One of the best parts of visiting a small mountain town like Big Bear is exploring the local shops. While the lake and trails often get the spotlight, the village and surrounding areas are filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques, gift stores, and specialty shops that give Big Bear its charm. These aren’t your typical big-box stops. They’re places owned and run by locals who bring personality and passion into every product and display. Whether you’re hunting for souvenirs, something cozy or a gift you won’t find anywhere else, these five local Big Bear are worth a visit.
If you’re looking for the full Big Bear souvenir experience, Bear Essentials delivers. This shop has been around for years and is packed with locally themed items. You’ll find everything from T-shirts and hoodies to ornaments, magnets and rustic home decor. Most items have a mountain-town vibe and are perfect for remembering your trip or grabbing gifts for folks back home.
What makes Bear Essentials stand out is its mix of fun and functionality. You can grab a comfy hoodie to wear during cool mountain evenings or pick up something quirky like bear-shaped salt and pepper shakers. The shop is friendly and easy to browse, and the staff is always ready to help you find what you didn’t know you needed.
Right in the heart of the village, O Koo Ran is a stylish women’s boutique that feels like something you’d find in a bigger city but with a relaxed mountain touch. The shop carries a curated selection of fashion-forward clothing, accessories and shoes that lean casual but elevated. The pieces are handpicked with an eye for both comfort and quality, making it easy to find something you’ll actually want to wear again and again.
It’s a favorite among visitors who want to pick up something fresh for a dinner out or just feel like treating themselves. With its clean aesthetic and friendly vibe, O Koo Ran is a great reminder that shopping local can still mean shopping chic.
Brown Bear Gift Shop is one of the oldest and most iconic shops in Big Bear. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by a warm cabin-like feel with shelves full of bear-themed goodies, Big Bear apparel, handmade crafts and classic gifts. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a good amount of time just browsing.
What keeps people coming back is the sheer variety. You’ll find kids’ toys, kitchen items, local jams and even cabin-style decor that would look right at home in a mountain rental. It’s cozy, a little nostalgic and full of personality, which makes it one of the top stops for anyone wandering through the village.
For something completely different and undeniably local, Haus of Jerky offers an experience that’s as flavorful as it is unique. This shop specializes in premium jerky made from a variety of meats including beef, turkey, venison, buffalo, and even exotic options like kangaroo and ostrich. The quality is top-notch and the flavors range from mild and smoky to spicy and bold.
It’s a must-visit for snack lovers, road trippers and anyone looking to bring home something different. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to offer suggestions based on your taste. You can sample before you buy and pick out a few packs to keep your adventure fueled or gift to a fellow foodie.
Spending the day shopping your way through Big Bear is a whole lot better when you’ve got a relaxing place to come home to. Big Bear Vacations has over 300 homes and cabins to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect rental no matter what your plans look like. Whether you want a simple cabin tucked in the trees or a luxury property with a hot tub and lake views, there’s a great option ready for you.
Our homes are spread throughout Big Bear Lake and close to all the local shops, restaurants, and outdoor spots you’re here to explore. Many properties are pet-friendly, and we offer rentals by the week, month, or even longer if you’re thinking about an extended mountain escape. After a day of browsing stores and carrying shopping bags, kicking back in your private cabin is the best way to wind down.
Big Bear’s local shops offer more than products. They offer stories, character and the kind of personal experience you just don’t find in larger cities. From boutique clothing to handmade crafts and jerky you won’t find anywhere else, shopping in Big Bear is part of what makes the trip feel complete. Book your stay with Big Bear Vacations and start planning a trip that blends mountain adventure with a little retail therapy!
