Big Bear Lake and the surrounding resort make an awesome summer getaway with your family. Although mostly known for the snow resorts in winter, summer is a great time to visit to experience Big Bear Lake’s clear sky, sunshine, and relaxing summer vibes. The famous Big Bear Mountain ski resorts, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, transform from snowboard parks to mountain bike parks, tubing parks, and scenic views.
Tucked away in the San Bernardino National Forest, this mountain town is not just for winter visits. Summer brings high temperatures, clear days, and endless fun on the lake water and mountain trails. We visited as a family for the first time in 2022 and will be making it a tradition. Just over two hours from San Diego and Los Angeles, Big Bear, CA, is a must-do for anyone in Southern California. Throughout our trip, we asked why we waited so long to explore Big Bear in summer!
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WHERE IS BIG BEAR LAKE, CALIFORNIA?
Big Bear Lake is located in the San Bernadino National Forest. In just over a two-hour drive from Los Angeles or San Diego, you will relax in Southern California’s only four-season resort full of adventurous options. Order your free visitor guide before your trip here to get excited about your trip, or pick one up at the visitor center when you come into town.
DRIVING TO BIG BEAR LAKE, CA
The drive to Big Bear Lake, California, is a beautiful but curvy drive up the mountain. The road is filled with many sharp and sudden turns while bordering the San Bernardino Mountains edge on the way up. I highly recommend Dramamine if anybody in your vehicle is prone to car sickness. Cellular service is spotty on the way up, so take your time to keep your Big Bear Mountain adventure a success.
The drive to Big Bear Lake takes just over 2 1/2 hours from San Diego and a little over 2 hours from Los Angeles. Here are my favorite things to help keep a road trip relaxing with kids! There are several areas to pull over and take in the view. Spring and summer bring stunning wildflower views. It is amazing the difference 100 miles can make!
BEST SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN BIG BEAR
I was blown away by everything to do during the summer in Big Bear Lake when I first started looking into our trip. The best part is that many of the best things (in our opinion) were free activities. However, do not get me wrong; you can drop some cash in Big Bear if you want to! Here are our favorite summer activities and restaurants to help you plan your Big Bear Lake trip.
STOP BY THE BIG BEAR VISITOR CENTER
I recommend stopping by the Big Bear Visitor Center when you first come into town to grab the free visitor guide, maps, and any additional brochures for activities you are interested in. You can also ask about current weather or road conditions that may impact your plans.
In addition, if you plan to hike any trails where the parking requires an Adventure Pass, you can purchase it here for $5/day. If you have a National Park America the Beautiful Annual Pass, you can use it instead of the Adventure Pass. Hang it on your mirror like in the National Park, and you are good to go!
SNOW SUMMIT SKI RESORT SUMMER ADVENTURES
Snow Summit Ski Resort may be a snowboarding paradise in winter, but mountain bikers take the hills come summer. I was set on trying this adventure until I realized our son was not quite ready, but the resort had several additional options for our younger kids.
SNOW SUMMIT BIKE PARK
The Snow Summit Bike Park is a highlight for any mountain biker. Visitors can purchase a lift ticket for the mountain bike trails that have replaced the ski runs earlier in the year. Mountain bike rentals are available as well. This is clearly a highlight of the area and a do-not-miss for any mountain biking family!
I thought this would be great as a father/son adventure, but when we checked it out, we realized the mountain biking was a little aggressive for our son’s skill level this year. We opted to explore other options around the resort and were not disappointed.
SNOW SUMMIT SCENIC SKY CHAIR
The Scenic Sky Chair was a highlight of our trip. It also allowed us to check out the bike park to decide the right choice for our family before dropping the lift ticket fee and $140 to rent a bike for my husband. The Scenic Sky Chair delivered great views and was a perfect option for our family of four. Even our one-year-old could participate!
Everyone will love the views, but when you get to the top, you can take a moment to enjoy lunch or beverages at the Skyline Tavern. You can even place your order before heading up to avoid crowds at lunch!
From here, you can see the mountains or “boonas” as my daughter would say (thanks to her favorite book, I Love the Mountains). The moment you step off the chair lift, the highest peak in California, San Gorgonio, will stun you! Wander around the top of the mountain before heading down the chair lift.
As you enjoy your downhill ride, the views of Big Bear Lake are incredible. Although the tickets were almost $40/adult, the kids were free with our paid adult tickets, so the whole family enjoyed the ride for under $80! We all agreed this was one of the best things we did during our visit to Big Bear Lake!
Towards the end of the scenic sky chair ride, the tubing run caught our son’s eye! We knew where we were headed next! We had just enough time before closing to get in some runs.
TUBING AT GRIZZLY RUN
The tubing run is super fun for kids and parents. It was a perfect thing to do with our son because he could experience some independent thrill, but it was not too intense for him! To ride the tube, your child must be 42″ tall. Only one rider is allowed per tube, so no lap-sitting with parents.
In addition to the biking and tubing adventures, there are rock climbing walls, a bungee trampoline, a zip line, and miniature golf to satisfy your kids at the Big Bear Mountain Resort. You can chill and spend an afternoon here easily. I would recommend considering the $44-$59 Adventure Day Pass if you plan to spend some time here. This allows your child to experience unlimited access to everything in the resort.
THE ALPINE SLIDE AT MAGIC MOUNTAIN
I read about the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain when I first started looking into the best family-friendly things to do in Big Bear. The Alpine Slide is California’s only bobsled experience. Riders take a chair lift to the top and then ride the 1/4-mile concrete track down. Riders must be at least 36″ tall and can go as fast or slow as they want. Some turns are pretty sharp, so that it can be a real thrill!
Our son loved this and was so pumped about it! He was originally skeptical about trying it on his own, but once he started, he did not want to stop. However, at $9/ride, we had to limit his alpine slide runs. The tickets are purchased with CASH ONLY, so come prepared with enough for the rides you plan to do. They do have an ATM, if you forget. If you have multiple kids riding or know your child will love it, I recommend the five rides for $40. You can check current hours and pricing here.
When you first pull into the parking lot, The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain looks a little rough around the edges. However, it was a massive highlight for our son, and we even returned for a second visit during our week in Big Bear Lake, California. The views of Big Bear Lake from the top were awesome, and we all took turns bombing down the hill. You will be surprised how fast you can go if you do not brake too much during your run!
We visited during the week, so the lines were non-existent. To start, you’ll enter a container-like shed to sign a waiver on an iPad and receive your wristband for the day. After the shed, you’ll purchase your tickets at the ticket counter and get in line for the chairlift. At the top, you will roll your slide to the start of the Alpine Slide. There is a first-time rider side that goes a little slower, which is great for kids on their first run!
There is a shaded seating area for people to enjoy snacks while watching riders come down the slide. Our daughter loved cheering for all of us as we came racing down.
Although the property is mostly known for the Alpine slide, they have expanded the options to include fun for the family year-round! On the property, visitors can enjoy seasonal water slides, tubing runs, an 18-hole mini golf course, a cart-style zipline (The Soaring Eagle), go-karts, and the new mountain roller coaster, the Mineshaft Coaster.
MINESHAFT COASTER
The Mineshaft Coaster was a surprise hit as well. We each took a turn with our son, which was $30 a ride for an adult and child ticket. Riders must be 38″ and over age 3. You can check current rates and hours here. The display of broken phones in the loading area was enough to ensure I put mine away, so I don’t have many pictures!
As the only mountain coaster in California, the track takes you up the mountain and down the 1-mile track, where you can control your speed once again (up to 27mph). My son loved this, and they offer a video and photo package after your ride that is fun to check out! When visiting Big Bear Lake in summer, a stop for some thrills at Magic Mountain will surely make for some family fun!
RELAX IN BOULDER BAY PARK
I was so happy we chose Boulder Bay Park for our first Big Bear Lake, CA sunset. Between the lush landscape and panoramic lake view, Boulder Bay Park was a perfect spot to enjoy before dinner in Big Bear Village. Kids enjoyed scootering around, and families were picnicking at the tables with incredible lake views.
There is a marina you can also walk down onto for closer lake views. Sadly, during our 2022 visit, the lake was about 15 feet lower than the average in June due to California’s drought. Many beautiful lake home docks were damaged and lying in the mud where water should be along the shoreline.
I am anxious to see the difference this season after the rainy atmospheric events Southern California experienced in 2023.
TAKE IN BIG BEAR LAKE VIEWS FROM A BOAT
Big Bear Lake is known for all kinds of lake activities and water sports- boating, kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boarding, tubing, wakeboarding, and fishing, to name a few! There are marinas all around the lake for private boats to obtain permits. In addition, most marinas have rentals for a variety of water sports available. When visiting Big Bear Lake in summer, make a point to get out on the water!
BOAT RENTALS AT PINE KNOT MARINA
We loved renting our pontoon boat from Pine Knot Marina! We went there on a whim, trying to catch a boat tour but had the schedule wrong. It was a blessing in disguise because we rented a rad pontoon for our family to cruise the lake with for an hour. Another group was renting jet skis which looked like a lot of fun if we had older kids! I will update you on a jet ski rental once our son is older.
We had the best time exploring the shoreline on our own schedule. The marina gives you a map and a basic outline of how to spend your hour. They also review the important buoys on Big Bear Lake and what they mean so you stay in the right places! Seeing places like Boulder Bay Park from the other side is awesome!
You can check current rental offerings and rates here. The boat had a lounging pad, great shade, lifevests, and Bluetooth speakers. Our whole family agreed this was one of the best things we did during our summer visit to Big Bear Lake, California!
BOAT TOURS
Although we did not take a boat tour during our 2022 trip, several tours are available. We found ourselves on Pine Knot Marina trying to cruise Big Bear Lake on the Miss Liberty, which I had read was an awesome 90-minute narrated tour of the lake. Miss Liberty also does sunset cruises with snacks and beverages. Check current rates and times here.
I have also heard great things about the Big Bear Lake Pirate Ship boat tour! Check current rates and times here, and come prepared for some laughter! We will check this out after our next trip, and I will update you here.
WANDER THROUGH BIG BEAR VILLAGE
Big Bear Village is the hub of restaurants and shopping in the Big Bear Lake resort. There are so many cute shops and art galleries to wander through. Many of our favorite restaurants are located in the village. At night, holiday lights adorn the trees, and horse-drawn carriages cruise the streets.
O KOO RAN
O Koo Ran is my favorite store in Big Bear Lake! The shop is filled with home goods, clothing, shoes, gifts, and cute baby gifts. They had various outdoor and camping gifts and unique jewelry and accessories. My daughter was excited to find the Baby Bear version of her favorite puppet book series here! Such a fun souvenir.
The store reminded me of my favorite store in Cambria, CA, Home Arts. I will stop by to shop O Koo Ran whenever I visit. This is a great place to pick up fun moments from your trip or gifts for those you love.
CRUISE THE STANFIELD MARSH PRESERVE BOARDWALK
The Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Fowl Preserve Boardwalk is a great walk for families during summer visits. The 1.6-mile boardwalk is flat and stroller/wheelchair friendly. This is a beautiful place to visit during sunset in Big Bear Lake, California.
Local residents enjoy jogging in the evening as visitors stroll along, watching the marsh for animal action. We enjoyed strolling along and taking in the views from the bench at the end of the boardwalk. This trail is another example of a free activity that was a hit with the whole family.
OFF-ROAD HOLCOMB VALLEY ROAD
Since we got our Subaru, the kids have loved going for “bumpy rides” whenever an off-road adventure presents itself. When I read about heading up into the San Bernardino National Forest to off-road into Gold Rush history, I knew this adventure was perfect for our family! As an added bonus, our son was entering fourth grade, so the teacher in me knew this adventure would align with the social studies curriculum he was about to embrace!
Holcomb Valley Road is 10.8 miles long, with a 1,164 elevation gain from Big Bear Lake into the San Bernardino Mountains. The scenic AWD/4WD road has great views and lots of history. You can drive the 10.8 miles through or take some detours and explore gold rush history high in the mountains.
Whether you detour or not, the panoramic views are great on your way back into Big Bear Valley. On the right, you will see the remnants of the “Lucky Baldwin” Mine, built in 1945. You will also see Baldwin Lake, a neighbor to Big Bear Lake.
2N09 – GOLD FEVER TRAIL
We enjoyed returning to the gold rush days on the self-guided Gold Fever Trail. There are 12 stops on the drive, each with markers and areas to get out and walk around. Pick up your brochure at the Big Bear Visitor Center before heading up the mountain so you can follow along.
We missed a few stops along the way, but here are a few highlights. This drive was a memorable adventure for all of us! Summer in Big Bear is a perfect time to explore this area.
TWO GUN BILL’S SALOON
A small walk takes you to the remnants of an old cabin rumored to be the famous saloon.
HANGMAN’S TREE
This tree was rumored to be the symbol of justice in Holcomb Valley during the discovery of gold in the area. As people flocked to the area, so did murder and crime. Outlaws me their end on a tree just like this (the real tree is believed to be a stump nearby)
BELLEVILLE
This single cabin is an example of the cabins that filled Holcomb Valley in 1861, when 1,500 people lived here.
ARRASTRES (GOLD ORE GRINDER)
The stone remains of one of the oldest tools for gold mining are located just next to the Belleville cabin. In the peak of Holcomb Valley’s gold mining days, over 100 of these arrastres could be found in this valley.
ROSS’ GRAVE
A miner was accidentally killed while cutting down a tree and was buried immediately. This is his grave. Kind of morbid but interesting to see. Volunteers build the log fence to keep vandals out.
PYGMY CABIN SITE
Across the road from Ross’ grave, a short trail leads to the Pygmy cabin remains. Nobody understands why the cabin was built so short. Sadly only small remnants remain as a fire destroyed the cabin in 1983.
BIG BEAR JEEP EXPERIENCE TOURS
If you don’t have AWD or 4WD, the Big Bear Jeep Experience Tours allow you to go off-road and see the Gold Rush remnants in Big Bear. The Holcomb Valley Tour allows you to drive a Jeep along the Gold Fever Trail with a guide.
In addition, Big Bear Jeep Experience offers a variety of off-roading adventures in other areas of Big Bear. Now that our daughter is older, we are excited to The Squeeze and John Bull, Jr. tours! I will update you on these tours after our visit this summer!
DRIVE SCENIC HIGHWAY 38 AROUND BIG BEAR LAKE
Known as the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, Highway 38 is a scenic drive through much of the San Bernardino National Forest and runs along the North shore of Big Bear Lake, California. Unlike the southern shore lined with cabins and private docks, the north shore has incredible lake views. Enjoy the scenic drive, or pull over to explore the shoreline and watch the variety of water sports happening on the lake in front of you!
The North Shore is also home to several popular campgrounds and hiking trails. The Cougar Crest Trail and Woodland Interpretive Trail have parking off Highway 38. In addition, the Big Bear Discovery Center and Alpine Pedal Path are highlighted along the scenic byway on the north shore.
BIKE THE ALPINE PEDAL PATH
Our son thought this was one of the best things to do in summer in Big Bear. There is something so free about an easy bike ride along a scenic route! The Alpine Pedal Path is just over 3 miles of paved pathway along the north shore of Big Bear Lake.
Due to the scenery, this pathway is popular year-round. The flat road makes it a biking destination, especially for kids. However, local residents also enjoy walking their leashed dogs along the pathway. The path is also stroller and wheelchair friendly for those looking to walk or jog. There are several benches for relaxing or picnicking along the way. This is a perfect stop during the beautiful summer days in Big Bear Lake.
GOLF THE BEAR MOUNTAIN COURSE
If golfing interests you, Big Bear’s only golf course, the 9-hole Bear Mountain Course, makes for a fun couple of hours of golf. Since the course is only 9-holes, you can head out first thing and still have plenty of time for adventures in the day! You can reserve your tee time up to 30 days ahead. It is rad to see your ball fly at 7,000 feet altitude!
VISIT THE BIG BEAR ALPINE ZOO
My kids loved visiting this Alpine Zoo. I wasn’t sure what to expect when we headed in, but I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the facilities were. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to over 85 animal and bird species and primarily serves as an animal rehabilitation facility. They take in injured, orphaned animals, hoping to care for them until they return to the wild.
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo welcomes visitors year-round. Winter storms may delay opening hours to clear snow. Check current hours and pricing here. A small playground inside the zoo makes for an enjoyable stop or place to picnic during your visit. The 2.5-acre grounds are stroller and wheelchair friendly; however, they are unavailable to rent.
GLOW BOWL AT THE BOWLING BARN
Looking for some family fun at night? The Bowling Barn turns off the lights and turns on the glow and music every night around 8 pm. Weekends start earlier, so check current hours here.
Between the atmosphere, lanes for all ages, arcade, snacks, and drinks, all will surely enjoy a night at the Bowling Barn!
EXPLORE THE BIG BEAR DISCOVERY CENTER
The Big Bear Discovery Center is a great place for families. The Discovery Center is the largest visitor center in Big Bear Valley and offers a variety of programs to teach visitors about caring for the forest surrounding them. Although it has been closed for remodeling, the Big Bear Discovery Center is set to reopen in June 2023.
In addition to the indoor exhibits and crafts, rangers are available outside with displays, art projects, coloring, and other hands-on activities for kids. There is also a short 1/2-mile Nature Loop to enjoy. You can also pick up Adventure Passes and trail brochures here. Check current hours here as they were closed several times we tried to go.
HIKING ADVENTURES IN BIG BEAR
With over 100 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, Big Bear has something for visitors of all skill levels. One of the best things you can do in summer in Big Bear is to get out on a hiking trail to enjoy the incredible views. The Big Bear Discovery Center has a great list of hiking trails in the area. Here are a few of our favorite family-friendly hikes in Big Bear, CA.
LAKE VIEWS FROM THE CASTLE ROCK TRAIL
The Castle Rock trail is a 2.7-mile round-trip hike up to some incredible views. With an elevation gain of 700 feet, you are climbing for the first mile of the trail. Large rocks in metal cylinders mark the trail, so keep watching for them as some struggle to stay on course with the side trails that tend to branch off for different views. Don’t forget to turn around during your climb to check out the incredible views of Big Bear Lake!
About a mile up the trail, there are some incredible lake views and rocks to scramble around on the Castle Rock Boulder Lookout. This was a great resting and snack area for our kids. They loved playing around on the rocks for a bit. Our daughter wanted to hike the rest of the way herself!
When you reach the top, the boulders are a lot of fun to climb, and the views are incredible. This is a great spot for a lunch picnic before heading down the hill back to your car. Although the climb up was tiring, the way back is all downhill. The hike took about 3 hours, but we had several snack stops and much 1-year-old rock scrambling.
The trailhead parking fills early as this is a highly trafficked trail. You need an Adventure Pass or National Park Pass to park at this trailhead. A small lot just east of the trailhead on Big Bear Boulevard’s north side (lakeside) fills by 9 am in summer.
From here, you follow Big Bear Boulevard for a short distance to the marked trailhead on the southern side of the road. The pictures above show the parking around 8:30 am when we arrived, the walk down to the trailhead, the trailhead, and the parking on the road when we finished our hike at 11:30 am.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WOODLAND INTERPRETIVE TRAIL
Big Bear has many beautiful hiking trails, but the Woodland Interpretive Trail is awesome for hiking with young kids. At only 1.5 miles, the loop is lined with numbered panels that teach you about Big Bear Valley’s flora, fauna, and history.
You need to pick up the trail guide (or use this PDF) at the Big Bear Discovery Center for an explanation of each numbered panel.
Our one-year-old wanted to walk this one herself, and she did a great job. It took us about 90 minutes at this slower-than-average pace. However, this hiking trail was easy for her to navigate and mostly flat. Our BOB stroller would have worked out here too!
Some highlights were the views of summer in Big Bear. The ski runs that are packed in winter are green strips on the mountain between trees. The kids loved seeing trees filled with woodpecker holes and tracks from bugs decaying wood under the bark. Another highlight was this pile of sticks that is a woodrat “mansion.” The panels kept the kids engaged throughout the hike.
You will need an Adventure Pass for parking at the trailhead. Summer in Big Bear is a great time to hike and explore with your kids. The Woodland Interpretive Trail is a great pick!
LONGER SUMMER HIKES IN BIG BEAR WE HAVE NOT TRIED… YET!
These hikes are on my radar for when the kids are older, or we have a kid-free getaway. They both sound beautiful and tend to be very popular. Both trails require an Adventure Pass for parking at the trailhead.
PINE KNOT TRAIL TO GRAND VIEW POINT
The Pine Knot Trail has incredible views and is 6.9 miles out and back. With a climb of 1,158 feet to 7,784 feet of elevation, our young family has not taken this on yet. If you are interested in this challenge, check out this detailed trail guide from The Hiking Guy. An Adventure Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.
COUGAR CREST TRAIL
The Cougar Crest Trail is a very popular trail in Big Bear. This 5.6 miles out and back hike takes you up the mountain to jaw-dropping forest and lake views. You also join the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) for a bit. After 2 miles of climbing, the Crest Trail shines with stunning views. With an elevation climb of 750 feet, this trail is rated as moderately challenging. An Adventure Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN BIG BEAR
The downtown village of Big Bear is beautiful in summer. The streets are lined with busy restaurants filled with local and out-of-town visitors. Live music can be heard all around during the day, and the twinkle lights line the streets at night. In addition to the village area, Big Bear has some other culinary destinations along Big Bear Boulevard, just outside of the village. Here are some of our favorite places to eat in Big Bear Lake.
572 SOCIAL KITCHEN & LOUNGE
572 is located in the heart of Big Bear Village. The outdoor patio is large and perfect for summer days. Live music is abundant, the burgers are delicious, and the drinks are too! This is a great spot for families!
We loved our burgers, and the kids loved their snacks and sides. Check out the current menu here.
PEPPERCORN GRILLE
For a fine dining experience in Big Bear, try Peppercorn Grille. We were craving steak to celebrate Father’s Day, and this restaurant was a perfect solution. We enjoyed the filet, but I was also blown away by the macadamia nut-crusted halibut with black cherry maui onion marmalade. Delicious!
I highly recommend taking the outdoor patio in on a warm summer night. We enjoyed watching the horse-drawn carriages walk down the road, and the village lights gave a great ambiance. Reservations are recommended.
SAUCY MAMA’S PIZZERIA
We only grabbed this to-go, but the hand-tossed pizza was delicious. Saucy Mama’s Pizzeria is great for grabbing a quick bite, especially for bigger groups. The modern-day pizza parlor style makes it easy to grab a table and enjoy a game on TV. The drink selection is awesome as well.
Sometimes after a big day of adventure, you need a quick solution to take back to your accommodations. Saucy Mama’s is great for quick, to-go dinners during summer in Big Bear. Or grab to-go as a sunset picnic at Boulder Bay Park or Stanfield Marsh Preserve. Save your receipt for 10% off sweet treats next door at North Pole Fudge & Ice Cream Co.
ICE CREAM IN BIG BEAR VILLAGE
Ice cream stops are big in our family, especially after outdoor adventures. It is always fun to pick up special sweet treats while shopping around the village. Check out Ben & Jerry’s or North Pole Fudge & Ice Cream Co for a delicious treat to beat the summer heat!
BIG BEAR LAKE BREWING COMPANY
Big Bear Lake Brewing Company is for you if you want to try locally brewed craft beer. The brewing company is located in the heart of Big Bear Village and has a variety of beers to sample and purchase to-go. In addition, the menu has some unique appetizers (check out the avocado bomb) and burgers that make this a great spot in town for the beer lover!
OLD GERMAN DELI
Big Bear’s Old German Deli is a great stop in summer. Established in 1916, this small deli serves authentic German cuisine and has a small marketplace filled with various German specialties, like imported chocolates and beers. You can grab take-out sandwiches for picnics on adventures or dine on the small outdoor patio. The potato salad and sausage platters make you feel like you are in the middle of Oktoberfest during Big Bear’s summer heat. Check out the menu and current hours here.
CAFÉ CRÊPE
Café Crêpe is a gem on Big Bear Boulevard! This drive-thru coffee and crêperie will make breakfast or lunch a treat. Outdoor seating is available if you want to eat there. We had a variety of savory and sweet crêpes, and the kids loved every bite. I still dream of my honey lavender latte and cannot wait to have it all again this summer!
In addition, Café Crêpe prides itself on sustainability by sourcing local ingredients, using organic and fair trade coffees, minimizing to-to packaging, and even offering a $0.25 discount if you bring your own mug!
DANK DONUTS
Last but not least, one of our favorite places in Big Bear! Located in the Moonridge area of Big Bear, heading towards the winter ski resorts, Dank Donuts is a funky shop that should not be passed by. Our kids love donuts, so we stopped in to pick up a special breakfast treat. The donuts were delicious (my favorite was the blueberry!), and they make vegan and gluten-free donuts too! You can also grab breakfast burritos and avocado toast to start your day.
We also discovered and LOVED Dank Donuts’ summertime Taco Tuesday. The street tacos were awesome and made to order. They have a great variety of beer and wine for your taco picks (seasonal Juneshine and Pizza Port beers to name a few). The place was packed with tons of local residents, as this is the place to dine on Tuesday nights in Big Bear. The whole night was great Southern California vibes – great food, drinks, music, and chill people.
Super pumped to try the Deli Moonridge at Dank Donuts this summer! The sandwiches sound amazing, and I will update here after our visit! Dank Donuts delivers delicious eats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during summer in Big Bear.
BEST DRINKS IN BIG BEAR
BARREL 33
If you want a fun place to try different wines, head to Barrel 33. They carry a great selection of varietals from across California, and the staff knows the wines well and can design tastings to meet your palate. They also have sangria, beers, and ciders.
Between the outdoor patio, live music, great small bites, flatbreads, and comfy wine barrel furniture, Barrel 33 is a place for local residents and visitors to gather and relax! Dogs and children are welcome too! This is a great spot to kick back and enjoy summer in Big Bear.
HOME OF THE HANGOVER
I don’t think I have ever mentioned a liquor store in my destination guides before, but Home of the Hangover deserves to be on the list. The selection in the store blew me away. This store has a little bit of everything and is the place to stock up on your favorites for your trip. Your beverage of choice is a great addition to a sunset picnic at Boulder Bay Park or Stanfield Marsh Wildlife Preserve (which happens to be next door).
Home of the Hangvoer prides itself on its craft beer selection and rare whiskey and scotches. However, I was thrilled about their hard kombucha selection, which deserves mention. Traveling out of San Diego can make grabbing my favorites hard to find. Not only was the variety impressive, but they also had seasonal flavors that are rare to find!
WHERE TO STAY IN BIG BEAR
There are so many awesome places to stay when visiting Big Bear. Here are a few that we have enjoyed and others that we want to check out next time!
CABIN RENTAL
There are so many options for cabin rentals in Big Bear. These are a great option for families traveling together and other large groups. VRBO is a great option for finding cabins of all sizes and price points. You can search with specific filters that will give you an ideal match for your trip- things like a hot tub, on the lake, etc.
Friends of ours also have a great 3-bedroom lakeside cabin on AirBnb. Check it out; the location is incredible, and they are awesome hosts!
THE LODGE AT BIG BEAR LAKE
You cannot beat the location here. The Lodge at Big Bear Lake is right in the heart of the village, making most of your trip within walking distance. They have a variety of rooms available, and it is pet-friendly. Some rooms have bunk beds, which is always exciting for kids. They offer free parking, a huge pool, and kids’ game/arcade room!
SNOW LAKE LODGE
The Snow Lake Lodge is awesome for longer trips. The rooms are decently priced and are suite-style for families. We had plenty of storage and a fireplace in each room. Having a full-size kitchen is great when traveling with kids. They also have BBQ’s to use, which is awesome for summer in Big Bear.
It is an older place, but they did a great job, and everything was clean. Housekeeping was attentive, and the front desk has a pool table and DVD movies for rent. Wife and parking are free. We had a giant bedroom which was great for us and would be even better for snowboards/skis in winter. We brought groceries and had breakfast in the room each morning.
One downside is that there are no stairs, so make sure to request a ground-floor room if stairs are a struggle for anyone traveling. Many times there is a two-night minimum when booking. Pets are not allowed. Our kids had a great time in the pool between adventures!
BEST WESTERN BIG BEAR CHATEAU
We are excited to check this place out this summer! The Best Western Big Bear Chateau has large rooms with balconies and fireplaces. In addition, breakfast, Wifi, and parking are all included in your rate. The pool looks great, and so does the game room! I will update you here after our stay this summer!
MAP
Summer in Big Bear is so much fun! What is missing from my list? We can’t wait to come back in winter!
