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Big Bear Activities in Summer & End of Summer

Founded in 1907, we have served over 1.3 million guest nights over the last 113+ years!

HomeBig Bear Lake Things To DoBig Bear Activities in Summer & End of Summer

The beauty of a lakefront village, fresh mountain air, and a slower pace than a big city might be just what you’re looking for to celebrate the end of summer before a busy schedule of fall activities. Look no further than Big Bear. Big Bear and the surrounding area have many end-of-summer activities for guests of all ages. Check out our list of Big Bear activities in summer you can enjoy before the season changes. You and your loved ones will find something to keep you busy no matter how long you stay!

Hiking

Big Bear has beautiful outdoor scenery, including snow-capped mountains, pine forests, and wide-open spaces to explore. Lace up your hiking shoes, pack some trail snacks and sun protection and head out. The cooling temperatures of the upcoming fall mean you can stay out a little longer if you like. You and your loved ones will find many parks and trails to hike to see nature’s beauty. Spot local wildlife in their natural habitat while you stretch your legs and get a breath of fresh air.

Water Activities

While the water may be cooling down, that doesn’t stop water enthusiasts from spending a day on the lake. If the waters of Big Bear Lake seem to be calling your name, there are plenty of Big Bear activities in summer to keep you busy on the “all sports” lake. Rent a boat and cruise the lake or try your hand at wakeboarding or water skiing. Visit one of the six marinas at the lake and rent gear for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and more. Those who don’t want to get wet can opt to stay on shore and play in the sand, sunbathe, or plant the beach umbrella and just chill out for a while.

Gold Rush Mining Adventures

Available all year, and a perfect cap to summer and a way to gear up for the upcoming school year, kids and adults alike will enjoy learning about California’s historic Gold Rush of the 1800s. Don’t forget to shout out “Eureka!” while participating in the geode breaking activity or gemstone and fossil panning activities. You won’t go home empty-handed, and no two bags of loot are exactly alike! Each bag may include real gem stones, fossils, and geodes. Some finds may even be big enough to be cut and faceted into jewelry, polished into a non-faceted gemstone, or you can opt to them the way you found them and how Mother Nature intended them to be.

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

Kids and adults alike will love the alpine slide Big Bear Lake summer attraction at Big Bear’s Magic Mountain. It is open year-round, but hours that vary by season. Enjoy a scenic view of the area as the chair lift takes you to the top, then prepare for the ride of a lifetime down the area’s only authentic bobsled experience. Drive your own individually controlled sled down your choice of two quarter-mile long cement tracks featuring high-banking turns leading to long straightaways that will have your adrenaline pumping by the time you reach the bottom. Riders must be at least 36” tall to ride, and children under 48” tall must ride with an adult age 18 or older.

Alpine Pedal Path

Rent some bikes and head to the Alpine Pedal Path on the north shore of Big Bear Lake. The path is just 2.5 miles long and is mostly asphalt. The mostly flat trail boasts sections that run close to the water as well as through the trees, providing fun and a breath of fresh mountain air for everyone. The path begins at the Stanfield Cutoff and ends near the Solar Observatory. You might share the path with guests and locals out for a walk, jog, or gliding around on rollerblades.

Adventure Tours

If hiking or horseback riding isn’t your type of adventure, check out Big Bear’s Action Tours. The company offer tours on their zipline course – a nine-run mountain zipline that will have you speeding across at up to 35 miles per hour. When there’s snow on the ground, join them for a multi-terrain snowshoe tour through the area’s ponderosa pines and other mountain scenery. Another crowd pleaser is their Segway tour of the area that takes you through the town and surrounding forest on a guided tour. Tours are two hours or more, depending on the activity you choose.

Celebrate the End of Summer in Big Bear

You came to the area for an end-of-summer getaway to release the stresses of everyday life and for one final adventure before the weather changes. Extend the fun and relaxation to your accommodations by booking a vacation rental with Big Bear Vacations. Make everyone’s favorite home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Gather together on the couch and watch a movie or spend some time outdoors. Choose a cozy one-bedroom for your small family or sweetheart getaway, or a sprawling five-bedroom for a fun family or group reunion. There’s a vacation rental that is just right for you. Our premium units include upgrades like stainless steel appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, flat screen TVs and more! You’ll also be nearby all the best Big Bear Lake summer attractions.

Contact us today to book and take the first step toward planning your end-of-summer getaway!