Big Bear Lake, CA Vacation
3 Days, 2 Nights
$99 per person
Just two hours from Los Angeles, the San Bernardino Mountains offer a cool, pine-scented escape, Big Bear Lake is a hub for alpine recreation. Known for its famed Snow Summit and its seven-mile lake in the summer, Big Bear serves as a year-round Southern California escape. When the snow melts, Snow Summit’s Scenic Sky Chair transforms into a mile-long ride to 8,200-foot panoramic views and trails for mountain bikers and hikers. Whether you’re seeking single-track climbs or flat lakeside paths, Big Bear offers a collection of recreational trails for every level—many of which offer incredible views of the lake below.
Big Bear Lake’s 22-mile of shoreline is highlighted by the six marinas located around the lake; surrounded by towering peaks and lined by Ponderosa pine forests, the shimmering lake is a popular playground for motorized- and people-powered watercraft. You can rent equipment of all kinds, including paddleboards, kayaks, or boats for waterskiing or fishing. Looking for a unique perspective of this alpine town? Glide among the treetops on a zipline tour, fly over mountain lakes and the Mojave Desert on a helicopter tour, or get behind the wheel to take on rugged terrain on a Big Bear Jeep Experience. The lake is also home to nesting bald eagles in winter, which you can see on tours offered by Big Bear Discovery Center.