Just a few hours from the California coast, Big Bear Lake is a popular year-round vacation destination located in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains. While winter sports like skiing and snowboarding attract visitors during the colder months, the summer season is just as rustic and charming and offers a wide variety of adventures for all ages without breaking the bank.
Take advantage of the beautiful lake with a pontoon boat rental, allowing the whole family to relax in the sun and take in the Lake and surroundings from a different perspective. Exploring the charming village of Big Bear Lake offers a chance for delightful walks and browsing through unique shops. Or maybe you have a sweet tooth? In the village, you can indulge in delicious treats like ice cream, fudge or freshly baked goods.
Additionally, families can embark on a huge range of outdoor adventures such as hiking, picnicking by the lake, or visiting the zoo to observe and learn about local wildlife. With an abundance of family-friendly activities, Big Bear Lake promises a fun-filled vacation that caters to the interests and enjoyment of children of all ages (as well as parents who need a little getaway to recharge).
What is there to do in Big Bear Lake in the summer? Well, we got you covered! Check out this tried-and-true list of great family vacation ideas for Big Bear Lake:
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Located in Moonridge, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to over 85 species of animals, many of which are native to the area. Visitors can see bears, coyotes, mountain lions, and more. The zoo is also dedicated to rehabilitating injured and orphaned animals and releasing them back into the wild. Compared to other zoos, it’s fairly small, so it won’t take all day to walk around. It can get hot in the summer, so wear a hat and bring water and a snack if you’re traveling with kids. There’s a small playground and picnic area, which will make the outing a little longer.
Address: 42801 Moonridge Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is the centerpiece of this mountain community and offers a variety of water activities, including fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, and even jet skiing. Visitors can rent equipment from various vendors around the lake, or just relax on the shore and take in the stunning scenery.
Every year we love renting a pontoon boat from Holloway’s Marina & RV Park. They provide life vests and you can bring snacks and drinks on the boat. Bring towels, hats, and sweatshirts because it’s always cold when you’re going against the wind. There are also plenty of spots around the Lake to park and have a little beach day if you aren’t renting a boat.
During the summer, we aim for a lakefront rental house, many of which come with a dock where you can pull up the pontoon boat you just rented and pick up your guests! Comes in very handy if people need to use the restroom during the boat rental. This summer the Lake should be nice and full, but check with your rental agency to make sure the dock is functional and accessible.
Search for your own Lakefront Vacation Home Rental here.
Holloways’ Marina & RV Park address: 398 Edgemoor Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Pirate Ship Adventure
Ahoy matey! Don’t want to rent your own pontoon? Try a pirate ship adventure! The pirate ship adventure in Big Bear is a fun and interactive experience for families with children. The adventure takes place on a 1-hour tour around Big Bear Lake on a pirate ship-themed boat. During the tour, guests are encouraged to dress up in pirate gear, and participate in a variety of activities such as water gun battles, treasure hunts, and even a chance to walk the plank. The ship is crewed by a group of enthusiastic actors who help to create a fun and engaging atmosphere.
Holloways’ Marina & RV Park address: 398 Edgemoor Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Hiking
Big Bear is home to over 100 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks. Some popular trails include Castle Rock Trail, Cougar Crest Trail, and Pine Knot Trail and the very kid-friendly Stanfield Preserve Boardwalk.
- Stanfield Preserve Boardwalk: 1.6-mile out-and-back trail on a wooden boardwalk on the side of Big Bear Lake near Big Bear City, California. This popular trail is great for bird watching, and very easy for children or people with mobility issues as it’s very flat. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
- Castle Rock Trail: Located off Big Bear Boulevard, this trailhead offers a 2.7-mile hike to a scenic rock formation with beautiful views of the surrounding area.
- Pine Knot Trail: Starting at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area, this 4.2-mile trail leads hikers through forests and meadows to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the lake.
- Woodland Trail: Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, this 1.5-mile trail is great for families and offers a leisurely walk through beautiful forest scenery.
- Cougar Crest Trail: Beginning at the Cougar Crest Trailhead off of Highway 38, this 6.2-mile round-trip hike leads hikers to beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Big Bear Lake.
- Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail: Located off of Mill Creek Road, this easy 1.5-mile hike takes you through beautiful groves of Lodgepole pines and offers great views of the mountains.
Mountain Biking
With miles of trails and challenging terrain, Big Bear is a haven for mountain bikers. Visitors can rent bikes or bring their own and explore trails like Skyline Trail, Pine Knot Trail, and Towne Trail. I haven’t done mountain biking but I’ve seen a lot of people taking their bikes on the Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair, and that adventure looks amazing.
Scenic Chairlift Ride
The Scenic Sky Chair at Snow Summit takes visitors up the mountain for panoramic views of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding San Bernardino Mountains. At the top, visitors can hike, mountain bike, or simply take in the view. The chairlift can be nerve wrecking for some people (me!) so my advice is to only take children on it who are old enough to know how to be safe, hold on tight, and practice common sense safety when on the lift. It’s like any other sky chair, there’s no seat belt, and only a very basic bar to keep you in, so it’s essential to not horse around, and not lean forward when on the lift. If you can handle it, the views are truly amazing!
Once at the top of the lift, there is a cool little playground area for the kids to play and climb, plenty of trails to explore, and a cafe with picnic tables to grab some lunch and enjoy the views. Or if you prefer, you can pack your own.
Address: 880 Summit Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Zipline
Experience the thrill of ziplining with Action Zipline Tours, which offers various zipline options in Big Bear. Visitors can soar through the forest canopy, over canyons, and more. For those seeking more adventure, this is it!
Address: 40957 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
The Alpine Slide is a popular attraction in Big Bear for both kids and adults. The ride takes you down a 1/4 mile long track on a sled that you control. There are two tracks to choose from, and you can race your friends or family members. In addition to the Alpine Slide, Magic Mountain also offers other fun activities like go-karts, mini-golf, and an arcade.
Address: 800 Wildrose Lane, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Big Bear Discovery Center
The Big Bear Discovery Center is a great place to learn about the natural history of the area. They offer educational exhibits, guided tours, and hiking trails. Kids will love the Junior Ranger program, where they can earn a badge by completing fun activities and learning about the environment.
Address: 40971 North Shore Drive/Hwy 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333
Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve
The Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve is a hidden gem in Big Bear, but you drive right past it when you drive in on the HWY 18. While this part of the lake hasn’t had any water in recent years, this summer 2023 may be a whole other story with all the rain. I have a feeling it’s going to be more gorgeous than the last few years. The preserve is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife, and visitors can explore the wetlands on a boardwalk trail. There are also picnic areas and fishing spots, making it a great spot for a family outing. There are a lot of areas to explore.
Address: 42300 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear, CA 92314
Big Bear Village
Big Bear Village is the heart of the town, and a must-visit spot for anyone visiting Big Bear. The Village is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries, and has a charming alpine atmosphere. During the summer, the Village also hosts a weekly farmers’ market, as well as a variety of events and festivals. Every time we go to Big Bear we walk around the Village, which has some of the neatest little shops, cafes and restaurants around. A walk around the Village is a must!
Address: Pine Knot Avenue & Village Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Hollywood Studios at Santa Land
Located inside the Big Bear Village Mall, Hollywood Studios is a Hollywood themed interactive destination like is sort of like a museum, with various photo opportunities sprinkled throughout the space. Check out your favorite Movie Stars such as Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Darth Vader, Jack Sparrow, Batman, Harry Potter and so much more!
Address: Located in the Big Bear Village Mall in the Village.
Big Bear Valley Historical Museum
The Big Bear Valley Historical Museum is a small museum located in a log cabin that showcases the history of Big Bear Valley, including exhibits on the indigenous Serrano people, logging, mining, ranching, and tourism. The museum also has a collection of historic photographs, documents, and artifacts from the area. Admission is free, but donations are welcome to support the museum’s operations.
Address: 800 B Greenway Dr, Big Bear, CA 92314
Gold Rush Mining Adventures
Gold Rush Mining Adventures is a fun and educational attraction in Big Bear Lake where visitors can experience the excitement of panning for real gold and gemstones. The attraction features a large water trough filled with dirt and rocks. Visitors can purchase bags of mining rough that have been seeded with gold, gems, and minerals.
Address: 40016 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Escape Room
This activity may not be specific to Big Bear, but when on vacation, we like to experience many aspects of the place we are at. And we love escape rooms! You may be wondering what are escape rooms? They are live-action games where participants are locked in a room and have to solve a series of puzzles and clues in order to escape within a set time limit. They are super family friendly, and not scary. You can select the theme you are comfortable with. On the mountain, there are a few different escape rooms to choose from, including Escape Room Big Bear, Escape for Big Bear, and Mountain Room Escapes.
We did an escape room at Mountain Room Escapes. They had a really great ambience, a multi-room escape room, and a cool gift shop filled with trinkets, books, and more. It was really cool to explore all the little treasures in the gift shop.
Address: 40588 Village Dr. Big Bear Lake, California 92315.
Bowling Barn
The Bowling Barn is an entertainment center with an on-site bar and restaurant located in Big Bear Lake, California, offering a variety of activities for all ages. As the name suggests, it has a bowling alley with several lanes for guests to enjoy. Additionally, there is a game room with classic arcade games, air hockey, and other fun games to play.
Address: 40625 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Tips for vacationing in Big Bear Lake in the Summer:
- Plan ahead: Make your travel and accommodation arrangements in advance to secure the best options and deals. The summer can be hot, so the closer you can stay to the Lake the better. Or get a rental with air conditioning.
- Pack accordingly: Pack appropriate clothing for the summer season, including light layers, sunscreen, hats, and comfortable shoes for outdoor activities. It’s not winter anymore. Bring a bathing suit.
- Bring some groceries: While the supermarkets on the mountain have essentials, they may not have everything. If there is something you love or need, bring it with you.
- Stay hydrated: Remember to drink plenty of water, especially when engaging in outdoor activities or spending time in the sun. Big Bear Lake is high in altitude, and you may get a headache on the first day which easily goes away with drinking extra fluids.
- Explore water activities: Take advantage of the beautiful lake by enjoying water sports like swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or renting a pontoon boat for a fun day on the water.
- Discover the trails: Big Bear offers numerous hiking and biking trails for all levels of experience. Connecting with nature is what it’s all about.
- Stay safe in nature: While enjoying outdoor activities, follow safety guidelines, and be aware of wildlife and potential hazards. Carry essentials like a first aid kit and keep small children close by.
Need extra space in your car? Try a rooftop cargo carrier. It can really help open up more space inside the car for coolers, and other necessities.
For an unforgettable summer vacation without breaking the bank, Big Bear Lake offers an abundance of activities and natural beauty the whole family can enjoy. Spend sun-soaked days by the lake, engaging in water sports like swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Embark on scenic hikes through the lush forest trails, immersing yourself in the stunning mountain vistas. Explore the charming village, where you can shop for unique souvenirs, savor delicious meals, or indulge in homemade ice cream. With options like pontoon boat rentals and thrilling zipline adventures, Big Bear Lake is a great experience for all ages. Make lasting memories with your loved ones in this picturesque mountain getaway.
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