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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
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’s Tavern
Be sure to check the Big Bear lake website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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Southern California Travel Guide
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Big Bear Lake Attractions and Day Tours
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