Sandy beach
No
Cliff jumping
No
Hike-in Required
No
Sensitive Habitat
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Big Bear is more than a vacation destination, it’s an independent city situated in San Bernardino County. Just east of Running Springs and west of Moonridge, the city and its namesake lake provide all the adventure you can dream up. The West Shore Beach is a popular place to swim, fish, and boat. Sunbathers enjoy stretching out on the sand and taking in the gorgeous view, and there are abundant trial opportunities for hikers and mountain bikers. Many of the activities at Big Bear are kid-friendly, such as the Bowling Barn, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, and the Big Bear Funplex. And of course, skiing on Bear Mountain and Snow Summit is one of the highlights of visiting Big Bear in the winter.  Many of the activities at Big Bear are kid-friendly, such as the Bowling Barn, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, and the Big Bear Funplex. 

Big Bear Valley is named for the grizzlies that called this place home in the mid-1800s. Sadly, it took less than a century from the time that European settlers entered the valley for the bears to be eradicated. Soon the land was being used as a backdrop for films, and before long tourism was rampant. As it became more common for individuals to own cars, and more highways were built, people began flooding into Big Bear. During the 1920s, resorts, houses, and camps sprung up.

Visitors who want to stay at Big Bear for more than one day will love the numerous lodging options. Camping at Big Bear Discovery Center or Holloway’s Marina & RV Park is one possibility, but there are also many bed and breakfasts, rental townhomes, and private cabins available.

Logistics + Planning

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Public beach/shoreline at Big Bear Lake.

Cons

Beach is gravely. No restroom or potable water facilities.

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

San Bernardino National Forest
San Bernardino National Forest
Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino National Forest

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.