An Eco-Friendly Trip To Big Bear, CABig Bear's mountain setting naturally inspires a more mindful way of travel. From solar-powered retreats and farm-to-table dining to ancient forest trails and conservation-led experiences, this weekend itinerary keeps sustainability in mind without sacrificing any of the fun.AuthorsSteller
DestinationsBig Bear LakeItinerary

Day 1

Rewind Collective
Rewind Collective is a Green-certified organic cafe and wellness marketplace that's become one of Big Bear's most beloved community spots. Stop in for a vanilla bean matcha latte or a bowl of fresh bone broth, browse the refill station and organic goods, and settle into the cozy back area by the fireplace. A natural first stop.
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Mountain Yoga Center
Mountain Yoga Center is a welcoming, community-focused studio at the base of Snow Summit offering everything from Vinyasa Flow and Pilates to candlelight and restorative classes. Walk-ins are welcome, mats are provided, and the clean, light-filled space with a mountain backdrop makes it an easy and rewarding stop before or after a day on the trails.
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Big Bear Farmers Market
Big Bear runs two farmers' markets during the warmer months, each with its own vibe. The Big Bear Farmers Market on Tuesdays is the area's longest-running, a 30-year tradition offering certified California produce, local honey, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and fresh kettle corn — and it's fully pet-friendly. The Friday Big Bear Lake Farmers Market takes a more relaxed approach, set against a lakeside backdrop at Meadow Park with hot food vendors, fresh flowers, handcrafted goods, and live music as the sun goes down. Both run from April through October.
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Bristlecone Trail
The Bristlecone Trail is an easy, beginner-friendly route connecting the Snow Summit and Bear Mountain areas through a serene stretch of pine forest. At roughly 2 miles out-and-back, it's a great option for families, casual hikers, or anyone looking to ease into Big Bear's trail system — with mule deer and squirrels along the way and connections to more advanced routes if you want to extend the day. Dogs are welcome, and the required National Forest Adventure Pass goes directly toward maintaining and preserving the trails you're hiking on.
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Big Bear Lake Brewing Company
Big Bear Lake Brewing Company is a lively craft brewery in the heart of The Village, with a small-batch brewing setup visible behind glass and a rotating tap list that includes the Whisker Geezer IPA, Cave Dweller Brown Ale, and Honey Blonde Ale. They source ingredients locally and keep eco-friendly practices at the core of their brewing process. The menu goes well beyond bar snacks, and the pet-friendly patio is a solid spot to settle in. Expect a wait on weekends.
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Blanca and Pierre’s Restaurant
Blanca and Pierre's is a family-owned gem in Boulder Bay, just outside the main Village, serving up American and Mexican comfort food in a cozy, lodge-like setting. Come for the chorizo and eggs or the crispy-edged pancakes, and whatever you do, get there early enough to snag a slice of Blanca's homemade fruit pie before they sell out. Cash only, dog-friendly patio, and a lot more relaxed than anything you'll find closer to the Village.
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Day 2

Amangela's Sandwich & Bagel House
Amangela's is a cozy Village nook and a go-to for locals fueling up before a hike or winding down after one. The Breakfast Bagel is the morning move, and the stacked sandwiches on house-baked Basil Garlic Focaccia are worth seeking out. Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are all on the menu, and the dog-friendly patio is a bonus.
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Big Bear Valley Historical Museum
The Big Bear Valley Historical Museum is a seasonal living history museum in Big Bear City Park featuring nine original historic structures — a furnished 1875 log cabin, a one-room schoolhouse, and a working blacksmith shop among them. Try your hand at gold panning, explore exhibits on the indigenous Serrano people and Big Bear's Gold Rush era, and grab an old-fashioned Sarsaparilla from the on-site general store on your way out.
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Big Bear Discovery Center
The Big Bear Discovery Center is the primary gateway to the San Bernardino National Forest and a dedicated hub for environmental education and conservation. Pick up your National Forest Adventure Pass, join a guided nature walk with certified naturalists, and get expert advice on responsible trails and routes. The Junior Ranger Program and outdoor Nature Explore Zone keep kids engaged, and purchases at the nature-themed gift shop go directly toward public land conservation.
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Woodland Trail 1E23
The Woodland Trail (1E23) is an easy 1.5-mile interpretive loop on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, winding through Juniper, Incense Cedar, and Jeffrey Pine before opening up to lake views. Pick up a free pamphlet at the trailhead to follow 16 numbered markers on local botany, geology, and wildlife. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking, with proceeds supporting upkeep of public lands.
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NJIT Big Bear Solar Observatory
The Big Bear Solar Observatory sits on a thin causeway in the middle of the lake, a location chosen because the cool water stabilizes the air for clearer solar imaging. It houses the Goode Solar Telescope, one of the world's most powerful solar instruments, with research focused on solar flares, sunspot dynamics, and space weather prediction. Free public tours run every other Thursday from late May through early September — reservations required and spots fill fast.
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Stella Luna
Stella Luna is Big Bear's go-to farm-to-table spot, serving scratch-made California cuisine with a genuine commitment to sustainability. Every dish is crafted with locally sourced, organic ingredients — nearly the entire menu is gluten-free, and the kitchen skips seed and nut oils entirely in favor of clean, natural flavors. From hearty breakfasts to vibrant salads and plant-based burgers, the menu covers a lot of ground without compromising on quality.
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Day 3

Café Crêpe
Cafe Crepe is a charming, family-owned French creperie in The Village serving sweet and savory crepes all day. The "La Biquette" with goat cheese, honey, and walnuts is a standout, and the classic Nutella and Banana never disappoints. Small space, leisurely service, and worth the wait.
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Bear Valley Farms
Bear Valley Farms is a 30-acre working farm in Big Bear City offering a genuine connection to agricultural life. Meet baby goats, pigs, bunnies, and burros in the petting zoo, take a horseback riding lesson, or join a hayride through the property. The "Adopt a Piggie or Goat" program lets visitors contribute to an animal's care and come back to visit on weekends — a meaningful touch that goes beyond a typical farm visit. Come fall, the farm adds haunted hayrides, a corn maze, and a pumpkin patch.
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The Copper Q
The Copper Q is a gourmet coffee house, bakery, and kitchen boutique in the heart of The Village with an open kitchen concept that lets you watch bakers at work. The giant cinnamon rolls are the main event — get there before 10 AM on weekends before they sell out — alongside seasonal lattes and savory croissants. House-made jams, flavored oils, and specialty coffee beans are available to take home, and the front patio with fire pits is worth pulling up a chair for.
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Bluff Lake Reserve
A little further from town, Bluff Lake Reserve is an 80-acre ecological sanctuary managed by The Wildlands Conservancy at 7,600 feet. The easy one-mile loop circles a pristine mountain marsh protecting rare and endangered plant species found nowhere else in the world, including the Big Bear checkerbloom and Bear Valley bluegrass. Old-growth pines, historic cabin ruins, and a rich diversity of birds, frogs, and butterflies round out one of the more rewarding nature stops in the Big Bear area — just bring a high-clearance vehicle for the dirt road access.
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Grizzly Manor Cafe
Grizzly Manor Cafe is a Big Bear institution — a locally and woman-owned breakfast joint famous for massive portions, walls and ceilings covered in stickers, currency from around the world, and notes left by visitors over the years. Order the Polar Bear if you're feeling ambitious, or stick with the biscuits and gravy or "The Mess" scramble. There's almost always a line, but the staff brings coffee out to the sidewalk while you wait.
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Stays

Sessions Retreat & Hotel
Sessions Retreat and Hotel is a wellness-centric boutique lodge near The Village and Snow Summit with a clean, modern-rustic aesthetic — minimalist interiors, platform beds, and high-end linens. Communal fire pits, hammocks, and on-site yoga sessions make it a genuine rest-and-reset base, and eco-conscious touches like bulk bath products and energy-efficient lighting keep the footprint in check.
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Big Bear Lake
Home2 Suites by Hilton Big Bear Lake opened in early 2024 as a modern, all-suite option centrally located between the lake and Snow Summit. Full kitchens, a hot breakfast buffet, an indoor pool, and nightly s'mores by the fire pit are all part of the package — and EV charging stations on-site are a practical touch for eco-conscious travelers making the drive up the mountain.
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Arkouda Cabins
Arkouda Cabins is a beautifully restored nine-unit retreat with roots going back to the 1930s, when the property — then known as Embers Lodge — served as a mountain getaway for Hollywood stars including Marilyn Monroe and Roy Rogers. Today, the cabins blend historic charm with clean, minimalist design, each uniquely named after local wildlife and featuring stone fireplaces, large skylights, and private hot tubs.
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Cienaga Creek Ranch
Cienaga Creek Ranch is a fully solar-powered, 55-acre off-grid retreat about 20 minutes from Big Bear Lake, where sustainability and seclusion go hand in hand. Five private cottages and a family lodge come with wood-burning fireplaces, two-person jacuzzi tubs, and full kitchens, with cabins spaced far enough apart that you won't see another building from yours. Sitting directly on the Pacific Crest Trail, hiking is right out the door. Stock up on supplies in Big Bear before heading out — the nearest stores are roughly 20 miles away.
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