Guidebook for Big Bear
Entertainment & Activities
One of the 2 ski resorts in Big Bear, with many options for skiing, snowboarding and lessons.
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Bear Mountain Ski Resort
43101 Goldmine DrOne of the 2 ski resorts in Big Bear, with many options for skiing, snowboarding and lessons.
One of the 2 ski resorts in Big Bear (my favorite of the 2, and a bit more geared to skiers than Bear Mountain.) They occasionally have "night" skiing during peak season.
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Snow Summit
880 Summit BlvdOne of the 2 ski resorts in Big Bear (my favorite of the 2, and a bit more geared to skiers than Bear Mountain.) They occasionally have "night" skiing during peak season.
You like snow tubing/sledding? Then this is the place for you ;) Very close, a 3 minute drive away on Big Bear Blvd, there is man-made snow there in winter, even when there is not enough natural snow.
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Big Bear Snow Play
42825 Big Bear BlvdYou like snow tubing/sledding? Then this is the place for you ;) Very close, a 3 minute drive away on Big Bear Blvd, there is man-made snow there in winter, even when there is not enough natural snow.
In the heart of the Village, this little movie theater is the place to go if you want to see a recent movie.
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Village Theaters North
602 Pine Knot AveIn the heart of the Village, this little movie theater is the place to go if you want to see a recent movie.
Open only in the spring/summer, this is a good place for kayak rental, boat, jet skis etc...
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Big Bear Marina
500 Paine CtOpen only in the spring/summer, this is a good place for kayak rental, boat, jet skis etc...
Want to tour the lake on a pirate-themed boat for some reason? Then this 90 minute guided tour is for you ;) I believe there is a tour every week-end at 2pm, but call to double check. More tours are added in the summer when it's busy.
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Big Bear Pirate Ship
398 Edgemoor RdWant to tour the lake on a pirate-themed boat for some reason? Then this 90 minute guided tour is for you ;) I believe there is a tour every week-end at 2pm, but call to double check. More tours are added in the summer when it's busy.
There are a few places in Big Bear for kayak/boat rental and this is one of them.
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Holloway's Marina & RV Park
398 Edgemoor RdThere are a few places in Big Bear for kayak/boat rental and this is one of them.
When it comes to summer activities in Big Bear, I personally have a preference for going to the north shore (north of the lake as opposed to south of the lake, where the town of Big Bear Lake is.) This little shop offers bikes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards for rent. This area is a also a great place to start a little walk around the lake with you pup(s).
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Paddles and Pedals
40545 N Shore LnWhen it comes to summer activities in Big Bear, I personally have a preference for going to the north shore (north of the lake as opposed to south of the lake, where the town of Big Bear Lake is.) This little shop offers bikes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards for rent. This area is a also a great place to start a little walk around the lake with you pup(s).
I myself have never been to this escape room, but I've heard rave reviews. Reservations required. Adventure takes about 1 hour and a half. http://mountainroomescapes.com/
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Mountain Room Escapes Big Bear
40588 Village DrI myself have never been to this escape room, but I've heard rave reviews. Reservations required. Adventure takes about 1 hour and a half. http://mountainroomescapes.com/
There is no shortage of ski/snowboard rental shops around Big Bear, but I like this one because it is Big Bear City (closer to the cabin, and on your way to either ski resort). It's also a bit cheaper than the rental shops that are located at the resorts. Twin Bear Equipment Rentals also rent out construction equipment, and their sister shop in Big Bear Lake does party rentals (tents, tables, chairs, lighting etc...)
Twin Bear Equipment Rentals
1140 W Big Bear BlvdThere is no shortage of ski/snowboard rental shops around Big Bear, but I like this one because it is Big Bear City (closer to the cabin, and on your way to either ski resort). It's also a bit cheaper than the rental shops that are located at the resorts. Twin Bear Equipment Rentals also rent out construction equipment, and their sister shop in Big Bear Lake does party rentals (tents, tables, chairs, lighting etc...)
Big Bear Sporting Goods is a good place to visit for all your fishing needs - including renting poles, buying bait and getting fishing permits. The knowledgeable staff knows more about fishing than I do.
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Big Bear Sporting Goods
40544 Big Bear BlvdBig Bear Sporting Goods is a good place to visit for all your fishing needs - including renting poles, buying bait and getting fishing permits. The knowledgeable staff knows more about fishing than I do.
Great place for horseback riding in Big Bear. They offer 1 or 2 hour rides, as well as sunset rides. Call to reserve/check they are open.
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Baldwin Lake Stables
46475 Pioneer Town RdGreat place for horseback riding in Big Bear. They offer 1 or 2 hour rides, as well as sunset rides. Call to reserve/check they are open.
Great place to rent kayaks, stand-up paddles and bikes.
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Getboards- Kayak, Sups & Bike Rentals
40905 Big Bear BlvdGreat place to rent kayaks, stand-up paddles and bikes.
This event takes place at Wyatt's (just a few minutes' drive from the cabin) on Saturdays, Sundays, and occasional Fridays from mid-September to late October. This event is popular, so remember to buy your tickets early. Also, be sure to check out live German music by Ladyhosen: I play accordion in the band ;)
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Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest
42900 Big Bear BlvdThis event takes place at Wyatt's (just a few minutes' drive from the cabin) on Saturdays, Sundays, and occasional Fridays from mid-September to late October. This event is popular, so remember to buy your tickets early. Also, be sure to check out live German music by Ladyhosen: I play accordion in the band ;)
Want to practice throwing an axe? Then this is the place for you. Friendly staff.
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Yosemite Axe Throwing
41530 Big Bear BlvdWant to practice throwing an axe? Then this is the place for you. Friendly staff.
Essentials
A local favorite, just a few blocks away, this community market has all the essentials - from kitchen and bathroom products, to prepared food, liquor, firewood etc. It's open from 7:30am to 9pm (closing at 10pm Friday and Saturday).
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Community Market
100 E Big Bear BlvdA local favorite, just a few blocks away, this community market has all the essentials - from kitchen and bathroom products, to prepared food, liquor, firewood etc. It's open from 7:30am to 9pm (closing at 10pm Friday and Saturday).
The local Vons is just a 5 minute drive away. It can get crowded on weekends. There is a Starbucks inside (even though there is another Starbucks on the other side of the shopping center.)
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Vons
42170 Big Bear BlvdThe local Vons is just a 5 minute drive away. It can get crowded on weekends. There is a Starbucks inside (even though there is another Starbucks on the other side of the shopping center.)
Shopping
Did you come to Big Bear to go thrift shopping? Probably not, but if you did, this little thrift store is a local favorite, and it's just a few steps away from the cabin ;)
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Doves Nest Thrift Store
217 W Big Bear BlvdDid you come to Big Bear to go thrift shopping? Probably not, but if you did, this little thrift store is a local favorite, and it's just a few steps away from the cabin ;)
If you want to go out in the evening in Big Bear, the Village is your best (some may say your only) option, with a great collection of restaurants, souvenir stores and bars, as well as a movie theater.
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The VILLAGE SHOPS AND COURTYARD
652 Pine Knot AveIf you want to go out in the evening in Big Bear, the Village is your best (some may say your only) option, with a great collection of restaurants, souvenir stores and bars, as well as a movie theater.
Parks, Hiking & Rock Climbing
The start of some nice trails on the north shore of Big Bear Lake.
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Woodland Trail 1E23
41948 North Shore DriveThe start of some nice trails on the north shore of Big Bear Lake.
This discovery center in Fawnskin is a good place to go on guided tours and small hikes, and learn more about the forest. Perfect for families with young kids.
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I-Center ye-Big Bear Discovery
This discovery center in Fawnskin is a good place to go on guided tours and small hikes, and learn more about the forest. Perfect for families with young kids.
Pineknot Trail 1E01
Mill Creek RoadNice, quiet hike with a good views of the lake.
Nice hiking trail with beautiful views of the lake. Relatively challenging hike.
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Castle Rock Trail 1W03
Big Bear BoulevardNice hiking trail with beautiful views of the lake. Relatively challenging hike.
I couldn't find the name of this park anywhere here on Airbnb, but there are some nice trails walking distance to the cabin, by the cross street of Rainbow Blvd & Deer Horn Dr. In the winter, if there is enough snow, you can even go sledding there. Always make sure you take all your trash out of the parks after your visit (that includes removing all pieces of broken sleds.)
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Pebble Plains
165 Dixie Lee LnI couldn't find the name of this park anywhere here on Airbnb, but there are some nice trails walking distance to the cabin, by the cross street of Rainbow Blvd & Deer Horn Dr. In the winter, if there is enough snow, you can even go sledding there. Always make sure you take all your trash out of the parks after your visit (that includes removing all pieces of broken sleds.)
Any rock climbers out there? The Holcomb Valley Pinnacles are located just north of Big Bear Lake, in the eastern end of the scenic Holcomb Valley. Finding this location is not easy: I got lost once on my way back and there is no cell service up there. If you want to go, you will have to do some research, bring all your gear and travel with other experienced rock climbers.
Holcomb Valley, Central Pinnacles
Any rock climbers out there? The Holcomb Valley Pinnacles are located just north of Big Bear Lake, in the eastern end of the scenic Holcomb Valley. Finding this location is not easy: I got lost once on my way back and there is no cell service up there. If you want to go, you will have to do some research, bring all your gear and travel with other experienced rock climbers.
Drinks & Nightlife
Located in Sugarloaf, relatively far from the touristy crowds, this local bar has a dive feel (in a good way.) The food is good too :)
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Kallans Bar And Grill
44761 Barton Ln NLocated in Sugarloaf, relatively far from the touristy crowds, this local bar has a dive feel (in a good way.) The food is good too :)
Great for food and drinks. They have a full bar (not just beer), and the food is good too.
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Big Bear Lake Brewing Company
40827 Stone RdGreat for food and drinks. They have a full bar (not just beer), and the food is good too.
In the heart of the Village, the Cave welcomes a variety of bands, and is especially popular for rock tribute bands. Check their schedule to see what tonight's entertainment will be.
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The Cave
40789 Village DrIn the heart of the Village, the Cave welcomes a variety of bands, and is especially popular for rock tribute bands. Check their schedule to see what tonight's entertainment will be.
With live music on Friday and Saturdays and line dancing (with free lessons!) on Wednesdays, this country dance hall just a few minutes away from the cabin has a great, laid-back southern vibe - along with food and drinks. Wyatt's is also home to the popular Big Bear Oktoberfest - Saturdays and Sundays mid September to the end of October.
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Wyatt's Grill and Saloon
42900 Big Bear BlvdWith live music on Friday and Saturdays and line dancing (with free lessons!) on Wednesdays, this country dance hall just a few minutes away from the cabin has a great, laid-back southern vibe - along with food and drinks. Wyatt's is also home to the popular Big Bear Oktoberfest - Saturdays and Sundays mid September to the end of October.
Restaurants and Coffee Shops
Probably my favorite restaurant in Big Bear, this popular sit-down Indian restaurant has truly delicious food, with lots of vegetarian options.
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Himalayan Restaurant
672 Pine Knot AveProbably my favorite restaurant in Big Bear, this popular sit-down Indian restaurant has truly delicious food, with lots of vegetarian options.
This popular breakfast/lunch restaurant has delicious (unhealthy) food, friendly service, and huge portions.
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Grizzly Manor Cafe
41268 Big Bear BlvdThis popular breakfast/lunch restaurant has delicious (unhealthy) food, friendly service, and huge portions.
This no frills breakfast/dinner restaurant has great burgers/sandwiches.
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Broadway Cafe
1117 W Big Bear BlvdThis no frills breakfast/dinner restaurant has great burgers/sandwiches.
A few steps away from the cabin is a little no-frills Mexican restaurant - serving burritos, quesadillas, tacos and soups. Eat there or pick up and eat at the cabin.
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Cocina De Mexico Restaurant
300 W Big Bear BlvdA few steps away from the cabin is a little no-frills Mexican restaurant - serving burritos, quesadillas, tacos and soups. Eat there or pick up and eat at the cabin.
Probably my favorite coffee shop in Big Bear, this cozy spot in a little log cabin in Moonridge serves a variety of tea and coffee, as well as breakfast sandwiches and small lunch items. Closes early FYI.
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Moonridge Coffee Company
42646 Moonridge RdProbably my favorite coffee shop in Big Bear, this cozy spot in a little log cabin in Moonridge serves a variety of tea and coffee, as well as breakfast sandwiches and small lunch items. Closes early FYI.
Just a block away from the cabin, this local's favorite restaurants serves nice breakfast, brunch, and lunch - and is occasionally open for dinner. The inside area has a nice diner feel, while sitting on the outside patio is also an option at lunch (if the weather permits it.)
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Thelma's Family Restaurant
337 W Big Bear BlvdJust a block away from the cabin, this local's favorite restaurants serves nice breakfast, brunch, and lunch - and is occasionally open for dinner. The inside area has a nice diner feel, while sitting on the outside patio is also an option at lunch (if the weather permits it.)
Open for lunch only, this sandwich/burger joint is only a few blocks away from the cabin.
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BJ's Restaurant and Sandwich Shop
110 E Big Bear BlvdOpen for lunch only, this sandwich/burger joint is only a few blocks away from the cabin.
On the pricier side, this restaurant in the Village serves American/California cuisine. It's a good place for couples or families.
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Oakside
40701 Village DrOn the pricier side, this restaurant in the Village serves American/California cuisine. It's a good place for couples or families.
If you like pizza and are not on a budget, this is the place for you. Nice atmosphere, but there are some pizza places a little closer to the cabin.
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Saucy Mama's Pizzeria
618 Pine Knot AveIf you like pizza and are not on a budget, this is the place for you. Nice atmosphere, but there are some pizza places a little closer to the cabin.
A Big Bear institution, this restaurant in Moonridge serves seafood, steak and American food. Dinner only.
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The Captain's Anchorage
42148 Moonridge WayA Big Bear institution, this restaurant in Moonridge serves seafood, steak and American food. Dinner only.
There are many Mexican restaurants in Big Bear and Hacienda Grill is a good choice if you want a sit down meal and a full bar. Relatively big place with happy hour options and a big salsa bar - in addition to the alcohol bar ;)
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Hacienda Grill
41787 Big Bear BlvdThere are many Mexican restaurants in Big Bear and Hacienda Grill is a good choice if you want a sit down meal and a full bar. Relatively big place with happy hour options and a big salsa bar - in addition to the alcohol bar ;)
This restaurant/bar has a nice outdoor area with live music in the summer. You can find a full bar and a very good menu with healthy options - though all on the pricier side.
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572 Social kitchen & lounge
572 Pine Knot AveThis restaurant/bar has a nice outdoor area with live music in the summer. You can find a full bar and a very good menu with healthy options - though all on the pricier side.
In the same shopping center as Vons, Petco and Starbucks, you can find this nice pizza restaurant - great for pickup or delivery. In winter when it's snowing, please be considerate of the delivery person (i.e. either don't order delivery at all or be extremely generous with the tip.)
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Maggio's Pizza
42160 Big Bear BlvdIn the same shopping center as Vons, Petco and Starbucks, you can find this nice pizza restaurant - great for pickup or delivery. In winter when it's snowing, please be considerate of the delivery person (i.e. either don't order delivery at all or be extremely generous with the tip.)
Located right in front of Vons, this large Starbucks is a good option if you are too lazy to go an independent coffee store and want to use the drive in ;) The drive in can get crowded on week-ends. Note there is also another Starbucks inside the Vons.
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Starbucks
42140 Big Bear BlvdLocated right in front of Vons, this large Starbucks is a good option if you are too lazy to go an independent coffee store and want to use the drive in ;) The drive in can get crowded on week-ends. Note there is also another Starbucks inside the Vons.
Always nice to support an independent coffee shop: Moonridge Coffee, Big Bear Coffee Roasting Company and Tea & Coffee Exchange are 3 of the options in Big Bear.
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Big Bear Coffee Roasting Company
41080 Big Bear BlvdAlways nice to support an independent coffee shop: Moonridge Coffee, Big Bear Coffee Roasting Company and Tea & Coffee Exchange are 3 of the options in Big Bear.
This adorable spot close to the cabin sells whole pies (sweet and savory), slices, and coffee drinks.
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Pickles Pie Shop
829 W Big Bear BlvdThis adorable spot close to the cabin sells whole pies (sweet and savory), slices, and coffee drinks.
If you like poke and Hawaiian food, you will love this little lunchtime restaurant, right in the Village (they changed locations a while back.) Friendly, enthusiastic service and great food have made this place a very popular one with tourists and locals.
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Big Bear Local
40616 Village DrIf you like poke and Hawaiian food, you will love this little lunchtime restaurant, right in the Village (they changed locations a while back.) Friendly, enthusiastic service and great food have made this place a very popular one with tourists and locals.