Big Bear, California, is one of the hottest tourist spots during the summer and winter months. With tons of outdoor things to do no matter the season, such as skiing, running, hiking, biking, snowboarding, and much more, it is no wonder that adventurers love coming here for some fresh air in their lungs and the sun on their face.
For others, it is more of a time and place to relax with their friends and family on vacation. If you are keen on the latter, Big Bear is one of the best spots to travel to for a fun and exciting Fourth of July weekend! Even if outdoor sports aren’t your thing, you can join in on the amazing festivities held around town at Big Bear Lake July 4th.
The big event in Big Bear Lake, California, is the 4th of July Fireworks held above the glistening lake water. This tiny town situated on the beautiful Big Bear Lake sets off fireworks every year on the 4th of July, with incredible lights shining brightly about 7,000 feet above your heads!
Held every year between 8:45 and 9:15 pm, the fireworks show will last an astoundingly-long 30-40 minutes — don’t worry, if you blink, you won’t miss it! This long firework show is the best way to kick off a weekend of partying, fun, and hanging out with friends.
Plus, the fireworks are FREE to watch! That’s right. If you are worried about spending a fortune on vacation, think again. Free entertainment is the name of the game here at Big Bear. Consistently ranked one of the best fireworks shows in California, Visit Big Bear, City of Big Bear Lake, and the Big Bear Lake Rotary Club put on this incredible masterpiece every single year.
Coming to Big Bear with kids? Head to the Independence Day Fair for two days of fun and activities! Bring your smaller kids here to enjoy arts and crafts, shop for personalized collectible items as souvenirs, try on new clothing, and bring your kids to the fun bouncy house.
One of the best views of the fireworks is to head to the ‘Above the Boom’ viewing party above the lake! Enjoy incredible views of the nighttime sky by taking a scenic Sky Chair ride, listening to the thumping tunes of a DJ, and enjoying a panoramic sight over the fireworks show.
Where should you stay during your upcoming trip to Southern California? We recommend checking out Big Bear Vacations homes and choosing between luxury houses in the Big Bear area. Check out Snow Summit cabin rentals; although it won’t be snowy in July, the ideal location of these cabins makes it great for those who want views, solitude, and peacefulness. Plus, these rentals have simple comforts, come in all shapes and sizes to work for your unique party, and contain desirable features, such as wrap-around decks, hot tubs, and stylish interiors.
Another location where you can rent a cabin in Big Bear is on the lakefront. If you are going to be watching the fireworks show, you can even walk outside of your rental home to see the display from your back porch! If you love being in the water, swimming, kayaking, and taking the boat out to watch the sunset, living in a home on this incredible natural beauty is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Last but certainly not least, the last type of rental you can choose from during your 4th of July stay are luxury cabin rentals. Not for those who have a tight budget, these luxurious and amenity-laden homes are ideal for those who spare no expense on their holiday. Complete with modern furnishing, wide-open spaces, an open floor plan, numerous guest bedrooms, and modern amenities, these homes are ideal for checking out the town of Big Bear.
Rent one of Big Bear Vacations’ luxury cabin homes to enjoy fully equipped kitchens with stainless steel appliances, spacious living rooms with comfortable couches, bedrooms with big and cozy beds, and outdoor spaces that provide expansive views of the surrounding areas. You can choose between smaller homes for 6 people in a tiny chalet, or the Five Bears Cabin, Big Bear House, or Heavenly Log Home, all of which hold over 12 people in over 4 spacious bedrooms. What more could you want?
Big Bear, California, is one of the best areas for you to visit at any point of the year! During the summer, you can head to Big Bear and go for a hike, swim in the bright blue water, or sit outside at one of the many parks. During the winter, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating at one of the makeshift rinks. During the Fall season, you can enjoy fewer people, fun outdoor activities, holiday activities, and Halloween in Big Bear!
Visiting Big Bear during the month of October is one of the best times to see the changing of the trees, still enjoy pristine hiking weather, and enjoy lower prices and fewer people. Plus, you can bring the kids to dress up for Halloween, go out for drinks with your partner in town, or hang out with your friends in this vibrant and fun city!
Let’s check out the top things to do for the popular holiday of Halloween in the charming and exciting town of Big Bear.
If your kids are older, they will love coming to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo for a Twilight Safari! Instead of coming during the day and being around tons of crowds, you can head here at night time to go on one of the tours to see the nocturnal animals that are awake at night. Book a spot during the tour every half hour between 6 pm and 8 pm on many days throughout October to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience! For just $15, you can head here with the family and enjoy a unique family-friendly experience.
If you want to go back to the infamous Zoo, then we don’t blame you! The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is one of the most widely visited attractions in the entire state — and for good reason. Plus, during the month of October, you can go trick or treating with your kids here in October from 10 am to 3 pm with your younger toddlers who can’t stay out late.
Are you visiting Big Bear, California, with your adult friends? We can’t think of anywhere better to go than the Halloween Metal Festival at The Cave on October 29th! Head here a few days before Halloween celebrations really kick off to listen to some heart-pounding music, celebrate with your pals, and have a few drinks.
If you head to Big Bear with your family and kids of all ages, then The Mystery Maze is one of THE best things to do for toddlers, young children, and teenagers alike. Head to The Big Bear Moose Lodge with your entire family on a Friday or Saturday evening to enjoy a fun and mind-bending activity!
The Village offers a Halloween celebration which is famous year in and year out. Head here to go trick or treating with your kids, dress up in your one-of-a-kind costume, and wander around this Halloween-themed party every year from 5 pm to 7 pm.
Head to the Big Bear Lions Club to participate in carnival games with your kids, decorative pumpkins, carve jack-o-lanterns, go through a hay maze, and wear your favorite costume!
Doesn’t Big Bear, California, sound like one of the best places to head to for your October vacation? We think so too! Our Halloween festivities, attractions, and events are fun for people of all ages. It doesn’t matter if you come to California by yourself, with your partner, with your friends, or with your young kids — there are endless activities and events for you to attend during your time in Sunny Cali.
But where should you stay during your time in California? We have a few options for you!
Instead of booking a hotel room that is crowded, expensive, and in a far-away location, use Big Bear Vacations as your trusted rental property company to help you find the property of your dreams. We have served guests over the past 100 years, making sure our past and present clients are happy with the properties, ranging from lakefront cabin rentals to pet-friendly cabins and luxury vacation cabins.
Head to our website to find out the top things to do right now, where you can check out Big Bear Museums, the best outdoor activities, and the best eateries in the surrounding areas. We offer advice on the most exciting activities, 24/7 customer support to help give you everything you need during your stay, and a wide range of accommodation rentals for those who want a mountain property.
Browse our simple cabins, luxurious mansions, or grand homes for parties of all sizes — head to Big Bear Vacations today to get started planning the vacation of your dreams!
When it comes to an adventurous getaway to Big Bear, you have a variety of natural attractions in the area to visit. Some may be steps away from your vacation rental while others may take a drive to get there. The beautiful outdoor playground of Big Bear is open for you to explore. As many people are working from home, it’s the perfect time to head to Big Bear to work, learn, and play! Check out some of our favorite natural attractions in Big Bear below!
Big Bear features an abundance of hiking trails in the area that lead to incredible views. Perhaps one of the most popular trails in Big Bear is Castle Rock Trail. This incredible trail is easy in difficulty and rewards those who make it to the top with panoramic views of Big Bear Lake; just don’t let the initial mile that is reported to be steep scare you away! Castle Rock Trail has been open for decades, letting visitors and locals alike see the beauty of Big Bear. Our perfect temperatures mean you can also take on the hiking trail during most times of the year. Most hikers report they can complete the trail in under 3 hours.
Experiencing the natural wonder of Southern California is best done with a visit over to San Gorgonio Mountain. Those willing to make the short drive will be rewarded with the highest peak in all of Southern California, standing over 11,000 feet high. San Gorgonio Mountain is known for its incredible sightseeing with visitors being able to see desert flora on one side in the distance with more mountainous terrain on the other. San Gorgonio Mountain is not for the faint-hearted. Hikers report this is a very steep trail stretching over 9 miles in length. Expect a workout, but also some incredible views that no other natural attraction in Southern California can provide.
Of course, if you are making the trip to Big Bear, you have to stop by Big Bear Lake to see the most famous of the natural attractions in Big Bear. Big Bear Lake is a fascinating lake, as it is only fed with snow to maintain its water levels. The Big Bear region was populated by the Serrano Indian Tribe over 2,000 years ago and used Big Bear Lake as their freshwater source. The lake itself provides sustenance for local wildlife. The freshwater source also helped local flora produce food such as nuts, berries, and acorns for the indigenous tribe. A trip to Big Bear Lake is a fun excursion for any family looking to have some water-based fun, but understanding the importance that Big Bear Lake has on the local region is even more rewarding for those wishing to connect with the locales that they visit.
As development increases across Southern California, it can be difficult to maintain areas for local wildlife to flourish. One natural attraction that does exactly that near Big Bear is Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve. This preserved marsh is found just off the lake and allows incredible wildlife such as pelicans and herons a place to coexist peacefully. Hotter summers have recently left the marsh dry during the summer seasons; it is best explored during other times of the year. Boardwalks make it easy to explore at your own convenience. Binoculars are highly recommended as wildlife typically will flee when approached by people. The Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve can be accessed on the eastern shore of Big Bear Lake.
The largest natural attraction surrounding Big Bear is the San Bernardino National Forest. The entire region, including Big Bear Lake, is a part of this national forest. In fact, the city of Big Bear Lake is the only official city within the forest boundary! San Bernardino Forest stretches over 823,000 acres, with an elevation change up to 11,499 feet at its highest point. The forest rangers and volunteers work tirelessly every year to help restore animal habitats and keep campsites up to par. Visitors can enjoy endless miles of hiking, camping near campsites, and observe the incredible wildlife in the area that includes yellow legged frogs, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and may endangered animals. San Bernardino Forest hosts 71 threatened and endangered species in the area along with over 85 different species of flora, including varieties of oak tree and pine trees. Visitors should always be wary as the San Bernardino Forest is also home to a large black bear population so keep your food sealed and put away during your visit.
Unfortunately, due to ongoing wildfires, San Bernardino National Forest is currently closed. It always hurts to see such a precious natural resource under threat, and we hope that when the forest is once again open for visitors, you will help us preserve its beauty for years to come by keeping fire safety top of mind.
As you can see, there are several different natural attractions in and around the Big Bear area. You can be close to each one of these attractions by reserving one of our exclusive vacation rentals in the area. Call today and book your rental home so you can enjoy the incredible wilderness and natural attractions in Big Bear.
During your travels it is important to take in the sights all around you. The same can be said during a trip to Big Bear, as it features some of the most gorgeous scenery in all of Southern California. We have highlighted the top three most scenic Big Bear attractions. Here is how to get to them:
Big Bear Lake is very picturesque on its own but there are incredible spots where the views are taken up a notch. Boulder Bay Park continues to be a local favorite and has plenty of space for you to spend the day. As the name suggests, Boulder Bay Park features quite a few boulders, so parking is limited, especially during the busier weekends. Boulder Bay Park can be found at 39180 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92333. The park is on the southern side of the lake and can easily be accessed just off the Highway 18 when heading west.
Not all views are seen down by the lake but instead on one of the many incredible hiking trails in the area. The trail is considered an easier hike for beginners and should take approximately one to two hours to reach the summit. Once you do, make sure to snap as many pictures as possible, as you will be able to see the surrounding area of Big Bear. Castle Rock Trail can be found at 38523 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315. Head East on Highway 18 and you will find the trail in between the Village and the dam. No Adventure Pass is needed to enjoy this trail.
The best views of local wildlife can be found at nearby Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk & Wildlife Preserve. While there are plenty of hiking trails, the biggest draw is the abundance of wild birds to be seen. You can find this awesome viewing area at 42300 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear, CA 92314. It is located on the southern shore at the crossing of Starvation Flats Rd and Big Bear Blvd.
There are plenty of incredible views to be seen all over Big Bear. Be close to all these great spots by reserving one of our vacation rentals in the area. Call today and reserve your vacation home in Big Bear!
Everyone who has made the journey to Big Bear has probably tried their hand at relaxing on the beach, going skiing around the lake, and even found a few hiking trails to see the sights. All of these activities are extremely popular and for good reason. During your next Big Bear adventure, take a step off the well-traveled path and see some Big Bear activities that are not the usual fare. Here are some unusual activities you can enjoy in Big Bear:
Big Bear Lake has tons of areas to explore, so the Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve is often overlooked. This gorgeous reserve is the perfect place to see the spring and summer flowers blossoming for the first time. Wildflowers and wildlife can easily be spotted here, including the popular pebble plain flowers that are only found in this area. Baldwin Lake is just outside the city boundaries, so those with a rental car can get there with ease.
Get outside the busy happenings of Big Bear Village and enjoy the quiet serenity of the Wildlands Conservancy. This 80-acre preserve is surrounded by towering pines and white fir trees. The original settlers of Bluff Lake first called this land home and it still includes many historic sites. The Siberia Creek Trail will take you up to the oldest tree in Big Bear, the Champion Lodgepole Pine. Bikers are not allowed in the area, so hikers can enjoy the trails in peace. The Wildlands Conservancy is open from May to November for your exploration.
In the easternmost reaches of Big Bear Valley, you can find a gigantic quartz megalith sticking out of the juniper trees. Many spiritual visitors make the journey up to the Eye of God to reflect and meditate in the wilderness. Sunsets and sunrises are often reported to be the best times of the day to enjoy this natural monument. The golden rays of the sun during these times must be seen to be believed.
These are just a few of the exciting activities you can enjoy off the beaten path in Big Bear. Plan for the perfect stay when you reserve one of our vacation rentals in the area. Stay close to Big Bear Lake and all the other attractions around the valley with luxury amenities and plenty of space to relax when you book one of our fantastic vacation homes!
It is never too early to start planning your spooky celebration for Halloween this year. While Halloween weekend may not be the busiest tourism time, it is a perfect opportunity to see all that Big Bear has to offer. Here is how to celebrate Halloween in Big Bear this year:
From the end of September to just after Halloween you will find Big Bear Village decorated with cute scarecrows all throughout the town. Local merchants and vendors will create and display their very own scarecrow, hoping to win one of the awards which will be voted on by the town’s residents. There are six categories, including Most Traditional and Most Humorous. Take your kids on a stroll through the town and cast your vote for your family’s favorite!
Big Bear Jeep Experience provides a thrilling ride out into the wilderness surrounding Big Bear that must be experienced to be believed. During the Halloween season they offer a spooky trek through the woods where your guide will describe the old mining history of the area. Enjoy this haunting tour into Big Bear’s past.
Perhaps one of the most popular Halloween events in all of Big Bear is the annual Boo at the Zoo Halloween event. This widely acclaimed event takes place the Saturday before Halloween each year and allows you to enjoy the zoo in your best costume. This event lets children create their own Jack-o-Lanterns and experience Halloween-themed activities for one day only. You and your family can enjoy Boo at the Zoo at regular admission price the Saturday before Halloween this year.
For a more chilling experience this Halloween in Big Bear, check out the Scare Valley Farms Halloween Haunt. This special event is for adults only and turns this local farm into a scary and horrifying experience. Make your way through the farm as it is turned back into the 1900s with a ghost town, creepy cemetery, carnival, ghost town, slaughterhouse, and more.
There is no better destination for a Halloween getaway than Big Bear. Enjoy these Halloween events and our incredible lake during your vacation getaway. Let our luxury cabins keep you comfortable in between each activity for a memorable time in Big Bear.
One of the most exciting times of the year to enjoy a weekend getaway in Big Bear, California is during Labor Day Weekend. This annual holiday features incredible events and attractions that will allow everyone in your family to have a blast. Here is how to spend your Labor Day Weekend in Big Bear:
The weather is beautiful during the month of September, so why not get outdoors and spend it road biking? The Big Bear Cycling Association hosts their free Java Morning Road Ride every Monday morning so you can start your day with free coffee and ride with fellow cycling enthusiasts. Now that is one incredible way to spend some time outdoors!
Big Bear will always be known for the incredible lake found in the area, allowing you to keep cool during the warm summer months. You can find all your lake rental needs at one of the six local marinas. Check out the available boat rentals including pontoons, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and more. Don’t forget to add on some jet skis or water tubes for a thrilling ride on the water as you get pulled behind a speed boat.
Whenever the action is a little too busy at the lake, you have the perfect opportunity to enjoy Big Bear from the treetops. Let the professionals at Action Tours show you how a thrilling zip line ride through the trees can make your Labor Day Weekend one to remember. Action Tours will take you across nine different zip line courses as you view the beauty of Big Bear from up high. Also don’t forget about Action Tours’ suspension bridge, Segway tour, and off-roading adventures they also provide.
When you are golfing in Big Bear you are playing at 7,000 feet elevation, allowing your ball to soar like it never has before. Check out the Bear Mountain Golf course featuring 9 holes of the most beautiful mountain range course you have ever been on. Make sure to check out their hours for the holiday in case of any holiday hour changes.
Now that you have a few ideas on how to celebrate your upcoming Labor Day Weekend in Big Bear, make sure you do it with us! Our rental cabins are the perfect way to truly enjoy Big Bear, with exclusive amenities available only in our homes. Check out what rentals are available online today or give us a call to set you up with the perfect Big Bear rental!
The biggest problem about planning a vacation can be choosing a spot that everyone in your family agrees on. Your wife, the avid mountain biker, may not appreciate the simple beauty of an intricately brewed craft beer, while you, the family brew connoisseur, may not dig the scent of bike grease and tire rubber! And when young children are involved, if the vacation doesn’t involve fun rides and mouse ears, they can spend the entire time cranky and crying, while your oldest ones only come to life when listening to the music of their favorite bands. It’s a scenario that is replayed all the time, all over the world, but if you’re planning a vacation to Big Bear the weekend of July 20 and 21st, we think we have the ideal solution: the 5th Annual Crafts and Cranks Festival which combines all your interests into one biggest Big Bear events!
These two days in July may be our favorite days of summer, as this fun festival offers an experience that appeals to all. From mountain bike competitions to carnival rides, live music, and beer tastings, the Crafts and Cranks Festival is more than you imagined it could be. Admission is free for spectators, so spending time watching the best mountain bikers in the nation strut their stuff in front of cheering crowds as music played by local bands plays in the background fits easily into the tightest of vacation budgets. Drinking beer and riding, however, will cost you, and wrist bands can be purchased here. Beer wristbands cost $34.09 for one day or $57.41 for two days and include a Crafts and Cranks tasting glass. Ride wristbands cost $59.00 for adults 13 and over and $49.00 for children.
With over 40 breweries participating and exciting rides that include a climbing wall, zip line, and a scenic chair lift, if we stopped right here, we’re sure this would be more than enough to keep everyone in your family happy! But there’s so much more. Vendor booths will be selling tee shirts, baseball hats, and all the little things we love to treat ourselves with to serve as a reminder of all the fun that was had.
After two full days of fun in the sun, everyone will be ready to head back to one of our Big Bear Vacations family getaways to relax and recover. Reserve yours today and discover another thing everyone will agree on: Our vacation homes make the best vacations even better!
It may seem as if Christmas and New Year’s was only yesterday, but the pages of the calendar flip by faster the older you get, and now it is suddenly time for hearts and candies and special trips. Yes, Valentine’s Day is upon us, but you’re not to worried: You made the decision to bring your sweet to Big Bear a while ago, and now all that is left is to plan out some romantic activities for your stay! And because we want to ensure that every guest has an experience to remember in our Big Bear Vacations cozy and warm love nests, we’ve compiled this guide to the most Big Bear romantic activities you can participate in during your Big Bear escape.
Show her the heights your romance can reach with a helicopter tour of our town. Helicopter Big Bear offers tours that last as long as 25 minutes or as short as 7 minutes—the only limit is your budget, and we are here to tell you that any of their tours are sure to reignite the embers of your love; the views from above are simply breathtaking!
In our eyes, there is nothing more romantic than a couple’s massage, and when we are trying to impress our spouses, the first thing we do is book at Altitudes Massage & Spa, which can be found at 42184 Moonridge Road. Their couple’s massage package includes everything you need for a romantic 90 minutes, including chocolates, flowers, and champagne. This Valentine’s Day, there will be no question about how much you love her!
Every couple is different, and while many prefer to stay inside and cuddle as their choice of Big Bear romantic activities, you’re the type who falls deeper in love with every adventure you conquer, so why not continue the tradition during your unforgettable California vacation? Action Tours offers a zipline experience that covers not just one or two lines, but NINE ziplines, plus an off-road segment in their Swiss Army vehicles.
Romance doesn’t always have to be the grandest of gestures. Sometimes sharing a glass of wine and whispered secrets in front of a roaring fire on a cold winter’s night can be the most romantic of all gestures! Most of our cabins and homes have fireplaces as an integral part of their design. Reserve yours today and discover the romance of Big Bear on Valentine’s Day with one of the most popular vacation rental companies in the state!
People travel to Big Bear from all over the world for a wide variety of reasons, the most predominant of which is the beautiful area in which the town sits. A massive lake, towering mountains, endless wilderness, and much more highlight the sights of Big Bear. There is plenty to see, but there is also plenty to do on any Big Bear vacation. The area is home to many Big Bear attractions that you will not want to miss during your time in this wonderful area.
The Big Bear Discovery Center makes taking advantage of this beautiful area easier than ever before. The goal of the Center is to teach people and provide joy in the San Bernardino Wilderness. They do this by acting as a sort of natural museum with exhibits that teach visitors about the wildlife and ecosystems of this one of a kind area. But they also provide numerous opportunities to get out explore. Weekly programs allow visitors a peak into the work of conservationists, park rangers, and more. And an amazing eco tour is always available. They also try to take some of the guess work out of experiencing the area by providing trail maps, camping info, permits, and more. You can find the Big Bear Discovery Center located on the north side of the lake at 40971 North Shore Drive.
Big Bear is known for its incredible skiing and snowboarding, especially at Snow Summit. Visiting this place during the winter is a no-brainer, but the sky chair lift is sure to provide a good time even during the summer. This one-mile-long ascent takes you to one of the highest peaks in the San Bernardino Wilderness. Once you reach the top, you will be greeted by the best views, but there is also plenty of opportunity for hiking, mountain biking, and more.
Now that you have a couple of good ideas of where to begin your adventure, you should turn your focus to find a wonderful place to call home while you are here, which should prove to be very easy. This is because of an amazing selection of vacation homes and incredible vacation rental companies and services like Big Bear Vacations. We are the premiere vacation rental business in the area for both unparalleled service and a wide selection of homes located throughout the area. Check out our listings and see how easy it is to find the vacation home of your dreams in Big Bear.
There are certainly many more attractions in Big Bear, and they are exceedingly easy to find, almost to the point where all you have to do is walk outside. When you mix some cool attractions with any one of the homes provided by Big Bear Vacations, you have yourself an unforgettable vacation.
