Big Bear Lake California Things to do Day Trip Itinerary

33 Things to Do in Big Bear Lake California, Day Trip Ideas

Last updated:

Top Things to Do in Big Bear Lake California

If you are planning a trip to Big Bear Lake and looking for the best things to do, see, and eat while visiting, you are in the right place.  Sitting at 7,000 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, California’s Big Bear Lake enjoys 300+ days of sunshine and an average summer temperature of 77. Big Bear Lake is a man-made lake created in the 1880s. The alpine village was named by Benjamin Wilson after he encountered grizzlies in the area. Big Bear has 22 miles of shoreline, fishing, hiking, water skiing, cabins in the woods, and grizzly bears. Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Big Bear Lake bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Big Bear trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Enjoy your time out of the office!

Read 101 Things to Do in Los Angeles

The Village Big Bear Lake California Things to do Day Trip Itinerary
The Village Big Bear Lake California

Things to Do in and Around California’s Big Bear Lake

Shop for souvenirs in the village

Take a bike ride on the Alpine Pedal Path

Check out the Big Bear Ropes Course

Picnic at Boulder Bay Park

Ride the Magic Mountain Alpine Slide

Take a ride around the lake in a pirate ship

Fish for trout, bass, catfish, and bluegill at Windy Point

Ride the Snow Summit scenic chair lift up the mountain and enjoy the view

Cruise the lake on the Miss Liberty Paddlewheel

Hike the Woodland or Castle Rock Trail

Take a scenic drive on Holcomb Valley Road

Mountain bike at Snow Summit Bike Park

Take a sunset dinner cruise

Rent a boat for tubing or water skiing

Walk the suspension bridge, zipline, or go off-roading at Action Zipline Tours

Kayak or canoe the lake

Visit the wildlife rescues at Big Bear Alpine Zoo

Explore the village through a scavenger hunt

Pan for gold at Gold Rush Mining Adventures

Taste Big Bear Brewing Company’s craft beer

Play on a floating waterpark at Tarzan Boat

Head to Big Bear Equestrian Center for horseback riding

Walk the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk

Watch the sunset from the Stanfield Cutoff

Go glow bowling

Learn to tree climb

Attend a Music in the Mountains show

Go off-roading through Big Bear Valley

Rent a wave runner

Enjoy a night out at The Cave

Parasail at Pine Knot Marina

Learn to sail at North Shore Landing

Listen to music on the patio at Nottingham Tavern

Check the Big Bear Lake website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Bookmark and Pin Things to Do in Big Bear Lake California

Plan Your Trip to Big Bear Lake California

Southern California Travel Guide

Pick up a Southern California Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.

Book Your Accommodation in Big Bear Lake California Now

Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!

Big Bear Lake Attractions and Day Tours

The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.

Travel Essentials

Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.

Have a great vacation!