If you’re fortunate enough to have a week to spare to simply indulge in all that Big Bear, California has to offer, you’re in great luck! This beautiful piece of Southern California provides visitors from near and far with opportunities to engage with nature, explore rugged landscapes, soak up the sun lakeside and mix and mingle with fellow travelers! Not to mention the delicious dining opportunities that wait around nearly every corner. When you’re here for a week, make the most of your time by adding these highlight destinations to your ideal Big Bear to do list.
While it’s incredible to get out and explore the beautiful landscape that makes up Big Bear, the Big Bear Discovery Center on North Shore Drive is the perfect way to get more in-depth with your experience. This combined visitor center, resource center and nature center first opened in 1998 and welcomes 190,000 visitors every year. Stop by and check out the exhibits featuring the area’s many wildlife, speak with a naturalist about hiking and biking in the area or sign up for one of the many eco-tours the center hosts. Make sure check your calendar, as the Big Bear Discovery Center often holds various events throughout the year. For instance, enjoy attending an outdoor concert as you relax and enjoy some tunes in what’s sure to be a memorable night. You’ll also find that they also hold various theater productions as well, which is always a fun watch and a chance to see the more artistic and dramatic side of Big Bear. Finally, you’ll also find various nighttime interpretive programs for those who can’t get enough of the studious life and are eager to learn even more about your new home.
When it’s time to hit the trails, Castle Rock is the place to start. The trailhead lies east of the dam on Highway 18 and in total, covers over 2.5-miles of ground. This is a popular route that puts you in touch with other outdoor enthusiasts while maintaining a moderate level of hiking difficulty. The path provides breathtaking views of the lake, which is always a great shot for one’s social media profile, or for taking a moment and viewing the sparkling waters below as the clear and beautiful sky is reflected above its pristine surface. You’ll also find surrounding forests as you slowly make your way up the path. Castle Rock Trail is a wonderful location for spotting wildlife and birds, making this an excellent stop during your travels for nature lovers. Photographers are fond of this path for its many natural frames and often beautiful lighting, making this a must-visit place for any shutterbug and for those looking for the perfect shot for their social media to truly stand out.
Whether you’re into live music, kayaking or canoeing, Boulder Bay Park is the place for you during a visit to Big Bear. Opened in 2010, this park offers a plethora of different options for those looking to spend an afternoon outdoors. You’ll discover a variety of walking trails that make this destination a great place to land with children or for those eager to get as much time out in nature as possible. With the smell of pine in the air, you are sure to find Boulder Pay Bark the perfect place. Fishing piers provide a wonderful lookout for admiring the many large boulders that surround and find themselves immersed in the lake. Kayakers and canoers will have an easy time making the most of the water with boat ramps readily available. Further, you’ll find that the dock is the perfect place for casting a line and trying your luck as you listen to the twittering of birds sink you a lullaby as you cast your line. As well, you’ll find several picnic tables that allow you have a nice lunch as you dine in the fresh air. During the summer months, Boulder Bay Park frequently hosts live musical performances on the bandstand so it’s worth keeping an eye on the events calendar!
A week in Big Bear, California is sure to lead to lifetime memories with the amazing options in our Big Bear to do list. As you get ready to explore this beautiful destination, let the team at Big Bear Vacations book you into a rental home that fits your taste and style. Make the trip stress free by focusing on the fun while we take care of the accommodation details. Contact us today to start planning your next adventure!
