Location: Big Bear City
Top Things to do in Big Bear City
The 10 Best Things to Do in Big Bear City, United States
Big Bear City is an unincorporated town in San Bernardino County, California, United States along the east shore of Big Bear Lake and surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. It is located 27 miles (43 km) northeast of the city of San Bernardino, and immediately east of the incorporated city of Big Bear Lake. Its population was 12,304 at the 2010 census, up from 5,779 at the 2000 census. The makeup of Big Bear City is mostly residential with smaller houses and cabins laid out in typical square block fashion.
Restaurants in Big Bear City
1. Castle Rock Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By Frequenttravel48
Went with my wife and two year old (in a backpack carrier). Got parking street side right next to it around 8. The way up was a bit tough with my son but not too bad. Decent trail, good scenery on the way, and a good vista at the top.
2. Mountain Room Escapes
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Mountain Room Escapes offers themed room escape adventures in the beautiful community of Big Bear. Can you escape before time runs out?
Reviewed By Warren B - Laguna Niguel, California
Me and my 10-year-old son ended up doing the room alone. It was challenging without having a team of people to work simultaneously, but we still had a ton of fun. The puzzles are really clever, and the whole narrative of the room was really well done. Definitely the highlight of our trip. I'd highly recommend it, for kids and adults.
3. Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 479 reviews
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals a safe haven; temporarily while they heal or permanently as they are unable to survive on their own.We are extremely proud that 90% of all the animals brought to us for rehabilitation are successfully released back into their native environment.Those that remain with us on exhibit are either too injured or have been imprinted by humans and can not be released back into the wild to care for themselves.
Reviewed By Traveler101277 - Irvine, California
We went to the zoo for a quick day trip. It's very reasonably priced and well worth it! The animals all have a story, so please splurge the extra buck for the program. It's interesting to read how these animals got to the zoo. Hard to believe that a lot were actually someone's pet! Glad we went and will go back again.
Favorite: the bears and eagles!
4. The Cave
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
The Cave is a truly one-of-a-kind concert and comedy venue in the heart of Big Bear. The lighting, sound, laser light shows, gourmet concessions, craft beer, comfortable seating, room to dance, and of course amazing acts are not common for such an intimate venue. It is this perfect mix of location, amenities, and amazing live entertainment that make The Cave a venue that will bring you closer to your favorite bands than you ever thought possible.
Reviewed By Carlos R - Lake Forest, California
Doing this review between opening act and main act. Apparently this place has improved since other negative reviews. Plenty of seating (maybe off-season). First band was 12 to 16 year olds. Impressive. Got hear at 8pm wish I saw whole show. Despite showing at 8 we are in 2nd row.
White wine $7. Chicken philly cheese and steak philly cheese steaks are $10. Popcorn 4. Did not order food though. Wine good. Having fun.
Assuming main band will be good.
5. Pirate Ship Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By jeremydbrooks - Las Vegas, Nevada
The captain/owner is a Big Bear lifer, it seems, and knows a lot of history. He'll take you around the lake and tell you stories, anecdotes, and will occasionally stop by the house of Mel Blanc Jr's house who will come out and entertain the guests. Very fun, not too pricey.
6. Boulder Bay Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By Ken A - Rancho Cucamonga, California
This new and small park is along the lake. The park is situated just above the water and has a fresh feeling about it. There is enough grass for picnics and kayaking and swimming are also available. The only drawback in busy Big Bear is that the main parking lot is quite small. A good place to take a break for an hour or so.
7. Big Bear Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 555 reviews
Reviewed By alberto927 - Parkland, Florida
Big Bear Lake is a nice town with too many people chasing your dollars. It has some good restaurants and a nice climate to walk around in the fall. The visitors center is well kept and very helpful. The lake is part of the San Bernardino National Forest and in the North part one can walk along the shore (The Ranger station is here too). This is a beautiful lake with lots of pine trees and delicious nature aromas. I hope this shore is not spoiled with hotels and game arcades, etc.
8. Big Bear Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Big Bear's Official Visitor Information Center is located in the Village in Big Bear Lake, California. Our knowledgeable Visitor Information Specialists can assist you with your trip planning and provide information on Big Bear lodging, dining, events, activities and recreation, trails and maps. Public restrooms and free wireless internet also available in the surrounding Bartlett parking lot.
Reviewed By Gabby92399 - Yucaipa, California
First off, thank goodness for the public bathrooms and large parking area provided by the Big Bear Visitor Center! I will admit that in the many years of visiting the village we only visited the Visitor Center for these two things. For some reason on a recent visit we noticed the actual “Center” or office was open. We popped in and were pleasantly surprised by all the informative brochures. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. We will probably continue visiting them for the parking and bathrooms but at least we know where to get quick information on local events.
9. Helicopter Big Bear - Private Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By TerrywHamilton - Pasadena, California
When my buddies and I checked into our vacation rental a couple of weeks ago we decided that the first thing that we would do is take a helicopter tour of the lake and mountains. The only thing that we couldn't decide way whether we wanted the 15 or 20 tour. It was the difference between $75 and $85. I pushed for the longer flight and everyone agreed that an extra ten dollars might be worth it. Boy, were we glad that we took the longer flight. Not only did we get to see the lake but also some of the highest peeks around the lake too. Out pilot was very professional and knowledgeable. He even knew which camp and lake was the location for filming of the original Parent Trap movie (with Haley Mills and Haley Mills).
10. Big Bear Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Located on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, this learning center features educational exhibits and hands-on activities regarding the natural environment and wildlife in the region.
Reviewed By delfhedde - Morgan Hill, California
Beautiful spot on the north side (non crowded) of the lake.Very friendly and helpful staff. Educational displays and the interpretative trail provide a great overview of the area. This is the place to get an overview of the activities offered and get the tickets.
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