Things to do & places to visit in Big Bear Region, California, United States

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.

Big Bear Region district in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 17:54.

Top things to do (18)

Top places to visit (26 attractions)

5.0 Butler Peak (13 reviews)
- Highlight of Big Bear!
Spent More than 3 hours Lookouts • Geologic Formations

Venture up from Fawnskin (4x4) to the locked gate(call ahead, sometimes it is open). From the locked gate, you will hike uphill 2.5 miles to the bottom of the tower. There is shade in a few spots on the way up. Plan accordingly and bring plenty of water. During the summer season or fire season, you will likely find a volunteer in the tower. Climb up and you are welcomed in to some spectacular 360 degree views. The hosts are great in pointing out the landmarks, sights and history of the tower. They seem to really enjoy the company. Unlike other areas towers that you can drive the entire way, you have to work a bit to get to Butler. But you will be rewarded with less people, if any at all and fantastic views. See more..
5.0 Mt San Gorgonio (2 reviews)
- The beauty of Mt San Gorgonio
Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails

This is a perfect for hiking on the mountains of Mount San Gorgonio. Yes there are trees and yes they had snow last night. Perfect for hiking. Wow! I like it! A must see if possible! See more..
5.0 Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve (1 review)
- Just a Short Hike to Sprawling Views and Beautiful Spring Flowers
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
Its a self-guided interpretive trail and visitor center features Baldwin Lake Ecological Habitat. The visitor center is staffed by volunteers in a partnership between San Bernardino National Forest Association and Fish and Game Dept. The terrain is rocky so good footwear is idea, as is water and sunscreen, both a must year round. See more..
5.0 United States Adaptive Recreation Center (1 review)
- Amazing experience!
Sports Camps & Clinics • Sports Complexes • Ski & Snowboard Areas

Recreation center for the physically disabled providing access to winter and water sports. See more..
4.5 Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge (687 reviews)
- Such a great Zoo!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

This zoo was just beautiful! It was small and intimate and we got to hear alot about the animals from a guide. It was a beautiful day and the new location (we have never been to the old one) was perfect. Almost all of the animals were out and we had the best time. Completed it in about 2 hours (we played at the little park for awhile). Highly recommend a stop by. The bears were amazing! See more..
4.5 Big Bear Lake (681 reviews)
- No restrooms but great shops!
Bodies of Water • Hiking Trails • Ski & Snowboard Areas

Big bear lake is beautiful and Idyllic town, however bathrooms can be very scarce. No one really offers Public restrooms so it is something that you should keep in mind. Also this was a last minute trip so I prepared to pay a lot for a hotel and lodging. But in general this is a place you want to book early because it does fill up very quickly especially in the winter time and especially around holidays. To give you an example of what the prices were ranging in December 2021 I paid $800 for a Motel six. That was for two nights well other hotels were averaging $3000 for two nights. Amazing little local shops are great including the fact that they have a lot of tire repair facilities around because my tire pressure was low coming up from Chula Vista where the temperature was much warmer. See more..
4.5 Castle Rock Trail (233 reviews)
- Easy level one hike
Hiking Trails

This was a level 1 hike. Very easy and scenic views are nice. But you have to stay on the trail or you might run into some wildlife. At the top there are lots of photo opportunities and resting stops. I would highly recommend it for kids also because my 4 year old made it up with ease See more..
4.5 Boulder Bay Park (220 reviews)
- A quiet Destination
Parks

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. See more..
4.5 Big Bear Discovery Center (213 reviews)
- Start here for outdoors at Big Bear Lake
Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers

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. See more..
4.5 Big Bear Visitor Center (120 reviews)
- Perfict stop to start your visit.
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers

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. See more..
4.5 Alpine Pedal Path (49 reviews)
- Wonderful path for a walk or bike ride.
Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Hiking Trails • Jogging Paths & Tracks

My husband and I walk a good portion of the path. He rented and ebike another day and rode the entire path. It's a nice way to see the lake surrounds. There are portapots at each parking area as the buildings are locked due to covid. Therefore, an Adventure Pass did not need to be purchased. See more..
4.5 Cougar Crest Trail (47 reviews)
- Hammock at the Vista
Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails

Tereific vista! set up my hammock and chilled hile looking at the view. The ultimate in solitude! The hike was moderate difficulty. Did not quite make it all the way to the top, but the hike was 4 miles total and that is enough for one day. Met a very nice coupl on the trail, locals, 81 and 84 still hiking! They were able to give me some good information about Big Bear! See more..
4.5 Champion Lodgepole Pine (30 reviews)
- Exciting drive up to tree
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The adventure getting to this trail was the most memorable part. It was about a 30 minute drive starting on pavement, going to dirt, then ending at an off-roading level. We almost gave up because we were in a sedan, but…with some careful planning we safely traversed all of the ditches and stones! I would have never continued if the road was wet at all. Now, for the Champion Lodgepole Tree! The trail to the tree was easy with lots of cool rocks and trees to see. The tree is very impressive and it’s in great shape (thankfully it hasn’t been carved into). The tree is over 400 years old! That one tree is big enough to build a 1300 square foot house! See more..
4.5 Woodland Trail 1E23 (24 reviews)
- A real "must do"
Spent 1-2 hours Hiking Trails

This is one of our favorite trails in the Big Bear area: great for kids, as well as older folks (like us!) who don't want to do a longer walk in the woods. Generally very easy and well-maintained, with benches here and there. For those who geocache, this trail has a few not too far off the path. The markers on the trail have all been recently replaced with larger numbers, making them very easy to see. This is one of the "open secrets" in the Valley that we can recommend without reservation to everyone :-) See more..
4.5 Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve (24 reviews)
- The boardwalk gives a great view of the marsh
Nature & Wildlife Areas

The boardwalk is a break place to walk in the evenings. There are great views over three marsh and the sunset is beautiful. It's also a very easy walk with 2 sections. See more..
4.5 Pine Knot Trail (17 reviews)
- Tough but Beautiful Trail
Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails • Hiking Trails

Did this on a gorgeous day all the way to the Grandview Outlook. Not as steep as Cougar Crest, but long and there is lots of elevation gain going up. Beautiful trail thru the forest with fall colors all around. The view at Grandview Outlook was a big wow. Gotta do if you hike and are in the area. See more..
4.5 Bluff Lake Reserve (7 reviews)
- Serene and beautiful!
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Located at 7,600 feet, Bluff Lake Reserve has towering pines, a 20-acre lake and meadow, and majestic outcrops of quartz monzonite. The reserve includes Southern California's finest intact mountain marsh and meadow complex that contains the federally threatened Bear Valley bluegrass (Poa atropurpurea), the federally endangered Big Bear checkerbloom (Sidalcea pedata) and California dandelion (Tarax See more..
4.5 Bear Valley Christian Faith Center (6 reviews)
- new worship center is beautiful
Points of Interest & Landmarks
The old building has been "born again" into a comfortable and spacious place to Praise Jesus with your whole heart and being! Same fabulous worship ministry by the talented Dunn sisters! Prayer time every Sunday, come and be touched by the spirit of the Most High God. Bring a friend or the whole family. New spaces for children's church and a quiet room for babies where mom can still hear and see the service. See more..
4.5 Towne Trail (5 reviews)
- Simple trail for first time MTN bikers or hikers.
Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails

easy to access, simle to take ... takes you to Snow Summit or very near village for more fun beyond the trail. See more..
4.5 Skyline Trail (4 reviews)
- 16 Miles of Mountain Adventure
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Biking Trails • Hiking Trails

The Skyline Trail is a mountain bikers dream. Beginner to intermediate This multi-use trail, designed for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding, begins where Mill Creek Rd. ends and US Forest service road 2N10 begins. Ride a few miles up and you'll pass the entrance to Bluff Lake and the Champion Lodgepole Pine. Keep following it along the upper ridge line to see spectacular views of San Gorgonio. To finish, you will pass the backside of Snow Summit and head towards the base area of Bear Mountain. See more..
4.0 Snow Summit (475 reviews)
- Wonderful trip
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Ski & Snowboard Areas

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. W... See more..
4.0 Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain (310 reviews)
- Snow Tubing
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks

A little pricey and wish that you could order tickets online and fill out waiver online (1 time preferred instead of each day) and can pay with card (cash only accepted) Just to get tickets and fill out waiver took us 1 hour. The kids did have an amazing time but for a family of 4 to spend $200 for tubing and 3 rides seemed excessive but overall a good time. Go early during peak season...parking was a nightmare... See more..
4.0 Pine Knot Village (127 reviews)
- Lovely village in which to stroll, shop, eat.
Neighborhoods

I spent about 3 hours walking around The Village by myself. Not was did I feel insecure doing so. There are plenty of shops in which to stop and browse. I visited several gift shops, one restaurant (there are several), Santa Land (really cool), and sat in the shade for quite a while. Truly enjoyed and the weather was perfect. Public restrooms are on Bartlett St behind the Chamber of Commerce. See more..
4.0 North Shore Landing (20 reviews)
- Great Place to Rent a Boat on Big Bear Lake - The Best for sure.
Marinas

We rented a boat this past Sunday. We made reservations but at the last minute we had one extra person. The boat we had rented only seated 9 and we had 10. There was no issue at all as Lindsay made sure we were taken care of. We were on their Luxury Pontoon which is fantastic. Nicest boat we have rented over the years by far. I believe this is a family owned marina. Lindsay, Kendra, Alec, Keegan and Zach all provided fantastic customer service. We have been renting up in Big Bear annually since the 80s and we will always go back to North Shore from now on. Thanks for a great experience. See more..
3.5 Big Bear Solar Observatory (16 reviews)
- A rare opportunity
Observatories & Planetariums

There aren't many solar observatories in So Cal. This one on the Lake is small, but really interesting. Find out in advance when their visitor hours are and definitely do the tour. See more..
3.0 Swim Beach (32 reviews)
- The drought
Beaches

We were not able to enjoy the beach since the water has receded so bad. The shore was full to rocks and algae. Hope the rains come soon! See more..