Where to Stay in Big Bear
The community of Big Bear Lake might seem small to visitors from larger cities, but there are several areas with distinct histories and features to take into consideration when planning to book a vacation in Big Bear or looking to purchase a home. Big Bear Lake neighborhoods range from small and quaint to grand estates. Here is a list of communities and a guide to help you find out where to stay in big bear.
Best Places to Stay in Big Bear Lake, CA
Big Bear Lake West
Big Bear Lake West is the first area visitors coming up the mountain from highway 330 and the 18 travel through. Starting at the Big Bear Lake Dam, this area stretches all the way to Metcalf Bay and includes Pleasure Point Marina, Boulder Bay, Fisher Cove and Treasure Island. This area has a mixture of older, well-maintained, modern and lakefront estates. Most homes are second homes or Big Bear Lake vacation rentals, but many local residents are proud to call this area home. Lots are generally level but there are several sloped parcels offering beautiful lake views. Hiking trails are within easy reach and include Castle Rock, Champion Lodgepole Trail, Bluff Lake and Siberia Creek Trail. The area is largely residential and conveniences are limited to a few mom-and-pop stores and restaurants. This area is the perfect area for feeling like you are getting away to the mountains and lake in a cabin rental.
Big Bear Lake Central
Big Bear Lake Central is the heart of Big Bear. This area reaches from Metcalf Bay to Meadow Park and includes the Performing Arts Center, Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, The Village, Veterans Park, Holloway’s Marina, Big Bear Marina, Pine Knot Landing and Swim Beach. Restaurants, lodging, entertainment and some of the best hiking trails make this area a coveted spot to both live and stay in a vacation rental in Big Bear Lake, especially during the summer months. Homes range from small to large, rustic to modern and many offer lake views, private dock access or butt up to the national forest.
Big Bear Lake East
Big Bear Lake East is in the center of it all. With easy access to big chain grocery stores, the hospital, Kmart and Snow Summit Resort, this is the perfect area for year round fun. Many town homes can be found at the base of Snow Summit while the north side of Big Bear Boulevard offers a lovely neighborhood feel including Eagle Point which is a beautiful lakefront community with private docks and a waterfront park. Many homes are larger in square footage with mature trees and generally flat lots with a mix of permanent residents and Big Bear Lake vacation rentals.
Fox Farm
Fox Farm has a history all it’s own and is a coveted neighborhood for residents while still being a great option for Big Bear Lake vacation rentals. Bordered by Big Bear Boulevard, Starvation Flats Road, Fox Farm Road and Division Drive, this area includes some of the most exclusive homes in town. Castle Glen Estates boast some of the most beautiful views and log style homes that leaves this neighborhood for some of Big Bear’s wealthiest. If you can’t afford to buy your own million dollar cabin, you can still rent one and enjoy this wonderful community. The lower area of Fox Farm is generally well established with a mix of older and newer homes, mature trees and a peaceful neighborhood feel while being only a short drive to all the conveniences.
Moonridge
This coveted area puts the ridge in Moonridge. Winding roads, mountain views and steep lots create a unique neighborhood for cabin rentals in Big Bear. Moonridge includes Bear Mountain Resort, the zoo and golf course making it a great place for year round fun. Homes range from older, traditional mountain cabins to new log home construction. It’s easy to get lost in the upper area and winter driving can be a challenge after a fresh snow. Most homes are rentals or second homes with a few permanent residents in between. A small cluster of restaurants, shops and businesses are at the base of the mountain offering conveniences to guests in the area.
Big Bear City
Big Bear City is where many residents call home. This area of town is just past Big Bear Lake and tourist attractions and includes the airport, mostly flat neighborhoods and smaller mom-and-pop stores and restaurants. There are still a few cabin rentals among the more affordable homes and generally boast treed lots with limited views. The area includes the “Peter Pan” neighborhood, the historical society and the split of highway 18 and the 38 which will take you back down the mountain on either the north or south side.
Whispering Forest
If you are looking for an area of town with tree lined streets, a few peek-a-boo mountain views and a lovely, small neighborhood feel, then Whispering Forest might just be the place. Located on the north side of town the area has easy access to the north shore and Big Bear City.
Fawnskin
Named back in the trading days, Fawnskin is located on the north shore of Big Bear Lake and feels like a tiny town of it’s own. Captain John’s Fawn Harbor & Marina is located on the shore of Grout Bay and offers boat rentals and water access. The area has a mix of low flat lots to steep lots with fantastic lake views on minimally maintained roads. Most of the homes are occupied by full time residents with a few cabin rentals scattered throughout. The area is perfect if you are looking for a quiet neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle of town or easy access to the national forest.
Destination Big Bear specializes is cabin rentals in the most popular Big Bear Lake neighborhoods including Big Bear Lake West, Big Bear Lake Central, Big Bear Lake East, Fox Farm, Moonridge with a few cabins in Fawnskin and along the north shore of Big Bear Lake. We encourage visitors to the area to give us a call and speak with one of our experienced local booking agents to discuss planned activities and amenities you are looking for in a vacation rental in Big Bear Lake. Holidays are a popular time on the mountain and we can help you find a cabin with great views of the lake for Fourth of July fireworks, boat dock access or a cabin rental close to Snow Summit or Bear Mountain Resort. Let us know if you plan on bringing your dog so we can book a pet friendly cabin for your whole family to enjoy. Call (909) 752-0234 to book your Big Bear Lake vacation rental or discuss putting your cabin on our program.
