An Adventurous Trip to Big BearDiscover thrilling year-round adventures at Big Bear, where summer brings hiking, boating, and watersports and winter opens up the slopes for skiing, snowboarding, and snow play. Whether you're chasing thrills or just soaking it all in, there's no shortage of ways to fill the days.AuthorsSteller
DestinationsBig Bear LakeItinerary

Summer Activities

Big Bear Discovery Center
Step into the Big Bear Discovery Center for an up-close look at the local ecosystem through hands-on programs, guided nature walks, and exhibits on the area's wildlife. It's an engaging stop for curious minds of any age, and the gift shop has some genuinely good souvenirs worth browsing on the way out.
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Woodland Trail 1E23
Venture into the heart of nature on the Woodland Trail 1E23, where you can enjoy an easy hike surrounded by the serene beauty of Big Bear Lake. This trail is dotted with interpretive signs that tell the story of the area's flora and fauna, making it a delightful and educational experience. Remember to pack snacks and water, as you'll want to linger and soak in the peaceful ambiance.
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Castle Rock Trail 1W03
Challenge yourself with a hike up Castle Rock Trail, a favorite among adventurers after scenic views. As you lace up your hiking boots, prepare for a steep climb that pays off with panoramic vistas of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding mountains. A great morning adventure for those looking to add a bit of thrill to their day.
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Big Bear Off Road Experience
Big Bear Jeep Experience puts you behind the wheel of a customized jeep on some of the area's most famous off-road trails, with a professional guide leading the convoy and narrating the entire route via two-way radio. Prefer to leave the driving to someone else? TourZilla, a custom-built 11-passenger off-road safari vehicle, takes your group deep into the backcountry while your guide handles everything. Rated the number one off-road driving experience in the country.
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Boulder Bay Park
Boulder Bay Park is a picturesque spot perfect for a relaxing outing. With its lush picnic areas and opportunities for kayaking on the shimmering lake, it offers a day of leisure and fun. Capture stunning views across the water and take plenty of photos to remember the day.
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Miss Liberty Paddlewheel Tour Boat
Board the Miss Liberty, a 64-foot paddlewheel boat departing from Pine Knot Marina, for a 90-minute cruise around Big Bear Lake. The narrated tour covers the lake's history dating back to 1845, local folklore, and fun facts, with stops past China Island, the Solar Observatory, and the town of Fawnskin. Snacks, beer, wine, and drinks are available on board — grab a spot on the shaded upper deck for the best views.
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Fish Big Bear Charter Service
Cast your line with Fish Big Bear Charter Service and enjoy a fishing adventure on the lake. Whether you're a novice angler or a seasoned pro, the charter provides all the equipment and expertise needed for a successful day of fishing.
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Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is the heart of this mountain destination, offering something for every level of adventurer. Swim, fish, kayak, paddleboard, or get up on a wakeboard — the lake delivers on all fronts, with calm mornings perfect for a leisurely float and afternoons that call for something a little more thrilling. Pull up to one of the sandy shores when you're ready to dry off and soak up the mountain sun.
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Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Get ready for a day of excitement at Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. Zoom down the alpine slide, challenge yourself to a round of mini-golf, or race around the go-kart track. There's no shortage of ways to fill the afternoon here.
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Winter Activities

Snow Summit
Snow Summit is a year-round destination with something on offer in every season. Winter brings skiing, snowboarding, and terrain parks, while summer shifts to mountain biking, hiking, and scenic chairlift rides with sweeping views of the San Bernardino Mountains.
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Big Bear Snow Play
Bundle up and head to Big Bear Snow Play for a day of winter thrills. Sled down snowy slopes, or try night tubing under the stars for a magical experience. The park offers fun with activities that will make you feel like a kid again. It's the perfect way to embrace the winter wonderland that is Big Bear.
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Grizzly Ridge Tube Park
Experience the thrill of tubing at Grizzly Ridge Tube Park, where you can race down snowy lanes with ease thanks to the magic carpet lift. Arrive early to make the most of your day, and enjoy the exhilarating rides that promise endless fun.
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Eats

Grizzly Manor Cafe
Start your day at Grizzly Manor Cafe, a local favorite known for its oversized portions and classic American breakfast dishes. Come hungry — the portions here mean business.
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Sandy's Sports Bar and Restaurant
Kick back at Sandy's Sports Bar and Restaurant, where you can catch the game on big screens while savoring classic bar bites and refreshing drinks. A solid wind-down after a full day in Big Bear.
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Himalayan Restaurant
Himalayan Restaurant is one of Big Bear Village's most unexpected and rewarding stops, serving authentic Nepalese, Tibetan, and Northern Indian cuisine. Start with the Tibetan-style momos, steamed dumplings served with homemade achar, then work your way through tandoori specialties and fresh-baked naan in more varieties than you'd expect. A flavorful alternative to standard mountain fare.
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Broadway Café
Broadway Café in Big Bear City is a small, well-loved spot with award-winning burgers, locally famous chili, and a Broadway theatre theme carried through with vintage Playbills and drama masks on the walls. The Chili Tots are a must, and Sunday brings an all-you-can-eat pancake option worth planning around. Indoor seating is limited, but the pet-friendly patio and upstairs deck more than compensate.
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Wyatt's Grill and Saloon
Wyatt's Grill & Saloon is Big Bear's biggest restaurant and one of its most spirited nights out. The menu runs on ranch-style comfort food, with tri-tip sliders, jumbo wings, and the Smoking Gun Burger loaded with pulled pork and onion rings. Live bands on weekends, country line dancing on Wednesdays, and Big Bear's largest outdoor dance floor when the weather cooperates make it as good for a late night out as it is for a family dinner.
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Mountain Munchies
Mountain Munchies has been a Big Bear staple since 1984, and the portions alone have earned it a loyal following. The specialty sandwiches are the main draw, including the Big Bear Club, the Hungry Bear, and the Snowforest, but the all-day breakfast holds its own with thick pancakes, massive burritos, and onion rings that regulars swear by. A good call for takeout before a hike or a day at the lake.
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Stays

Hotel Marina Riviera
Hotel Marina Riviera is a boutique lakeside hotel with a retro ski lodge aesthetic that sets it apart from anything else in Big Bear. Moody dark-green interiors, vintage art, and high-end touches like a lakeside barrel sauna and cold plunge back it up. Every room overlooks the lake, many with private balconies, and De La Nonna on-site serves focaccia-style pizzas and craft cocktails with waterfront seating. Steps from the Village and five minutes to Snow Summit.
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Sessions Retreat & Hotel
Tucked into five acres of Big Bear pine forest, Sessions Retreat and Hotel blends retro mountain vibes with a design-forward edge, offering rooms, cabins, a sauna and cold plunge, and its own guest bar. It's steps from the village and minutes from Snow Summit, so the mix of après-ski hangouts and wellness programming all rolls into one.
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Big Bear Lake
Home2 Suites by Hilton Big Bear Lake offers suites that provide all the comforts of home, complete with a pool and complimentary breakfast. It's the perfect place to start your day before heading out to explore the wonders of Big Bear.
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