Location: Big Bear Lake
Top Things to do in Big Bear Lake
What to do and see in Big Bear Lake, California (CA): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Big Bear Lake is a small city in San Bernardino County, California, located in the San Bernardino Mountains along the south shore of Big Bear Lake, and surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. The city is located about 25 miles (40 km) northeast of the city of San Bernardino, and immediately west of the unincorporated town of Big Bear City. The population was approximately 5,019 at the 2010 census, down from 5,438 at the 2000 census. Being a popular year-round resort destination, however, the actual number of people staying in or visiting the greater Big Bear Valley area regularly surges to over 100,000 during many weekends of the year.
Restaurants in Big Bear Lake
1. Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 628 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 PAGSB - Belleair Beach, United States
Small but very nice zoo! It’s a must do in the area! The kids had a great time. Staff appear to be local volunteers and very knowledgeable!
2. Pirate Ship Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
1.5 hour-long lake tours on a scaled replica of a 16th Spanish Galleon. Crew serves in full pirate regalia, we offer full bar service, and there's a treasure chest for the wee scoundrels! Come along if ye dare to learn about our grizzly beginnings, outlaw legends, and enjoy the sunshine on the water. We accommodate the whole family, bring the kiddos, grandma and grandpa and everyone in between!
3. Boulder Bay Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By roberthV154OS - Mira Mesa, United States
Relax while sitting at your favorite park. Pack a lunch, bring the kids. Let them fish while you sit under the big trees. Bathrooms are clean. And well maintained. Park is beautiful. Walking your dogs is allowed while on a leash. Enjoy your time. Be safe.
4. Village Sweet Shoppe
5. Big Bear Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Visit the Center for the most complete information provided by a friendly Big Bear local, who knows the ins and outs of what’s happening and things to do in Big Bear. You may visit the Visitors Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m everyday. Here you will find literature and brochures from various lodges, restaurants, shops, recreation, services and attractions. Big Bear map information and other useful guides are available to help you get around town, on the lake or on the trails, as well. Get up-to-the minute weather reports, road conditions and other useful Big Bear map assistance. Here you can purchase a day-use Adventure Pass for access to the wilderness. The Big Bear Visitor Center is a great place to find out what events are happening around town with a calendar of events kiosk at the front entrance. The Big Bear Visitor Center does not allow overnight parking and cannot accommodate motor coach parking.
Reviewed By SFamilyVI - Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica
The visitors center beautiful. Everyone there was very helpful. We went there after our ACTION ZIPLINE tour we paid for 10 days in advance was overbooked and they would not refund our money. Trip Advisor overbooked we did not but yet Action zipline would only reschedule, we were leaving that evening back to Alabam. We were looking for something else to do on our vacation. Big Bear Visitors Center recommended the boat ride and adventure center, these were very nice and would recommend them.
6. Alpine Pedal Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By PJ-Phoenix - Redlands, United States
We had a lovely 2 1/2 mile ride right next to Big Bear Lake. The well maintained and smooth path took us through a beautiful natural areas with lovely trees and singing birds. This is beginner level biking which was nice for leisurely sight seeing. There are a number of picnic table just off the bike path near the water that would make for a nice scenic bike ride with a picnic near the north side of the lake.
7. Gold Rush Mining Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
We are a place where people come together, share some fun and create memorable experiences! Visit Big Bear's only Ghost Town and experience the most unique immersive specialty gift store and attraction in Big Bear Lake! A one-of-a-kind experience like no other! The "mining cave" gift shop is filled with rocks, crystals, minerals from all over the world as well as jewelry, toys, handcrafted fudge, unique soda's, candies, and souvenirs. The Ghost Town allows a glimpse of the past as well as numerous photo opts and fun moments. All ages can experience themed Panning Activities. Discover Real Gold, Gemstones, Crystals, and Fossils. Harvest oysters and reveal the real Pearl hidden within, crack open a real Geode! You will take home all the treasures you discover! Adventure discovery options include the water sluice, dinosaur excavation pit or the Cosmic Mine. An identification chart is included. Visit our website for more information.
Reviewed By Antsy33
Rudi / Crystal was amazing! It was my daughter's 10th birthday in September. We had been supposed to go to Disneyworld, but then corona. She made this whole experience for our family. She was warm and informative and most importantly I felt like she actually cared about us. This place is expensive, but what do you expect from a tourist attraction in Big Bear? We panned for gold, cracked open several geodes and spent quite a bit of time looking around the shop and grounds. I paid about $100 and would do it again in a heart beat. Mining for gold is physically demanding so just be prepared. In total we were here for maybe 2.5 to 3 hours and I felt like we got our money worth. There are plenty of options price wise and the amount of physical effort you need to put into each activity. If nothing else come stop by and see what they have to offer!
8. Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By Antsy33
Went in September so it wasn't busy. It was a little pricey, but what do you expect from a tourist place in big bear? We did the alpine slide which was fun! Totally worth the $7 and you get to ride the ski lift to the top of the mountain which made it extra cool. There is a beginner and advanced course. I went in front of my daughter on the beginner one, even though I wanted to do the other one. I would go back on both of these again - it was a lot of fun! Great way to see the whole area around you. I actually liked this so much better than the mountain shaft coaster which I felt was really overpriced and not like a real coaster at all.
9. Bowling Barn
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Thompsoncleaning2020 - Big Bear Lake, United States
We love it the best and most friendliest place to hang with your family glow bowling is the funnest especially for ppl that are shy
10. Swim Beach
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 32 reviews
