Looking for a weekend getaway close by home? Look no further! The best SoCal getaway!
Table of Content
- What’s so Special about Big Bear?
- The BEST of Big Bear
- Why Choose Big Bear?
- Where to Stay in Big Bear
- The BEST Things to do in Big Bear
- The BEST Restaurants in Big Bear
- What Season is Best to Visit in?
- You SHOULD Visit Big Bear!
What’s so Special about Big Bear?
Big Bear is a beautiful location with much to do and see in any of the four seasons! One of the most special aspects of Big Bear is that it experiences ALL FOUR SEASONS! Since it is in Southern California, experiencing all four seasons is RARE! In Big Bear, you are able to see the flowers bloom in spring, beautiful green nature in summer, leaves turn orange and fall in autumn, and a winter wonderland in winter!! Any season can be special for a vacation with many activities, fun things to so, and delicious restaurants.
The BEST of Big Bear
Enjoy this CUSTOM MADE Google Maps with the best things to do, activities, restaurants, hikes, relaxation points, and MORE!
Why Choose Big Bear?
Big Bear is a wonderful destination close to home for those in SoCal! Just an hour from Los Angeles, three hours from Ventura County, three hours from San Diego, an hour from Palm Springs, and three and a half from Santa Barbara! It’s close proximity to the major cities in Southern California make it the ideal mountain town for a weekend (or longer) vacation! Whether it us a quick weekend getaway or week-long vacation you can enjoy a quick and peaceful drive to the quiet serenity of the mountains.
Where to Stay in Big Bear
While there are many hotels in Big Bear, a hotel doesn’t offer the privacy or amenities one may want on a vacation. When choosing where to stay, consider renting from a vacation rental agency! When booking your vacation rental, remember that sites like Air BnB and VRBO charge around 10% additional fees. If you book directly through a vacation rental company you will save money. Big Bear Lakefront Cabins is a great rental agency that can help you find a great-priced cabin with the best amenities, such as a private hot tub, game room, pet-friendly, great views, and so much more! They also offer great customer service and have amazing reviews. Use code “GuidedbyAdventure” in your booking notes for 10% off your reservation! (Some stipulations apply.. non-holiday, not available December 15th-January 7th. Non-Lakefront in summer months.)
The BEST Things to do in Big Bear
There is so much to do in Big Bear! Some activities will change depending on the season but others will stay all year long! Any season you choose has so much to offer to make the most of a relaxing Big Bear Vacation.
Summer
Summer is the perfect time for lake activities! Rent or bring your own boat, water ski, tube, jet ski, swim in the lake, all of the fun lake activities are perfect at Big Bear Lake! While you can hike all season in Big Bear, summer is the BEST season for it with the best weather and beautiful hikes.
Spring
Spring is a beautiful season in Big Bear. The wild flowers start blooming and the is normally the most full. In addition to the year round activities. skiing, snowboarding and tubing may still be active! Fishing is aks great in the spring.
Winter
One of the main draws for Big Bear is of course the skiing, snowboarding, and tubing! These are some of the BEST winter activities. There are many year round activities available in the winter but skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are only available in winter.
Fall
Fall is a beautiful romantic season where the leaves change color! There are so many fun activities that take place in fall in addition to the year round activities. Mountain Biking is still in season. Fall is one of the BEST seasons for fishing!
Year Round Activities
There is so much to do in Big Bear year round! You can go on an Offroad Jeep or Helicopter tour! You can bowl at the bowling barn. Go shopping or wine tasting, hiking, go to the zoo, visit the Big Bear Nature Center and more! There are so many things to do in ANY season in Big Bear.
The BEST Restaurants in Big Bear
We LOVE food! Finding the best restaurants in Big Bear is essential to create the best vacation. Some of our favorite locations are downtown Big Bear!
Breakfast
Breakfast starts the day, so you must make it a good meal! Tea & Coffee Exchange has yummy breakfast sandwiches, crepes, and pastries. The tea and coffee are great, as said in the name! Copper Q is great for pastries, coffee, tea, and other breakfast items. The Barnstorm Restaurant is one of our favorite restaurants! You can watch planes and helicopters take off and land while enjoying a delicious breakfast. The Lumberjack Café is also one of our favorite breakfast spots! It is normally very busy, so expect a wait or join the waitlist ahead of time, but the food is incredible and well worth it!
Lunch
There are some awesome lunch places in Big Bear! Teddy Bear Restaurant is great for sandwiches and soup. The Broadway Café is another great location with delicious food and a great central location!
Dinner
Depending on what cuisine you want, there are so many amazing locations for dinner! For American burgers and brews, hear to Fire Rock Burgers and Brews! If you are looking for pizza, the BEST around is Saucy Mammas! Our favorite nicer restaurants are Oakside and Peppercorn, both offer exquisite flavors and large menus! If you want something outside downtown Big Bear, you can always head to Hacienda Grill for some great Mexican food!
Dessert
Do you have a sweet tooth? Our favorite places for sweets are the North Pole Fudge Factory and Sister My Sister Bakery! Oakside has some incredible desserts for some after-dinner enjoyment.
What Season is Best to Visit in?
All four seasons have something to offer in Big Bear! Looking for action, adventure, romantic settings, peaceful relaxation, or just a fun vacation? Big Bear has all you need!
Summer
Lake days in Big Bear are warm and sunny, with a cool breeze and beautiful blue skies. Summertime is perfect for so many Big Bear activities! If you love the outdoors, visit Big Bear in the summer. You can hike along many hiking trails, swim in the lake, boat, and other water sports, camp off-road, enjoy the sun, and more! Summer is the perfect vacation spot with greenery, beautiful trees, nature, and amazing animals.
Winter
Looking for a winter wonderland? Look no further! Big Bear provides an incredible winter wonderland among the pine trees and snow-capped mountains! Winter is perfect for adrenaline junkies with the snowboarding and skiing offered! It is also perfect for anyone preferring the heat. Big Bear does not get too cold and is barrable for anyone not used to cold wanting a great winter experience.
Fall
Fall is a beautiful season for those that want a romantic seasonal experience with golden leaves and amazing weather! This is the perfect storybook setting for falling in love.
Fall is not only perfect for romance. Families and friends can create the best experience in a season with fewer tourists and for better prices. Fall is perfect, with mild temperatures and many activities still available!
Spring
Spring is perfect for watching flowers bloom! This season is magical, with so much to do. There is still some snow melting from the mountains, but the air is crisp, and temperatures are mild. Spring can be such an amazing season that it costs less with fewer visitors.
You SHOULD Visit Big Bear!
In conclusion, Big Bear is an incredible SoCal destination. Just an hour from Los Angeles, three hours from Ventura County and San Diego, and super close to any surrounding areas, Big Bear can make for a quick getaway or a long relaxing staycation. Enjoy all Big Bear offers in the Sumer, Winter, Fall, or Spring! Don’t miss out, book a cabin and create the perfect vacation in any season!
Guided by Adventure 