Food scene
I have eaten at many of these restaurants and those I have come highly recommended from locals. I have yet to have a bad meal in Big Bear, in fact, quite the opposite!
Here is an assortment of places to eat for all times of the day starting with donuts and coffee to a delicious dinner.
Laguna Grill Restaurant
40844 Big Bear BlvdCocktails With A Lake View
The best place to get a cone or bowl is at the North Pole Fudge & Ice Cream Company.
And if ice cream isn’t your thing, they have other treats like fudge and candy apples that you might fancy.
118 locals recommend
North Pole Fudge and Ice Cream Co
618 Pine Knot AveThe best place to get a cone or bowl is at the North Pole Fudge & Ice Cream Company.
And if ice cream isn’t your thing, they have other treats like fudge and candy apples that you might fancy.
Grizzly Manor Cafe
41268 Big Bear BlvdA hearty breakfast/ brunch to start your day.
Great pizza and pastas!
Made from scratch goodness with fresh ingredients, right in The Village. Available for dine in or take-out.
472 locals recommend
Saucy Mama's Pizzeria
618 Pine Knot AveGreat pizza and pastas!
Made from scratch goodness with fresh ingredients, right in The Village. Available for dine in or take-out.
The Pines Lakefront
350 Alden RdFine dining with a lakefront view.
Skyline Taphouse
880 Summit BoulevardTake lift up to the top of Snow Summit for lunch.
Who doesn’t love a good donut?… Oh, and they have awesome breakfast burritos!
169 locals recommend
Dank Donuts
42612 Moonridge RdWho doesn’t love a good donut?… Oh, and they have awesome breakfast burritos!
Moonridge Coffee Company
42646 Moonridge RdStart the day with a cup of coffee at Moonridge Coffee!
20% off food Monday-Thursday. Must go to website and print coupon or show server from your mobile phone.
387 locals recommend
Hacienda Grill
41787 Big Bear Blvd20% off food Monday-Thursday. Must go to website and print coupon or show server from your mobile phone.
Oakside
40701 Village DrExcellent food and sister restaurant to Peppercorn Grille.
Upscale dining in The Village. Enjoy pasta, steak, chicken and more! An extensive wine list will complete the meal. Call ahead for reservations during holiday’s.
507 locals recommend
Peppercorn Grille
553 Pine Knot AveUpscale dining in The Village. Enjoy pasta, steak, chicken and more! An extensive wine list will complete the meal. Call ahead for reservations during holiday’s.
Coffee, tea, croissants, fresh marshmallows and more! Join them for a cooking class or a delicious pastry.
300 locals recommend
The Copper Q
645 Pine Knot AveCoffee, tea, croissants, fresh marshmallows and more! Join them for a cooking class or a delicious pastry.
Home of the “Big Juan” and great food! Enjoy the patio or festive interior seating. Visit their website for a 15% off coupon!
249 locals recommend
Sonora Cantina
41144 Big Bear BlvdHome of the “Big Juan” and great food! Enjoy the patio or festive interior seating. Visit their website for a 15% off coupon!
Maggio's Pizza
42160 Big Bear BlvdA local favorite. Call ahead for faster service.
The perfect place for date night in Big Bear with tasty Italian fare and wine.
84 locals recommend
Sweet Basil Bistro
40629 Big Bear BlvdThe perfect place for date night in Big Bear with tasty Italian fare and wine.
Dynasty
40989 Big Bear BlvdAvailable for delivery. Serving all your familiar favorites.
Sightseeing
California is an enormous state that offers up so many regions to explore and most within a days drive away. The landscape ranges from gorgeous beaches, arid deserts to marvelous mountains. It is amazing that you can reach all three within a day if you are really motivated.
Located in Big Bear Village along the lake is the Big Bear Visitor Center that is an excellent spot to get local info on the best attractions in Big Bear to see during your stay.
46 locals recommend
Big Bear Visitor Center
40824 Big Bear BlvdLocated in Big Bear Village along the lake is the Big Bear Visitor Center that is an excellent spot to get local info on the best attractions in Big Bear to see during your stay.
Hiking trails, activities and adventure await! Great for everyone and it’s pet friendly.
488 locals recommend
Big Bear Discovery Center
Hiking trails, activities and adventure await! Great for everyone and it’s pet friendly.
Boulder Bay Park is one of the most popular spots on Big Bear Lake as it has a beautifully manicured park and access to the water.
It is a great area for fishing, taking off on a kayak or just enjoying the picturesque landscape.
The park at Boulder Bay is perfect for a picnic
And if you would prefer a more relaxed activity, I suggest walking along the bay and having a picnic. It is also a spectacular place for taking landscape photographs!
234 locals recommend
Boulder Bay Park
39080 Big Bear BlvdBoulder Bay Park is one of the most popular spots on Big Bear Lake as it has a beautifully manicured park and access to the water.
It is a great area for fishing, taking off on a kayak or just enjoying the picturesque landscape.
The park at Boulder Bay is perfect for a picnic
And if you would prefer a more relaxed activity, I suggest walking along the bay and having a picnic. It is also a spectacular place for taking landscape photographs!
Snow Summit
880 Summit Blvd Take a lift on the Sky Chair and just admire the views.
Activities
Because everyone’s interests vary, I have listed the best things to do in Big Bear that range in various activities of fitness, shopping, food, and love of nature.
No matter what combination of Big Bear attractions you choose from below, you will have a spectacular weekend.
This winter playground is fun for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Featuring a Fun Zone to test out bumps rollers and the Olympic Run for steep downhill skiing, you will want it to be winter all year round!
906 locals recommend
Snow Summit
880 Summit BlvdThis winter playground is fun for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Featuring a Fun Zone to test out bumps rollers and the Olympic Run for steep downhill skiing, you will want it to be winter all year round!
If you have ever wondered what it would be like to bobsled then a ride down the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is a must.
You take the lift up the mountain and hop on a sled with wheels that you attempt to navigate down the concrete bobsled track!
You not only get to enjoy the spectacular views going up on the lift but also as you slide your way down the mountain. Just at a much faster pace going down… If too much speed scares you, rest assure that you can control how fast you go.
Tip: You can purchase one ride ($7.00) or if you can’t get enough adrenaline, you can purchase a 5-ride ticket ($30.00).
Address: 800 Wildrose Lane, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 that is just a few minutes drive from Big Bear Village.
Feel what it’s like to ride on a bobsled or take the Magic Carpet ride and enjoy a fun day of snow tubing. Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain has winter fun for the whole family. Open daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and evenings Friday, Saturday and Holiday nights 5 p.m.-9 p.m. CASH ONLY 800 Wildrose Lane, Big Bear Lake, (909) 866-4626
652 locals recommend
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
800 Wildrose LnIf you have ever wondered what it would be like to bobsled then a ride down the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is a must.
You take the lift up the mountain and hop on a sled with wheels that you attempt to navigate down the concrete bobsled track!
You not only get to enjoy the spectacular views going up on the lift but also as you slide your way down the mountain. Just at a much faster pace going down… If too much speed scares you, rest assure that you can control how fast you go.
Tip: You can purchase one ride ($7.00) or if you can’t get enough adrenaline, you can purchase a 5-ride ticket ($30.00).
Address: 800 Wildrose Lane, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 that is just a few minutes drive from Big Bear Village.
Feel what it’s like to ride on a bobsled or take the Magic Carpet ride and enjoy a fun day of snow tubing. Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain has winter fun for the whole family. Open daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and evenings Friday, Saturday and Holiday nights 5 p.m.-9 p.m. CASH ONLY 800 Wildrose Lane, Big Bear Lake, (909) 866-4626
See mountain wildlife up close! Most animals have been rescued and are being rehabilitated for release. Open all year round.
723 locals recommend
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
42801 Club View DrSee mountain wildlife up close! Most animals have been rescued and are being rehabilitated for release. Open all year round.
Hit the slopes at one of the most popular snowboarding parks in the nation.
119 locals recommend
Big Bear Mountain Resort
880 Summit BlvdHit the slopes at one of the most popular snowboarding parks in the nation.
Mountain Mobile Massage & Spa
42718 Moonridge RdBig Bear Bowling Barn Inc.
40625 Big Bear BlvdGlow bowling, snack bar, arcade, sports bar and fun!
Showing new releases with comfortable seating, snack bar and $5 movies on Tuesdays.
317 locals recommend
Village Theaters North
602 Pine Knot AveShowing new releases with comfortable seating, snack bar and $5 movies on Tuesdays.
Hiking
There are numerous Big Bear hiking trails with varying distance options. The best time to hit the hiking trails is from March to November and skip the snowy winter months obviously.
Castle Rock Trail: A short but steep 1.3-miles for a gorgeous view of Big Bear Lake and definitely worth it. If you only have time to trek one of the Big Bear hiking trails, this should be it.
The trailhead is on State Highway 18 located 3-miles west of Big Bear Lake Village. The parking area is small and on the opposite side of the road, so be careful of oncoming traffic when crossing the highway.
474 locals recommend
Castle Rock Trail 1W03
Big Bear BoulevardCastle Rock Trail: A short but steep 1.3-miles for a gorgeous view of Big Bear Lake and definitely worth it. If you only have time to trek one of the Big Bear hiking trails, this should be it.
The trailhead is on State Highway 18 located 3-miles west of Big Bear Lake Village. The parking area is small and on the opposite side of the road, so be careful of oncoming traffic when crossing the highway.
Pine Knot Trail: 6.2-mile roundtrip, easy to moderate, and very scenic trail takes you up to Grand View Point. Parking is at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area
98 locals recommend
Pineknot Trail 1E01
Mill Creek RoadPine Knot Trail: 6.2-mile roundtrip, easy to moderate, and very scenic trail takes you up to Grand View Point. Parking is at the Aspen Glen Picnic Area
If you are looking for a peaceful area to stretch your legs in nature then the Alpine Pedal Path is for you! Plus, it is free to walk, run or bike along this path that hugs Big Bear Lake for 3.2-miles (one way).
The Alpine Pedal Path is 3.2-miles perfect for walking, running or cycling!
194 locals recommend
Alpine Pedal Path Trail 1E50
740 Stanfield CutoffIf you are looking for a peaceful area to stretch your legs in nature then the Alpine Pedal Path is for you! Plus, it is free to walk, run or bike along this path that hugs Big Bear Lake for 3.2-miles (one way).
The Alpine Pedal Path is 3.2-miles perfect for walking, running or cycling!
Shopping Mall
Big Bear Village is one of those places that is perfect for strolling from one shop to the next mixing in a great meal here and there. There are so many unique and fun shops that you can’t help but enter into them.
Unique stores, boutiques, restaurants, bars and more! A great place to spend an afternoon. Pick up a special gift for someone or for yourself.
166 locals recommend
The VILLAGE SHOPS AND COURTYARD
652 Pine Knot AveUnique stores, boutiques, restaurants, bars and more! A great place to spend an afternoon. Pick up a special gift for someone or for yourself.
Bars
Murray's Saloon & Eatery
672 Cottage LnA great dive bar if that is your thing…
A fun casual brewery setting with excellent burgers, sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads.
222 locals recommend
Big Bear Lake Brewing Company
40827 Stone RdA fun casual brewery setting with excellent burgers, sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads.
Get $3 Off an appetizer when staying with Destination Big Bear, pick up a coupon at our office. Live music and entertainment Friday and Saturday nights! Pet friendly patio seating when weather permits.
236 locals recommend
Nottinghams Restaurant
40797 Big Bear BlvdGet $3 Off an appetizer when staying with Destination Big Bear, pick up a coupon at our office. Live music and entertainment Friday and Saturday nights! Pet friendly patio seating when weather permits.
Barrel 33 for some wine tasting! And if you find some you like, you can buy a bottle or two to take back to your cabin.
47 locals recommend
Barrel 33
40754 Village DrBarrel 33 for some wine tasting! And if you find some you like, you can buy a bottle or two to take back to your cabin.
City/town information
Big Bear Village is a mountain escape from the fast pace life of Southern California where there is no shortage of fresh air and wilderness. There are numerous adventure-filled things to do in Big Bear as it is a nature lover’s playground.
Big Bear Village is where most people hang out when visiting as it is right next to Big Bear Lake. The Village is further away from the town of Big Bear City
Big Bear City is about 20 minutes from Big Bear Village and Lake.
For the most part, most of what you want to see and do are near the Village and Big Bear Lake.
There is an endless amount of outdoor adventure to make for a fun weekend in Big Bear!
To relax and enjoy the mountain paradise of Big Bear Lake, I recommend staying a 3 day weekend to unplug and have some fun.
603 locals recommend
Big Bear Lake
There is an endless amount of outdoor adventure to make for a fun weekend in Big Bear!
To relax and enjoy the mountain paradise of Big Bear Lake, I recommend staying a 3 day weekend to unplug and have some fun.