Guidebook for Big Bear

Jessica
Guidebook for Big Bear

Entertainment & Activities

One of the 2 ski resorts in Big Bear, with many options for skiing, snowboarding and lessons.
870 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bear Mountain Ski Resort
43101 Goldmine Dr
870 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
One of the 2 ski resorts in Big Bear, with many options for skiing, snowboarding and lessons.
One of the 2 ski resorts in Big Bear (my favorite of the 2, and a bit more geared to skiers than Bear Mountain.) They occasionally have "night" skiing during peak season.
906 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Snow Summit
880 Summit Blvd
906 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
One of the 2 ski resorts in Big Bear (my favorite of the 2, and a bit more geared to skiers than Bear Mountain.) They occasionally have "night" skiing during peak season.
You like snow tubing/sledding? Then this is the place for you ;) Very close, a 3 minute drive away on Big Bear Blvd, there is man-made snow there in winter, even when there is not enough natural snow.
489 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Bear Snow Play
42825 Big Bear Blvd
489 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
You like snow tubing/sledding? Then this is the place for you ;) Very close, a 3 minute drive away on Big Bear Blvd, there is man-made snow there in winter, even when there is not enough natural snow.
In the heart of the Village, this little movie theater is the place to go if you want to see a recent movie.
318 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Village Theaters North
602 Pine Knot Ave
318 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
In the heart of the Village, this little movie theater is the place to go if you want to see a recent movie.
Open only in the spring/summer, this is a good place for kayak rental, boat, jet skis etc...
277 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Bear Marina
500 Paine Ct
277 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Open only in the spring/summer, this is a good place for kayak rental, boat, jet skis etc...
Want to tour the lake on a pirate-themed boat for some reason? Then this 90 minute guided tour is for you ;) I believe there is a tour every week-end at 2pm, but call to double check. More tours are added in the summer when it's busy.
64 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Bear Pirate Ship
398 Edgemoor Rd
64 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Want to tour the lake on a pirate-themed boat for some reason? Then this 90 minute guided tour is for you ;) I believe there is a tour every week-end at 2pm, but call to double check. More tours are added in the summer when it's busy.
There are a few places in Big Bear for kayak/boat rental and this is one of them.
103 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Holloway's Marina & RV Park
398 Edgemoor Rd
103 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
There are a few places in Big Bear for kayak/boat rental and this is one of them.
When it comes to summer activities in Big Bear, I personally have a preference for going to the north shore (north of the lake as opposed to south of the lake, where the town of Big Bear Lake is.) This little shop offers bikes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards for rent. This area is a also a great place to start a little walk around the lake with you pup(s).
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Paddles and Pedals
40545 N Shore Ln
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
When it comes to summer activities in Big Bear, I personally have a preference for going to the north shore (north of the lake as opposed to south of the lake, where the town of Big Bear Lake is.) This little shop offers bikes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards for rent. This area is a also a great place to start a little walk around the lake with you pup(s).
I myself have never been to this escape room, but I've heard rave reviews. Reservations required. Adventure takes about 1 hour and a half. http://mountainroomescapes.com/
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mountain Room Escapes Big Bear
40588 Village Dr
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
I myself have never been to this escape room, but I've heard rave reviews. Reservations required. Adventure takes about 1 hour and a half. http://mountainroomescapes.com/
There is no shortage of ski/snowboard rental shops around Big Bear, but I like this one because it is Big Bear City (closer to the cabin, and on your way to either ski resort). It's also a bit cheaper than the rental shops that are located at the resorts. Twin Bear Equipment Rentals also rent out construction equipment, and their sister shop in Big Bear Lake does party rentals (tents, tables, chairs, lighting etc...)
Twin Bear Equipment Rentals
1140 W Big Bear Blvd
There is no shortage of ski/snowboard rental shops around Big Bear, but I like this one because it is Big Bear City (closer to the cabin, and on your way to either ski resort). It's also a bit cheaper than the rental shops that are located at the resorts. Twin Bear Equipment Rentals also rent out construction equipment, and their sister shop in Big Bear Lake does party rentals (tents, tables, chairs, lighting etc...)
Big Bear Sporting Goods is a good place to visit for all your fishing needs - including renting poles, buying bait and getting fishing permits. The knowledgeable staff knows more about fishing than I do.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Bear Sporting Goods
40544 Big Bear Blvd
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Bear Sporting Goods is a good place to visit for all your fishing needs - including renting poles, buying bait and getting fishing permits. The knowledgeable staff knows more about fishing than I do.
Great place for horseback riding in Big Bear. They offer 1 or 2 hour rides, as well as sunset rides. Call to reserve/check they are open.
90 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Baldwin Lake Stables
46475 Pioneer Town Rd
90 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Great place for horseback riding in Big Bear. They offer 1 or 2 hour rides, as well as sunset rides. Call to reserve/check they are open.
Great place to rent kayaks, stand-up paddles and bikes.
227 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Getboards- Kayak, Sups & Bike Rentals
40905 Big Bear Blvd
227 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Great place to rent kayaks, stand-up paddles and bikes.
This event takes place at Wyatt's (just a few minutes' drive from the cabin) on Saturdays, Sundays, and occasional Fridays from mid-September to late October. This event is popular, so remember to buy your tickets early. Also, be sure to check out live German music by Ladyhosen: I play accordion in the band ;)
53 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest
42900 Big Bear Blvd
53 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This event takes place at Wyatt's (just a few minutes' drive from the cabin) on Saturdays, Sundays, and occasional Fridays from mid-September to late October. This event is popular, so remember to buy your tickets early. Also, be sure to check out live German music by Ladyhosen: I play accordion in the band ;)
Want to practice throwing an axe? Then this is the place for you. Friendly staff.
49 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Yosemite Axe Throwing
41530 Big Bear Blvd
49 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Want to practice throwing an axe? Then this is the place for you. Friendly staff.

Essentials

A local favorite, just a few blocks away, this community market has all the essentials - from kitchen and bathroom products, to prepared food, liquor, firewood etc. It's open from 7:30am to 9pm (closing at 10pm Friday and Saturday).
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Community Market
100 E Big Bear Blvd
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A local favorite, just a few blocks away, this community market has all the essentials - from kitchen and bathroom products, to prepared food, liquor, firewood etc. It's open from 7:30am to 9pm (closing at 10pm Friday and Saturday).
The local Vons is just a 5 minute drive away. It can get crowded on weekends. There is a Starbucks inside (even though there is another Starbucks on the other side of the shopping center.)
446 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Vons
42170 Big Bear Blvd
446 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The local Vons is just a 5 minute drive away. It can get crowded on weekends. There is a Starbucks inside (even though there is another Starbucks on the other side of the shopping center.)

Shopping

Did you come to Big Bear to go thrift shopping? Probably not, but if you did, this little thrift store is a local favorite, and it's just a few steps away from the cabin ;)
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Doves Nest Thrift Store
217 W Big Bear Blvd
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Did you come to Big Bear to go thrift shopping? Probably not, but if you did, this little thrift store is a local favorite, and it's just a few steps away from the cabin ;)
If you want to go out in the evening in Big Bear, the Village is your best (some may say your only) option, with a great collection of restaurants, souvenir stores and bars, as well as a movie theater.
166 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The VILLAGE SHOPS AND COURTYARD
652 Pine Knot Ave
166 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you want to go out in the evening in Big Bear, the Village is your best (some may say your only) option, with a great collection of restaurants, souvenir stores and bars, as well as a movie theater.

Parks, Hiking & Rock Climbing

The start of some nice trails on the north shore of Big Bear Lake.
50 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Woodland Trail 1E23
41948 North Shore Drive
50 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The start of some nice trails on the north shore of Big Bear Lake.
This discovery center in Fawnskin is a good place to go on guided tours and small hikes, and learn more about the forest. Perfect for families with young kids.
488 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Centro de Descubrimiento de Big Bear
488 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This discovery center in Fawnskin is a good place to go on guided tours and small hikes, and learn more about the forest. Perfect for families with young kids.
Nice, quiet hike with a good views of the lake.
98 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pineknot Trail 1E01
Mill Creek Road
98 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nice, quiet hike with a good views of the lake.
Nice hiking trail with beautiful views of the lake. Relatively challenging hike.
474 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Castle Rock Trail 1W03
Big Bear Boulevard
474 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nice hiking trail with beautiful views of the lake. Relatively challenging hike.
I couldn't find the name of this park anywhere here on Airbnb, but there are some nice trails walking distance to the cabin, by the cross street of Rainbow Blvd & Deer Horn Dr. In the winter, if there is enough snow, you can even go sledding there. Always make sure you take all your trash out of the parks after your visit (that includes removing all pieces of broken sleds.)
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pebble Plains
165 Dixie Lee Ln
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
I couldn't find the name of this park anywhere here on Airbnb, but there are some nice trails walking distance to the cabin, by the cross street of Rainbow Blvd & Deer Horn Dr. In the winter, if there is enough snow, you can even go sledding there. Always make sure you take all your trash out of the parks after your visit (that includes removing all pieces of broken sleds.)
Any rock climbers out there? The Holcomb Valley Pinnacles are located just north of Big Bear Lake, in the eastern end of the scenic Holcomb Valley. Finding this location is not easy: I got lost once on my way back and there is no cell service up there. If you want to go, you will have to do some research, bring all your gear and travel with other experienced rock climbers.
Holcomb Valley, Central Pinnacles
Any rock climbers out there? The Holcomb Valley Pinnacles are located just north of Big Bear Lake, in the eastern end of the scenic Holcomb Valley. Finding this location is not easy: I got lost once on my way back and there is no cell service up there. If you want to go, you will have to do some research, bring all your gear and travel with other experienced rock climbers.

Drinks & Nightlife

Located in Sugarloaf, relatively far from the touristy crowds, this local bar has a dive feel (in a good way.) The food is good too :)
93 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kallans Bar And Grill
44761 Barton Ln N
93 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Located in Sugarloaf, relatively far from the touristy crowds, this local bar has a dive feel (in a good way.) The food is good too :)
Great for food and drinks. They have a full bar (not just beer), and the food is good too.
222 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Bear Lake Brewing Company
40827 Stone Rd
222 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Great for food and drinks. They have a full bar (not just beer), and the food is good too.
In the heart of the Village, the Cave welcomes a variety of bands, and is especially popular for rock tribute bands. Check their schedule to see what tonight's entertainment will be.
360 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Cave
40789 Village Dr
360 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
In the heart of the Village, the Cave welcomes a variety of bands, and is especially popular for rock tribute bands. Check their schedule to see what tonight's entertainment will be.
With live music on Friday and Saturdays and line dancing (with free lessons!) on Wednesdays, this country dance hall just a few minutes away from the cabin has a great, laid-back southern vibe - along with food and drinks. Wyatt's is also home to the popular Big Bear Oktoberfest - Saturdays and Sundays mid September to the end of October.
73 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wyatt's Grill and Saloon
42900 Big Bear Blvd
73 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
With live music on Friday and Saturdays and line dancing (with free lessons!) on Wednesdays, this country dance hall just a few minutes away from the cabin has a great, laid-back southern vibe - along with food and drinks. Wyatt's is also home to the popular Big Bear Oktoberfest - Saturdays and Sundays mid September to the end of October.

Restaurants and Coffee Shops

Probably my favorite restaurant in Big Bear, this popular sit-down Indian restaurant has truly delicious food, with lots of vegetarian options.
253 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Himalayan Restaurant
672 Pine Knot Ave
253 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Probably my favorite restaurant in Big Bear, this popular sit-down Indian restaurant has truly delicious food, with lots of vegetarian options.
This popular breakfast/lunch restaurant has delicious (unhealthy) food, friendly service, and huge portions.
516 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Grizzly Manor Cafe
41268 Big Bear Blvd
516 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This popular breakfast/lunch restaurant has delicious (unhealthy) food, friendly service, and huge portions.
This no frills breakfast/dinner restaurant has great burgers/sandwiches.
248 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Broadway Cafe
1117 W Big Bear Blvd
248 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This no frills breakfast/dinner restaurant has great burgers/sandwiches.
A few steps away from the cabin is a little no-frills Mexican restaurant - serving burritos, quesadillas, tacos and soups. Eat there or pick up and eat at the cabin.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cocina De Mexico Restaurant
300 W Big Bear Blvd
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A few steps away from the cabin is a little no-frills Mexican restaurant - serving burritos, quesadillas, tacos and soups. Eat there or pick up and eat at the cabin.
Probably my favorite coffee shop in Big Bear, this cozy spot in a little log cabin in Moonridge serves a variety of tea and coffee, as well as breakfast sandwiches and small lunch items. Closes early FYI.
335 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Moonridge Coffee Company
42646 Moonridge Rd
335 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Probably my favorite coffee shop in Big Bear, this cozy spot in a little log cabin in Moonridge serves a variety of tea and coffee, as well as breakfast sandwiches and small lunch items. Closes early FYI.
Just a block away from the cabin, this local's favorite restaurants serves nice breakfast, brunch, and lunch - and is occasionally open for dinner. The inside area has a nice diner feel, while sitting on the outside patio is also an option at lunch (if the weather permits it.)
81 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Thelma's Family Restaurant
337 W Big Bear Blvd
81 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Just a block away from the cabin, this local's favorite restaurants serves nice breakfast, brunch, and lunch - and is occasionally open for dinner. The inside area has a nice diner feel, while sitting on the outside patio is also an option at lunch (if the weather permits it.)
Open for lunch only, this sandwich/burger joint is only a few blocks away from the cabin.
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
BJ's Restaurant and Sandwich Shop
110 E Big Bear Blvd
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Open for lunch only, this sandwich/burger joint is only a few blocks away from the cabin.
On the pricier side, this restaurant in the Village serves American/California cuisine. It's a good place for couples or families.
307 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Oakside
40701 Village Dr
307 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
On the pricier side, this restaurant in the Village serves American/California cuisine. It's a good place for couples or families.
If you like pizza and are not on a budget, this is the place for you. Nice atmosphere, but there are some pizza places a little closer to the cabin.
472 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Saucy Mama's Pizzeria
618 Pine Knot Ave
472 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you like pizza and are not on a budget, this is the place for you. Nice atmosphere, but there are some pizza places a little closer to the cabin.
A Big Bear institution, this restaurant in Moonridge serves seafood, steak and American food. Dinner only.
169 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Captain's Anchorage
42148 Moonridge Way
169 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A Big Bear institution, this restaurant in Moonridge serves seafood, steak and American food. Dinner only.
There are many Mexican restaurants in Big Bear and Hacienda Grill is a good choice if you want a sit down meal and a full bar. Relatively big place with happy hour options and a big salsa bar - in addition to the alcohol bar ;)
387 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hacienda Grill
41787 Big Bear Blvd
387 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
There are many Mexican restaurants in Big Bear and Hacienda Grill is a good choice if you want a sit down meal and a full bar. Relatively big place with happy hour options and a big salsa bar - in addition to the alcohol bar ;)
This restaurant/bar has a nice outdoor area with live music in the summer. You can find a full bar and a very good menu with healthy options - though all on the pricier side.
421 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
572 Social kitchen & lounge
572 Pine Knot Ave
421 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This restaurant/bar has a nice outdoor area with live music in the summer. You can find a full bar and a very good menu with healthy options - though all on the pricier side.
In the same shopping center as Vons, Petco and Starbucks, you can find this nice pizza restaurant - great for pickup or delivery. In winter when it's snowing, please be considerate of the delivery person (i.e. either don't order delivery at all or be extremely generous with the tip.)
359 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Maggio's Pizza
42160 Big Bear Blvd
359 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
In the same shopping center as Vons, Petco and Starbucks, you can find this nice pizza restaurant - great for pickup or delivery. In winter when it's snowing, please be considerate of the delivery person (i.e. either don't order delivery at all or be extremely generous with the tip.)
Located right in front of Vons, this large Starbucks is a good option if you are too lazy to go an independent coffee store and want to use the drive in ;) The drive in can get crowded on week-ends. Note there is also another Starbucks inside the Vons.
91 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Starbucks
42140 Big Bear Blvd
91 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Located right in front of Vons, this large Starbucks is a good option if you are too lazy to go an independent coffee store and want to use the drive in ;) The drive in can get crowded on week-ends. Note there is also another Starbucks inside the Vons.
Always nice to support an independent coffee shop: Moonridge Coffee, Big Bear Coffee Roasting Company and Tea & Coffee Exchange are 3 of the options in Big Bear.
58 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Bear Coffee Roasting Company
41080 Big Bear Blvd
58 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Always nice to support an independent coffee shop: Moonridge Coffee, Big Bear Coffee Roasting Company and Tea & Coffee Exchange are 3 of the options in Big Bear.
This adorable spot close to the cabin sells whole pies (sweet and savory), slices, and coffee drinks.
78 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pickles Pie Shop
829 W Big Bear Blvd
78 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This adorable spot close to the cabin sells whole pies (sweet and savory), slices, and coffee drinks.
If you like poke and Hawaiian food, you will love this little lunchtime restaurant, right in the Village (they changed locations a while back.) Friendly, enthusiastic service and great food have made this place a very popular one with tourists and locals.
232 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Bear Local
40616 Village Dr
232 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you like poke and Hawaiian food, you will love this little lunchtime restaurant, right in the Village (they changed locations a while back.) Friendly, enthusiastic service and great food have made this place a very popular one with tourists and locals.