There’s no doubt that Big Bear Lake is a great place to visit on vacation. The views alone make it worth the trip, but the activities are what set this place apart from anywhere else. So what is the best time of the year to visit Big Bear Lake? When can you find everything you want available in one fun-packed weekend?

Spring

Springtime in Big Bear is the best of both worlds. If you’re lucky enough, there might still be a chance for a later snowfall in March or April. This means if you plan your trip accordingly, you may get to experience Big bear lake snow and the other things to do in Big Bear in spring.

Fishing season opens up on April 1st, which paves the road for boating and other fun water activities on the lake.

There’s even zip line tours, snowshoe tours, helicopter rides, nature trails and segway rides. By the time you finish your vacation at Big Bear Lake, you’ll be so exhausted you’ll need a staycation to catch up on your sleep and rest.

Summer

Finding things to do in Big Bear during summer is pretty easy. While you may not get to enjoy the snowfall from the previous winter, you can enjoy a ton of other great activities. The hardest part is choosing which ones to do! 

The weather is great for spending all day on the lake. Here you can enjoy some fishing, boating, swimming or water skiing. Or you can remain on land and enjoy the local tourism, eateries, and scenic drives.

Fall

With the weather cooling down and the leaves changing colors, you can bet that the views at Big Bear Lake just become more amazing. So many people come to take photos of the beautiful leaves as they change colors in the fall. The beautiful trees just add romance and a fall feel to any nature walk or horseback riding experience. 

Speaking of activities, there are a lot of different things to do at Big Big in the fall including old fashioned hay rides, mountain biking, and Oktoberfest.

To celebrate Halloween, the scary and spooky attractions come alive. Haunted hayrides, farms, or houses are just a few of the festive attractions. Others can include a Boo at the Zoo and trick or treating as a family in the village.

Winter

With the snowfall happening around winter (or as early as October) renting a cabin or Airbnb at Big Bear lake can be a great way to experience the things to do in winter. With a fresh powdered layer of snow and the bright blue skies above, you can easily think that you’re in an enchanted winter wonderland.

If you’re a fun-loving adventurer and looking for some sporting activities in the snow, Big Bear has all sorts of activities for you to pick from. Skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing are a few of the fun things you can choose from. There are even resorts, lessons and gear shops to help you build your winter skills and prepare your activity of choice.

If you’re just looking for romantic things to do in Big Bear, enjoying a cup of hot cocoa by the cuddled up by the outdoor fire pits or inside the ski lodge can be a great way to make some fun winter memories with your loved one.

What is the best time of year to visit Big Bear Lake?

As you can see, there is no “perfect time” to visit Big Bear Lake, because this place is perfect all year round. With an average of 300 sunny days per year, you can have the perfect vacation whenever it works best for you, just simply decide what you want to experience while you’re here and book your trip during a time of year when you can enjoy the most!  

Cycling enthusiasts take note! Next month is the tenth annual Tour de Big Bear. This cycling extravaganza is Southern California’s most picturesque race event, and this year we are celebrating the 10th anniversary Tour. Bring the family and enjoy the race itself plus an activity-packed schedule of events. Register now! 

Race options for every level of rider

The Tour de Big Bear offers a range of race distance options to cater to every level of rider. Race distances start at 10k, with increasingly tough 25, 50, 70, 106 and 109 mile options. There are timed stages, and prizes for other categories such as youngest rider, course marshal’s pick, and ‘most liked’ social media post about the event. Prizes include cash, jerseys, gift certificates, and free entry to the 2020 race. Not only that, but completion of the 2019 Tour de Big Bear is necessary to complete the 2019 California Pass Challenge, which also requires participation in the Mammoth Gran Fondo in September.

Events and activities all weekend

This weekend is all about cycling, but you don’t need to be a pro to join in. The fun kicks off on Thursday night with the night time Glow Ride – grab your glow sticks and take the disco to the streets! Costumes are encouraged, and there are even prizes for the best bike.

Friday night offers an evening Poker Ride – collect the best hand to win a prize! A cycling expo is held all day Friday and Saturday, and the Sierra Nevada Beer Garden is ready and waiting when you need to recharge your batteries.

Saturday is the big day, with the award ceremony held in the afternoon. And on Sunday, a recovery ride to wrap up the excitement.

Can’t make the Tour but still want to cycle Big Bear Lake?

Big Bear Lake is known as the cycling capital of Southern California. Even if you can’t make it to this year’s Tour, Big Bear Lake holds many attractions for the cycling enthusiast. The Big Bear Cycling Association holds weekly group rides from April through October, for road bikes or mountain bikes. Favorite routes range from the mostly flat 18 mile Lake Circle to the more challenging 38 mile North Shore route, or even the 16 mile Onyx Summit climb. Whichever route you choose, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenery.

Big Bear Lake offers an abundance of activities, so non-cycling family members will find plenty of ways to amuse themselves while you scale your mountains. This is one destination you don’t want to miss.

Book today at WowRentals and experience the 10th Anniversary of Tour de Big Bear!

Come attend the biggest 4th of July fireworks display in Southern California on Thursday July 4th.  The fireworks are shot off from a barge on the Lake directly off of Pine Knot Landing.  Fireworks begin between 8:45-9:15pm. Viewable from any of our public parks or the best spot, from a boat on the Lake. Make sure to bring a jacket or blanket because it can get cold.

Location: Big Bear Lake at Pine Knot Landing

WowRentals is offering last minute discounts for 4th of July!!! 

No snow? No problem. Although it’s popular amongst skiers, there are also plenty of summer activities at Big Bear Lake. Its beautiful scenery, ideal location, and unlimited ways to stay entertained make it the perfect spot to vacation (or staycation) all year round.

Here are five activities to kick off your summer stay’s list of things to do:

Jetskiing

Turn up the throttle at any of the four locations available to ride a jet ski or WaveRunner. If you have never ridden one before, don’t worry! There is a school that has reputable instructors willing to show you the ropes on jet skis or the other watersport adventures that are offered!

Jeep Experience

No need to hike through trails to see the mesmerizing landscapes, drive around in a Jeep. These vehicles are engineered and modified for everything the terrain will throw at you while you explore the trail. From family-friendly to advanced trails, there something for every level. And the best part? You get to drive. No tour guides here.

Stroll through the Village

With plenty of places to shop and eat at, the Village is the place to see what’s happening in town. Like their Facebook page to stay up-to-date on their slew of events such as a wine walk, brew festival, and bird watching walks. In addition, if you don’t feel like walking, there is even a trolly that can take you around the Village.

Swim in the Lake

Since the ice has melted, enjoy jumping in, splashing around, and relaxing about Big Bear Lake. There are plenty of swim spots including Meadow Park which has lifeguards on site, a floating dock, a snack bar, and public restrooms. If you’d like a swimming spot more suited for photos, Garstin Island has rocks that you can climb and jump off of.

Visit the Animals

From artic foxes to actual big bears, Big Bear Alpine Zoo has a variety of animals to observe and learn about. Opening their doors in the 1950s, this zoo has the experience and reputation of not just caring for animals, but also releasing them back into the wild. Above all, after the season is over, the zoo will release almost all of the animals you will see this summer back to their natural habitat.

Looking for more summer activities in Big Bear to fill your day? Check out our Activities Page for ideas and contact info!

Book now! Big Bear Cabins

Save 10% on bookings through Spring with promo code SPRING10 (Can not be combined with any other discounts)

Located right on Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Escape Room provides a unique and exciting problem solving experience for all ages. With 2 adventures to choose from and 1 coming soon, they will keep you coming back for more.

What is an Escape Room?

WowRentals would like to inform you about the Spartan Race!!

The Spartan Race Returns to Big Bear Lake on May 18-19, 2019 with a Beast and Sprint Weekend   This is a Spartan United States National Series Event  and a Spartan Mountain Series Event both which  will be broadcast worldwide. New for 2019 is the Spartan Big Bear 10K Trail Run on Sunday May 19th.

Taking place on Snow Summit  Resort the race can access elevations as high as 8,200 ft and take you back down 1,200 ft of vertical drop

Come stay with WowRentals and we will include a 35% off discount.

(Just let us know you are coming for the Spartan Race, vaild through May 19 2019). 

Location: Snow Summit Resort at 880 Summit Blvd

Hosted at Snow Summit Resort, Spartan Race returns to Big Bear Lake, CA on May 18-19, 2019 with a Beast and Sprint Weekend. This Spartan is a United States National Series Event and a Spartan Mountain Series event. Both of which will be broadcast worldwide!

Spartan Beast – Registration/More Info

If you’re looking to unleash your inner beast, the Spartan Beast is perfect for you. With 13 miles and 30 obstacles between you and the finish line, the Spartan Beast will test everything you’re made of: your strength, your endurance, your resolve. The unpredictable terrain and Spartan Obstacles are masterfully designed to push you deep into your discomfort zone, and well past those self-imposed obstacles you once considered your limits. Beast mode: on.

Spartan Sprint – Registration/More Info

The Sprint may be our shortest distance race, but it’s still a favorite amongst both new and returning racers. It’s the perfect distance for those looking to start their Spartan journey. The Sprint also allows returning racers a manageable distance to see how far they can push themselves. Delivering 20 obstacles over 3 mi / 5 km, you’ll never run the same race twice. Once you complete the sprint you are 1/3 on your Spartan TRIFECTA: The ultimate Spartan achievement.

If the Spartan Race is too intense for you, no worries because Big Bear has plenty of outdoor activities for anyone to get out and enjoy the weather. Visit our Activities pages for ideas and vendor contact info.

Spartan racer or not, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest. WOW Rentals has you covered!

Book now! Big Bear Cabins

Save 10% on bookings through Spring with promo code SPRING10 (Can not be combined with any other discounts)

Does it even count as a vacation if you don’t indulge in some good eats? California is more than just vegan options and gluten-free everything, especially around Big Bear Lake. But choosing where to eat in Big Bear Lake, or anywhere for that matter, can be a challenge. Before you leave your vacation behind and go back to reality, experience these must-try spots for each meal.

Moonridge Coffee Company – Coffee

Ditch the Starbucks and fully immerse yourself into nature. Well, nature with brewed coffee. Moonridge Coffee Company is a wooden cabin on the outside and a cozy coffee shop on the inside. Serving up lattes to black coffees with sides of treats, this spot is a perfect way to start your day.

Teddy Bear Restaurant – Breakfast

Being around since 1944, Teddy Bear Restaurant has rooted itself as a Big Bear Lake staple. Offering breakfast all day, you can enjoy the most important meal of the day any time you wish. They’re also known for their pies, so be sure to sample them all!

Grizzly Manor Cafe – Lunch

Getting a side of personality with your meal is free of charge. This spot won Travel Channel’s Showdown Countdown and has been around since 1975. With notes on the wall and portions often bigger than the plates, you will not be bored or leave hungry.

The Bone Yard – Drinks

With over 40 beers on draft, a slew of spirits, and a variety of wines, you won’t leave The Bone Yard thirsty. Every adult can enjoy their own beverage while snacking on appetizers, something off the grill or smoker, or anything in between.

The Pines Lake Front – Dinner

Watch the sunset while dining at The Pine Lake Front. This restaurant is right on the water and offers a menu just as good as the view. From grilled salmon to New Zealand rack of lamb, you can indulge on dinner. You are on vacation after all.

Looking for activities to fill your day? Check out our Activities Page for ideas and contact info!

Book now! Big Bear Cabins

Save 10% on bookings through Spring with promo code SPRING10 (Can not be combined with any other discounts)

Book now! Big Bear Cabins

Save 10% on bookings through Spring with promo code SPRING10 (Can not be combined with any other discounts)

The winter is going and the spring sun is in, this means no more snow! The green grass, dirt trails and raging rivers are revealing themselves all around, and Big Bear Lake in Southern California is no exception. Go out before the summer crowd comes in and find the spring activities sprinkled around.

Biking

Bike Shops and Trails

With trails from beginner to adrenaline junky and even a lift to the top, anyone can access the trails. There are three shops around for all your biking rental and fix-it needs. While you’re there, make sure to check for races and other events!

Kayaking and Canoes

Marinas and Kayak Rental

If dirt isn’t your thing, Big Bear has plenty of marinas and ways to explore them. With a kayak or canoe, you can meander your way down a river or across a lake, checking out the aquatic life Big Bear has to offer.

Horseback Riding

Baldwin Lake Stables

Biking and hiking isn’t the only way up and down the mountain (besides the ski lift). See the views of Big Bear Lake with some help from horses right off the ranches, explore the peaceful forest and see the lake stretch out before you from a definitely unique perspective.

Golfing

Bear Mountain Golf Course

Golfing is relaxing and peaceful, but with the San Bernardino mountains rising from behind and the green of the course blending into the forest, the nine holes of golf at Bear Mountain is enough to make you melt into your chair.

Boating, Sailing, Jet Skis

Boating and Watersports

There are marinas all throughout the flowing shoreline of Big Bear Lake, from Pleasure Point Marina with rentals for jet skis and fishing to Captain John’s Marina with the new floating mini-water park Tarzan Boat. Sprinkled along further is the Big Bear Marina for some mountain lake fishing and Pine Knot marina where you can rent pontoon boats!

Alpine Slides at Magic Mountain

Alpine Slides

Are the kids not having as much fun as you and want something different? Just saying “Magic Mountain” and “Alpine Slides” will get them excited. Not only is there a ski lift showing and teasing all you can do around, but 18 holes of mini-golf, go-karts, and two quarter mile cement tracks to sled down. Twisting, curving and a safe little adrenaline spurt for the kids, and you!

Fishing Charters

Charters and Guides

Fishing at Big Bear Lake isn’t just for experts who know where to go and how to catch those big beautiful fish in the vivid blue water all around. Beginners can go to Cantrell Guide Service to go out with a professional on a 24 foot pontoon boat. You can also check out Big Bear Charter Fishing in Holloway’s Marina to have a professional guide too.

Rainy Day Bowling!

Bowling Barn

If fishing or water activities when nature has let go some heavy rain to grace the lake isn’t your cup of tea, you can still have some fun. Right in the community of Big Bear Lake is Bowling Barn, yup — a bowling alley in a barn. It’s big, it’s red, it’s fun, and it’ll be a story to tell the rest of the family when you get home.

Book now! Big Bear Cabins

Save 10% on bookings through Spring with promo code SPRING10 (Can not be combined with any other discounts)

California has some of the most beautiful sunsets in America, and Big Bear Lake is no exception. With the sun naturally falling over the west coast, stumbling upon a good sunset spot isn’t difficult. The only way to enhance the view is by bringing along someone that means a lot to you.

Sweep your significant other off their feet by taking them to one (or all) of these spots. You’ll be sure to get some smooches or snuggles out of it.

On the water

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With Big Bear Lake being on, well, a lake, you have to expect to be dazzled by dusk. Arrive a little before the sun begins to fall to find the ideal spot. Bring some picnic supplies, a glass or wine, or just each other.

From the ski slope

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No matter the season, getting a new perspective can bring new beauty to an everyday occurrence. Cozy up on the gondola, bask in the beauty, and then ski down hand-in-hand. You don’t get to experience the west coast sunset on the slopes often, take advantage!

From a hiking trail

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A romantic walk through one of the many trails will bring you upon a variety of views. Whether it’s the sun descending into the mountains, disappearing between the trees, or trailing behind your partner, a good trail will not disappoint.

Once the sun sets, cozy up in one of our Big Bear Cabins!

Take advantage of promo code MARCH20 until the end of the month for 20% off bookings!

(Can not be combined with any other discounts)