Things to do in Big Bear Lake
Planning a trip to Big Bear? This visitor guide covers everything you need to know—from when to visit and where to stay to things to do, getting around, and how to plan your time.
Use this page as your starting point, then jump into specific guides for lake days, events, and seasonal activities.
Big Bear: Quick Guide
- Best for: Outdoor trips, lake days, weekend getaways
- Top things to do: Boating, hiking, Village shopping, events
- Best time to visit: Summer (lake), Winter (snow), Spring/Fall (fewer crowds)
- Where to stay: Lakefront, near The Village, or quieter North Shore
- Do you need a car? Helpful, but not always required depending on location
How to Plan Your Trip to Big Bear
1. Choose your season
- Summer: lake, watersports, events
- Winter: snow, skiing, cozy stays
- Spring/Fall: fewer crowds, balanced weather
2. Pick your location
- The Village: walkable, restaurants, nightlife
- Lakefront: views + easy water access
- North Shore: quieter, more space
3. Plan 1–2 anchor activities
- Lake day (boating, watersports)
- Hiking or outdoor activity
- Village + dining + shopping
4. Stay nearby
- Choosing the right location makes everything easier
Find a Big Bear Cabin Rental
Rental Equipment for Your Big Bear Adventure
40905 Big Bear Boulevard
Big Bear Lake, CA
(909) 878-3155
Stay with us and take advantage of one of the Destination Big Bear exclusive deals at Get Boards!
Coupon received in the office at check-in.
2 convenient locations:
40983 Big Bear Blvd
40905 Big Bear Blvd
42071 Big Bear Boulevard
Big Bear Lake, CA
(909) 866-2728
Stay with us and take advantage of one of the Destination Big Bear exclusive deals at Goldsmith’s!
Coupon received in the office at check-in.
Blauer Board Shop
41177 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA
(909) 366-5085
Stay with us and take advantage of one of the Destination Big Bear exclusive deals at Blauer!
Coupon received in the office at check-in.
Marinas/Boat Rentals:
39369 North Shore Dr
Fawnskin, CA 92333
(909) 866-6478
Stay with us and take advantage of one of the Destination Big Bear exclusive deals at Captain John’s Marina!
500 Paine Court
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-3218
Home of the “Big Bear Queen” as well as a one-stop place for boat rentals including pontoon, fishing, kayak, and jet skis. Watersports include wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing and jet skis. A tackle shop and charter fishing tours are available as well as boat slips and launch services.
398 Edgemoor Rd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-5706
Arr matey! Set sail on the “Time Bandit” pirate ship! One of Big Bear Lake’s most beloved experiences. Holloway’s also has a full compliment of boat rentals, jet ski, slips, and charter fishing services.
439 Pine Knot Ave
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-8129
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Take a cruise on the “Miss Liberty” paddle boat. Get 15% off mid-week rentals. Full range of boat rentals, watersports, parasailing and slip rentals. Guided fishing services also available.
603 Landlock Landing
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-2455
Wide range of rentals and services available including pontoons, fishing boats, kayaks, SUP, fun boats and pedal boats. Slip rentals available. Great location closer to the damn.
Breakfast/Bakery/Coffee:
42612 Moonridge Rd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 547-6053
Stay with us and take advantage of one of the Destination Big Bear exclusive deals at Dank Donuts!
40191 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 878-0878
A delicious assortment of cookies, homemade pies, cupcakes, cakes, bars and bread. Worth the stop!
The Lumberjack
1001 W. Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear City, CA 92314
(909) 585-2129
A Destination Big Bear favorite! Home cooking in a comfortable diner setting at a great price. Try an omelet!
Broadway Cafe
1117 W. Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear City, CA 92314
(909) 585-7682
All you can eat pancakes, bacon, sausage and eggs on Sundays. Yum!
Grizzly Manor Cafe
41268 Big Bear Boulevard
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-6226
Huge portions, small place. Visited by the Travel Channel’s Chowdown Countdown. Recommended to go early due to waiting.
645 Pine Knot Ave
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 878-4777
Coffee, tea, croissants, fresh marshmallows and more! Join them for a cooking class or a delicious pastry.
40568 Village Dr
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-9889
Conveniently located near the Village with fresh brews, signature tea blends, sandwiches and gellato.
Lunch/Dinner:
41787 Big Bear Boulevard
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-8667
20% off food Monday-Thursday. Must go to website and print coupon or show server from your mobile phone.
El Jacalito Grill
533 Pine Knot Ave.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-3537
20% off food Monday-Thursday. Must go to the website and print coupon or show servers from your mobile phone.
Sonora Cantina
41144 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-8202
Home of the “Big Juan” and great food! Enjoy the patio or festive interior seating. Visit their website for a 15% off coupon!
Saucy Mama’s Pizzeria
618 B. Pine Knot Ave
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 878-0165
Made from scratch goodness with fresh ingredients, right in The Village. Available for dine in or take-out.
No Name Take and Bake Pizza Company
1112 W Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear, CA 92314
(909) 585-4840
Eat in or take-out, they will even bake it for you. Great selection of toppings and sizes. Visit the wine and beer room next door.
Maggio’s Pizza
42160 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-8815
A local favorite. Call ahead for faster service.
Gadley’s Bakery & Deli
41078 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 878-0735
Great stop for muffins, sandwiches, soups, barbecue and more! Get 10% Off when staying with Destination Big Bear!
572 Pine Knot Ave
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 878-0307
Stop in for happy hour. Patio seating is available.
Big Bear Lake Brewing Co
40827 Stone Rd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 878-0283
Try one of several signature drinks and craft brews made right her in Big Bear! Don’t miss the famous “Avocado Bomb”
The Pines
350 Alden Rd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-5400
Lakefront dining with boat slips, and baskets to go and they are available for private events.
553 Pine Knot Ave
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-5405
Upscale dining in The Village. Enjoy pasta, steak, chicken and more! An extensive wine list will complete the meal. Call ahead for reservations during holidays.
40629 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-9212
The perfect place for date night in Big Bear with tasty Italian fare and wine.
Personal Chef
Chef Allen
(909) 547-6134
Personal Chef. Personal Service. Delicious food prepared in your cabin!
40989 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-7887
Available for delivery. Serving all your familiar favorites.
Big Bear Lake Nightlife
672 Cottage Ln.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-1444
Chill Family-run bar Karaoke Bar with great American food.
40740 Village Dr.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-3283
Live entertainment with billiards, yard games out back, and serves food.
AV Nightclub
664 Pine Knot Ave.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-7377
Dynamic Bar & Nightclub with DJ’s, dancing, a pool table, cocktails and bottle service.
Kallan’s Bar & Grill
44761 Barton Ln. N.
Big Bear City, CA 92314 (Sugarloaf)
(909) 547-6800
Only restaurant on the far East Side of town! Cocktails, Pool, Jukebox, and good eats.
Big Bear Lake Brewing Company
40827 Stone Rd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 878-0283
Big Bear Brewed Beer and craft cocktails, American Eats.
The Boneyard Bar & Grill
560 Pine Knot Ave.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 878-0401
BBQ Food and Craft Cocktails with an open air, sports bar atmosphere. Backyard games and dog-friendly patio.
572 Pine Knot Ave.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 878-0307
Convivial restaurant features Craft cocktails & American Eats. Live Entertainment on Weekends on Patio.
The Oakside Restaurant and Upstairs Bar
40701 Village Dr.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-5555
Warm, rustic stop with outdoor and indoor seating. American dishes, beer, wine, & cocktails.
Activities in Big Bear
40957 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-0390
Stay with us and take advantage of one of the Destination Big Bear exclusive deals at Action Tours!
672 Cottage Ln.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-1444
Chill Family-run bar Karaoke Bar with great American food.
Snow Summit: Family Ski & Snowboarding / Mountain Biking & Sky Chair
880 Summit Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA
(909) 866-5766
Experience the fun of winter in a family-friendly environment. Take your turn on the downhill on one of the many mountain biking trails in the summer! Or, take a lift on the Sky Chair and just admire the views.
Bear Mountain: Ski & Snowboarding
43101 Goldmine Dr
Big Bear Lake, CA
(909) 866-5841
Hit the slopes at one of the most popular snowboarding parks in the nation.
Big Bear Airport
501 Valley Boulevard
Big Bear City, CA 92314
(909) 585-1200
Stay with us and take advantage of one of the Destination Big Bear exclusive deals at Helicopter Big Bear!
(909) 800-8103
Stay with us and take advantage of one of the Destination Big Bear exclusive deals at Mountain Mobile Massage and Spa!
43285 Goldmine Dr
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 584-1299
See mountain wildlife up close! Most animals have been rescued and are being rehabilitated for release. Open all year round.
572 Pine Knot Ave.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 878-0307
Convivial restaurant features Craft cocktails & American Eats. Live Entertainment on Weekends on Patio.
40971 North Shore Dr/Hwy 38
Fawnskin, CA 92333
(909) 382-2790
Hiking trails, activities and adventure await! Great for everyone and it’s pet friendly.
602 Pine Knot Ave.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-5115
Showing new releases with comfortable seating, snack bar and $5 movies on Tuesdays.
40625 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909)878-2695
Glow bowling, snack bar, arcade, sports bar and fun!
See our blog for things to do in Big Bear during the summer here
Shopping:
The Village
Pine Knott Ave/Big Bear Blvd/Village Dr.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
bigbearlakevillage.com
Unique stores, boutiques, restaurants, bars and more! A great place to spend an afternoon. Pick up a special gift for someone or for yourself.
Firewood:
Lit Firewood & Gemme Collection Candles
1101 W Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear City, CA 92314
(909)486-5268
Facebook: Lit Firewood
Gemme Collection Candles
Firewood Delivery – 25 pieces for $45 (includes delivery). CASH ONLY – Call Rafael (909) 648-8760
Destination Big Bear
Web: destinationbigbear.com
Facebook: bigbearvacation
Twitter: @bigbearvacation
Instagram: destinationbigbear
Mailing address:
PO Box 4351
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Business location:
41922 Fox Farm Rd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Call us: (909) 752-0234
Email: info@destinationbigbear.com
Fax us: (866) 824-1738
Repeat tenants get 10% off your next stay!
FAQs: Visiting Big Bear
Summer is best for lake activities, winter for snow, and spring/fall for fewer crowds.
It depends. If you stay near The Village or central areas, you can walk to many spots. Otherwise, a car is helpful.
Boating, hiking, Village shopping, events, and exploring the lake.
Near The Village for convenience, lakefront for views, or North Shore for a quieter experience.
Book Big Bear Cabins with Destination Big Bear
Planning your Big Bear getaway? Destination Big Bear offers a wide range of cozy Big Bear cabins and pet-friendly cabins, from lakefront retreats to luxury cabin rentals, ensuring the perfect stay for every traveler. Enjoy top-rated amenities, stunning mountain views, and a seamless booking experience. Start your adventure today – Call us today at (909) 752-0234 or email info@destinationbigbear.com to reserve your cabin!
Big Bear Cabin Collections
