A fresh blanket of snow on the Big Bear Lake, California

Things to do in  Big Bear

Life’s better on the lake

Nestled between the trees of San Bernardino National Forest and the lake it shares a name with, Big Bear offers outdoor recreation, beautiful views, and nonstop fun. With attractions such as the Big Bear Alpine Zoo and the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain—plus skiing and snowboarding resorts, and wildlife preserves—there are plenty of things to do in Big Bear. Water sports, fishing, hiking, and boating are also popular in this little mountain lake escape.

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Explore Big Bear by interest

Top activities in Big Bear

Palm Springs Airport to Snow Summit - Round-Trip Private Transfer

Palm Springs Airport to Snow Summit - Round-Trip Private Transfer

From
$263.25
Long Beach Airport to Snow Summit Round Trip Private Transfer

Long Beach Airport to Snow Summit Round Trip Private Transfer

From
$361.97
John Wayne Airport to Snow Summit: Round-Trip Private Transfer

John Wayne Airport to Snow Summit: Round-Trip Private Transfer

From
$263.25
Snow Summit to Los Angeles Airpor: Departure Private Transfer

Snow Summit to Los Angeles Airpor: Departure Private Transfer

From
$180.98
Big Bear Team Trivia Hunt: New 2024 Mobile Game App!

Big Bear Team Trivia Hunt: New 2024 Mobile Game App!

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2
From
$21.00
Los Angeles Airport to Snow Summit - Round-Trip Private Transfer

Los Angeles Airport to Snow Summit - Round-Trip Private Transfer

From
$361.97
Snow Summit to John Wayne Airport SNA-Departure Private Transfer

Snow Summit to John Wayne Airport SNA-Departure Private Transfer

From
$131.62
Family-Friendly Nature Hike around the Big Bear Valley

Family-Friendly Nature Hike around the Big Bear Valley

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27
From
$35.00
Guided Hiking Tour in Big Bear with Sunset Champagne toast on Private Dock

Guided Hiking Tour in Big Bear with Sunset Champagne toast on Private Dock

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$75.00
Bear Valley Search & Rescue - High-Tech Escape Room

Bear Valley Search & Rescue - High-Tech Escape Room

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6
From
$80.00
Big Bear Jeep off-road tour with Hike to Bluff Lake Reserve

Big Bear Jeep off-road tour with Hike to Bluff Lake Reserve

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32
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$65.00
Private Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience

Private Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience

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20
From
$82.00
Big Bear Bend Scavenger Hunt

Big Bear Bend Scavenger Hunt

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1
From
$27.00
Snow Summit to Ontario Airport (ONT) - Departure Private Transfer

Snow Summit to Ontario Airport (ONT) - Departure Private Transfer

From
$32.91
Private Big Bear Lake Jeep Tour with Light Lunch

Private Big Bear Lake Jeep Tour with Light Lunch

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17
From
$100.00
Ontario Airport(ONT) to Snow Summit - Round-Trip Private Transfer

Ontario Airport(ONT) to Snow Summit - Round-Trip Private Transfer

From
$65.81
Big Bear City Bash Scavenger Hunt

Big Bear City Bash Scavenger Hunt

From
$27.00
Highlander Big Bear Lake

Highlander Big Bear Lake

From
$599.00
One Way Private Transfer from Snow Summit to Palm Springs Airport

One Way Private Transfer from Snow Summit to Palm Springs Airport

From
$131.62
Zipline Tour - 9 high-speed ziplines & fun suspension bridge

Zipline Tour - 9 high-speed ziplines & fun suspension bridge

star-5
64
From
$178.21
See all Big Bear tours

All about Big Bear

When to visit

The best time to visit Big Bear depends on what you want to do while you’re there. If snow sports are what brings you here, book a trip for late December through March. However, if you’re hoping to get some time on the lake or go swimming, then a spring or summer trip is best. Big Bear’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular is a fun time to visit, but holidays are always crowded.

Getting around

If you have a car in Big Bear, getting around won’t be hard. But if you don’t, possible options include rideshare services, taxis, or the Mountain Transit Bus System. The bus system takes you all around the city, and to surrounding areas such as Big Bear Valley, Victorville, and Lucerne. On the weekends, the trolley stops at Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Big Bear Mountain Resort, and Snow Summit.

Traveler tips

Calling all galaxy geeks: If you’re in search of doing something out of the ordinary in Big Bear, then try a daytime visit to the Big Bear Solar Observatory—just make sure to make a reservation in advance. Take a tour led by the Big Bear Valley Astronomical Society to learn more about the telescopes used to look at the sun. Also, look out for Star Party stargazing nighttime events at Big Bear Discovery Center throughout the year.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
PDT (UTC -8)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
0
Tours
20
Reviews
171
EN
0cf814e2-00a2-4248-9baf-c2bda4707b9d
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People Also Ask

How do I spend a day in Big Bear?

How you spend a day in Big Bear depends on your preferences. Some options include a day of skiing or boating (depending on the weather), checking out The Village Shops and Courtyard, visiting the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, going ziplining or golfing, or following one of the area’s many hiking trails.

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Is Big Bear California worth visiting?

Yes, Big Bear is worth a visit. Even if you’re not into hiking, fishing, skiing, or snowboarding, there’s still plenty to do in Big Bear. A picnic at Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve or a day of fun at the Big Bear Bowling Barn are just a few go-tos.

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What is Big Bear famous for?

Big Bear is famous for its lake, of course, as well as all the activities that go along with it—fishing, boating, and kayaking to name a few. Plus, this mountain city destination is a very popular destination for skiers and snowboarders coming from surrounding areas outside of California, such as Las Vegas and Phoenix.

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What is the best month to visit Big Bear?

The best months to visit Big Bear are early June and September. In early June, it’s not too hot out yet and it’s before schools get out for the summer and draw larger crowds. September is nice because it starts to cool down, making it a perfect time for outdoor adventures.

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Is it safe to walk at Big Bear at night?

Yes and no; Big Bear is safe to walk at night if you’re in a larger group. But when walking anywhere in California at night, especially solo, be alert and be prepared. Also, try never to hike or camp alone in Big Bear, even when it’s daytime.

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What is the snowiest month in Big Bear?

The snowiest month in Big Bear is February. If you want to take advantage of the annual snowfall, February is your best bet for snow. In Big Bear, snow can begin to fall as early as October and as late as March. But you can’t always be sure of snow during these months.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top activities in Big Bear?
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