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Memorial Day in Big Bear Lake

What to Expect & Things to Do

Memorial Day weekend is one of the first big summer-style weekends in Big Bear. The lake is active, the Village is busy, restaurants fill up, and traffic is very real — but if you plan around the crowds, it can still be a great time to visit.

Quick Answer: Is Memorial Day Weekend a Good Time to Visit?

Yes — Memorial Day is a great time to visit Big Bear if you enjoy being outside and don’t mind sharing it with more people.

You’ll usually get:

• Comfortable mountain weather
• Active lake conditions
• Good hiking conditions
• More restaurants and activities open

But you should also expect:

• More traffic coming up the mountain
• Parking lots filling earlier
• Busier trails and lake areas

For most visitors, the weather and atmosphere make the crowds worth it.

How Busy Is Big Bear on Memorial Day?

Busy — especially from late morning through early evening.

The biggest surprise for first-time visitors is usually not traffic coming up the mountain — it’s how quickly parking disappears once you get here.

Places that usually feel busiest:

• The Village
• Boulder Bay
• Lake access points
• Marinas and boat rentals
• Easy-access trails

By late morning, parking can already be limited in some popular areas.

If you only take one local tip from this article:

Start early.

Big Bear before 10 AM feels completely different than Big Bear at 1 PM on Memorial Day weekend.

Best Things to Do on Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is a great time to experience a little bit of everything Big Bear has to offer.

Spend Time at the Lake

The lake becomes a central focus this time of year.

You’ll see:

• boating and kayaking
• people relaxing near the shoreline
• fishing activity picking up

Even just walking along the water or stopping at a lakeside area is worth it.

Local tips:

• Boulder Bay is one of the most popular spots for grilling and lakefront picnics, but space fills up quickly — especially by late morning on holiday weekends. If you’re planning to use a grill or picnic area, it’s best to get there early.
• Pontoon boat rentals are one of the most popular activities over Memorial Day weekend, especially for families and groups. Most rentals are handled through local marinas around the lake, and it’s common for same-day availability to be gone by late morning. If you’re planning to rent a boat, reserving ahead is strongly recommended.

Take a Scenic Drive

One of the easiest ways to explore Big Bear is by car.

Driving around the lake gives you:

• multiple viewpoints
• easy access to stops
• a feel for the entire area

Start here: Drive Around Big Bear Lake →

Go for a Hike

Most trails are open and accessible by Memorial Day.

Good options include:

• Alpine Pedal Path (easy)
• Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk (flat and quiet)

View all hiking options →

Trailhead parking fills up faster than people expect on holiday weekends, especially mid-morning.

Walk the Village

The Village is more active over Memorial Day weekend, with shops, restaurants, and a steady flow of visitors.

It’s a good place to:

• grab food
• browse shops
• take a break between activities

Restaurants can have longer wait times during peak hours, especially lunch and early dinner. A few restaurants offer reservations.

Learn About The Village

Wildlife & Nature Viewing

Spring is a great time for wildlife activity.

While sightings are never guaranteed, areas around the lake and quieter spots can be good places to watch for birds and other wildlife.

Are There Events During Memorial Day Weekend?

Memorial Day weekend in Big Bear typically includes a mix of local events, community gatherings, and seasonal activities starting up around the lake and in the Village.

Some of the more consistent events and traditions include:

• Grill & Chill – A popular local event with food, music, and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere
• Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park – A community ceremony honoring those who have served
• Memorial Day 5K Run – A seasonal race that brings both locals and visitors together

These events tend to draw more people into the Village and central areas, especially during peak hours.

While these events happen most years, details can vary, so it’s always worth checking closer to your visit.

Most visitors still come for the weather, lake, and outdoor activities — with events adding to the overall atmosphere rather than being the main focus.