The Big Bear Lake center point is approximately the area of Downtown Big Bear Lake and 1 mile southeast of Big Bear Solar Observatory.
Since Big Bear Lake is a seasonal destination for travelers, there isn't a bad time to visit. The city averages more than its share of sunny days with summertime temperatures averaging 80 degrees. Rainfall is minimal, with the area receiving about 22 inches annually. The comfort index for humidity in the U.S. averages 44, while Big Bear Lake averages 25. The higher the level, the more comfortable the location.
Winter enthusiasts have the best of both worlds while staying at Big Bear Lake with its easy access to several skiing resorts. Temperatures can vary between 20 to 40 degrees and snowfall averages between 62 and 100 inches each year. As a top destination in America for winter skiing, you'll encounter crowded conditions and higher rates, and hotels may be completely booked.
Spring is one of the best times to enjoy the beauty of spring blossoms at their height and ideal outdoor temperatures for exploring. Daytime averages 60 to 70 degrees and nighttime averages 40 degrees. In addition, the winter crowds have gone, making the area less crowded. The lines are shorter, and more accommodations are available.
Summer is another busy season with the area's seven miles of lake and a long list of water sports that includes sailing high in the sky on a parasail, jet skiing around the lake, kayaking, wakeboarding, or trying your hand at stand-up paddleboarding. If you prefer land-based fun, take a ride on the Scenic Sky Chair to Snow Summit and enjoy the magnificent views along the way. Ride back or hike down, it's up to you.
Fall is a photographer's dream season as it brings a rainbow of autumn hues when the leaves begin their annual changing of colors. The season is perfect for taking a guided Jeep tour through the backcountry with camera in hand. Fall is also when the annual Oktoberfest celebration takes place.
Golden Bear Cottages Resort has hosted guests since 1927, so you can be confident that your business or vacation stay will be all that it should be and more. The resort offers military discounts and AAA discounts ideal for groups, teams, and corporate business conferences. Situated on five beautiful acres, the historic resort offers studios, one- to seven-bedroom non-smoking cabins, and pet-friendly designated cabins featuring a fenced area for your pets. Relax in a Jacuzzi, prepare meals in the kitchenette, and unwind by the fire.
Booking a guest room at Best Western Big Bear Chateau puts you less than a mile from Bear Mountain and Snow Summit ski resorts. After a day of activities, come home to a cozy fireplace, pillowtop mattress, cable TV, and high-speed internet. Take advantage of the hotel's amenities for unwinding at the fitness center, the refreshing heated waters of the pool and spa or the game room. The hotel also has full services if you need to take care of business and is a great location for meetings, banquets, and special events. The hotel averages 8.5 percent in group savings and has a 10.0/10 group-friendly rating.
At Snow Lake Lodge, no matter the season, there's plenty to do. Set amid the beautiful mountain and lake region, enjoy the comforts of home in fully equipped one-bedroom suites featuring kitchens with stove and microwave, two cozy fireplaces in each suite, living and dining areas, TV and DVD, and a king bed and queen-size sleeper sofa. Entertainment and convenience are guaranteed with on-site amenities such as a recreation room, pool table, heated spa and pool, complimentary DVD movies, book library, and laundry facilities. Choose from a variety of entertainment options such as shopping and dining in Big Bear Village, ice skating, boating, horseback riding, and hiking.
Mallard Bay Resort is the perfect destination for visitors who want the convenience of a boat dock for their personal use right outside the hotel or snow skiing less than two miles away. Select a quiet, charming lakeside cabin with accommodations for one to six people. Each cabin features a full kitchen and all the utensils, a coffee maker to perk you up in the morning, and most have complimentary Wi-Fi. Take a dip in the heated pool, sit by the outdoor fireplace, have a picnic, or play ping-pong. Whatever your pleasure, family owned and operated Mallard Bay Resort aims to please.
Whether you prefer lake activities or the challenge of a snow-laden slope, you'll stay busy from morning until night at Big Bear Lake.
Just a few of the water activities available include fishing charters, canoeing, boating, paddleboarding, sailing, and waterskiing. On land, there are miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, ziplining through the lush forest, and climbing. Or take to the air for scenic airplane and helicopter tours.
Visit more than 160 alpine wildlife at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Learn about the animals, including mountain lions, grizzly bears, black bears, bobcats, foxes, wolves, wood bison, bald eagles, and more. Enjoy the daily presentation given by the keepers and the daily feeding tour.
For an up-close look at the scenery and countryside of the San Bernardino National Forest, stop by the Baldwin Lake Stables & Petting Zoo for a horseback riding adventure. Other points of interest include the Big Bear Solar Observatory, and the Big Bear Discovery Center.
Big Bear Lake offers a nearly unlimited assortment of outstanding hotels and resorts and a variety of recreational activities throughout all the seasons. From snow skiing at Snow, Summit, and Big Bear Mountain ski resorts to jet skiing, kayaking, and parasailing on Big Bear Lake, there's always something to do when visiting the "Inland Empire" of San Bernardino National Forest.
Below are reviews of the city of Big Bear Lake, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Beautiful lights, Christmas decorations everywhere! Lovely!!!
Big Bear is an awesome town. We enjoyed being on the lake, swimming, and fishing. We had a great dinner and time at Wyatt's.
The staff was friendly and The room was clean and comfortable. Always a destination for me
The quaintness of the town! Boulder Bay a must if you visit in the summer! Great sandy beach, rentals, clear water! FUN!
Surprised to find lovely shops to meander through and great restaurants!
Clean rooms and good price.
Love the nature and scenery.
Awesome sites, friendly people, military discount, shopping AND the TREES!
The restaurant across the street was great and their service team was excellent.
Boat rentals were a great way to see the lake! Amazing place!
Food, family activities, music and lots of fun. Great all year round.
The beautiful lake, shopping and sights!
I like the city, amusement areas and the skiing. My wife likes the gift shops and the mountains.
Very nice shopping center, excellent ski slopes and excellent relaxation on the lake. Nothing is missing to have fun and rest. Excellent places for every need; catering, entertainment and shopping.
Quite peaceful with fun activities available.
Snow Summit for ski, snow play.