Big Bear, an ideal Four-Season destination for a getaway
If you are still pondering where to go for your next adventure, we can help you discover a small mountain town that we are in love with: Big Bear.
A year-round vacation spot
There are some destinations that you can only visit at certain times of the year due to weather or activities. Then, there are city-break destinations that you can visit all year round, and Big Bear is one of those. Located in southern California in the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear has become a famous destination for skiing with its two ski resorts. However, you can also admire the pretty colors of foliage during fall, get closer to mother nature hiking during the spring, or jump on a paddleboard during summer. So whether it's a weekend getaway or a week-long trip, Big Bear will give you a ton of options for every season.
.jpg)
Relaxation by the lake, Fun in the mountains
Summer is coming and the body needs to move, to breathe fresh air after long moths accumulating layers and layers of warm clothes. Big Bear Lake is the perfect place to disconnect and enjoy the sunshine. Boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are the main activities you can experience in its beautiful blue waters.
If you are more on the athletic side, Big Bear offers several hiking trails, the most famous being Castle Rock Trail, which we recommend starting early in the morning. Biking can be an option as well to admire the views of the lake from the top. For these outdoor activities, the best time to visit is from April to November, when the weather is mild and the trails are open, for us Spring is ideal!
List of items to pack for a hike during summer
We can not talk about Big Bear without talking about snow and winter activities. Even if the ski season is already finished, we give you a sneak peek of what to expect for the next winter. Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snowshoeing... plenty of activities to play in the snow during the day and enjoy the après-ski life afterward.
If you are interested in these winter sports, the best time to visit is typically from December to March, when there is usually plenty of snow on the ground and the ski resorts are in full operation, it is the busiest time of the year as well, so if you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the week or in early December or late March.
Travel tips
- If you are looking for a quick trip to see the lake, do a short hike, or enjoy a day in the snow, you can easily do it in a day trip from Los Angeles or San Diego. However, we can recommend to stay at least 2-3 days, this will give you enough time to explore the area and fully enjoy all the activities it has to offer. Keep in mind that during the winter, weekends and holidays can get very busy so it is always better to plan several days to fully enjoy the slopes.
- It goes without saying but it is always good to remember: as we mentioned earlier, Big Bear is a four-season destination; therefore, it is important to be aware of the weather before packing. A few must-haves for every season we can recommend are a cozy sweater, hiking boots, sunscreen, and a swimsuit for your cabin hot tub or lake during summer.
- We highly recommend to have a car if you plan to visit Big Bear and move around the area. While there are some public transportation options available, such as buses and shuttles, they may not be as frequent or convenient as having your own transportation.
- For your winter getaway don’t forget to pack your tire chains, they will always come in handy on snowy and ice-covered side roads.
- Choose a cabin with a chalet feeling and amazing views to make the most out of your stay in Big Bear. And if it has an indoor fireplace and a hot tub like our Alpine Escape or P.S. Dear Canyon it’s a wrap!
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
