How to Visit Big Bear Lake, CA
Big Bear Lake, a small city in the San Bernardino Mountains, the perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a day trip for those living in southern California or Nevada. A damming project in the early 20th century created the man-made lake, which attracts visitors for a variety of outdoor recreation activities, including water sports, skiing and hiking, depending on the season. Big Bear Lake was populated by Serrano Indians thousands of years before being discovered by white settlers in the late 19th century. Soon after, gold was discovered, and visitors rushed to the area and built a small town.
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Instructions
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Plan your trip around the seasons, scheduling your visit based on what you would most like to see. Summer and winter are the most crowded seasons, and fall and spring are the best for weekend trips and relaxing getaways.
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Book accommodations. There is a full range of facilities, including bed and breakfasts and cabins, which can be rented for extended stays, small hotels, motels, condos, resorts and hostels. Rooms fill up well in advance in the summer and winter, and on weekends in fall and spring.
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Visit in the fall and spring if you plan on hiking in Big Bear Lake’s portion of the San Bernardino National Forest. A fall trip promises spectacular foliage, the annual Oktoberfest celebration, brisk mornings and evenings and mild afternoons. The Big Bear Discovery Center and the Visitor Center on Bartlett Road can recommend trails for both biking and hiking, in addition to providing maps and parking permits that are required in certain spots.
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Head to Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, the two Big Bear ski resorts, for an alpine wonderland every winter. Cabins, lodges and package trips are available, in addition to slopes suiting a variety of skills levels.
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Big Bear Lake and the surrounding area are covered with wildflowers in the spring season. Hike on the Alpine Pedal Path, Grandview Loop or the Cougar Crest Trail, among many others. Bear Valley Bikes rents bikes for the full or half day and can recommend trails that are good for biking.
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Take a trip in the summer if you want full enjoyment of the lake itself. Boating, fishing and picnicking are top choices, and equipment rental shops are prevalent. Summer is also the time to camp in Big Bear Lake. There are a large number of campgrounds, ranging in size and amenity, that open in the summer. It is best to call the visitor's center or review the list on the Big Bear website to select an area closest to where you plan to hike.
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Go into Big Bear Village for a meal or a shopping diversion. A number of eateries, two movie theaters, stores, souvenir shops and even several bars offer visitors a break from outdoor pursuits. Big Bear Mountain Brewery and Restaurant brews its beer on site, in addition to serving up standard American fare at reasonable prices, which on some nights is accompanied by live music.
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Tips & Warnings
Be careful driving to Big Bear Lake in the winter, as snowfall can be heavy. Check the weather in advance, and it is highly recommended to drive with snow chains.
Resources
- Photo Credit www.bigbearlake.net
