there is always snow for tubing and snow play!
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Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
800 Wildrose LnThe Alpine Slide, Southern California’s only authentic bobsled experience, is open all year-long and will begin with a scenic chairlift ride to the top.
From there, riders navigate their own individually controlled sleds, each with Teflon runners and ball-bearing wheels, down their choice of two quarter-mile long cement tracks filled with both turns and long straightaways. Riders can go as fast or slow as they want, by merely applying a touch of the brake with the control handle!
Bobsledding not your thing? No worries! There are a variety of other attractions at the recreation area, which include year-round operations of the go-karts, an 18 hole miniature golf course, as well as the Mineshaft Coaster and The Soaring Eagle rides.
Winter activity: In the winter, natural snow and snowmaking machines ensure there is always snow for tubing and snow play!