Top Things To Do in Big Bear During The Summer
Big Bear Events and Activities
When people think of Big Bear and going to the mountains, a lot of the time they are thinking about wintertime. With Bear Mountain and Snow Summit Ski Resort being the top Big Bear attractions, that makes sense. Everyone usually has snow playing, boarding, and skiing in mind. Which is great, we love doing those too, but did you know that Big Bear has so much more to offer than just winter activities? Just imagine you and your family boating on our beautiful lake! Or maybe take those same lifts that you normally would in the winter, known in the summer as the Sky Chair, and take in the beauty of Big Bear and the surrounding mountains from a top elevation of 8,200 feet! That’s not all though! Let’s dive more into some of the top things to do in Big Bear this summer.
Check out where to Shop in Big Bear
Find a Cabin COMING SOON: Destination Big Bear Event Center
We are proud to show the growth within our company over the years and we are excited to announce we are moving in to our new office! Come September, Destination Big Bear will be conveniently located right by the village. We will be moving to the old Calvary Chapel building on Village Drive. Within our Check-In building, our cozy lobby and recreation room will host private conventions, corporate events, promo events for local businesses, book signings, children’s activities, movie nights and so much more! We will be installing Golf simulators in our main Rec Room along with hosting a Wintertime Golf League! Stay tuned for what’s in store and keep up to date with what is to come for our new Event Center! We can’t wait to have you grow with us!
Boating on Big Bear Lake
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 hitting the water! 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 on the water is saving money when doing it. Let’s not forget about fishing! Fishing is highly popular at Big Bear Lake 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 Big Bear Resort
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 in Big Bear
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 cyclist, 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 anyone! 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. 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!
Bear Mountain Golf Course
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. Bear Mountain 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
Classic Cars in Big Bear Lake
Car shows, chili cook-offs, holiday celebrations, and more! Big Bear 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!
Big Bear Horse Riding
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.
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Get Creative!
DIY Creative Studio
Instead of do-it-yourself, do-it-together! Board & Brush Big Bear Lake offers inspiring DIY workshops for people who love to create and connect. Their Studio allows you to create a personalized wood project, while having a few drinks and hanging out with friends and family in a fun, energetic atmosphere. They supply the raw wood and classic designs that will enable you to create a custom DIY piece for your home that you’re sure to love! Board & Brush Big Bear Lake also offers a wide variety of hands-on, private experiences from workshops, private parties, bridal showers, bachelorette gatherings, birthday bashes, corporate events, and fundraisers.
DIY Creative Studio Board & Brush
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Alpine Sides at Magic Mountain
You’ve been down the thrilling Alpine Slides in the winter, get ready to experience the thrill in the summer! Start out with taking a scenic chair lift ride to the top where you start your exciting ride down! The snow-filled fun in the winter is transformed into water-filled fun in the summer! Take your pick from two quarter-mile-long cement tracks filled with flowing water and take on the turns and straight stretches! You can choose to go at the speed of your choice by control the hand brake on each individual sled. There are minimum height restrictions and tickets required.
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Off-Roading Adventures
Off-Roading Adventures
See the scenery of Big Bear mountains in a whole new way when taking part in the exciting off-roading options! While some people may think hiking and biking when they hear the word trails, a lot of Big Bear visitors think of the mud-flying and adrenaline rushing off-road driving trails! With this being such a popular activity and knowing that not everyone may have the proper off-roading “toys”, there are options provided to still partake in the fun! Book a tour with Big Bear Jeep Experience! Personally drive one of their Jeeps while following the guide jeep, with communication between vehicles on a two-way radio. The guide will announce different historical spots along the way as well as stop at scenic locations, so be sure to bring your photo and video equipment! You can find more on their offers here.
Explore Big Bear Jeep Experience
Discount on Buggy Rental with Booked Reservation at Destination 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. Kids love the experience! Perfect for bachelorette parties and Saturday’s for the Boys!
Explore Betty’s Buggies Big Bear Lake
Segway Tours in Big Bear
Action Tours
We’ve mentioned several ways already to take in the beautiful Big Bear views, but you didn’t think we were done did you? Of course, we’re not! Continue your adventures ziplining through the San Bernadino forests with Action Tours Ziplining! Lasting a total of roughly 3 hours, taking the thrilling tour of 9 high-speed zip lines and suspension bridge through the mountains! Each tour is done with an expert guide to show you the way! The fun, however, starts before you even reach the ziplines! Hop into the swiss army vehicles for a 2-mile ride through unmaintained genuine mountain driving to the course! Ziplining isn’t all Action Tours has to offer! Check out their great other options here. Don’t forget to save before you play with discounts when staying with us.
Action Tours 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.
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!
Hiking & Biking in Big Bear
Hiking & Biking
Close second, if not tied, to lake activities are the numerous trail options for hiking and biking through the San Bernardino forests. Our trails vary in length, terrain, and difficulty. Remember all the views we were mentioning before? Catch more of them on the scenic trails. The big pay off views are well worth the time and endurance that some trails require. Get the whole family outdoors and breathing in the fresh mountain air. And don’t forget the furry four-legged family members as well, as many of our trails are pet-friendly.
Need a guide or someone to show you the ins and out of hiking in Big Bear? A new company called Big Bear Hiking Adventures, ran by the lovely Shauna Pomerleau, takes you through Big Bear’s forest areas and hiking trails. Dedicated to education and preservation of the beautiful natural habitats and wildlife of the Big Bear Valley! Check them out!
Big Bear Hiking Adventures
Hiking & Biking Big Bear Lake
Hiking in Big Bear Lake
Helicopter Tours in Big Bear
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
Alpine Zoo in Big Bear
One thing you can’t miss doing is visiting the 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. The 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
The Village In Big Bear
Big Bear’s 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 with you.
SHOPPING BIG BEAR LAKE
Shopping in Big Bear Lake
RESTAURANTS BIG BEAR LAKE
Restaurants in Big Bear Lake
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 Cabins