Discover Big Bear Lake

Things to Do in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is known for its outdoor recreation, mountain scenery, and four-season activities. From scenic drives and hiking trails to winter sports, wildlife viewing, and family-friendly attractions, this page brings together the top things to do in Big Bear Lake—organized to help you easily plan your trip no matter the season.

Discover Big Bear Lake

Outdoor Adventures & Nature in Big Bear Lake

Many of Big Bear Lake’s most popular activities take place outdoors, from scenic mountain drives to hiking trails and wildlife areas.

Scenic Drives & Sightseeing

Scenic drives in Big Bear Lake offer an easy way to experience mountain scenery, lake views, and seasonal landscapes without leaving your vehicle.

Stone wall in foreground with view of lake and forest on a hazy day.
By Discover Big Bear Lake October 21, 2025
Take a scenic drive from Big Bear Lake along the Rim of the World Scenic Byway. Explore overlooks, alpine towns, and breathtaking mountain views.
Clock tower with red roof, white and brown Tudor-style trim, and
By Discover Big Bear Lake October 21, 2025
Explore the scenic drive from Big Bear Lake to Lake Arrowhead through winding mountain roads, panoramic overlooks, and charming forest towns along Highway 18.
Red apples hanging on a tree branch, sunlight shining through leaves.
By Discover Big Bear Lake October 21, 2025
Take a day trip from Big Bear Lake to Oak Glen — explore apple orchards, taste fresh cider and pies, and enjoy the scenic mountain drive.
Road alongside Big Bear Lake with trees and foliage on the right, hills in the background.
By Discover Big Bear Lake October 21, 2025
Take a relaxing scenic drive around Big Bear Lake. Discover top stops, short trails, picnic spots, and photo views on this easy lake loop route.

Hiking Trails & Outdoor Recreation

Big Bear Lake offers a variety of hiking trails and outdoor recreation areas, with routes ranging from easy lake walks to forest and mountain trails.
Wooden walkway along Big Bear Lake , with mountains and trees in the background under a blue sky.
By Discover Big Bear Lake December 31, 2025
Explore the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk in Big Bear Lake — an easy, peaceful walk perfect for birdwatching, dogs, kids, and sunset views. Seasonal parking and bathrooms available.
Paved Alpine Pedal Path and wooden fence along Big Bear Lake with mountains in the background under
By Discover Big Bear Lake November 20, 2025
Explore the scenic 3.2-mile paved Alpine Pedal Path along Big Bear Lake's north shore. Perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying stunning mountain views.

Wildlife Viewing & Nature Centers

Wildlife viewing in Big Bear Lake includes natural habitats, seasonal animal activity, and educational nature centers focused on local ecosystem.
Black bears, adult and cub, on a rocky outcrop in a forest with snow patches.
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.
Big Bear Discovery Center exterior, tan building with glass doors, green bushes.
By Discover Big Bear Lake October 20, 2025
Visit the Big Bear Discovery Center in Fawnskin — a free visitor and nature center offering maps, trails, exhibits, and forest programs for all ages.
Black bear swimming in greenish water, resting near a rock.
By Discover Big Bear Lake October 20, 2025
Discover the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, a wildlife sanctuary in Moonridge where rescued animals recover and thrive. Open year-round for all ages.

Bald Eagles in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is home to a well-known bald eagle population, with seasonal viewing opportunities that attract wildlife watchers and photographers throughout the year.
Big Bear Lake surrounded by green pine trees and forest, viewed from rocky area on a sunny day.
By Discover Big Bear Lake November 12, 2025
Want to see Big Bear’s bald eagles in real life? Find the best places to spot Jackie & Shadow safely — plus tips for respectful eagle watching.
Bald eagle with white head, yellow beak and intense gaze, dark plumage.
By Discover Big Bear Lake November 12, 2025
Follow the nesting history of Big Bear Lake’s famous bald eagles, Jackie & Shadow — from Stormy to Sunny & Gizmo, and what’s ahead for 2025.
Two bald eagles perched on a tree branch with green and yellow leaves, against a blue sky.
By Discover Big Bear Lake October 20, 2025
Learn about Jackie and Shadow, Big Bear Lake’s famous bald eagles. Watch them live on the Big Bear Bald Eagle Cam, explore their history, nesting updates & more
Bald eagle in flight, wings spread wide against a blue sky. White head and tail feathers, dark brown body.
By Discover Big Bear Lake October 20, 2025
See bald eagles in Big Bear! Watch the Big Bear Bald Eagle Cam live & learn where to spot bald eagles around Big Bear Lake this winter.

Winter Activities in Big Bear Lake

Winter in Big Bear Lake brings snow-covered landscapes and seasonal activities, making it a popular mountain destination during colder months.
Hiker with backpack and poles stands in snow, facing mountains, wearing blue jacket and jeans.
By Discover Big Bear Lake October 21, 2025
Discover the best snowshoeing trails in Big Bear Lake. Learn about permits, rentals, and where to explore safely this winter.
Family tubing down snowy hill at Big Bear Snow Play
By Discover Big Bear Lake October 11, 2025
Find the best snow play areas in Big Bear Lake — from quiet forest spots in Fawnskin to tubing at Snow Summit and other official hills.
Lake and mountains with snow-covered ski slopes. Buildings and trees line the water's edge. Cloudy sky reflects in the lake.
By Discover Big Bear Lake October 11, 2025
Discover skiing and snowboarding in Big Bear Lake — from Bear Mountain’s terrain parks to Snow Summit’s scenic runs, plus tips, rentals & local advice.

Parks in Big Bear Lake

Winter in Big Bear Lake brings snow-covered landscapes and seasonal activities, making it a popular mountain destination during colder months.
A sign for bark park is in front of a building
By Discover Big Bear Lake April 21, 2025
Let your pup run free at Big Bear’s Bark Park! This fenced dog park offers plenty of space, agility equipment, and a fun spot for furry friends to play.
Boulder Bay park with mountains in the background and trees and rocks in the foreground.
By Discover Big Bear Lake April 21, 2025
Scenic lakeside park in Big Bear with walking paths, picnic areas, and great views. Popular spot—arrive early for parking on busy weekends.

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