Guidebook for Big Bear
Sightseeing
An interesting zoo in that they only house animals that have been injured and cannot return to the wild.
723 locals recommend
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
42801 Club View DrAn interesting zoo in that they only house animals that have been injured and cannot return to the wild.
A nice interpretive center and starting point for some amazing local hikes.
488 locals recommend
Big Bear Discovery Center
A nice interpretive center and starting point for some amazing local hikes.
A beautiful park with a small, sandy beach which highlights the natural beauty of Boulder Bay.
234 locals recommend
Boulder Bay Park
39080 Big Bear BlvdA beautiful park with a small, sandy beach which highlights the natural beauty of Boulder Bay.
Everything Else
Snow Summit
880 Summit BlvdBest skiing/snowboarding in Southern California
I love the little Mill Creek that parallels Hwy 38 (the backroad up to Big Bear). It's a nice place to let my dog run and splash in the creek. Longer drive but I prefer it due to less traffic.
Mill Creek Road
Mill Creek RoadI love the little Mill Creek that parallels Hwy 38 (the backroad up to Big Bear). It's a nice place to let my dog run and splash in the creek. Longer drive but I prefer it due to less traffic.
Getting on the lake? You can gear up here! Jet skis, paddle boards, pontoon boats...
277 locals recommend
Big Bear Marina
500 Paine CtGetting on the lake? You can gear up here! Jet skis, paddle boards, pontoon boats...
I like the north shore of Big Bear lake. Less people, fishing, hiking and a few hidden enclaves...
54 locals recommend
Big Bear Solar Observatory
40386 N Shore LnI like the north shore of Big Bear lake. Less people, fishing, hiking and a few hidden enclaves...
A sharp, steep ascent gives way to some great views and craggy rock formations that you can scramble up. Bring good hiking shoes for this one!
9 locals recommend
Castle Rock Trail
A sharp, steep ascent gives way to some great views and craggy rock formations that you can scramble up. Bring good hiking shoes for this one!
A simple, flat and short hike just north of the lake and easy to access. There's even a boulder formation that my dog and I like to climb up. Don't forget your Adventure Pass for parking.
8 locals recommend
Woodland Trail
A simple, flat and short hike just north of the lake and easy to access. There's even a boulder formation that my dog and I like to climb up. Don't forget your Adventure Pass for parking.
Hike to this one and you'll be rewarded by some amazing views of the San Bernardino Mountains! Shoes and water, compass and food for sure.
21 locals recommend
Butler Peak Fire Lookout
39607 2N13CHike to this one and you'll be rewarded by some amazing views of the San Bernardino Mountains! Shoes and water, compass and food for sure.
The other ski mountain in Big Bear proper. Just bought/merged with Snow Summit. Close to my cabin but considered second to Snow Summit in quality/fun
870 locals recommend
Bear Mountain Ski Resort
43101 Goldmine DrThe other ski mountain in Big Bear proper. Just bought/merged with Snow Summit. Close to my cabin but considered second to Snow Summit in quality/fun
Hike or bike your way up to the southern ridge line above town. I've done this in the past if I want to climb, cross and downhill on a mountain bike. Come prepared though!
Knickerbocker Rd
Hike or bike your way up to the southern ridge line above town. I've done this in the past if I want to climb, cross and downhill on a mountain bike. Come prepared though!
Arts & Culture
Simple family fun. I like the slick carts and alpine slide for a few thrills
9 locals recommend
Magic Mountain station
Simple family fun. I like the slick carts and alpine slide for a few thrills
Shopping
Big Bear Discount
669 Pine Knot AveCute downtown, walkable area with shops, ice cream and movies.
Good for stocking up on food, sundries and supplies for a summer stay or a cold, winter day.
297 locals recommend
Stater Bros. Markets
42171 Big Bear BlvdGood for stocking up on food, sundries and supplies for a summer stay or a cold, winter day.
Food Scene
A nice, hidden breakfast spot where you can watch the small aircraft take off, land and then chat with a pilot...
31 locals recommend
The Barnstorm Restaurant
501 W Valley BlvdA nice, hidden breakfast spot where you can watch the small aircraft take off, land and then chat with a pilot...
Dingy ambience but pretty darn good pizza for Big Bear. It's become a tradition for me every time I visit.
27 locals recommend
Red Baron Pizza
42173 1/2 Big Bear BlvdDingy ambience but pretty darn good pizza for Big Bear. It's become a tradition for me every time I visit.