FAQ

What Is Big Bear Lake?
Above the clouds and all the crowds, Big Bear Lake is Southern California's alpine mountain resort in its own backyard. A short drive from anywhere in the Southland, Big Bear lake transports visitors into a whole new world. The air is pure and clean; grand pine and oak forests surround you. There's recreational fun for all ages, all interests; picturesque shops and restaurants; plus affordable accommodations that invite you to relax, unwind and enjoy. There's so much new to see, to explore. If you haven't visited Big Bear Lake lately, you're in for big surprises -- for all seasons and all reasons.

Where Is Big Bear Lake?
Located 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles, surrounded by the natural splendors of the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear Lake is easy to visit via three scenic highways: #330 from San Bernardino, #38 from Redlands and #18 from Victorville.

What's It Like Up There?
Actually, it's a lot like heaven! Towering high above the urban sprawl, Big Bear Lake's alpine altitudes range from 6,750 to 8,200 feet. The surrounding forests are natural habitants for countless animals, birds and plants. Naturally, it's spectacular.

At Big Bear Lake, each of the four seasons is a singular experience: the deep blue skies of summer; the blazing foliage colors of fall; the pure white alpine snowfalls of winter; the rainbow-splashed fields of wildflowers in the spring.

What Kinds Of Recreation Will I Enjoy?
At Big Bear Lake, the opportunities for fun are as infinite as the views from atop our mountains! Much of the year, you'll swim and splash, fish, hunt or take a scenic ride on a horse or mountain bike. There's a delightful zoo for the kids and a challenging nine-hole golf course too.

When winter comes and the snows begin to fall, Big Bear Lake offers two ski/snowboard areas, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. Both provide skiing and snowboarding from November through April. Cross country skiing is also available.

What About The Lake Itself?
Not private, but open for the public to enjoy, the sparkling mountain lake that gives Big Bear Lake its name is seven miles long and one mile across at its widest point. With a maximum depth of 72 feet, the azure, fresh water lake boasts more than 23 miles of accessible shoreline.

What's The Weather Like?
In summer, temperatures average 80 degree during daylight hours and drop to around 45 degree after dark. You can count on over 300 days of sunshine every year.

When winter comes, bringing an average of 120 inches of snowfall, daytime temperatures average 55 degrees, dropping to a typical 15 degrees at night.

Where Can I Stay?
The choice is yours! Big Bear Lake offers a wide variety of comfortable accommodations for every taste and every budget -- cozy cabins, lodges, hotels, motels, bed and breakfast inns, private homes and condominiums, plus seven public campgrounds.

Where Can I Eat & Shop?
You can eat what you want at Big Bear Lake. Select from dozens of fine restaurants -- fast-food to elegant, sit-down dining. You'll find restaurants specializing in the major cuisines of the world -- Mexican, Italian, French, German, Oriental and more. Plus steak houses and specialty eating establishments catering to your every culinary whim!

Shopping? Some folks come up to Big Bear Lake jus to browse and shop in our unique and fascinating collection of stores. From gifts and souvenirs to designer clothing and jewelry, Big Bear Lake Village and other shopping areas provide a delightful shopping experience.

Where Can I get More Information?
For more information about Southern California's nearby, four seasons enchantment, please call The Big Bear Lake Resort Association's Visitor Information Services at 800.4.BIG BEAR.