50 Reasons We Love Big Bear

REASONS

WHY WE LOVE BIG BEAR

With towering peaks, blue skies, and glass-smooth waters, Big Bear charms with its scenery. But nature isn’t the only draw here. Local finds, adrenaline-fueled adventures, and family fun round out the appeal of this outdoor paradise. How do we love thee, Big Bear? Let us count the ways.

BY KELLY BASTONE, MARTHA-PAGE ALTHAUS, AND OLIVIA OLSEN

Outdoor Wonders

The scent of pines fills the air, stars glint in the night sky, and clear water laps the shores of Big Bear Lake.

1Hiking Is Always in Season The hills and meadows around Big Bear Lake are peppered with paths, from short strolls — like the ADA-friendly Happy Hills Trail and birder favorite Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk — to epic treks, like the 19.6-mile section of the Pacific Crest Trail stretching from Cushenberry to Holcomb Creek. Thanks to our yearround sunny days, many of these paths dry out as early as March. For a challenge, climb the Cougar Crest Trail to the PCT, then summit Bertha Peak and savor sweeping views of the Mojave Desert below. Or, dodge midsummer heat beneath a forest canopy on the 18.2-mile Siberia Creek Trail. In winter, opt for the 6.9-mile Pine Knot Trail, where the snow is often hard-packed enough to make snowshoes feel unnecessary. In Big Bear, hikers’ boots never need to hibernate. mountainsfoundation.org

2 You Can Chart Your Own Course Here Once you spot the shimmering lake, you'll feel its irresistible pull. Rent a kayak from Pleasure Point Marina or a paddleboard from North Shore Landing, then chart your own course into the blue. We suggest an early- morning joyride, when the water is glass-smooth. pleasurepointmarina. net; bigbearboating.com

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TRAIL RIDES BECKON Think the best soundtrack for our scenery is the sound of horse hooves pounding dirt? Test that theory at Baldwin Lake Stables, where guides lead rides into the mountains and on the PCT. baldwin lakestables.com

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Maritime Adventures Await Here in Big Bear, 5 Our Pontoons Promise Peak R&R With their stable architecture, pontoon boats were made for relaxation. Rent one, kick back, and bask in Big Bear’s glory. Or, book a seat on the

the tour vessels are...transporting. The Miss Liberty Paddlewheel Tour Boat and Big Bear Queen look as if they steamed in straight off the Big Bear Cruzer, a shaded cruiser

mighty Mississippi, while the Big Bear Pirate Ship appeals to every where passengers are treated to a 90-minute tour laden with fun facts, like the story of how Garstin Island, on the lake’s west end, got its nickname,

pirate-at-heart. pineknotmarina. com; bigbearqueen.com; bigbear hollowaysmarina.com/thepirateship China Island. bigbearmarina.com

IT’S WILD UP HERE!

FROM REGAL EAGLES TO COLORFUL BLOOMS, NATURAL WONDERS ABOUND HERE IN BIG BEAR. 6 EAGLES ARE OUR NEIGHBORS Deer and foxes often come out in the evenings. As the weather cools, Big Bear’s most majestic residents arrive: wintering bald eagles. 7 WE’VE GOT FLOWER POWER Book a guided hike at Pebble Plain Ecological Reserve to see dazzling, hypnotic carpets of yellow, purple, and red flowers. 8 THE BEARS ARE EVERYWHERE— SORT OF! You can see Big Bear’s eponymous ursine in the local statuary, on signs, and even snowboarding on Bear Mountain.

Destination Relaxation

Whether your definition of “self-care” includes a day on the golf course, a spa treatment, or an afternoon of shopping, Big Bear has you covered, with plenty of ways to unwind.

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Find Your Flow in a Meadow Want to strike a pose outside? Mountain Yoga Center offers al fresco classes. mountainyogacenter.com 14 Hiking Isn’t the Only Way to Get a Peak Experience Board the Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair, and enjoy a ride up to 8,200 feet. At the top, you’ll be treated to an unbeatable panorama of the lake — which appears turquoise when viewed from above — ringed by vast, verdant mountaintops. Grab a PBR and some barbecue at Skyline Taphouse, then settle in on the outdoor deck. bigbearmountainresort.com

15 It’s a Shopper’s Paradise If you’re looking for a classic memento, Brown Bear Gift Shop, Shirt Shanty, Big Bear Discount, and Bear Essentials have you covered. Want something completely different? Try Yarn Designer's Boutique, or O KOO RAN, a thoughtfully-curated boutique where you’ll find cozy blankets, intriguing books, beautiful ceramic mugs, and that most coveted lakeside item: the perfect sun hat. 18 Our Pilates Classes Are Top-Notch The nation’s biggest cities have no monopoly on body experts. Patty Hafen, owner of Big Bear Pilates, has spent the past 20 years immersing herself in the teachings of Joseph Pilates (including studying with the same master teacher who mentored Madonna and Sting). Want to absorb some of that magic? Sign up for one of the studio’s reformer classes. bigbearpilates.com

19 You Can Golf at 7,000 Feet! Tucked in the San Bernardinos, Bear Mountain Golf Course has an unbeatable setting. Add to that the altitude (where shots will fly about a club’s length farther than at sea level!), and you’ll see why golfers rarely settle for just one round here. bigbearmountainresort.com

10 Two Words: Deep-Tissue Massage Altitudes Massage & Spa pairs an impressive menu of approaches (including deep-tissue barefoot Ashiatsu massage and Lomilomi, an ancient Hawaiian healing art) with cozy treatment rooms warmed by fireplaces. altitudesmassage.com

11 Our Masseuses Will Travel! The experts from Mountain Mobile Massage & Spa sooth weary muscles at their studio, but they’re also willing to travel. A massage at your own place? That’s truly fuss-free pampering. bigbearmassage.com

12 Diamonds Are Your Face’s Best Friend Elevations Day Spa offers body wraps, waxing, and facials (like the Diamond Peel that uses crystals for exfoliation). elevationsdayspa.com

13 You’ll Feel Like a Million Bucks Hideaway Spa & Salon pampers clients from head to toe, with massage, mani/pedis, hair design, and body treatments. hideawayspasalon.com 16 You Can Get an Epic Workout The Fitness Source was founded as a personal training studio, and the equipment and instructors are aptly top-notch. thefitness sourcebigbear.com

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You Can Toast Your Day in the Mountains

Buttery leather sofas invite you to stop and sip awhile at Barrel 33, a wine bar in The Village that’s a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Its vast (100-plus) menu of by-the-glass wines showcase California’s most creative vintners, and a lengthy list of non-alcoholic options appeals to all. Craft beers, cider, and hard seltzer round out the vast drink menu.

Want to take the party outside? There’s a sunny outdoor patio. Hungry? Snack on charcuterie, soft pretzels, baked Brie, and other classic drink sidekicks. And if you want to replicate Barrel 33’s convivial vibe at home, shop from a selection of imaginative wine-barrel furniture: Cabinets, garden sculptures, and even dog beds are among the creations built with discarded kegs. barrel33bigbear.com

20 YOU CAN SOAR THROUGH THE AIR Want to fly? The good people of Action Tours stand ready to clip you into a zipline and send you though the forest at speeds approaching 35 mph. action tourscalifornia.com

Adrenaline Hits

Big Bear’s skiing and snowboarding are incredible; they’re also just two of the many activities available in Big Bear. Here, adventurous pursuits extend well beyond schussing down the slopes.

Get a new perspective on Big Bear’s wonders from behind the wheel of a Jeep.

21 NIGHT SKIING IS A THING HERE If you’ve always wanted to ski under the stars, Snow Summit will make it happen: On busy weekends, its night sessions illuminate Miracle Mile (the major intermediate boulevard), Summit Run (the meandering beginner thoroughfare), and the crowd-pleasing Westridge Park (which gets freshly groomed before each evening session). bigbear mountainresort.com

22 TAKE A HELICOPTER TOUR The world looks amazing from the sky, and Helicopter Big Bear lets you experience it firsthand. Embark on a seven-minute fling above the ski mountain, or a 40-minute tour spanning the wildest corners of the San Bernardinos. helicopterbigbear.com

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It’s a Wheel-y Fun Place to Explore Big Bear Off-Road Experience lets you roll through sun-dappled forests and crawl over boulder-strewn mountainsides — all without punishing your knees. Meanwhile, Betty's Buggies provide a whole new way to see the sights. bigbearoffroadexperience. com; bettysbuggies.com

24 Biking Abounds Year-Round Mountain biking is huge here, thanks to cross-country routes that traverse summits and meadows around the lake, and lifts at Snow Summit that grant cyclists access to 1,200 feet of vertical at Summit Bike Park — a suite of trails designed by the minds behind Whistler Blackcomb’s famous runs. When the snow falls, you can rent a fat-tire bike from Bear Valley Bikes to pedal around town and along routes like the gorgeous, novice-friendly Alpine Pedal Path. For more on biking Big Bear, turn to p. 18. bigbearmountainresort.com; bvbikes.com

25 Greens, Blacks, and Blues — You Don’t Have to Choose Big Bear Mountain Resort comprises two ski areas for the price of a oneday ticket — Snow Summit and Bear Mountain — so shredders can choose their flavor. Terrain park fans love Bear Mountain for its perfectly sculpted features and challenging steeps. Families gravitate toward Snow Summit's traditional ski runs. Our advice? Toggle between the two resorts for the widest possible menu of terrain. bigbearmountainresort.com

32 SANTA’S BIG HERE You and the crew can explore themed rooms and snap selfies at Santa Land Big Bear, a destination dedicated to the Big Man in red. santalandbigbear.com

The fun never ends at Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain.

Family Fun

Come year-round! There’s never a bad time to bring the family to Big Bear!

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Thrills Await Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain and Big Bear Speedway and Ropes Course offer nonstop fun. You can race your kids in an authentic bobsled, ride the Mineshaft Coaster, or zoom around in mini-race cars. alpineslidebig bear.com; bigbearsnowplay.com

27 The Tubing Is Epic Frolic in the soft stuff at one of three snow tubing spots: Grizzly Ridge Tube Park, Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, or Big Bear Snow Play. The kiddos will love the “magic carpet”–style lifts and the weekend glow tubing. bigbearmoun tainresort.com; alpineslidebigbear. com; bigbearsnowplay.com 28 Pros Will Teach Your Kids To Ski If your kids are new to skiing or riding, get them the help they need at Adventure Academy. (There’s one at the each resort’s base.) Ready to hit the slopes together? Bear Mountain and Snow Summit have more than 50 ski runs, with something for everyone, from total beginner to serious shredder. bigbearmountainresort.com

29 Summer Is Extra Fun When the snow melts, the ski runs at Snow Summit turn into another adventure playground: There’s the Scenic Sky Chair, plus rock climbing walls, hiking trails, a zipline, and a mountain bike park. bigbearmountainresort.com

30 You Can Make a Splash Here On summer days, the lake beckons. Go ahead, hit the water! Rent a pontoon boat from Big Bear Marina or Pine Knot Marina for a day of floating, swimming, and splashing. bigbear marina.com; pineknotmarina.com

Treasures Beckon Rock 31 hounds and history buffs can channel prospectors of yore at Gold Rush Mining Adventures, where glittering gems await. goldrushminingadventures.com

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WE HAVE THE BEST RIDE

A family bike ride on the Alpine Pedal Path is a peaceful way to spend an afternoon. Cycle the paved out-and-back trail along the lake’s north shore and stop for pretty #nofilterneeded shots (and perhaps a little wading at the beach). Didn’t BYO bike? Rent one from Goldsmiths Sports. goldsmiths boardandski.com

34 YOU CAN PLAY DETECTIVE

Want to put your wits to the test on your vacation? At Mountain Room Escapes, you and the fam can solve a mystery, while Urban Adventure Quest’s scavenger hunt will take you all over town. mountain roomescapes.com; urbanadventures.com

35 We’ve got an unusual amenity The Big Bear Solar Observatory houses a massive solar telescope. bbso. njit.edu

36 It’s an Animal Lover’s Paradise The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to bobcats, foxes, and raccoons. For more info, see p. 7.

37 There’s So Much To Discover Wonders abound at the kid-friendly Big Bear Discovery Center. For more info, see p. 7.

38 You Can Keep Rolling The competitive-minded flock to Bowling Barn to strive for strikes and spares. bowlingbarn.com

Himalayan Restaurant Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon

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BURGER STOPS

41 NO CARNVIORE’S DILEMMA HERE! Forget Arby’s. The Boneyard Bar & Grill has the meats. Their burger comes topped with pulled pork and bacon, the whole thing smothered in BBQ sauce. theboneyardbarandgrill.com

42 QUARTER POUNDER? TRY HALF-POUNDER! Oakside Restaurant & Bar’s burger marries a half-pound Angus patty with tempura-battered onions, lettuce, and a tomato. Pair that with one of the 17 beers on tap, or with a bourbon from their milelong spirits list. oaksiderestaurant.com

43 YOU CAN HAVE A BURGER FOR BREAKFAST Topped by a fried egg and bacon, slathered with Sriracha aioli, Big Bear Lake Brewing Company’s Widowmaker is a new take on the breakfast burger. bblbc.com

You Can Eat Your Way Around the World ... Here in Town!

Savor the flavors of international dishes — right here in town.

39 Curry Is the Perfect Apres Dish Royal Thai Bistro uses fresh ingredients‚ many from SoCal farms, to craft Thai favorites (pad Thai, chicken satay, panang curry). Don’t miss the tom kha, nor the yellow curry. royalthaicafebigbear.com 40 The Duck Is Superb Specializing in Szechuan cuisine, Dynasty has an encyclopedic menu, with family-style meals and a robust selection of vegetarian dishes. You can’t miss with a pick from the Chef’s Choice menu, such as the Peking Duck. 44 Pasta Just Like Nonna Makes It Taste the dolce vita at Sweet Basil Bistro, a cozy Italian joint near the lake. Indulge in their classic lasagna Bolognese, or try something new, such as the Italian shrimp & grits. Save room for the house-made donuts. sweetbasilbistro.net

45 You Can Enjoy Himalayan Classics in the San Bernardinos In the heart of The Village, Himalayan Restaurant serves dishes from Nepal, Tibet, and India. Find the classics — lamb curry, chicken tikka masala — plus some surprises, like Mo-Mo, steamed dumplings stuffed with chicken or vegetables. himalayanbigbear.com

THE BEER IS FLOWING

WHETHER YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT PILSNERS OR SWEET ON STOUTS, BIG BEAR LAKE HAS A BREW FOR YOU. 46 THERE’S HELLA LOCAL BEER Big Bear Lake Brewing Company’s suds range from the easygoing American Apricot to the spicy Hazy Pumpkin Nights. bblbc.com 47 BEER IS EVERYWHERE HERE Barrel 33’s calling card is wine, but they’ve got beer, too. Grab a flight, and weigh the mango versus the hazy. barrel33bigbear.com 48 YOU’LL BE SURPRISED The taps are always changing at Wyatt’s Grill & Saloon. In fall, you might see the Benediktiner Festbier. bigbearevents. com/wyatts-5

49 BIG BEAR HAS ITS OWN (WINGED) CELEBRITIES

This spring, when Jackie and Shadow’s young pip hatched, fans across SoCal celebrated. The bald eagles have become local celebrities thanks to the Eagle Cam, a solar-powered livestream that gives viewers 24/7 access to the undisturbed pair, who nest high in a Jeffrey pine tree in the San Bernardino Forest. Tune in to watch the duo protect their eggs, bring each other whole fish, and play in their nest. Since 2013, the Eagle Cam has allowed viewers to appreciate this incredible species from a distance, letting them live in their irreplaceable habitat in peace. friendsofbig bearvalley.org/eagles

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THERE’S A FREE TROLLEY! #DYK:

You can keep your car parked and still explore all the wonders of the Valley with the free Big Bear Trolley service? Instead of dealing with traffic, relax en route to The Village, the ski resorts, or Boulder Bay Park. You can bring your bike and ski equipment on board, and hop on and off the cherry-red trolley at your leisure. Have a busy schedule planned? Download the free Big Bear Trolley app to book a ride in advance. mountaintransit.org/ free-big-bear-trolley