Holloways Marina398 Edgemoor Rd Big Bear Lake Ca 92315
Take a tour of Big Bear, but do it Pirate-style. The Big Bear Pirate Ship, also known as The Time Bandit, a 1/3rd scale replica of a Spanish Galleon, will take you and your family around Big Bear Lake for a swashbucklin adventure. Each tour lasts about 90 minutes and features live entertainment and authentic pirates. Check the website for details and reservation information.
Sightseeing In Big Bear Lake
If visiting Big Bear in the winter, youd be remiss not to take advantage of the sensational mountains at your disposal. With discounted lift tickets for Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, you can plow your way through powder-filled bowls or glide down easy groomers, as both resorts boast runs for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, as well as lessons with on-site pros. Head to the terrain parks to hone your freestyle skills or grab the whole family for a fun-filled afternoon at the inner tube or skill-builder parks. After a hard day of play, you can scope out the buzzing apres-ski scene in the area near the base of Bear Mountain or in The Village in downtown Big Bear.
In the summer, theres just as much to do in this stunning mountain retreat. Take advantage of unparalleled hiking and biking trails, opportunities for rock climbing and horseback riding, and watersports including paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. For even more adventure, journey out of Big Bear for a thrilling zipline excursion in the San Bernardino National Forest. An off-road jeep takes you into the verdant landscape, where you start with a walk over a rickety suspension bridge. Upon reaching the other side, its time to take a deep breath and jump. On 9 exhilarating lines, feel the rush of adrenaline as you soar through the trees at up to 45 miles per hour and 85 feet above the forest floor.
Big Bear Jeep Experience Big Bear Lake Ca
Off-road enthusiasts can enjoy a thrilling and education off-road adventure with Big Bear Jeep Experience. If you have always wanted to learn how to handle a genuine high-clearance off-road vehicle, this is the tour for you. You will get to rent one of their Jeeps which you will drive, under the expert guidance of an experience off-roader who accompany you in a second vehicle. Your guide will not only instruct your driving technique via two-way radio, but will also teach you about native plants and wildlife and bring the history of Big Bear Lake to life. Some of the Jeep Experiences are suitable for families including younger children .
Big Bear Jeep Experience, 42011 Big Bear Blvd Unit A, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, Phone: 909-420-5828
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Tour Big Bear On A Segway
Action Tours offers several adventure tours to see Big Bear from different angles. Segways are a cool way to explore the town. Friendly guides share fun facts and point out landmarks, such as Big Bears first post office. The log house is where President Richard Nixon and his family stayed on vacation. Action tours also offers zip lining, fly boarding and tree rope climbing.
Get An Adrenaline Rush In Big Bear Valley

There are a variety of great activities from horseback riding to zip lines for a vacation in Big Bear. For those of you looking for a serious adrenaline rush, zip lining is calling you. In Big Bear the place to check out for ziplines and adventure is Action Tours. They offer zipline tours, tree rope climbs and so much more.
For those of you wishing for a quieter way to explore the mountains, Baldwin Lake Stables offers wonderful horseback riding tours throughout the area that are great for the whole family.
Regardless of what you end up doing, a holiday in Big Bear will leave your family rejuvenated, relaxed and most importantly cooled down in the hot summer months!
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What To See In Big Bear
The higher you go in Big Bear, the better the viewand thankfully, its not hard to go higher. Throughout the year, Snow Summit Ski Resort offers some of the most breathtaking vistas in the region. During the winter, a ski lift can bring you to an elevation of 8,200 feet for dramatic views of the snowy San Bernardino National Forest. In the spring and summer, the Scenic Sky Chair takes you to the same elevation, where, after admiring the sights of the mountains and lake, you can hike back down the peak on either the Log Chute Trail or the Mountain Top Loop.
Visit The Animals Of Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Located across the street from Bear Mountain Resort, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a great place to spend some time with rescued wildlife. The zoo is small but is well known for treating and releasing sick, injured, and orphaned animals from across the region. Those that are too injured to be returned to the wild are given a permanent home in the zoo.
Besides California natives such as bobcats, coyotes, black bears, and mountain lions, the zoo is also home to exotic species like Snow Leopards and gray wolves. There are several birds of prey housed at the zoo, including snowy owls, vultures, and the iconic bald eagles.
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Where To Stay In Big Bear Lake
Cabins are one of the best options for families. Destination Big Bear rents cabins in all different sizes and prices points. They have great hours for registration and rental packet pick up , and their rental location is right in the heart Big Bear.
We found our 4 bedroom rental to be spacious and comfortable, the perfect size for our family. The kitchen supplies were a bit bare bones so check with the rental office ahead to get a clear idea of what your cabin offers and what you will need to bring.
Big Bear boasts an assortment of hotels, motels, and lodges as well. Trekaroo Editor, Katie Bodell, stayed at Big Bear Frontier and loved its central location , the chance to spread out in three bedrooms, the full-size kitchen, the outdoor BBQ, and the opportunity to warm up each evening by the fire.
Big Bear Lake Attractions
With mountain resorts, a freshwater lake, and a roster of annual festivities, the alpine town of Big Bear is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts all throughout the year. Located 100 miles from Downtown Los Angeles, the Southern California city lures snow bunnies in the winter with its downhill slopes and terrain parks, while the destination attracts hikers, bikers, fishers, and swimmers during the warm weather months. The purchase of Bear Mountain and Snow Summit by the owners of the Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort has brought rejuvenation to the downtown area called The Village, where you can find chic boutiques, eclectic eateries, and upscale cocktail bars. Theres never a bad time to visit Big Bear Lake, as theres always adventure, beauty, and luxury just waiting to be discovered.
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Daytime Fun At Alpine Slide At Magic Mountain
Big Bears Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is a family fun park filled with several different activities. One of the most popular activities is the alpine slide, which is part outdoor slide, part coaster. Riders take a ski lift up the mountain and then climb aboard their sleds and the ride is down the mountain on a track. The speed can be controlled by the rider, making it fun for speed demons or slowpokes.
The Soaring Eagle is another fun attraction at the park. It is similar to a zip line, except the riders sit in chairs. Riders can sit side by side as they fly along the 500-foot track at 28mph. Other attractions include a small go-kart track and a small mini-golf course. Daytime tubing is offered on a manicured tube hill with a magic carpet.
Important note: We went to Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain twice. Once on a Friday night and once on a Sunday at midday. The crowds on Sunday were massive. There was a 30-minute wait just to sign a waiver to go on any of the rides. The evening was far less crowded and much more fun, but the alpine slide was closed. If you do want to visit during the day on busy weekends, definitely arrive when the park opens.
Big Bear Solar Observatory Currently Closed40386 N Shore Lan Big Bear Lake Ca 92315
If youve got children who are interested in astronomy, then youll want to make a point to tour the Big Bear Solar Observatory. Here youll find the worlds largest solar telescope that is currently operational. Tour group size is limited to 16 people, so youll want to make sure to reserve your tour in advance . Those participating on the free tours must be able to walk 1000 down and back on a gravel road and be able to climb three flights of stairs.
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The Bowling Barn 40625 Big Bear Blvd Big Bear Lake Ca 92315
When you need some inside time, head to The Bowling Barn for a family-friendly game of bowling. Youll find 16 lanes, an onsite snack bar, and the Alley Oops Sports Bar . Kids will also enjoy the arcade games found here. The Bowling Barn also hosts Glow Bowling when the lights are turned off, the music is turned up, and black lights are turned on. Before visiting, be sure to check the website for coupons and promotions.
Stroll Big Bear Village

For a more relaxing adventure through Big Bear, dont miss a stroll through Big Bear Village, filled with row after row of unique specialty shops, candy stores, bakeries, coffee houses, and great eats. There are also horse-drawn carriage rides through this charming, Bavarian-style village. The stores in the Village offer everything from ski apparel and clothing to must-visit gift shops. Our favorite retail options include:
- Superhero Toys N More, where every comic book and video game character come alive
- The Toy Galley, where you are certain to find unique games and activities for all ages
- The Village Sweet Shoppe, home to every type of candy and sweet treat imaginable!!
- Craft To Treasure, where you can pop in for a crafting/art class year-round
- Ben & Jerrys, because there is no such thing as ice cream weather!
- Stupidiotic, the original silly store of laughs & gaffs that are so dumb they are hilarious . Note, some items in here arent appropriate for kids, so use your judgment with littles. Most will go over their head if it is questionable.
- North Pole Fudge & Ice Cream, an obvious choice for a vacay treat!
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Captain Johns Boat Tour
One of the best ways to enjoy Big Bear during the summer season is to get out on the water. There are a variety of activities available for active families, but one of the best ways to passively take in the surroundings is through a boat tour. Captain John is a legend in Big Bear. He is one of those people that you can sit and listen to for hours. He has been conducting tours of the lake since the lat 1970s, witnessing famous people come and go through the different homes surrounding the lake. And he has all the gossip ready to share! Tours are about an hour and a half, costing only $20 per person. Tours leave most days at 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm. Call ahead 366-5109) to make sure a boat will be heading out. This is a great way to get acquainted with the lake, the different areas surrounding it as well as the history of the people and animals who call Big Bear home. If you like live music, ask him where he is playing that night. Hes a pretty amazing ukulele player!
Boulder Bay Park39148 Ca
Once you get there, youll understand the parks name. Boulder Bay Park is considered to be a newer park, having opened in 2010. Several islands in the middle of the bay are made of boulders. In addition, this is a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, having a picnic, and watching the ducks. It may be just the spot for a scenic family photo!
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Kayak At Boulder Bay Park
Boulder Bay Park in Big Bear Lake is a great park with lots of attractions a huge dock for fishing or gazing and the view is spectacular. This is also a great place to get out the kayak or canoe to check out the various islands made entirely of boulders. In the winter the Park is a popular place for snow play.
Pine Knot Trail Big Bear Lake California
Pine Knot Trail is a popular and well-maintained Big Bear trail which is considered easy to moderate and would suit most hikers. You can enjoy the 6.2mile out-and-back trail on foot or by mountain bike or horseback, enjoying excellent views of Big Bear Lake. This is a very scenic forest trail which leads you from the Aspen Glen Picnic area to the Grandview Point where your efforts will be rewarded by great views out over the Santa Ana River Valley and San Gorgonio. After admiring the beautiful views you head back along the same route, part of which meanders alongside the creek. You can park at Aspen Glen Picnic Area.
Pine Knot Trail, Mill Creek Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
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Get The Burger Big Bear Lake Ca
When only a delicious pure beef burger and a great American milkshake will satisfy your hunger pangs you need to head to Get the Burger, a delightfully nostalgic 50s style burger joint on Big Bear Boulevard. The restaurant serves a great selection of delicious pure beef burgers served with all your favorite toppings and sides and the owners secret sauces. You can wash down your burger with a classic old fashioned soda, a hand-scooped ice-cream milkshake or a beer or glass of wine. There are a few meatless burger options and a couple of hot dogs on the menu. Admire the retro 50s décor as you enjoy your feast.
Get the Burger, 42151 Big Bear Boulevard, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, Phone: 909-866-8800
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Big Bear Alpine Zoo At Moonridge43285 Goldmine Dr Big Bear Lake Ca
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals a safe haven. Most of the animals that are rehabilitated at the Zoo are successfully released back into their native environment. Some of the Zoos animals include the bald eagle, arctic fox, owls, bobcats, coyotes, bears, and more. Visitors also have the chance to learn the history of each animal including why each animal is at this Zoo. Each day, zoo keepers bring out an animal of the day, when families have a chance to learn interesting facts about the animal and see the animal up close. Admission is $12 for visitors 11 and older, $9 for children 3-10 and seniors 60+, and children 2 and younger are free. The Zoo also offers special programs including Flash Light Safari held every Friday and Saturday night in October. Check the website before visiting hours vary slightly in the summer and winter.
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Fun Facts About Bears For Kids
- Koalas are not bears. They are .
- The dawn bear was the first bear. It lived more than 10 million years ago.
- In the north, bears sleep in the winter, but they dont hibernate. Hibernating animals have a very low temperature. Bears just take a long, long nap. Sometimes they wake up and go out in the winter.
- Bears are related to walruses, seals and sea lions.
- Bears can see color. Not all mammals can.
- Giant Panda are classified as a bear. The giant panda was endangered in the wild but in recent years population has grown slightly and they are now classed as vulnerable.
- Bears have one of the best senses of smell of any mammal. Much better than humans.
- A family or group of bears in called a sloth. A male bear is a boar, females are called sows and babies are cubs.
- A polar bear might look white, but that thats because we only see the white fur, underneath the fur the polar bear actually has black skin.
- The only known predator brave enough to take on a fully grown bear is a tiger. Unfortunately humans also hunt bears.
- Bears are better swimmers than you or I.
- Polar bears are known to be long distant swimmers, they can swim up to 30 miles without stopping. Some researchers say they can actually swim up to 200 miles, yikes. You certainly will not out swim a polar bear.
- Bear claws are similar to dogs, they cannot retract them unlike a cat who can.