Warm, Sunny Days in Big Bear

This lakefront getaway offers elevation with benefits. Paddle the water, hike the hills, browse the shops, or just kick back and soak up the alpine splendor.

BY ANN MARIE BROWN

Alpine Adventuring

Start your trip by nabbing an eagle’s-eye view of the lake without breaking a sweat. Snow Summit’s Scenic Sky Chair whooshes you uphill to 8,200 feet in elevation, offer- ing vistas of Big Bear Lake cradled by a ring of conifers. Order a soup bowl with a side of scenery at Skyline Taphouse, then ride the chairlift back downhill.

Post-lunch, see Big Bear’s sparkling sapphire lake up close. At Holloway’s Marina, climb aboard the Time Bandit pirate ship for a lake tour with a dash of yo-ho-ho. If you’re old enough to recognize this one- third-scale replica Spanish galleon from the 1981 film Time Bandits, your grandkids will enjoy the swashbuckling ship and its treasure chest while you savor lake views and cocktails. Back on shore, strategize your time so you can beat the sunset crowd at The Pines Tavern on the Lake. When the sun drops behind the mountains, you want to be on the patio with a glass of cabernet.

PADDLE, HIKE, AND BIKE

You can’t visit Big Bear without getting a little bit wet. Fuel up with coffee at Amangela’s Sandwich & Bagel House, then zip over to Boulder Bay for a morning paddling session. Paddles and Pedals will get you out on the water with kayak or paddleboard rentals.

Next, set out on foot. Hike up Castle Rock Trail for close encounters with massive granite outcrops and peeks at the lake. Or trek through Pine Knot Trail’s granite and fir wonderland to Grand View Point, where views of the towering 11,502-foot San Gorgonio mountain peak will take your breath away. If you’d rather ride than walk, the North Shore’s Alpine Pedal Path offers easy biking on a paved trail. Mountain bikers can crank along Skyline Trail's twisty, roller coaster-like singletrack, or try the fresh trails at Snow Summit’s Bike Park Ride the chairlift uphill, then zip down 12 fun and flowy runs.

When the sun begins its descent, replenish lost calories at Old Country Inn, where you can feast on German and American grub. For a nightcap, head over to Big Bear Lake Brewing Company to sip a refreshing hazy IPA or a pineapple wheat ale.

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IN-TOWN EXPLORING

Spend your final day discovering Big Bear's urban charms. Sample scones at Sister My Sister Bake Shop and survey crystals at Gems of the West. Stop to sniff waxy scents at Candle Dreams. For a classic souvenir, head to Big Bear Carvings to choose from chainsaw artist Kirby Craig’s smiling wooden bears. At lunchtime, take a seat at Himalayan Restaurant for momo dumplings, curries, and other Nepalese and Tibetan specialties. Your weekend is coming to a close, so take a final, lingering look at that sparkling blue lake, and wave a bittersweet goodbye until your next trip.

Sounds Of Summer

Plan a visit around one of the Music in the Mountains summer concert series shows. Enjoy classical, country, and contemporary rock under the stars at the Big Bear Discovery Center Amphitheater. All concert proceeds support Southern California Mountains Foundation’s conservation and education programs.

The summer sun is strong in the mountains. We've got your hat needs covered in our Visitor Center merch shop.