Things to do in Big Bear

Resort Community Highlights

Big Bear is full of events for every age, whether for the whole family, or solo-seeking adventurers. There are local concerts, community events of all kinds, theatre shows, Bear Resort Golf Course, Big Bear History Museum, Pony rides, Antique shops, fine eateries, pubs, the scenic Alpine Rollercoaster ride. Plenty of shopping to be had in The Village where you can troll for various souvenirs, gifts, trinkets, toys, and fashion items, or warm yourself by the local Village fireplace with good friends and family. There are boundless memory-making opportunities with weekly live music events by Music in the Mountains, Saturday Biking, and loads of activities at the Big Bear Discovery Center, and nature walks.

If you need to purchase tickets, rent equipment, book a lesson, or just want to learn more about BBMR’s activities and upcoming events, you'll save time and get on the hill faster by stopping by the BBMR Visitors Center located on the corner of Big Bear Blvd. and Pine Knot Avenue at 40824 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, 92315 before making your way to the mountains.

Check out Our Big Bear Event Calendar for a list of things happening now.

Biking, Hiking, & Excursions

There are some beautiful hiking and biking opportunities to be had around Big Bear Lake and the San Bernardino National Forest from Beginner to Advanced, nature walks to 4X4 trails and hiking up to 8,805 ft. Some trail favorites include Pine Knot, Castle Rock, Bow Canyon, and Cougar Crest, Casual lake biking to mountain biking up rocky paths. There are also rope, rock climbing, and mountaineering courses, to off-roading excursions and helicopter rides.

Campgrounds

Big Bear has some delightful campgrounds. Serrano Campground in Big Bear the #1 spot in Big Bear for RV or tent camping with electric available on select sites. The camp siteis crossed by Alpine Pedal Path, making this a great place to ride your bike from the lake to your tent. Bike rentals are available at Paddles & Pedals. Pine Knot Campground is a wonderful forest camp site with easy access to hiking and mountain biking trails. Picnic tables are available for use as well as fire rings and bear boxes to store food items.

Lake Activities & Boating

Boating Rentals are popular all year around though will sometimes shut down in the case of snow and lake frost usually around November. Boating activities include water skiing, sailing, fishing, personal watercraft, float tubes, kayaking, canoeing and sailboarding. If you have your own boat that you will be using for your lake outtings, be sure to purchase an annual boat permit for Big Bear Lake. There are also multiple free public launch ramps on both the South shore and the North shore.

Fishing & Fishing Events

You can easily purchase your California fishing license at Big Bear’s Sporting Goods Store or Big 5 off of Big Bear Blvd. You will find lots of locals and tourists around the lake all year around usually fishing for rainbow trout and small-mouth bass. The lake is stocked regularly throughout the year by the California Department of Fish & Game, and the Fishing Association of Big Bear Lake also stocks trout in conjunction with its annual May Trout Classic. Every year there are fishing events, such as Fishin’ for 50k as well as the the Big Bear Troutfest Tournament, and the Big Bear Lake Carp Round-Up sponsored by the Big Bear Municipal Water District.

Recreation Pass Permit

Many of the facilities and services in San Bernardino National Forest are free but some areas and facilities do require the Adventure Pass or other fees to help maintain, manage and improve the amenities that you enjoy. Visitors using the recreational resources of the San Bernardino National Forest need to obtain a National Forest Adventure Pass to display on their vehicles. The pass is inexpensive at $5 a day or about $30 for an annual pass) and the proceeds from each Adventure Pass go back into conservation, protection, and restoration of natural and heritage resources provided by the USDA Forest Service.

Snow Summit & Bear Mountain

Our world class resorts Snow Summit and Bear Mountain offer the best skiing and snowboarding experiences in Southern California with over 400 acres, 26 lifts, and 55 runs, you can find something to shred at any skill level and classes to accommodate the entire family. During the summer these resorts turn into an alpine escape, featuring the Dual Slalom course for bike racing sports, rock climbing walls, the grizzly ridge tube park with 300 ft tubing lanes, euro bungees, zip lines, and other wonderful outdoor activities.