Category: About Big Bear Lake

Where to Get the Best Views in Big Bear

Big Bear, California is one of the most visited alpine lakes in the country. This is due to some of the best lake leisure around, great skiing, and endless other activities. But it is also because this is one of the most beautiful places in the country. The following are a couple places throughout the Big Bear area that provide the very best views of that beauty.

Castle Rock Trail

You can find beauty throughout this 1.5-mile trail, but the real prize lies at the end of the hike. It culminates with sweeping views of the lake, but also of the incredible mountains that surround. This is often considered the best place to take in the mountains. Not only does this spot provide for some of the best views, but it requires a bit of light exercise. Nothing adds to the pleasure of a pleasant hike like an incredible view. You can find the trail on the southwest corner of the lake off of Big Bear Blvd and Fisher Creek.

Boulder Bay Park

This amazing spot puts you on the shore of Big Bear Lake while providing incredible views of the beauty that surrounds. This is the best place to experience the contrast of blue and emerald water that makes you feel as if you are in the tropics coupled with forests and mountains. This is a truly stunning place. The best vantage point in the park comes from the small, charming dock that takes you out over the crystal blue water. Find this incredible experience on the south side of the lake at the intersection of Big Bear Blvd and Bluejay Lane.

Anywhere on the Water

There are countless opportunities to get out on the water. Among the most peaceful methods of enjoying the views from the water are those afforded by sailboats, but you can also kayak, paddle boat, jet ski, and everything in between. You can rent all your watercraft at Big Bear Marina on the south side of the lake, or from North Shore Landing on—you guessed it—the north side of the lake!

You may come for one recreational opportunity or another, but you are sure to fall in love with Big Bear for the natural beauty that you will find there. Whether it’s the heart of winter or the heat of summer, plan your next trip here and be blown away by the amazing sights you will find.

Experience Wildlife in Big Bear

The Wilds are Closer Than You Think

Big Bear is a land of four seasons and life changing experiences. Many come up the mountain for snow adventure and even our summer concert series Music in the Mountains, however there is so much more! Bear Valley is a photography mecca with opportunities to take high altitude photos of San Gorgonio or Snow Summit, wildlife, people, events, music, lake life, and of course sunsets (we think we have the best!). Come to Big Bear and enjoy the more hidden gems with us at Big Bear Vacations.

Big Bear for Valentine’s Day

With the holidays but a memory, February finds us itching for a reason to do something special. Take Valentine’s Day as your excuse to visit Big Bear, California! The mountain town is more romantic than some people give it credit-full of excitement, beauty, and relaxation, it’s perfect for a trip for two!

Thrill of the Mountains

Snow Summit and Bear Mountain are both in full operations during the month of February, and if you don’t think anything can up your heart-rate like the sight of your special someone, try taking them with you down a ski slope! The chill against your cheeks, the scenery rushing by, and the smile of your partner when you reach the bottom-it’s just the kind of thrill you need to spice up your Valentine’s Day! And if you’re new to the slopes, don’t worry-the ski resorts offer lessons and shops both in town and up the slopes sell equipment. You’ll enjoy the (certainly well-meaning!) laughter of your partner as the two of you practice staying upright and making it down your first slope.

Unbeatable Scenery

The mountains are always romantic, skiing or no-skiing. Standing tall and proud and seeming eternal, they’re even more beautiful up close in a mountain town. As they gleam white with winter snow, the view is even more breath-taking. For the best views, find a winter hiking trail, gear up, and visit your vista. Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion for taking a trail like Pine Knot Trail up to a stunning view to share!

Delicious Dinner for a Romantic Evening

It’s perhaps the most traditional of Valentine’s traditions-going out to enjoy a meal together. The Pines Lakefront makes an ideal spot for the occasion. A charming restaurant with delicious food and gorgeous views of the lake, this is one of the best spots to share your Valentine’s Dinner. The Peppercorn Grille may not be pegged as romantic, but it’s another excellent option. The décor is pleasant and the food is delicious, and best of all, the staff is among the best around-it’s nice to see your significant other treated like the royalty you see them as! Captain’s Anchorage gets honorable mention-the walk-up soup and salad detract from feelings of “upscale,” but the steak and seafood are top-notch, and the dim, cozy, relatively quiet ambiance makes it perfect for a dinner together.

Big Bear Vacations-the Ideal Vacation, All Ready for You!

Focus more on your partner and less on the logistics-book with Big Bear Vacations and we’ll have everything set up for you, so you can go straight to enjoying each other’s company. Contact us today at 877-417-6504 to set up your Valentine’s escape and book your vacation rental home!

Bear Necessities Surprise Visitor

One Stop Shop for Fun and Friends

Bear Necessities is our newest addition to Big Bear Vacations check in experience. You will receive $5 Credit to use for a minimum ten dollar purchase at check in. This is a GREAT start to getting all your family souvenirs or even some basics like Firewood. Avoid the lines in the Village or the big stores and get truly unique high quality gifts and Big Bear Gear.

Plan a Winter Visit to Big Bear

Because of the weather that southern California typically experiences, it may be hard at times to really get into the spirit of winter. Let’s be honest: Does it really feel like winter when it’s sunny and 75 degrees outside? Luckily for you, there’s a hidden winter wonderland in southern California waiting to make you and your family’s winter vacation the most memorable to date. Come up and visit Bear Big Lake and experience a winter wonderland like no other in California!

A True Winter Paradise

Unlike the majority of southern California, Big Bear Lake sits at an incredible 6,752 feet in elevation. This means one thing: lots of snow! In the wintertime, Big Bear Lake transforms from a lakeside destination to a winter wonderland, with light and fluffy snow covering the mountainsides and powdering the thousands of trees of the San Bernardino National Forest. This provides visitors with picturesque views that are perfect for getting you in winter mood, and will make it so you can’t resist putting your feet up with a warm cup of cocoa in front of a roaring fire!

So Many Activities to Experience in Big Bear

Some people may think that because Big Bear Lake is a big summer vacation town that this means it slows down in the wintertime, and that’s not true at all! Big Bear Lake is a year-round destination with plenty of winter fun to be had on the mountains. Snow Summit Ski Resort is truly a sight to behold. Whether you’re new to winter sports or an experienced rider, you’ll love shredding down the mountain trails found in Big Bear.

Not interested in skiing or snowboarding, but still want to explore the winter landscape? Why not try your hand at snowshoeing? Snowshoes let you explore the trails found around Big Bear Lake at your own pace; just be sure to dress warmly!

No matter how you choose to spend your winter escape, Big Bear Lake has something for everyone. If you want to start the new year off right, come spend the beginning of 2018 in a true winter wonderland with us!

Big Bear Christmas Events

Big Bear is one of Southern California’s top skiing and snowboarding destinations for the winter season. Whether you are enjoying one of the community’s numerous ski resorts, the shops and restaurants of the Big Bear Lake Village, or exploring the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear offers something for everyone in the winter season. Planning Christmas for the family may seem like a scary task when on vacation, but here in Big Bear, finding the closest Christmas event is just as easy as being at home. Here are our top picks for local Big Bear Christmas events!

Santa Comes to Snow Summit

Every child yearns to visit Santa and relay his or her wishes for Christmas gifts each year. Lucky for you, Santa does not miss out on Big Bear! Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be visiting the Christmas Tree Lot in the Big Bear Lake Village located just off the corner of Pine Knot Boulevard and Village Drive. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be available for your child’s wishes on December 23rd and December 24th from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Santa will even at the base of Snow Summit on December 23rd for all you skiing enthusiasts!

Santa’s Hayride to the North Pole

Every Friday and Saturday this holiday season will be the host of the Santa’s Hayride just down in Bear Valley Farms. This event will delight everyone in your family with a night of beautiful Christmas sightseeing. Come see the array of thousands of beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. Complimentary cocoa will be available to enjoy at the Bear Valley Farms’ theater, which is playing all of the Christmas classics. Letters to Santa and book readings but his helpful elves will delight all of your children. This magical hayride will transport you into the magical kingdom of the North Pole!

The Nutcracker Ballet

The Big Bear Lake Arts and Moonridge School of Dance will be putting on a two-night performance of the Nutcracker. Performances will be held on December 16th at 7:00pm and December 17th at 2:30pm. Tickets are $22 for general admission and can be purchased at http://www.citybigbearlake.com, calling the PAC box office at (909) 866-4970, or at the door. This beloved performance is a holiday tradition for the entire family and makes a terrific Christmas gift idea as well. Don’t miss out on this local production of the Nutcracker!

Your Christmas Destination

Take a break from the mountain’s beautiful ski slopes and spend your next Christmas tradition in Big Bear Lake Village. There is Christmas fun that the whole family can enjoy!

Thanksgiving in Big Bear

We all know the importance of a holiday does not necessarily come from where or how you celebrate it, but who you celebrate it with. Getting together with family is what many of us look forward to for Thanksgiving. With that being said, spending the holiday in an amazing place will go a long way in adding some excitement to the typical proceedings. One of the best places to spend a Thanksgiving in the United States is Big Bear, California.

Activities to Celebrate

There is always a reason to celebrate in Big Bear, so there are always activities that bring the community together on the docket. During the Thanksgiving holiday, there is a little something going on for everyone. If you are in Big Sur, then you have to check out the turkey trot on Thanksgiving Day. Go for a casual run, jog, or walk, and then relax with people from this vibrant community to enjoy games, activities, and even a costume contest. The day after Thanksgiving, you can be a part of the town’s preparations for the Christmas season by partaking in the lighting of the tree ceremony. Enjoy carolers, live entertainment, and even a Santa appearance.

Everywhere a Feast

This is a community that does not take a delicious meal lightly, especially during Thanksgiving. When the holiday comes around, you can bet that the many charming eateries will be ready with amazing meals for the community. Find one of the tastiest traditional Thanksgiving buffets you will ever see is in full swing at the Evergreen Restaurant. Or you can pop into Nottingham’s Restaurant any time between 1:00 pm and 7:45 pm to enjoy the incredible flavors that they bring to all your favorites. Maybe you want to go off script this Thanksgiving. Well, you can do that in a big way with amazing Indian, Thai, Chinese, Italian, and every other type of eatery you can imagine!

Beauty and Recreation for Everyone

There’s no better way to start Thanksgiving Day than going for a hike in the brisk mountain air, and there’s no better place to do it than in Big Bear. There are also some very special activities that always make for a great time on vacation. A classic way to explore the Big Bear canopy is with a zip line excursion, but you can also go horseback riding. Not only are all of these awesome services available on Thanksgiving Day, but you can enjoy them at discount prices.

It does not matter where you eat or how you spend your days, your Big Bear Thanksgiving is sure to be one of the most memorable of your life. Make this beautiful place the newest addition to your Thanksgiving tradition this year!

Top Pizza Spots in Big Bear

Big Bear has become the favorite vacation destination for thousands upon thousands of people. It is a one of a kind place that offers the feeling of a tropical paradise with its clear blue waters, mixed with an alpine escape from the towering mountains. While visitors may not necessarily come for the amazing pizza around the lake, they sure are delightfully surprised when they try some of the best pizza that Big Bear has to offer. Below are just a couple of the spots serving up the best pizza in the area.

Maggio’s Pizza

You can taste the tradition in every bite of Maggio’s pizza. Everything here is prepared according to recipes that have become sacred to this family. It all starts from dough that is made from scratch in the kitchen every single day. Then the homemade sauce is added to create an incredible base for the cheese and toppings. Once the fresh ingredients are added, the pizza is cooked to crispy perfection in a brick deck oven. You can also find amazing sandwiches, pastas, and much more. Find it right off of Big Bear Blvd on the South Shore.

Saucy Mama’s Pizzeria

With one look at the name, you know you are in for something special at Saucy Momma’s. The thing about Saucy Mama’s is there is something for everyone here. Their crust is delightfully thick and light, but you can also opt for their delicious thin crust option. And the best part is the prices are very fair. The food is complimented by a wonderful rock ‘n’ roll ambiance featuring charming décor and great music. A visit to Saucy Mama’s is always a good time! You can find this great spot right in the middle of Big Bear Lake on the South Shore.

No Name Pizza

The amazing pizza here is all about the fresh ingredients. But there is so much more to love about this place than delicious pies. Firstly, the service is always fast and friendly, the ambiance is very pleasing due to the music and décor, and the beer selection is extensive and cold. Come on the weekends for a nice night out with live music.

You will probably plan your next Big Bear vacation for the endless adventures that await around every corner. But the amazing pizza joints throughout the area provide for the perfect places to grab a delicious bite and recharge between those excursions. Check out these pizza joints and many more the next time you are in town!

Top Tours in Big Bear

You may think you do not need a tour to enjoy the incredible area that makes up and surrounds the city of Big Bear. And the truth is, you are right. This place is so amazing, it is nearly impossible to not have a memorable experience here. But if you want to experience the beauty, recreation, and community of Big Bear like never before, then you should consider taking one of the many fantastic tours provided here anyway. The following are just a few of the tours that provide a one of a kind experience. 

Big Bear Off-Road Adventures

These off-road adventures are sure to be unlike any other that you have experienced. Firstly, the vehicles look as if they came off the front lines of a distant war, except they are convertibles so everyone can enjoy the fresh air and incredible views. The excursion will provide you with a new appreciation of the canyons, ridges, rivers, and everything in between that makes the area so incredible. This tour not only offers you a unique look into the natural beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains, but a glimpse into the historic towns and mines that used to be so central to the community here.

Action Snowshoe Tours

You may think that the winter snow would bring an end to the season of touring in Big Bear, but you are wrong. These snowshoe tours offer one of the most unique ways to see the area when it is in arguably its most beautiful state. The great thing about these tours is they are completely customizable, so you can go in whatever area through whatever terrain you want. Regardless of the type of tour you choose, you can expect a unique beauty and solitude that only comes from snow-capped mountains and endless pine trees.

Snow Summit Bike Park

We will need to loosen the definition of “tour” for this one, but this experience offers an incredibly unique way to take advantage of the community and natural wonder here. This is the only opportunity in California to take a ski lift with a mountain bike and then ride the slopes down. There are terrain parks and sections of steady cruising so there is a way for bikers of all skill levels to have an amazing experience.

It is true that you do not need to take a tour to have an amazing time or to appreciate how incredible the Big Bear area is—you simply need to walk around outside in order to do that. But the tours are an amazing resource for those that want to get to know the area on a deeper level and experience it in new ways. There are countless tours that offer experiences that you will never forget. 

5 Fun Facts About Big Bear

Big Bear is a small city with a massive lake in California. It is one of the most popular alpine lakes in the country, and for good reason. Many people know of the great beauty here, but there is so much more to this incredible place. Here are a few fun facts that make it a great place to visit.

Big Bear is a Manmade Lake

The first dam was created in 1885. It was expanded upon in 1910, thus tripling the amount of water in the lake. The area turned into an absolute haven of beauty and fun. Now, it is one of the best places in the country for recreation. Boating, fishing, and swimming are just a few of the things that people love about coming here.

It was Among the First Places That Skiing was Introduced as a Sport

As the area falls within the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Big Bear offers some of the most perfect mountains for great skiing and snowboarding conditions. As such, skiing was brought to the area in 1925, and the industry took off! Today, you can find some of the best skiing opportunities in the country on the slopes of these mountains overlooking the beautiful lake.

The Population Can Grow by 2,000% for Events and Holidays

There are endless amazing, naturally-occurring things to enjoy about the area. But the community is a big part of what makes it a great place as well. This is best demonstrated in the fun events that are taking place here throughout the entire year. Fourth of July is a time when the population explodes to enjoy festivals and amazing fireworks. But there are plenty of other festivals celebrating everything from food and beer to art and live music.

The Weather Offers the Best of Both Worlds

The weather here is great because it offers amazing times for exploring the outdoors and also chilly nights for curling up next to a fire with friends and family. You will find the yearly average high is 82 degrees and the average low is 21 degrees. This allows for everything from skiing and snowboarding to swimming and hiking.

Unlike Surrounding Areas, Big Bear Offers All of the Seasons

California is not always the best place for those that particularly enjoy autumn and spring. Big Bear is a major exception to this, as you will find all of the seasons here. Fall is perhaps the most beautiful time in the valley; the bright greens are still exploding alongside the gentle colors of changing leaves. A more picturesque scene could not be imagined.

The history and beauty of this place, make it as unique as any other. Both of these aspects of the culture here make it an incredible place to visit. Discover more by choosing Big Bear as your next vacation destination!