Day Trip to Big Bear Lake: 6 Tips to Know Before You Go
A day trip to Big Bear Lake is a great way to escape the city for fresh mountain air, scenic views, and a change of pace. Located about two hours from Los Angeles, Big Bear offers everything from outdoor adventures to relaxed lakeside strolls.
After finally making the trip ourselves, we immediately wondered why we hadn’t done it sooner. If you’re planning a visit, knowing a few key things ahead of time will help you make the most of your day.
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From the best routes to take to where to grab a bite, here are six tips to know before heading to Big Bear Lake.
1. Big Bear Has Four Distinct Seasons
Did you know Big Bear is a true four-season destination? Unlike Los Angeles, where seasons tend to blur, Big Bear gives you a real taste of fall, winter, spring, and summer.
This is a perfect spot for Southern Californians craving seasonal change to experience cooler temps, fall foliage, or even snow. We visited in late fall, and just weeks later, the first snowfall arrived—something those of us from warmer areas love to see.
What to Expect Each Season in Big Bear
- Fall: Crisp air and golden foliage, perfect for hiking and Oktoberfest celebrations.
- Winter: Snow-covered landscapes, skiing, snowboarding, and cozy cabin stays.
- Spring: Wildflowers begin to bloom, making it great for scenic drives and nature walks.
- Summer: Warm days bring lake activities like boating, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Tip: If you’re visiting in winter, check road conditions and tire chain requirements before heading up the mountain.
2. Take the Scenic Route
The drive to Big Bear is part of the experience, winding through mountains with incredible views at every turn. You’ll pass through San Bernardino National Forest, where towering evergreens, rugged cliffs, and panoramic overlooks make it hard not to stop for photos.
If you want a more scenic approach to Big Bear Lake, skip the first turnoff into town. When driving on CA-18, you’ll see a turnoff for SR-38 with a sign directing you to make a right toward Big Bear. Instead, go left onto SR-38. This route takes you along the north side of the lake, offering some of the best views of the water and mountains.
Good to Know
- The scenic route adds roughly 15-20 minutes to your drive, but it’s worth it.
- The roads are curvy, so take it slow, especially in winter when conditions can be icy.
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, the winding roads might be something to prepare for.
3. Plan Your Activities Ahead of Time
Big Bear Lake sits in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest, making it a prime spot for outdoor fun year-round. With so much to do, one day might not feel like enough, so planning ahead can help you make the most of your trip.
❄️ Big Bear Winter Activities
During winter, Big Bear transforms into a snowy playground. There’s something for everyone, from hitting the slopes to enjoying a casual day in the snow.
- Skiing & Snowboarding: Big Bear Mountain Resort includes Snow Summit, Bear Mountain, and now Snow Valley, giving skiers and snowboarders access to various terrain. Lift tickets can cover multiple mountains to explore different slopes in one trip.
- Snow Tubing: A fun option for all ages, with multiple tubing parks in the area.
- Snow Play & Sledding: Free spots like Aspen Glen Picnic Area or designated sledding areas near town are great for those just looking to play in the snow.
🌿🚣♀️ Big Bear Spring, Summer & Fall Activities
Once the snow melts, Big Bear shifts into lake and trail mode, with plenty of outdoor options.
- Hiking: Trails range from easy nature walks to challenging hikes like Castle Rock Trail for panoramic views.
- Biking: Ride around the lake or tackle mountain bike trails at Snow Summit during summer.
- Fishing & Boating: Rent a pontoon boat, go kayaking, or try your luck at fishing from the shore.
- Paddleboarding & Canoeing: A relaxing way to enjoy the calm waters, especially in the morning before the lake gets busy.
Tip: Some activities, like boat rentals or popular hikes, can be crowded on weekends—arrive early and book in advance when possible to secure your spot. Weekday visits tend to be less busy if you prefer a quieter experience.
Tour Ideas:
Private Tour to Bluff Lake Reserve [book here]
Zipline Tour Big Bear Experience [book here]
Family-Friendly Nature Hike around the Big Bear Valley [book here]
4. Dress in Layers
Big Bear’s weather can change quickly, and temperatures often fluctuate throughout the day. Even in warmer months, mornings and evenings can be chilly, while afternoons heat up, especially if you’re hiking or spending time by the lake.
- Fall & Winter: Mornings start cold; by mid-afternoon, you may need to shed a layer or two. Once the sun sets, temperatures drop fast, so having a warm jacket or thick sweater is essential.
- Spring & Summer: The afternoons can be warm, but early mornings and evenings are often crisp. A light jacket or hoodie is great to have on hand.
If you’re spending time outdoors, especially in the mountains, wearing moisture-wicking base layers and bringing a windproof or insulated jacket can make a big difference in comfort.
🚶 Tip: If you’re planning to hike, pack comfortable layers and wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots. The trails can get muddy or icy, depending on the season.
5. Explore Big Bear Lake Village
If your visit is more spontaneous, Big Bear Lake Village is a great spot to wander, shop, and grab a bite.
This charming downtown area has local boutiques, souvenir shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants, making it a great place to take a break and soak in the mountain-town atmosphere. You’ll find everything from handmade goods and outdoor gear to unique gifts and seasonal treats.
Many shops and cafes close before sunset, especially in the off-season, but restaurants tend to stay open for dinner. If there’s a specific shop or spot you want to check out, it’s a good idea to look up their hours in advance.
🚗 Parking Tip: Free street parking and public lots are available, but they can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays. Arriving earlier in the day makes parking much easier.
6. Big Bear Lake Eats
Big Bear has plenty of great dining options, but if you only have time for one or two meals, here are five must-visit spots worth checking out:
- Big Bear Coffee Roasting Company: Locally roasted coffee and a great selection of drinks to start your day.
- Grizzly Manor Café: A small, no-frills diner serving massive pancakes, hearty breakfasts, and classic comfort food. Expect a wait, but the portions and friendly, laid-back atmosphere make it worth it.
- Fire Rock Burgers & Brew: A laid-back burger joint serving delicious juicy burgers in unique combinations with craft beer pairings.
- The Himalayan Restaurant: Serving flavorful Nepalese and Indian cuisine, including curries, tandoori dishes, and momos (dumplings).
- Pickle’s Pie Shop: Famous for its homemade pies—get there early before they sell out.
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, CHECK OUT THESE RELATED READS:
Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
I’m loving your day trips! There’s so much to explore in Cali and the U.S. in general. I’d love a cross country road trip one day. That’s a dream! Now if only I didn’t turn out to be a nervous driver. Definitely have to find a road trip buddy or preferably hubby. 😉
I love lakes and this one sounds and looks beautiful. I’d love to visit!
Sorry you missed out on pie.?
Next time!
In the 13 years living in Los Angeles, we have barely scratched the surface exploring what California has to offer. We hope in the future to be able to get into an RV or campervan to explore more – definitely plan to do a cross country trip like you mentioned when we leave LA.
You still have time to learn to drive and get comfortable behind a wheel. I will say that driving in NYC is definitely nervewrecking. I hated it.
Big Bear Lake was beautiful. Now I understand why so many take off for the weekend there.
Hello! I’m traveling from Brazil to California in December / January. Could you recomend a travel agency that offers a day trip to Big Bear from Anaheim or LA? Thank you
Hi Cinthia – Day trip tours here aren’t as common here as in other destinations. The best way (and the most inexpensive) to get to Big Bear is to rent a car and drive there… you will need a car to get around when you’re there, too. You can hire a driver to take you or take public transportation, but it’s quite a trek that way. You can also ask the hotel or resort you’re staying in if they have any recommendations.
Hi! Great and helpful article. Me and my wife are planning a day visit to Big Bear in May.
I was wondering, do you know what the difference is between the Big Bear Discovery Center and the Big Bear Visitor Center? I always like to start on visitor centers but in this case it baffles me which one to choose.
Thank you.
Hi Paul – We appreciate your comment! We are planning to return soon to add more helpful tips. It seems there are a few visitor centers in Big Bear and probably because of the influx of visitors they receive during different seasons, they are spread out. What makes Big Bear Discovery Center different is that they are also a nature center with fun programs, guided hikes, and more.