Planning a family getaway to Big Bear Lake, California? Whether you’re looking for a summer retreat filled with exciting outdoor activities or a winter wonderland escape, Big Bear is the perfect lake retreat destination. Located just an hour from Los Angeles and five and a half hours from Phoenix, Arizona, this charming mountain town offers an unforgettable experience for every season. With scenic road trip stops along the way, cozy cabin stays, and a variety of fun-filled activities, Big Bear is the ideal spot for families looking to unwind and reconnect.
Contents
- 1 Things to Do in Big Bear Lake in the Summer
- 2 Things to Do in Big Bear Lake in the Winter
- 3 Places to Stay in Big Bear Lake: Cozy Cabin Stay
- 4 Road Trip Stops from Phoenix, AZ to Big Bear, CA
- 5 Phoenix to Big Bear Lake Road Trip Tips
- 6 Is Big Bear Lake Worth Visiting?
- 7 Pin It! Save Our Big Bear Lake Guide on Pinterest for Your Next Family Vacation
Things to Do in Big Bear Lake in the Summer
Our summers in Phoenix are brutal with temps reaching 120 degrees. So for us, Big Bear was the best way to beat the heat and enjoy a respite of cooler summer temps. Many people think of Big Bear as a winter destination, but it’s a fantastic summer destination, too, with beautiful weather and a wide variety of outdoor activities. Here are some top things to do in Big Bear during the warmer months:
Enjoy Water Sports on Big Bear Lake
Spend a day at the lake where you can enjoy activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. There are plenty of rental shops around the lake, making it easy to find the right gear for your family. The marinas also offer pontoon rentals, perfect for a leisurely day on the water.
We brought our kayak with us, and if you’re using your own kayak, there are a few things you need to know:
👉You have to buy permit before launching your kayak. You can purchase a day permit for $25 at one of the marinas or boat launches.
👉Your kayak must be inspected before you can enter the water. This can be done at marinas or boat launches by one of the rangers.
👉There are a few places where you can launch your kayak, but we launched at Boulder Bay, one of the FREE parks and swimming areas. Some of the marinas charge for launching as well.
👉And don’t forget to keep your permit with you while you kayak. They actually do checks!
Explore Hiking Trails
Big Bear is home to many hiking trails for all skill levels. Some popular ones include the Alpine Pedal Path, a flat and easy trail along the north shore of the lake, or the Castle Rock Trail, which offers stunning views of Big Bear Lake from above. We had a fantastic trail right next to our cabin, Metcalf and Cabin 89 Trail, which took us past historical sites and cabins dating back to the gold rush. It was dog-friendly and family friendly.
Eat and Shop at The Village
One of our places to take evening strolls and sit down for a bite to eat was The Village. Reminiscing of a quaint European village, its cute stores and delicious eateries are fantastic. There are many restaurants to choose from, including specialty shops. And don’t forget to grab your Big Bear souvenir at one of the shops.
Visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
This small yet charming zoo is home to a variety of rescued animals, including black bears, wolves, and eagles. It’s a great educational experience for the kids and a chance to learn about wildlife conservation efforts.
Speed Down the Minecoast Shafter at Alpine Slide
Big Bear’s mountain coaster is a fun thrill ride for all ages. The mile-long track takes you down the mountain with incredible views of the lake and surrounding area. Super fun for the whole family. There’s also an alpine slide, soaring eagle, go karts, mini golf, water slide, and tubing in the winter.
Evening Sunsets at Stanfield Preserve Boardwalk
One of the most gorgeous places at Big Bear Lake to see the sunset and take evening strolls is at Stanfield Preserve Boardwalk. Right off of Big Bear Blvd. and Stanfield Cutoff lies a beautiful preserve with a wooden boardwalk. We saw lots of ducks, fish, and birds along our walk along with a stunning sunset. Perfect way to end the day.
Take a Scenic Sky Chair Ride
The Snow Summit Sky Chair takes you up to 8,200 feet, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Big Bear Lake and the surrounding mountains. Once at the top, you can relax at the Skyline Taphouse or explore hiking trails that lead you back down.
Campfire Smores
And no summer is complete without evening campfires and smores. Our Cabin had a fantastic outdoor fire pit area, perfect for family smores nights. Grab some graham crackers, chocolates and marshmallows and get ready for a smoretastic Big Bear evening!
Things to Do in Big Bear Lake in the Winter
Winter in Big Bear transforms the town into a snowy paradise, making it an ideal spot for a family holiday. Here are some winter activities to consider:
Skiing and Snowboarding at Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Summit are the GO-TO spots for skiing and snowboarding. With a variety of runs for all skill levels, it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned pros. There are also ski schools available for kids and adults looking to learn or improve their skills.
Snow Tubing at Big Bear Snow Play
Snow tubing is a family favorite, offering all the fun of sledding without the hike back up the hill. Big Bear Snow Play has a magic carpet lift, making it easy to enjoy the thrill of tubing without the hassle.
Ice Skating at Big Bear Funplex
For a classic winter experience, head to the Big Bear Funplex for some ice skating. It’s a great activity for all ages and provides an excellent indoor option if the weather gets too chilly.
Build a Snowman or Have a Snowball Fight
Sometimes the simplest activities are the most fun! Head to one of Big Bear’s public parks or simply outside your cabin to build a snowman, make snow angels, or have a family snowball fight. And if you don’t have snowsuits, we’ve got you covered. Check out our VERY FAVORITE kids snowsuit here.Â
Explore the Village at Big Bear Lake
Yes, we mentioned The Village in our summer activities, but it’s worth mentioning again for winter activities. During the winter, The Village is beautifully decorated with lights and firepits, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for a family stroll.
Places to Stay in Big Bear Lake: Cozy Cabin Stay
No trip to Big Bear is complete without staying in a cozy cabin. Our cabin was seriously our favorite stay we’ve ever been to. There are numerous vacation rentals available, ranging from rustic log cabins to modern luxury retreats – right on the water or deeper in the forest. Staying in a cabin adds a special touch to your getaway, allowing you to enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest while being just minutes from all the action. And if you travel with your furry family member like we do, there are plenty of dog-friendly cabins.
Cabin Stay Tips:
- Book Early: Cabins can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons like summer and winter holidays. We went in the middle of the week at the end of summer and the options were limited. Luckily, we found an amazing cabin that we loved so much.
- Look for Family-Friendly Amenities: Many cabins offer features such as hot tubs, fireplaces, game rooms, and extra sleeping arrangements. Our cabin even had an electric charger for our car – game changer!
- Double-check the Location: If you’re planning on spending a lot of time on the lake, make sure you choose a cabin that’s conveniently located near the water. Or if you want to be walking distance from The Village, that’s an option too.
Road Trip Stops from Phoenix, AZ to Big Bear, CA
1. Joshua Tree National Park
A great midway stop is Joshua Tree National Park, known for its unique rock formations and iconic Joshua Trees. Spend a few hours exploring easy hiking trails like Hidden Valley or take a picnic break. It’s an excellent way to stretch your legs and enjoy some stunning desert scenery. And if you want to break up the trip even more, you can spend a night inside the National Park, too.
2. Palm Springs
Palm Springs is another great place to take a break. Grab a bite to eat, refuel or charge your vehicle, and let the kids cool off in one of the city’s splash pads or pools. And if you have a n Elvis fan (like we do in our family), you can even see Elvis’ honeymoon Hideaway there. This cool city offers a blend of mid-century architecture, shopping, and family-friendly activities.
3. Stop at Cabazon Dinosaurs
For a quick and quirky pit stop, the Cabazon Dinosaurs, a roadside attraction that the kids will love, is a fun one. Take some fun photos with these giant prehistoric creatures and enjoy a snack before hitting the road again.
Phoenix to Big Bear Lake Road Trip Tips
- Pack Snacks and Drinks: Bring plenty of snacks and water to keep everyone hydrated and happy during the drive, especially if it’s during the summer. Temps along the way can be over 100 degrees (117 when we drove there), so you’ll need extra cooling off along the way.
- Entertainment for the Kids: If you’re looking for some fun kids games and activities along the way, check out our road trip collection here.Â
- Check Road Conditions: Before heading out, check the weather and road conditions, especially during winter, as some roads may be closed due to snow. You’re heading up into the mountains, so weather plays a huge factor along the way.
- Electric Car Tip: Having an electric car means a few extra stops to charge. We stopped twice along the way – first at Quartzsite and then again in Indio, California before heading up the mountain. There are charging stations once you get into Big Bear and we actually had one at our cabin, which was incredible.
Is Big Bear Lake Worth Visiting?
We love to end all our guides with this question! And in our opinion, YES! Big Bear Lake is completely worth visiting! A family getaway to Big Bear, California, is an adventure that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re escaping the Arizona heat in the summer or seeking a snowy retreat in the winter, Big Bear’s beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and cozy cabin stays make it the perfect destination. Add this to your next Phoenix road trip adventure!
Pin It! Save Our Big Bear Lake Guide on Pinterest for Your Next Family Vacation
Looking for more fun road trip destinations from Phoenix, Arizona? Check out our other Road Trip Guides:
Pingback: 10 of the BEST Places to Kayak in Amazing Arizona - Mommy Mo Adventures - Family Travel & Mom Adventures
Pingback: Big Bear Lake, CA: Summer Adventures and Local Landmarks