{"id":8898,"date":"2025-08-08T13:12:48","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T13:12:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/?p=8898"},"modified":"2025-08-08T13:12:49","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T13:12:49","slug":"big-bear-lake-california-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/2025\/08\/08\/big-bear-lake-california-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Big Bear Lake, California Travel Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Nestled high in the San Bernardino Mountains, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/search\/North+America\/United+States\/California\/Big+Bear+Lake-timeshares\">Big Bear Lake<\/a> is a year-round escape full of outdoor adventure, rustic charm, and alpine beauty. Whether you\u2019re visiting during the snow-covered winter months or soaking in the summer sunshine by the lake, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/search\/North+America\/United+States\/California\/Big+Bear+Lake-timeshares\">Big Bear<\/a> offers something for everyone. From hiking trails and ski slopes to cozy caf\u00e9s and lakeside resorts, this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/search\/North+America\/United+States\/California-timeshares\">Southern California<\/a> gem makes for the perfect weekend getaway or week-long retreat. Here&#8217;s a quick go-to guide for playing, dining, relaxing, and staying in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/search\/North+America\/United+States\/California\/Big+Bear+Lake-timeshares\">Big Bear Lake<\/a>\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/search\/North+America\/United+States\/California\/Big+Bear+Lake-timeshares\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Big-Bear-Lake-CA-700x467.png?v=c5c25ac9fc51284ec7a978b2d8cd31b4\" alt=\"Big Bear Lake Vacation\" class=\"wp-image-8903\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Big-Bear-Lake-CA-700x467.png?v=c5c25ac9fc51284ec7a978b2d8cd31b4 700w, https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Big-Bear-Lake-CA-250x167.png?v=c5c25ac9fc51284ec7a978b2d8cd31b4 250w, https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Big-Bear-Lake-CA-768x512.png?v=c5c25ac9fc51284ec7a978b2d8cd31b4 768w, https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Big-Bear-Lake-CA-120x80.png?v=c5c25ac9fc51284ec7a978b2d8cd31b4 120w, https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Big-Bear-Lake-CA.png?v=c5c25ac9fc51284ec7a978b2d8cd31b4 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where to Play<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/search\/North+America\/United+States\/California\/Big+Bear+Lake-timeshares\">Big Bear Lake<\/a> is an outdoor playground with a variety of activities across all four seasons. Whether you&#8217;re into high-energy adventures or just want to take in the views, there\u2019s no shortage of fun to be had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hit the Slopes at <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bigbear.com\/directory\/snow-summit-ski-resort\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Snow Summit<\/strong><\/a><strong> or <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bigbearmountainresort.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Bear Mountain<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 In winter, these twin resorts offer skiing, snowboarding, and tubing for all skill levels.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spend a Day on the Water<\/strong> \u2013 Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon boat and enjoy the pristine alpine lake. Fishing is also popular here.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Visit the <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bigbearzoo.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Big Bear Alpine Zoo<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 A small but unique sanctuary for injured and rehabilitated wildlife native to the area.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where to Eat<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/search\/North+America\/United+States\/California\/Big+Bear+Lake-timeshares\">Big Bear Lake<\/a> is home to a range of cozy caf\u00e9s, mountain bistros, and rustic eateries that serve up hearty fare with a side of local flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/grizzly-manor-cafe.menu-world.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Grizzly Manor Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 A must-visit for breakfast lovers. Come hungry\u2014this tiny diner is known for its giant pancakes and generous portions.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.572social.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>572 Social Kitchen &amp; Lounge<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 A trendy spot with craft cocktails, live music, and an eclectic menu with everything from burgers to short ribs.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dankdonuts.com\/menu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Dank Donuts<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Grab coffee and a creative donut (like maple bacon or cereal-topped varieties) before heading out for your morning adventure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where to Relax<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes the best part of vacation is slowing down and enjoying the scenery. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/search\/North+America\/United+States\/California\/Big+Bear+Lake-timeshares\">Big Bear Lake<\/a> is ideal for unwinding, whether you&#8217;re looking for a spa day or a scenic place to recharge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverbigbearlake.com\/discover\/discovering-the-charming-village-in-big-bear\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Big Bear Lake Village<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Stroll through this charming downtown district filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and coffeehouses.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/altitudesmassage.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Altitudes Massage &amp; Spa<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Treat yourself to a massage or facial in a cozy alpine cabin setting.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sunset Picnic at <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discoverbigbearlake.com\/discover\/boulder-bay-park\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Boulder Bay Park<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Enjoy a quiet lakeside moment with beautiful views and plenty of picnic space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where to Stay<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/resort\/P610-worldmark-big-bear\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"444\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WorldMark-Big-Bear-700x444.png?v=58407a0e422e702e0836ed53c4023f1e\" alt=\"WorldMark Big Bear\" class=\"wp-image-8900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WorldMark-Big-Bear-700x444.png?v=58407a0e422e702e0836ed53c4023f1e 700w, https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WorldMark-Big-Bear-250x159.png?v=58407a0e422e702e0836ed53c4023f1e 250w, https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WorldMark-Big-Bear-768x487.png?v=58407a0e422e702e0836ed53c4023f1e 768w, https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WorldMark-Big-Bear-1536x975.png?v=58407a0e422e702e0836ed53c4023f1e 1536w, https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WorldMark-Big-Bear-120x76.png?v=58407a0e422e702e0836ed53c4023f1e 120w, https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/WorldMark-Big-Bear.png?v=58407a0e422e702e0836ed53c4023f1e 1866w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/search\/North+America\/United+States\/California\/Big+Bear+Lake-timeshares\">Big Bear Lake<\/a> offers a range of accommodations, from rustic cabins to modern mountain resorts. If you\u2019re looking for comfort, convenience, and amenities, these resort rentals are a great place to start:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/resort\/P610-worldmark-big-bear\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>WorldMark Big Bear<br><\/strong><\/a>A classic alpine resort that blends modern comfort with mountain charm. Enjoy fully equipped condo-style units, a pool and hot tub, game room, and easy access to the lake and village.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/resort\/P613-lagonita-lodge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Lagonita Lodge<br><\/strong><\/a>This lakefront resort offers beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere. Guests love the indoor pool, complimentary boat dock, and the cozy fireplaces in each unit. It\u2019s an ideal choice for families or couples looking to stay right on the water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:33px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Travel Tips for Visiting Big Bear Lake<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/search\/North+America\/United+States\/California\/Big+Bear+Lake-timeshares\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" src=\"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Big-Bear-700x467.png?v=63751bf2ce6d9dc77160170ccbba35b6\" alt=\"Big Bear California Rentals\" class=\"wp-image-8904\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Big-Bear-700x467.png?v=63751bf2ce6d9dc77160170ccbba35b6 700w, https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Big-Bear-250x167.png?v=63751bf2ce6d9dc77160170ccbba35b6 250w, https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Big-Bear-768x512.png?v=63751bf2ce6d9dc77160170ccbba35b6 768w, https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Big-Bear-120x80.png?v=63751bf2ce6d9dc77160170ccbba35b6 120w, https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Big-Bear.png?v=63751bf2ce6d9dc77160170ccbba35b6 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Planning ahead can make your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/search\/North+America\/United+States\/California\/Big+Bear+Lake-timeshares\">Big Bear adventure<\/a> even smoother. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind before you head up the mountain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check Road Conditions in Advance<\/strong> \u2013 Highway access can be affected by snow in winter or maintenance work year-round. Use Caltrans or local traffic websites to stay updated.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Carry Chains in Winter<\/strong> \u2013 Even if you have 4WD or AWD, California law may still require you to carry tire chains during snowy conditions.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fuel Up Before the Climb<\/strong> \u2013 Gas prices are typically higher in Big Bear, so it&#8217;s a good idea to fill your tank before heading up the mountain.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pack Layers<\/strong> \u2013 Mountain weather can change quickly, especially in spring and fall. Be prepared with warm layers, even in summer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/search\/North+America\/United+States\/California\/Big+Bear+Lake-timeshares\">Big Bear Lake<\/a> is one of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/search\/North+America\/United+States\/California-timeshares\">California<\/a>\u2019s best-kept secrets\u2014easy to reach from Los Angeles or San Diego, yet a world away from the hustle and bustle. With its natural beauty, variety of activities, and cozy accommodations, it\u2019s no wonder travelers return season after season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redweek.com\/search\/North+America\/United+States\/California\/Big+Bear+Lake-timeshares\"><em>Start planning your Big Bear escape today! \u2192<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Discover the best things to do, eat, and see in Big Bear Lake, California, with this travel guide featuring top activities, local dining, and resort stays.","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":8902,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[363,3795],"tags":[4912,4915,4913,4919,4916,4917,4681,4914,4918,3940,3636,3603,3637,3030,3641,3084,3722,3535,3595,3852],"yst_prominent_words":[],"class_list":["post-8898","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-california","category-travel-guides","tag-big-bear","tag-big-bear-california","tag-big-bear-lake","tag-big-bear-lake-vacation","tag-big-bear-rentals","tag-big-bear-resorts","tag-big-bear-ski-resorts","tag-big-bear-travel-guide","tag-big-bear-vacation","tag-california-travel-guide","tag-redweek","tag-redweek-rentals","tag-redweek-vacation-rentals","tag-timeshare-rentals","tag-timeshare-resorts","tag-timeshare-vacation","tag-timeshare-vacation-rentals","tag-vacation-rentals","tag-vacation-rentals-by-owner","tag-vacation-sharing"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8898","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8898"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8898\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8905,"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8898\/revisions\/8905"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8902"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8898"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8898"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8898"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog-origin.redweek.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=8898"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}