Laura's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Scenic park and photo op where you can walk out on a dock to view lake and boulder formations
234 locals recommend
Boulder Bay Park
39080 Big Bear BlvdScenic park and photo op where you can walk out on a dock to view lake and boulder formations
The VILLAGE SHOPS AND COURTYARD
652 Pine Knot AveBaldwin Lake Ecological Reserve
44999 N Shore DrSee unique scenery and learn about history of the Valley
Activities
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
800 Wildrose LnStart of several hiking trails and a popular snowplay area with hills for sledding in winter
59 locals recommend
Aspen Glen Picnic Area
40105 Mill Creek RdStart of several hiking trails and a popular snowplay area with hills for sledding in winter
A steep, 2-mile roundtrip hike to a point with breathtaking views of the Lake.
Parking can be difficult and/or limited. To access the trailhead you must walk on the Highway about 200 meters which is a little treacherous.
474 locals recommend
Castle Rock Trail 1W03
Big Bear BoulevardA steep, 2-mile roundtrip hike to a point with breathtaking views of the Lake.
Parking can be difficult and/or limited. To access the trailhead you must walk on the Highway about 200 meters which is a little treacherous.
Flat trail for walking or biking along the shore of the Northeast side of the Lake
194 locals recommend
Alpine Pedal Path Trail 1E50
740 Stanfield CutoffFlat trail for walking or biking along the shore of the Northeast side of the Lake
The main ski resort (you can park on site or take a shuttle from many nearby locations). You must purchase an electronic lift ticket in advance this year.
906 locals recommend
Snow Summit
880 Summit BlvdThe main ski resort (you can park on site or take a shuttle from many nearby locations). You must purchase an electronic lift ticket in advance this year.
This mountain has more terrain features for snowboarders, such as jumps and chutes. The same lift ticket is good for both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, and you may take a shuttle between the two ski locations. Electronic tickets are the only kind accepted, and they must be purchased in advance this year.
870 locals recommend
Bear Mountain Ski Resort
43101 Goldmine DrThis mountain has more terrain features for snowboarders, such as jumps and chutes. The same lift ticket is good for both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, and you may take a shuttle between the two ski locations. Electronic tickets are the only kind accepted, and they must be purchased in advance this year.
Try your hand at discovering gold and learning about the history of the area!
61 locals recommend
Gold Rush Mining Adventures
40016 Big Bear BlvdTry your hand at discovering gold and learning about the history of the area!
This 90-minute cruise on the lake aboard the pirate ship is a unique and memorable experience for all ages.
64 locals recommend
Big Bear Pirate Ship
398 Edgemoor RdThis 90-minute cruise on the lake aboard the pirate ship is a unique and memorable experience for all ages.
Animals specific to the region that are being rescued to be returned to the wild.
723 locals recommend
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
42801 Club View DrAnimals specific to the region that are being rescued to be returned to the wild.
Baldwin Lake Stables
46475 Pioneer Town RdOffers horseback riding and a petting zoo
Food Scene
Close to the cabin, wide menu options, delicious food, and generous portions. Open for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
23 locals recommend
Country Kitchen Restaurant
39904 Big Bear BlvdClose to the cabin, wide menu options, delicious food, and generous portions. Open for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Close to the cabin and good food and drink (we like the fajitas!)
265 locals recommend
Azteca Grill Mexican Restaurant
40199 Big Bear BoulevardClose to the cabin and good food and drink (we like the fajitas!)
Teddy Bear Restaurant
583 Pine Knot AveExcellent American comfort food at great prices.
Fire Rock Burgers & Brews
618 Pine Knot AveDelicious appetizers, drinks, and atmosphere
572 Social kitchen & lounge
572 Pine Knot AveGreat atmosphere and outdoor seating setup
The Bone Yard Bar & Grill
560 Pine Knot AveGreat for BBQ or to catch a game
Himalayan Restaurant
672 Pine Knot AveGreat Indian food including takeout
Great atmosphere with an oasis-like patio, great food, and live music outdoors on weekend evenings
236 locals recommend
Nottinghams Restaurant
40797 Big Bear BlvdGreat atmosphere with an oasis-like patio, great food, and live music outdoors on weekend evenings
Oakside
40701 Village DrUpscale dining
Peppercorn Grille
553 Pine Knot AveFine dining
Village Sweet Shoppe
40736 Village DrHomemade fudge, treats, and hot chocolate
Neighborhoods
A quiet peninsula great for taking a morning or evening walk and viewing the lake or the stars.
26 locals recommend
Boulder Bay
A quiet peninsula great for taking a morning or evening walk and viewing the lake or the stars.
Water Activities
Pleasure Point Marina
603 Landlock Landing2 minute walk -- boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals
A few minutes drive, has a large selection of fishing, pontoon and speedboat rentals.
103 locals recommend
Holloway's Marina & RV Park
398 Edgemoor RdA few minutes drive, has a large selection of fishing, pontoon and speedboat rentals.
Nearby spot for kayak and paddle board rentals, with scenic views.
18 locals recommend
Big Bear Paddleboarding
39172 Big Bear BlvdNearby spot for kayak and paddle board rentals, with scenic views.
Bear Valley Bikes
40298 Big Bear BlvdRentals and repair of all kinds of bikes!
Partake in a mystery you must solve with your friends!
21 locals recommend
Mountain Room Escapes Big Bear
40588 Village DrPartake in a mystery you must solve with your friends!
Traveler advice
Getting around
Street parking not allowed in winter
The city does not allow street parking in the winter, so that the snowplows can do their job.
Remember to always carry the right size chains for your car in the winter.
Book before you go
Boat reservations
Advance reservations are recommended for summer weekends
Book before you go
Lift tickets must be purchased in advance.
Buy your lift tickets to Snow Summit / Bear Mountain well in advance as they have been selling out early. You may purchase lift tickets online or over the phone.
Only patrons with a valid lift ticket may enter the ski resort area which includes dining, lounge, and restrooms.