Big Bear Lake Travel Guide

Plan your trip with local tips on things to do, restaurants, where to stay, seasonal activities, wildlife, scenic drives, and more.

Plan Your Big Bear Lake Trip

Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway, family vacation, snow trip, or summer lake day, Big Bear Lake offers something in every season. Use the guides below to explore activities, restaurants, places to stay, and local tips before you arrive.

Where to Stay

Compare cabins, hotels, lakefront rentals, pet-friendly lodging, and the best neighborhoods to stay in depending on the type of trip you are planning.

Explore Places to Stay

Things to Do

Big Bear Lake offers a mix of outdoor activities, scenic drives, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, family attractions, snow play, boating, shopping, and local events throughout the year.

Explore Things to Do

Restaurants

Find breakfast spots, coffee shops, pizza places, patios, fine dining restaurants, family-friendly restaurants, and local favorites throughout Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City, Fawnskin, and the Village.

Explore Restaurants

Where to Stay

Compare cabins, hotels, lakefront rentals, pet-friendly lodging, and the best neighborhoods to stay in depending on the type of trip you are planning.

Explore Places to Stay

Things to Do

Big Bear Lake offers a mix of outdoor activities, scenic drives, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, family attractions, snow play, boating, shopping, and local events throughout the year.

Explore Things to Do

Popular Big Bear Guides

These are some of the most popular guides for visitors planning a trip to Big Bear Lake.

Big Bear Bald Eagles

Follow Jackie and Shadow, watch the live cam, and learn where to spot bald eagles around Big Bear Lake.

Scenic Drive Around Big Bear Lake

Explore lake views, picnic areas, marinas, parks, and some of the best places to stop around Big Bear.

Big Bear Discovery Center

Learn about local wildlife, nearby trails, maps, events, and the San Bernardino National Forest.

Farmers Markets in Big Bear Lake

Find local produce, baked goods, seasonal vendors, and farmers market information around Big Bear Lake.

Big Bear Bald Eagles

Follow Jackie and Shadow, watch the live cam, and learn where to spot bald eagles around Big Bear Lake.

Scenic Drive Around Big Bear Lake

Explore lake views, picnic areas, marinas, parks, and some of the best places to stop around Big Bear.

Big Bear Discovery Center

Learn about local wildlife, nearby trails, maps, events, and the San Bernardino National Forest.

Big Bear Bald Eagles

Follow Jackie and Shadow, watch the live cam, and learn where to spot bald eagles around Big Bear Lake.

Scenic Drive Around Big Bear Lake

Explore lake views, picnic areas, marinas, parks, and some of the best places to stop around Big Bear.

Big Bear Discovery Center

Learn about local wildlife, nearby trails, maps, events, and the San Bernardino National Forest.

Farmers Markets in Big Bear Lake

Find local produce, baked goods, seasonal vendors, and farmers market information around Big Bear Lake.

Big Bear Bald Eagles

Follow Jackie and Shadow, watch the live cam, and learn where to spot bald eagles around Big Bear Lake.

Local Favorites and Insider Tips

Local knowledge can make a trip to Big Bear Lake much easier. These are a few favorite spots and practical tips visitors may not know before they arrive.

Quiet Morning Walks

Explore quieter places to walk, including the Alpine Pedal Path and Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk.

Wildlife & Nature

Learn more about bald eagles, local wildlife, and places to explore nature around Big Bear Lake.

Dog-Friendly

Find dog-friendly trails, restaurants, cabins, and outdoor spots around Big Bear Lake.

Explore the Village

Explore the Village for shopping, local restaurant and one of the busiest areas in Big Bear Lake.

Quiet Morning Walks

Explore quieter places to walk, including the Alpine Pedal Path and Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk.

Wildlife & Nature

Learn more about bald eagles, local wildlife, and places to explore nature around Big Bear Lake.

Dog-Friendly

Find dog-friendly trails, restaurants, cabins, and outdoor spots around Big Bear Lake.

Quiet Morning Walks

Explore quieter places to walk, including the Alpine Pedal Path and Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk.

Wildlife & Nature

Learn more about bald eagles, local wildlife, and places to explore nature around Big Bear Lake.

Dog-Friendly

Find dog-friendly trails, restaurants, cabins, and outdoor spots around Big Bear Lake.

Explore the Village

Explore the Village for shopping, local restaurant and one of the busiest areas in Big Bear Lake.

Quiet Morning Walks

Explore quieter places to walk, including the Alpine Pedal Path and Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk.

Current Big Bear Updates

Stay up to date with current wildlife activity, seasonal changes, road conditions, weather, snow, local events, and recent news from around Big Bear Lake.

A person in a suit opens the door of a black car covered in raindrops.

Private Car Service, Local Rides & Airport Transportation in Big Bear

By Discover Big Bear Lake • April 1, 2026
Find private car service and airport transportation in Big Bear Lake, including rides to LAX, Ontario, Palm Springs, Burbank & local transportation around town.
Road intersection with stop signs, highway signs for Big Bear Lake and Green Valley, mountains in the background.

Best Way to Drive to Big Bear: Highway 38 vs 330 vs 18

By Discover Big Bear Lake • February 24, 2026
Not sure which route to take to Big Bear? Here’s the fastest and safest option based on weather, traffic, snow, ice, and Highway 38 closures.
Hand holding a chocolate frosted donut with sprinkles, wrapped in white paper, blurred street background.

Best Donuts in Big Bear Lake: Local Favorites for a Sweet Morning

By Discover Big Bear Lake • October 27, 2025
Looking for the best donuts in Big Bear Lake? Discover OJ’s Donuts, Dank Donuts in Moonridge, and a sweet bonus stop for pastries and cinnamon rolls.
Plate of steak, vegetables, and sauce with wine glass on a restaurant table. People in background.

Best Steakhouses in Big Bear Lake

By Discover Big Bear Lake • October 24, 2025
Looking for the best steak in Big Bear Lake? Discover Captain’s Anchorage, Peppercorn Grille, and Oakside — three local favorites for a memorable dinner.
Black bears, adult and cub, on a rocky outcrop in a forest with snow patches.

Are There Bears in Big Bear Lake? Facts & Safety Tips

By Discover Big Bear Lake • October 20, 2025
Yes, black bears live around Big Bear Lake. Learn about their history, where they roam, and what to do if you see one while hiking or camping.