Top Things to Do in Big Bear in the Summer

Summer Fun Things To Do At Big Bear

Fun on the Water

Now, this topic is nearly endless in possibilities. From lake tours on the Miss Liberty to boating, kayaking, and more! Our lake has always been a hot destination for water sports! Not everyone has their own equipment for enjoying the lake though, and that’s okay! There are several options for rentals once you get here, some even provide a discount for you when you stay with Destination Big Bear. The only thing better than beating the heat with exciting water sports is saving money when doing it. Let’s not forget about fishing! Fishing is highly popular at Big Bear Lake, CA and the area is also a go-to place for fishing tournaments. One important aspect to remember though is that a fishing license is required when fishing in the Lake.

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Scenic Sky Chair

Talk about views! Snow Summit‘s Scenic Sky Chair offers views that are nearly impossible to beat when it comes to Big Bear! Reaching a top height of 8,200 feet in elevation, you’ll get great views overlooking the Lake below and the surrounding mountains. The Scenic Sky Chair offers tourists multiple uses. You can choose to take a round trip ride to the top and back simply to relax and take in all there is to see. Or you can use the lift as a “lift and launch” where you’ll get off at the top and have the option to hike or bike back down. This is a popular option when biking down the Snow Summit Bike Park. 

Summit Bike Park

Take a thrilling downhill ride at Summit Bike Park! Taking the Scenic Sky Chair, reach the top and begin your journey down, from 8,200 feet up! If you aren’t an avid mountain biker, or maybe you have children that are just starting out, don’t let that elevation number scare you! Summit bike park offers options for everything from beginner trails and base level riding to expert trick and riding trails, plus everything in between for mountain biker! The minimum age for children starts at 5 years old. The parks also offer several ticket options. Whether you’re looking to spend the entire day, only a few hours, or a few days at a time. Whether you're a seasoned mountain biker or just getting started, there’s a trail for you. If you really love it, Summit Bike Park also offers season passes so there doesn’t have to be a limit on your down-hill adrenaline rush – perfect for any passionate mountain biker!

Bear Mountain Golf Course

It’s tee time at Bear Mountain Golf Course! Bear Mountain Golf Course is a proud participant of SCGA (Southern California Golf Association) and committed to providing you with the best possible golfing experience.  Bear Mountain Golf Course best describes itself with Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned golfer, Bear Mountain is an idyllic setting with rolling fairways and manicured greens, plus a full-service pro shop, driving range, and PGA-certified lessons. This Golf Course is located at the base of Bear Mountain Ski Resort. The golf course also offers fun and exciting nighttime Glow Golf! This event is limited in days and spots, so be sure to reserve your place! It is open to all ages and all skill levels. Take in a fun round while under the beautiful star-fill Big Bear night sky. Your tickets for this event include a cart, glow ball, and dinner.

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Local Events

The local Big Bear events are “can’t miss”! And what better way to truly take in the Big Bear experience than attending these great options! Big Bear is a proud host of everything from Car shows, holiday celebrations, and more! Big Bear, CA is also known for hosting numerous athletic events and activity tournaments such as Spartan Race, golf tournaments, bike races, fishing tournaments, and so many more! Don’t miss out on the Art/Cultural events as well! Catch a play at the Performing Arts Center, a fun-filled concert in the mountains and several cultural events at The Convention Center! Be sure to make Big Bear your go-to place for catching the 4th of July fireworks, the highly popular Oktoberfest, Renaissance Fair, and more!

FOR EVENTS IN THE VALLEY CLICK LINK: www.BigBear.com

Saddle Up!

Gallop away at Baldwin Lake Stables! Head along a wide variety of terrains, on several trails, all with spectacular vistas. These rides are geared to the experience of the rider – available all day. Reservations suggested. At Baldwin Lake Stables discover the peaceful countryside of the Big Bear Valley’s east end; surrounded by equestrian ranches and the National Forest, just 7 miles east of the Big Bear Village. Escape from the traffic and congestion of the city – where the pavement ends and the “Real West” begins. And may we personally recommend the sunset ride? Big Bear sunsets are not ones to be missed, don’t worry, you can thank us later.  

Click for More info About Horseback Riding Big Bear

A new company called Betty’s Buggies Founded in 2021 provides a new way to experience the open fresh air and views of Big Bear! A female-forward company provides a family friendly option for exploring the local and historical regions of the Big Bear Valley. From Lucky Baldwin Mine shaft to Big Bear Lake Dam, follow a local tour guide in your very own buggies, drive a vibrantly-colored 60’s and 70’s style VW dune buggy through Big Bear Lake, California. Kids love the experience! Perfect for bachelorette parties and Saturday’s for the Boys!

Explore Betty’s Buggies Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Solar Observatory

Fulfill your inner child-like wonder of the galaxies above when taking a tour of the Big Bear Solar Observatory.

During the second and fourth Thursday in the months of June, July, and August the observatory is open for public tours for FREE!

Take a guided tour inside the spectacular observatory by one of the staff members, where they will teach you all about the operations and how everything works!

Helicopter Tours

Experience Big Bear from new heights! Helicopter Big Bear offers several different options which vary in length of time and the routes taken. They put a high focus and priority on safety measures and are here to help you with any questions you may have, as most of their passengers are actually first timers! All ages are welcome on the tours as well. Don’t forget to take advantage of our special deals that are received as a Destination Big Bear guest.

Helecopter Tours Big Bear Lake

Alpine Zoo

One thing you can’t miss doing is visiting the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Our zoo is used as a rehabilitation facility. Here, animals that are injured, orphaned, or have other concerns are treated and helped in their process of returning to the wild if and when they are able to. 90% of their animals are able to be released back into the wild. Big Bear Alpine Zoo opened in 1959 after a wildfire raged through the San Bernardino Forests and was able to provide a safe haven for injured animals to recover and heal for a second chance at life in the wilderness. They currently represent over 85 species! The zoo offers many programs and activities where you can learn from the zookeepers and have not only a fun experience but a knowledgeable one as well.

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

The Village

Big Bear Village is THE place to go for shopping and dining. Park in one of the free public parking lots and enjoy the weather by walking through The Village and going shop to shop. Start your day in The Village with breakfast at the well known Teddy Bear Restaurant, or maybe get lunch between hitting the shops at Fire Rock, end out your day with a delicious meal and craft brews at The Brewery. Your options are endless. There’s an option for eating or shopping at every corner. Don’t forget to pick up your Big Bear memorabilia at one of the great gift shops and take home a piece of Big Bear, CA with you.

Destination Big Bear Event Center

We are proud to show the growth within our company over the years and we are excited to announce the Destination Big Bear Event Center is now open and operating! Destination Big Bear is conveniently located right by the village in the old Calvary Chapel building on Village Drive. Within our Check-In building, our cozy lobby and recreation room host private conventions, corporate events, promo events for local businesses, book signings, children’s activities, movie nights and so much more! We have installed Golf simulators in our main Rec Room along with hosting a Wintertime Golf League! Destination Big Bear Event Center for Weddings, Meetings, Sports Events, Expo's, and more. Stay tuned for what’s in store and keep up to date with what is to come for our Event Center! We can’t wait to have you grow with us!

SHOPPING BIG BEAR LAKE

Shopping in Big Bear Lake

RESTAURANTS BIG BEAR LAKE

Restaurants in Big Bear Lake

More Fun things to do in Summer:

Take a look at our Big Bear Cabin Rentals for all Lodging Options Available for your stay. Checkout this map of our cabins available for the weekend you come to visit! Can’t wait to see you here!

Click Here for a Map of our Available Big Bear Cabins

Click Here for an Interactive Map to See where your favorite attractions are and pick the best cabin stay for you!

Also, checkout the best places to stay in Big Bear Lake!

Big Bear Cabin Collections