Big Bear Mountain: Beyond the Slopes
- Jennifer Chung
- Jul 10, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 17, 2023
Welcome to Big Bear, California, a mountain paradise for Southern Californians, located in the San Bernardino Mountains. Whether you are seeking thrilling skiing and snowboarding in the winter or scenic hiking and boating in summer, Big Bear has something to offer during any season. Although it is mostly known for its skiing and snowboarding resort, let's explore the wonders of Big Bear - outside of the slopes.
(Pictured: AirBnb Cabin in Big Bear, February 2023. This AirBnb also included a hot tub and a pool table.)
Airbnbs offer unparalleled convenience for travelers worldwide, especially in locations such as Big Bear with no main lodging accommodations provided through the mountain resort. With countless options ranging from cozy apartments to luxurious cabins, finding the perfect accommodation for your stay in Big Bear has never been easier. I enjoy the flexibility of self-check-in and the ability to accommodate larger groups. AirBnb's are also a must-do if you are bringing children with you, in my professional opinion. Here are some photos of one of the cabins we have rented in Big Bear from Airbnb. The other can be seen above:
(Pictured: AirBnb Cabin in Big Bear, January 2022.)
Compared to the few hotel stays we have had in Big Bear, AirBnbs are just overall more convenient and luxurious. This, however, does not apply to Castlewood Cottages, my favorite stay in Big Bear:
The Village at Big Bear is a charming area nestled in the heart of Big Bear Lake, California. This vibrant village offers a delightful mix of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. We have spent a few New Year's Eve celebrations here and I always love how they have the entire village lit up for the holidays.
(Pictured: Celebrating New Year's in Big Bear Village.)
This is also the main area to go out for dinner or grab a drink at a bar for the evening, and they actually have a great variety of options for being such a small village. The dishes at the Himalayan Restaurant were particularly yummy if you are a fan of Indian food, we have also dined at the Royal Thai Cafe several times and have always been satisfied. There is also a small cafe in town called the Copper Q that is a great stop for a warm drink while walking around the village. This is a personal preference, but the North Pole Fudge and Ice Cream Co. have an ice cream flavor called Maui Wowie that is easily one of the best ice cream flavors ever!
(Pictured: Food from the Himalayan Restaurant.)
(Pictured: North Pole Fudge and Ice Cream Co. Maui Wowie.)
If your group isn't up for going skiing or snowboarding, you can still experience exhilaration at Big Bear's Alpine Slide and Coaster. You can race down the winding tracks on the Alpine Slide, take on the Mountain Coaster, and even go tubing if you would like. This was a fun day for everyone in the group!
(Pictured: Alpine Slide and Coaster in Big Bear.)
Big Bear Lake is a picturesque spot within Big Bear that is definitely worth a stop. This lake offers a scenic setting year-round. In the summer, you can explore the crystal-clear waters by kayak or paddleboard, go fishing, or simply relax on its scenic shores and enjoy a swim on a hot day.
(Pictured: Watching the sunset by Big Bear Lake.)
If you were interested, you can even rent a boat for some water sports including tubing, wakeboarding, and wake surfing. We rented a boat for an hour for wake surfing and had a wonderful time on the lake. In the winter, you can watch the sunset from the frozen shores of the lake.
(Pictured: Wake surfing on Big Bear Lake.)
Big Bear has a lot to offer outside of its slopes, and has something to offer for everyone of any age and interest. It is a quick drive from most SoCal cities and an easy escape to the mountains for a weekend (or two).
For more information about Big Bear Mountain Resort, see my post:
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