One of our favorite things that we look forward to is going up to the mountains to enjoy some of Big Bear Summer Activities! Big Bear Lake is only 1.5 hours away from where we live in Southern California out of the Los Angeles area. It is our go-to destination for a quick day-trip or weekend getaway. Especially during the Summer months when the weather can reach 100-degrees Fahrenheit where we live! But up in Big Bear, it is at least 20-degrees cooler. Big Bear is one of the first day-trip dates that my husband took me when we first started dating. It’s also where he first tried to hold my hand. We have even considered buying a cabin up there as a vacation home. So we’re basically pros at visiting this small little city up in the mountains surrounded by the San Bernadino National Forest.
Big Bear Lake is also a great Winter destination for those who enjoy Winter activities such as skiing or snowboarding. But this particular article, I’m going to cover some of our favorite Big Bear Summer Activities. It’s a great little getaway destination for friends, family and couples of all ages to enjoy!
Due to the 2020 Covid-19 restrictions, some locations’ status may vary. Closures and hours of operation may be different from their regular schedule. Please check websites for any of the listed locations for the most up-to-date information. Stay safe, healthy and Happy Travels!
Shop & Eat at Big Bear Village
First and foremost is Big Bear Lake Village. The center of everything and anything in Big Bear. This is the location where all special events are held, and where all the best restaurants and shops are located. It’s perfect for taking a lovely stroll and for window shopping. Plus, it’s a quick stop for some ice cream or a sweet treat that you can purchase from the village’s many dessert shops. It’s ideal for dog walking or a family outing. Our favorite restaurants and shops in the Village are:
- FRUSION JUICE & COFFEE BAR – We love ordering their large fancy salads, plus a delicious juice and take it on-the-go. We usually find a lovely spot out by the lake and have a picnic.
- OAKSIDE RESTAURANT & BAR – This restaurant is one of the fancier and higher end dining locations in the village. So it is perfect for a date with intimate indoor dining or a casual outdoor patio dining with live music.
- A CHRISTMAS STORE ‘N’ MORE – Christmas is all-year round at this little shop that is always open. We love visiting and browsing all the little Christmas related knick-knacks, home decor and holiday decorations. I think we have spent the most money in just this little shop alone compared to any others in the village!
Big Bear Village 
Big Bear Village
Summer Activities on Big Bear Lake
Take a Guided Sunset Cruise
A perfect way to enjoy the beautiful Big Bear Lake is to take a guided Sunset Cruise Tour. If you are looking for things to do in Big Bear Lake during the Summer, then this would make our Top 3 favorite Big Bear Summer Activities. We have been to Big Bear so many times but never actually went onto the water until recently. The Sunset Cruise is such a wonderful way to enjoy the lake with a small group of other “tourists”. You get to learn about the history of Big Bear, enjoy the incredible views and crisp clean air. Plus a stunning sunset surrounded by an amazing natural landscape. Make sure to bring a jacket because it does get chilly on the lake.
Rent a Pontoon Boat on Big Bear Lake
Another popular Big Bear Lake Summer activity is to charter your own little pontoon boat onto the lake. You can easily rent a pontoon from the Big Bear Marina, you pay by the hour and the size of the pontoon. They have different sized pontoons to accommodate just a couple of two or a large family of a dozen. They are easy to drive on your own and you can sail out onto the lake waters and enjoy the day. We usually rent the boat for 1-2 hours which is plenty of time to enjoy the lake. We also pack a picnic, music speakers and just sail out onto the calming waves of the lake and enjoy some tunes. If it is busy season, then there will be many others you’ll have to share the lake with such as other boaters and jet skiers. So it can get a bit rowdy.
Kayak, Stand-up Paddle Board, Jet Ski & Fishing
The Big Bear Marina also offers a wide range of other outdoor water activity rentals. The Big Bear Lake is open to Kayakers, Stand-Up Paddle Boarders SUP, Jet Skiers and of course Boaters who enjoy fishing for sea bass. Check out the the Marina’s website for all the equipment they have available for rent. Or if you have your own, make sure to bring them along with you for a great day on Big Bear Lake.
Enjoy Big Bear from the Sky
Enjoy the View from a Scenic Sky Chair
The Scenic Sky Chair Lift is operational in Big Bear all year round. Surprisingly, this is one of the last activities that we have yet to try ourselves. It is definitely not for anyone that is afraid of heights since the chair lifts are in open air. I’m usually okay with heights but recently in the last year, I had a mini panic attack in a small sky-tram in Banff Canada. So I’m hesitate to try this open-air Sky Chair at the moment. But I’m sure it is great fun for people that don’t have problems with heights and anxiety.
Another super fun Big Bear Summer Activity is the Alpine Coaster Slide which also includes a shorter Chair Lift ride but the descent is on a bobsled-like slide. Yes, you heard that right. Bobsleds!
Fly above the Lake in a Helicopter
This is a big splurge! We decided on trying out this excursion since we have never flown in a helicopter before and we had plans to take a tour in one in Hawaii. So we thought maybe we should try out a mini heli tour to see if we like it. Turned out it was really cool and we got to see a cool perspective of Big Bear from high up in the sky.
There are several different pricing and time-frames you can choose from for a Big Bear Helicopter tour. Check out their website for the different pricing listed.
Big Bear Summer Activities – Hiking
Hike the Bluff Lake Preserve
The Bluff Lake Preserve located several miles up Mill Creek Road and is unpaved for the majority of the distance. The area is a hidden gem of Big Bear Lake and ideal Summer Activities. During the Winter months, the area is closed off due to unsafe road conditions. While almost any vehicle can make it up the road in the Spring, Summer and Autumn months, expect some rocks, dips and holes along the way so drive slow and carefully. I recommend you map the lake prior to starting up the road. As you get closer, look for signs toward the lake and find a parking spot within walking distance.
The preserve is like no other spot in Big Bear, with a 20 acre lake and meadow surrounded by forest. A trail winds around the lake with species of federally endangered flowers, grassland and pine to enjoy along with small blue damsel flies that resemble tiny dragonfly hovering above the water. Being an endangered area, there is no swimming or picnics and a ranger patrols the area. It’s a place to take in a different perspective of Big Bear that few have seen.
Hike the Mill Creek Back Roads
Additionally, the back roads area off of Mill Creek Road towards Bluff Lake, is open for Tent camping and many hiking trails. There are no crowds, and it’s secluded with lots of shade and relaxing spots. We often trek to a quiet location and hitch up a hammock or camping chairs and just relax in the forest. We love our Nature Therapy!
Castle Rock’s Trail with Ultimate Lake View
One of the most popular trail heads in Big Bear is the Castle Rock Trail. It’s a short hike but the majority of it is at a vertical incline so it can be a bit of a strenuous hike. I know my knees would never be able to handle it so I have never attempted this hike.
I do know that at the end of the hike, you are rewarded with incredible views of the entire Big Bear Lake. And there are rock formations that resemble a castle that gives the trail-head its name.
The most difficult aspect of Castle Rock Trail is the parking. There is no parking lot. Only very limited street parking and those get taken up quick. So I highly recommend arriving early for the best parking or park a distance down the street and walk to the beginning of the trail. I suppose you can also hire a Lyft or Uber for a drop-off and pick-up from the Big Bear village.
Big Bear Lake is full of fun Summer Activities. You can go camping via an RV, Camper Van or a Tent. Go mountain biking on trails or around the lake. Fishing for trout or sea bass. Plus so much more! Big Bear is a great escape from the metropolitan area of Los Angeles and San Diego if you’re looking for some good old fashioned nature therapy.
Where to Stay in Big Bear Lake
AirBNB Stays in Big Bear Lake
If you enjoy staying in AirBNBs, then I highly recommend finding a Stay in the Moonridge neighborhood. It is a small community located in the suburban hillside next to the ski slopes of Big Bear Mountain. We have stayed in a handful of AirBNB stays in that area and I have listed our favorites below. The first location is our #1 pick. It has the best balcony and indeed does have that gorgeous Million Dollar view! It can accommodate up to a family of 4 or 5.
I would love to do stand up paddle boarding! This is a great guide, it all sounds like so much fun!
Big Bear looks like a beautiful spot to spend some time in the summer. Hanging out on the lake and spending time hiking would be great! I just love the cabin-style and would love to visit there one day 🙂
I have never been to Big Bear but it reminds me a bit of Lake Tahoe. The air at altitude is cleaner and cooler than the cities (same for San Francisco where I used to live). The lake looks like it has some fun activities and would be where I spend my time (along with some hiking).
Driving through Big Bear in a few weeks. hopefully, I can visit some of these spots
This looks like such a charming spot, and with so much to do! I would love to visit here!