Best Things to Do in Big Bear, California Year-Round

Big Bear grabbed me the first time I visited, not just for the quiet pine air but for how much there was to do the moment I arrived. 

I stepped out of my car, heard the wind through the trees, and realized fast that this place wasn’t just about views. It was built for lake time, trails, snow days, and simple moments that fill a weekend without effort. 

Visit Big Bear notes that the area stays active in every season with water sports, snow sports, hiking routes, and wide forest scenery, which makes it an easy pick when you want plans that actually get you outside.

Here is why that helps when planning your trip. You don’t have to guess what’s open or wait for a certain month. Big Bear gives you choices all year, whether you want a calm morning paddle, a trail with open views, a winter afternoon on the slopes, or a relaxed night in town. 

When I visit, I build my days around simple activities that fit the weather, and that approach tends to work for travelers who like plans they can jump into right away.

Let’s break it down. These are the best things to do in Big Bear, with steps you can try the moment you get there.

Start at Big Bear Lake

The lake is where most days begin. When the weather warms up, mornings stay still enough that the water looks like glass. It’s the kind of quiet you notice right away. 

Travel + Leisure explains that lake time pulls travelers here during the warm months thanks to kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and slow pontoon cruises that work for every comfort level.

If you’re trying paddling for the first time, head out early. The wind stays soft before lunch, which helps you feel steady on the board. 

I learned that lesson when I drifted toward shore one afternoon without meaning to. Keep your phone in a dry pouch and stay near the marina coves until you feel confident. Those spots stay calm even on breezier days.

Here is a helpful tip. Once you finish on the water, you’ll be close to shoreline paths and lookout points, which makes it easy to turn your lake morning into a relaxed hiking day without needing a plan.

Explore the Hiking Trails

Big Bear’s trails shift with the seasons, but there’s always a good route waiting. Some paths stay close to the lake, while others climb into the pines with wide views across the valley. 

Lonely Planet includes Big Bear in its list of top recreation lakes partly because of this mix of hiking, swimming spots, and winter sports access, which shows how easy it is to build an outdoor day here.

If you’re not used to higher elevation, start slow. The air feels drier than you expect. I usually drink more water than usual and take my first break sooner than I think I need to. Early mornings bring cooler air and give you that soft mountain hush that makes the trail feel open. If you like warm light, try saving steeper climbs for the evening.

Once you wrap up a trail, keep your backpack handy. The area near the routes connects well to bike paths, which makes the next part of your day flow easily.

Ride the Mountain Biking Routes

Big Bear has a strong biking vibe. Lift-served trails at the resort get you uphill fast, so you can save your energy for the ride down. If you want something slower, the lakefront routes stay smooth enough for beginners and families. 

Visit California points out that the region shifts between water time and mountain sports through the year, which is why biking works so well in this setting.

If you’re new to mountain biking, rent gear for half a day. The rental staff usually helps adjust your seat height, and that small tweak changes your balance more than most people expect. I like starting on the green flow trails because they give you time to warm up without sharp turns or steep drops.

When you finish riding, you’re close to the Village. It’s an easy place to grab a drink, slow down, and reset for the rest of your day.

Visit Big Bear Village

The Village has an easy rhythm that feels different from the rest of town. Coffee shops open early, and you hear a soft mix of chatter, music, and clinking mugs as the sidewalks fill through the day. 

Big Bear Mountain Resort explains that the Village works as the meeting point between lake time and mountain activities, which you can feel the moment you start walking.

Parking gets tight after 10 a.m., so I usually leave my car a few streets out and walk in. It saves stress and gives me time to wander past the smaller shops I’d miss if I drove straight to the center. 

If you’re visiting solo, this is an easy place to move at your own pace. You can drift between stores, try a warm drink, or sit on a bench and people-watch without feeling rushed.

Take a slow lap through the Village, then let that energy guide you back toward the water. The shoreline feels even calmer after being around the shops.

Find a Scenic Picnic Spot

The lake edges hide quiet spots perfect for a slow meal outdoors. Some areas have tables, but the coves on the south side feel softer and more peaceful. 

Frommer’s points out that Big Bear draws visitors because everything sits close together—boating, hiking, fishing, and lake views—which is exactly why these picnic areas feel so relaxing.

Keep the food simple. I pack cut fruit, a sandwich, and something warm in a small thermos if the breeze picks up. If you get here late in the afternoon, the light across the lake turns calm and golden. It sets the mood for the rest of the day and gives you a quiet reset before the evening.

When the air cools and shadows stretch across the water, winter sports start to take center stage.

Enjoy the Winter Slopes

Winter changes the feel of the entire valley. Skiers and snowboarders move through the resort early, and you hear the steady hum of the lifts as the mountain wakes up. The wide beginner runs are great for learning, and the snow stays friendly through midday. 

The U.S. Forest Service maps out the wider San Bernardino National Forest that surrounds Big Bear, supporting winter trails and recreation across the area.

If this is your first time in snow, prep before you get to the resort. I always walk a few laps in my boots at the rental shop. If something feels off there, it will feel worse on the mountain. Thin socks keep your feet warmer than thick ones, which surprises people but makes the day easier.

If skiing or snowboarding feels like too much, don’t worry. There’s a lighter winter activity waiting next.

Go Tubing or Sledding

Tubing hills in Big Bear stay busy for a reason. You get fast runs, soft landings, and no learning curve at all. Families love it, but those morning sessions fill quickly. If you want shorter lines and smoother snow, pick the first hour of the day. 

The hills stay open even when storms pass through, so dress warmer than you think. Wet gloves end the fun fast, so pack a spare pair if you can.

I still remember sliding so fast on one run that I laughed the whole way down. That mix of cold air and simple fun hits differently in the mountains. Try giving yourself a few extra minutes afterward to warm up with a hot drink from your thermos. It makes the transition into the evening feel calm.

Once you’re done on the hills, you might want a slower change of pace before dinner, and the nearby roads make that shift easy.

Take a Scenic Drive

A scenic drive around Big Bear opens the valley in a way the trails can’t. Clear days bring long views of the ridges, pine slopes, and the lake stretching beside you. 

The roads change with the weather, so stay aware of conditions before you head out. If you’re sensitive to winding routes, keep the drive short and pick pulloffs with wide views so you can pause whenever you need to.

I like rolling the windows down when the air is crisp. The mix of pine and cold mountain wind makes the drive feel grounding. Bring a warm drink and let the slow bends around the lake ease you into a quieter part of the day.

When you finish the drive, you’re close to one of the most peaceful spots in town.

Visit the Alpine Zoo

The Alpine Zoo brings a soft quiet you don’t expect on a mountain trip. The focus here is on rehabilitation, which gives you a chance to see wildlife up close while supporting care efforts. 

Big Bear Getaway lists the zoo as one of the top family activities and mentions the calm pace and feeding times that visitors enjoy.

Plan your visit around a feeding session if you want the animals to be more active. Afternoons tend to feel slower, and you can linger without crowds pressing in. I like going on weekdays because the viewing spots feel open and unhurried. If you enjoy photography, bring your longer lens; the lighting stays soft through the trees.

After your visit, the lake pulls you back in with an easy sense of calm and sets you up for something more relaxed next.

Take a Lake Tour or Charter

A lake tour gives you the full Big Bear view without needing to paddle. Pontoon rides stay calm, and sunset tours bring a warm glow across the water that makes the whole lake feel softer. 

Fishing charters fill fast once summer starts, so book at least a day ahead. If you want a closer look at the shoreline, pick a smaller boat. You feel the movement of the lake in a way you miss on the bigger pontoons.

I like joining the evening rides because you get that mix of cooler air, long shadows on the water, and the soft hum of the boat. Bring a light layer even in warmer months. The temperature drops quickly once the sun starts dipping behind the ridge.

Once you’re back on land, you can drift into a slower outdoor experience that brings a different kind of calm.

Try Horseback Riding

Local stables run guided rides through the forest, and it’s a peaceful way to take in the mountain scenery. Riders of all levels can join as long as they listen to the guides. 

Wear jeans or fitted pants so you stay comfortable, and bring a light jacket even in summer. The higher trails cool down faster than you think.

The first time I rode here, my horse moved with this steady rhythm that made the trail feel quiet and grounded. You don’t rush; you just move with the trees around you. It’s a good reset during a busy trip, especially if you’ve spent the morning hiking or biking.

By the time you’re done, your body settles into a slower pace that makes the next activity feel even more relaxing.

Book a Cabin With a Hot Tub

A cabin with a hot tub adds something special to your stay. In winter, it warms you up after a long day on the slopes. In summer, it helps settle your muscles after exploring the trails. 

Try picking a cabin with easy parking if snow is in the forecast, especially if you’re staying at higher elevations.

One of my favorite Big Bear memories is sitting in a hot tub while snow drifted down around me. The steam rose into the cold air, and everything felt still in a way that stayed with me long after the trip ended. Give yourself one night like that. It slows the whole trip down in the best way.

Before you head home, there’s one last part of Big Bear worth noticing if you like quiet moments in nature.

Look for Wildlife Safely

Big Bear’s forest has these quiet stretches where you can spot birds, small mammals, and sometimes larger wildlife if you happen to be in the right place at the right time. Keep your space and let them move without pressure. Store food in sealed containers or your car so you don’t draw unwanted attention. Dawn and dusk bring the most activity, and the light during those hours makes everything feel softer.

I like stepping out just before sunrise when the air feels cool and the trees haven’t fully woken up. Even seeing a squirrel racing across a log feels a little more special when the forest is that still. Moments like these blend well with lake time, trails, and slow evenings back at your cabin.

After spending a bit of time near the woods, it’s nice to drift back to the water for something easy and warm.

Relax at Lakeside Beaches

Late spring through early fall brings warm water to the public swim areas around Big Bear Lake. Lifeguard availability shifts by month, so look for signs as soon as you arrive. 

Bring shade if you’re staying longer than an hour because the sun feels stronger at this elevation. Even a small umbrella or a wide hat helps you stay comfortable.

I like sitting near the edge of the water where you can dip your feet between chapters of a book. The breeze picks up in the afternoon, and that mix of sun and cool air keeps the day simple and calm. Once you’ve had your fill of the beach, you can round out your trip with one last short activity that doesn’t need much planning.

Add Small Adventures

If you want something quick and fun, try a zipline session, a ropes course, or a snowshoe walk depending on the season. Smaller outfitters run flexible schedules, which makes it easy to fit an activity into the last part of your trip. 

Pick something light if you’re traveling with kids or if the altitude still feels new.

I like these shorter adventures because they don’t require prep. You show up, you get moving, and you head back with a little more energy than you expected. They’re a simple way to close out a Big Bear getaway without rushing.

If you’re planning your first trip to Big Bear, you might still have a few small questions before you go. Here are quick answers that help you plan with less guesswork.

FAQs about Best things to do in Big Bear, California

How many days do you need in Big Bear?

Two to three days feel right for most travelers. You’ll have time for the lake, a trail, a Village visit, and one winter or summer activity without rushing.

Is Big Bear good in summer?

Yes. The lake stays open for swimming, paddling, and boating. Trails stay active early in the morning, and the Village feels lively through dinner.

Is Big Bear worth visiting in winter?

If you enjoy snow sports, tubing, or a cozy cabin stay, winter is one of the best times to be here. The resorts, snow play areas, and winter trails stay busy through the season.

Do you need a car in Big Bear?

A car makes the trip easier because the lake, trails, and Village sit in different parts of town. Parking fills fast near the Village, so aim to arrive early.

Is Big Bear dog-friendly?

Many cabins allow dogs, and the forest trails welcome leashed pets. Always check cabin rules before booking and bring waste bags for trail stops.

When is Big Bear least crowded?

Late spring and early fall bring fewer visitors. Weekdays stay quieter year-round, especially in the mornings.

Final Thoughts

Big Bear has a way of slowing your steps and filling your days with simple moments you carry home. Whether you’re here for lake time, snow, or a quiet cabin night, each part of the trip brings its own kind of calm.

If you’ve been to Big Bear before or you’re planning your first visit, drop a comment and tell me what you’re most excited to try. I’d love to hear your ideas.