Activites in Big Bear Lake

From outdoor snowboarding to boating, these must-visit activities make your trip unforgettable.

Explore the Mountains

Big Bear extends far beyond the lake. Forest roads, mountain trails, open meadows and higher elevations surround the valley, giving you everything from an easy scenic afternoon to a full day in the San Bernardino National Forest.

Adventure Activities

If you want something more than sightseeing, Big Bear has several activities built around the mountain terrain itself. Take a 4x4 into the forest, zip through the mountains, tackle an aerial course or add a shorter thrill between other plans.

Winter & Snow Activities

Winter changes Big Bear completely. Snow Summit and Bear Mountain anchor the ski season, while natural snowfall opens up opportunities for snowshoeing, sledding and other snow play around the valley. Not every winter activity depends on the same conditions, though—resort snowmaking, natural snow and forest access can produce very different experiences on the same weekend.

Indoor Things to Do

Indoor activities are especially useful in Big Bear when you need an evening plan, want a break from the weather or discover that mountain conditions have changed your original itinerary. Big Bear doesn't have a huge inventory of indoor attractions, so the popular options can become busy on snowy and rainy weekends.

On the Water

Big Bear Lake becomes the center of activity in the warmer months. Spend a quiet morning paddling near the shoreline, rent a boat for the day, fish from shore or get farther out on the lake for sailing and watersports. What you choose matters here—the lake is generally calmer in the morning, while afternoon wind can change conditions quickly.

Can you Swim in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake isn’t a natural lake—it’s a reservoir originally created in the late 1800s, but today it has become the center of recreation and one of Southern California’s most recognizable mountain destinations.

Unlike many mountain lakes, Big Bear’s shoreline is heavily integrated into the community, which means lake access exists through beaches, parks, marinas, trails, and scenic viewpoints.

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BY DISCOVER BIG BEAR LAKE

Ideas, seasonal picks and local insight to help you decide what to do while you're in Big Bear.