A person in a life jacket rides a red jet ski across a body of water, creating waves in the summer in Big Bear Lake, CA.

Big Bear Lake Summer Bucket List

Posted: 04/28/23

You’ll find activities fit for everyone in the family while making memories to last a lifetime. Try out our Big Bear Lake Summer Vacation Bucket List and start living it up this summer.

Big Bear Tours

Big Bear's touring experiences are offered year-round! Discover the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest from a whole new perspective when you tour with:

Big Bear Lake Boating & Watersporting!

There are so many ways to enjoy our beautiful lake. Rent a pontoon boat, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or jet ski from one of Big Bear’s six full-service marinas.

Looking for a bit of a challenge or thrill instead? Learn to wakeboard or ride an innertube when you book a session with:

Get Hooked on Fishing Charters

Big Bear Lake is home to six varieties of fish, the most popular being rainbow trout. If you’re already a skilled fisherman, rent a fishing boat from one of the marinas listed above and head out to claim your catch!

Need an introduction or just looking to learn the secrets of the trade? Book a fishing charter with an expert fisherman and spend the day reeling them in and enjoying your time aboard their top-of-the-line pontoons.

Indulge! We Won’t Judge

Satisfy your sweet tooth this summer, that balanced diet must surely include ice cream and cake every now and then. Big Bear boasts some pretty talented bakers and goody makers. Here we’ve listed our favorites that have been Visit Big Bear tested and approved!

Sister My Sister Bake Shop: Order custom cakes, cookies, cupcakes and more or stop in and drool over the sweets in the shop!
Bear Cupboards Market offers grab n' go options from healthy snacks to sweet treats!

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

This local amusement center has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Open year-round, the Alpine Slide taboggan hill lets riders experience bobsledding on two different tracks. The self-controlled sled lets riders cruise as slow or as fast as they like.

Alpine Slide also features the Mineshaft Coaster, an 18-hole mini golf course, a go-kart track, a Soaring Eagle zipline, an indoor arcade, and a water slide where guests can beat the heat.

Vroom, Vroom at Big Bear Speedway!

Be a race car driver for a day at Big Bear Speedway. This formula one style race arena features Sodi RT8 go-karts on a 1/5 mile track. Hairpin turns, colored and checkered race flags, and pro-style barriers create an authentic racing experience for drivers. A great activity for the whole family to enjoy!

Big Bear Speedway is also featuring a brand-new Ropes Course attraction! Take to the air as you self-navigate bridges and obstacles from 35 feet in the air. Climbers are strapped into a harness and can tackle 37 obstacles on two different levels.

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a unique animal sanctuary that aims to rehabilitate, care for, or provide a home to injured or sick mountain wildlife. Take the whole family to learn about Big Bear’s native species and how specialized veterinarians help sustain our precious wildlife.

Gold Rush Mining Adventures

Big Bear got its start in the gold rush days when the most ambitious of miners trekked into the Valley to strike it rich. Head out to Gold Rush Mining Adventures and discover your own “Eureka!” moment!

Hike

Big Bear offers everything in the way of hiking. If you’re looking for an easy stroll on paved turf, you’ll find it. If you’re seeking a technical challenge with rocky terrain and elevation gain, you’ll find that too; and of course everything in between. Stop into the Big Bear Visitors Center to pick up a map and ask our amazing staff about choosing a trail for your outing.

Bike

Most of Big Bear’s trails are welcome for hiking and biking. Explore one of the Valley’s many cross-country trails or head to Summit Bike Park and put your skills to the test on their downhill runs!

Tee Off at Bear Mountain Golf Course

Big Bear's gorgeous mountain golf course provides a scenic backdrop where you can enjoy a 9-hole round of golf April through November on a regulation course. Polish up your woods and sharpen your skills at the driving range; or sit back and relax with some grub in the Clubhouse!

Did we miss anything? Share your adventures of anything we missed and be sure to tag @VisitBigBear on Facebook and Instagram.

Sara Schacht is the Social Media & Website Content Coordinator for Visit Big Bear. Enjoying the great outdoors in Big Bear is a top priority for her in every season!