A Guide to Big Bear Lake Neighborhoods

A Guide to Big Bear Lake Neighborhoods

• The Village
• Moonridge
• Central Lake Areas
• Boulder Bay and Metcalf Bay
• Fawnskin
  

1. The Village Area:

Benefits:

• Proximity: Staying in the Village area ensures you're at the center of the action. If you are staying in a cabin in the Village area, you most likely will be able to walk to the Village and find the main street that is  lined with shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

• Dining: The Village is where you will find quite a few restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and dessert spots. After dining in the Village, you can easily stroll the main street and in winter, you can find fire pits to sit around.

• Lake Access: The Village is south side of Big Bear Blvd, making access to the lake fairly easy. Depending on your location, you can walk down to Pine Knot marina.

• Ambiance: Other parts of town can be quiet. Since the Village is the hub, you can often find various events, festivals, markets and live music throughout the year.

• Snow Summit: To the east of the Village is snow summit. This area between Snow Summit and the Village can be a prime location when open for skiing or mountain biking. It places you in perfect proximity to both!

Drawbacks:

• Crowded Times: Given its popularity, the Village area can get quite busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. If you prefer solitude and tranquility, you might find the bustling atmosphere overwhelming but if you are looking to be the center of the action, the Village is ideal. Just be sure to plan ahead for dinner with advanced reservations.

2. Moonridge:

Benefits:

• Proximity: Moonridge places you slightly farther away from the lake, but has its own location benefits. If you are planning on skiing or snowboarding, you will be close to Bear Mountain. In the summer there is also a golf course across the street from Bear Mountain. The Alpine Zoo, which is open year round, is also located in the heart of Moonridge. You will not find as many restaurants in Moonridge as you would in the Village, but you will still find a few places to grab coffee, snacks or even a meal.

• Dining: You will not find as many restaurants in Moonridge as you would in the Village, but you will still find a few places to grab coffee, snacks or even a meal.

• Lake Access: Moonridge heads deeper towards the mountains, making it farther away from the lake. You will most likely need to drive to access the lake.

• Ambiance: Moonridge is known to be a quiet, peaceful part of town. Cabins in Moonridge are located on hills and roads can be winding and steep in some parts. There is often a regular breeze through the abundance of massive pine trees and plenty of wildlife. Plus, if you are close enough, you can hear the wolves howl! But don't worry, those howls are coming from the Alpine Zoo!

Drawbacks:

• Steep Roads: Roads and driveways in Moonridge can be steep. Four wheel drive and chains will be necessary in some parts during the winter. 

3. Central Lake:

Benefits:

• Proximity: Rentals located in this area are in close proximity to the lake. Nearby you will find both Ski Beach Park and Pine Knot Park . The Village is also nearby, just on the other side of Bear Blvd.

• Dining: You will not find as many restaurants near the lake, however there are a few such as the Pines Lakefront. You can easily access the restaurants along Bear Blvd and in the Village, you will just need a car depending on your location.

• Lake Access: It doesn't get easier than this. Many cabins in this area have easy access to the lake. In fact, this is where you will find the most cabins that are directly on the lake with their own boat ramps.

• Ambiance: Staying near the lake can be entertaining. Cabins in this area tend to be closer together and you will find many more people out and about than you would in Moonridge. This part is considered to be less quiet than other areas.

Drawbacks:

• Crowds and Noise: Cabins can be closer together and more crowded, especially during peak weekends. Evenings can also be louder than other parts as people are often outside in yards, bbqing and hanging out.

4. Boulder Bay and Metcalf Bay:

Benefits:

• Proximity: Boulder Bay and Metcalf Bay are two bays on Big Bear Lake. There are some swim areas and great kayaking spots. Boulder Bay can be considered one of the most stunning areas of the lake.

• Dining: You will need to head to Big Bear Blvd or the Village to find restaurants and cafes. But are in close proximity.

• Lake Access: You are at the Lake. Be sure to check out Boulder Bay Park for some of the best views of the lake.

• Ambiance: If you are looking for a cabin where you can put your kayak in the water and spend the day exploring, this is for you.

Drawbacks:

• Distance: Can be farther from Moonridge, stores and the Village. If staying in Boulder Bay, consider stocking up ahead of time.

5. Fawnskin and Northshore

Benefits:

• Proximity: Fawnskin is located on the Northshore. It is a quiet little town with few amenities. From Fawnskin you are in close proximity to many hiking trails and the Alpine Pedal Path . Beaches and the Lake are far more accessible here, especially from the Alpine Pedal Path, as homes are not located directly on the lake.

• Dining: There are very few amenities in Fawnskin. One popular restaurant is the North Shore Cafe, however, it would be best to plan to dine at home during your stay or head to Big Bear Lake for restaurants.

• Lake Access: There are many spots to access the lake along the Northshore Blvd. The easiest way to access the lake is at one of the picnic spots or the Alpine Pedal Path.

• Ambiance: If you are looking for wilderness this is for you. Fawnskin is quiet and there are an abundance of hiking trails and beachfront. You will also find the Big Bear Discovery Center here.

Drawbacks:

• Few Amenities: The north shore has very few restaurants and shops. Plan to head to Big Bear Lake if you are looking to restaurants and shops.