Winter, made your way. Made in Big Bear.

Quiet, Active, Warm, Curious.

I’ve spent enough winters in Big Bear to know that people come here for all kinds of reasons. Some come with expectations of snow, some come without, and some come just hoping to slow down for a couple of days.

Here’s what I’ve noticed. Winter here doesn’t demand anything from you. It just shows up. You decide how you want to be in it.

Some days you want movement. Some days you want warmth. Some days you want both. The true shape of winter here is what you make of it.

These are a few ways people choose to spend time here in winter, without worrying about the weather, without checking snow reports, just showing up to notice what’s around them.

Winter with Family

If you’re here with family, the magic is often in the small, simple things.

The Bowling Barn feels like a warm place to gather. You walk in, the air smells like polish and old wood, and pretty soon everyone’s laughing at their own scores, forgetting the day outside altogether.

Walks through the Big Bear Alpine Zoo in winter feel softer. Quiet. You don’t rush from one enclosure to the next. You linger because there’s space to linger, and that’s a rare thing in life.

Gold rush mining is something kids sink into naturally. They crouch over pans and dirt and water, and for a minute it feels like the whole world is contained right there between their fingers.

And if there’s a stream nearby, it almost doesn’t matter where you walk. The sound of water over rock has a way of unhurriedly pulling your attention into the moment.

At night, sitting by the fire pits in the Village feels like something people wish for without saying it. Warm hands, quiet conversation, everyone just present.

Winter for Couples

For a couple, winter feels like it lives in the pauses between things.

A drink at a lakefront restaurant with soft winter light pulling into the windows feels slow in the most pleasing way. Food becomes conversation, and conversation becomes easy.

There’s something grounding about doing an activity like candle making. It doesn’t feel engineered. It feels like sitting across from someone you care about and doing something with your hands and your focus.

Time spent at a self-care location doesn’t have to be grand. Sometimes it’s just warm silence and a deep breath and a sense that you don’t need to fill all the space with plans.

And in the Village at night, you don’t set out to make memories. You just walk, and somehow the lights and the quiet air do the remembering for you.

Winter with Friends

With friends, winter in Big Bear doesn’t require a plan. It just requires showing up.

Someone might bring up trying out off-roading. Another might suggest a zipline and everyone pauses to see if that feels right today. Some want coffee first, some want to wander stores in town. No one gets upset if plans drift into other plans. That’s just how it usually happens here.

A round of axe throwing doesn’t feel like competition so much as a way to fill an hour with real laughs and maybe just a bit of friendly teasing.

And later, when the group comes together around a table or around a fire, there’s an easy warmth in that. Unforced, unplanned, unhurried.

Being Outside in Winter

There’s something honest about walking outside when the air is cold and the ground does not need snow to feel like winter.

Hiking becomes more about noticing than conquering. The breeze feels sharp in a way that gets you present rather than distracted. Paths feel quieter, and there’s room to wander without people stepping on the moments.

Horseback riding offers a rhythm that matches winter. It’s not fast. It’s not loud. It’s steady. That steady pace gives space for thought without demanding anything from it.

At places like Sky Island Sanctuary, winter feels broad and open. The air feels emptier in a good way, not hard or biting, but clear enough that your breathing feels a bit gentler by association.

You don’t need snow for that. You just need to notice the space around you.

Warm Places to Pause

There are moments in winter that feel made for slowing down.

Coffee shops in town become places where time doesn’t hurry you. You pull your coat off, settle into a chair, and for a while you’re warm inside and warm in mind too.

Self-care spots, whether they’re massage, meditation, classes, or just a warm corner, make winter feel less like a season and more like a pause button you get to press on purpose.

And when evening comes, lights come alive, fires get lit, and the Village takes on a sort of calm imperfection that feels just right for this time of year.

No rush to leave. No pressure to see everything all at once. Just a feeling of letting evening happen.

Letting Winter Take Shape

Winter in Big Bear does not ask you to tick boxes or try to experience it a certain way.

It is not about perfect snow or ideal conditions. It is about showing up and seeing what fits.

Some days you wander. Some days you stay cozy. Some days you move around. Some days you watch the world unfold gently outside a window.

You choose what feels right in the moment.

And sometimes that choice is nothing more than just being here.

Jump start your winter trip with this no snow itinerary:

DAY 1: ARRIVAL

Theme: Settle in, explore, and unwind

First Stop

• Big Bear Visitor Center
  • Before diving into your mountain getaway, start at the Big Bear Visitor Center. It’s the perfect introduction to the town—where you can learn about local history, seasonal activities, and hidden gems from friendly experts. Pick up Big Bear merchandise, maps, and helpful guides to plan your stay, and don’t forget to snap a free photo in the on-site photo booth to kick off your trip with a memory you can take home.

Morning

• Mystic Moto Ritual Provisions Candle Bar
  • There’s nothing quite like the warmth of crafting your own candle. Candle making is more than just an activity—it’s an experience that soothes the soul, sparks creativity, and leaves you with a one-of-a-kind scent to take home.

Lunch

• Lakefront Restaurant
  • Enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking Big Bear Lake—the perfect moment to truly soak in the scenery. Dine right at the water’s edge, where you can savor your meal while watching our beautiful local wildlife glide across the lake, creating a peaceful and unforgettable dining experience.

Afternoon

• Spa/Self Care
  • Relax and restore at Big Bear Lake spas, where mountain calm, fresh alpine air, and soothing treatments create a peaceful escape that renews body, mind, and spirit.

Late Afternoon

• Bowling Barn
  • Great for large groups and parties. With 16 bowling lanes (and bumpers for the littles) At night, the lights go down and the neon lights come on. The music turns up and the place becomes a party! With a snack bar full of goodies, an arcade, and sports bar for the grown-ups, this amusement center has something for everyone

Evening

• Dinner in the Village
  • From casual to upscale mountain dining. You will find different cuisines and styles of

DAY 2: ADVENTURE & NATURE IMMERSION

Theme: High-energy outdoor experiences

Early Morning

• Coffee Shop Stop
  • Specialty coffee house experiences, serving the community in the unique spirit of Big Bear. Quality espresso/coffee, pastries, and more. Each coffee shop will have their unique take on our town giving you a different experience each time

Morning

• Hiking
  • Whether you’re climbing toward sweeping lake views or wandering a shaded forest path, Big Bear’s trails remind you that growth happens one step at a time. Here, nature doesn’t rush—and neither do you. You leave the trail not just with stronger legs, but with a clearer mind, a full heart, and a re-newed sense of wonder.

Lunch

• Picnic or Casual Lunch
  • A picnic or casual lunch in Big Bear Lake is a simple pleasure made unforgettable by the setting. Spread out a blanket beneath the pines or settle at a lakeside table, where crisp mountain air and sparkling water set the scene. As you enjoy your meal, watch the sunlight dance across the lake and wildlife move quietly nearby, reminding you to savor the moment and memories being made.

Early Afternoon

• Off-Roading
  • An off-road adventure in Big Bear Lake is where freedom meets the wild. Rugged trails lead you beyond the pavement, through towering pines, rocky terrain, and wide-open mountain views that awaken your sense of adventure. Each turn brings a new challenge—and a reminder that the best moments often lie just off the beaten path. Here, it’s not just about the ride, but the thrill of exploring, pushing forward, and experiencing the mountains in their raw, untamed beauty.

Mid-Afternoon

• Yosemite Axe Throwing
  • An action-packed hour-long session will have you nailing those bullseyes in no time! Yosemite Axe Throwing offers drop-ins, party bookings, and league play. No experience necessary — just bring closed-toed shoes and an awesome attitude, and they show you the rest.

Late Afternoon

• Streams Exploration
  • Big Bear’s streams and waterfalls shimmer through pine forests, flowing over granite and mossy rocks. In spring, snow melt brings them to life, creating peaceful sounds, sparkling reflections, and quiet moments of natural beauty tucked along scenic trails.

Evening

• Fire Pits in the Village
  • Big Bear Village’s fire pits create cozy gathering spots, glowing warmly against cool mountain air. Surrounded by twinkling lights and laughter, they offer perfect places to relax, share stories, and enjoy evening warmth with friends and family under starry skies.

DAY 3: WILDLIFE, HISTORY & SLOW EXPLORING

Theme: Discovery + easy-going fun

Morning

• Alpine Zoo
  • The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a place of hope and healing, where injured, orphaned, and imprinted wild animals are given a second chance at life. Each habitat tells a story of resilience, compassion, and the enduring bond between nature and those who protect it.

Late Morning

• Horseback Riding
  • Baldwin Lake Horse Stables offers an unforgettable journey through Big Bear’s scenic beauty on horseback. Meandering trails wind through pine forests and open meadows, inviting riders of all levels to connect with nature, animals, and the peaceful rhythm of the mountains.

Early Afternoon

• Gold Rush Mining
  • Big Bear Lake’s Gold Rush Mining lets you step back in time and experience the thrill of striking it rich. Pan for gold along sparkling streams, uncover hidden treasures, and feel the excitement of adventure in the heart of the mountains.

Mid-Afternoon

• Ziplining
  • Action Zipline in Big Bear Lake offers an exhilarating adventure soaring above the treetops. Feel the rush of wind and the thrill off light as you glide through pine forests, taking in breathtaking mountain views from a whole new perspective.

Late Afternoon

• Discovery Center
  • Explore the Big Bear Discovery Center, where hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and local wildlife stories bring the mountains to life. Perfect for all ages, it turns a gloomy day into a journey of learning, wonder, and connection with nature. Enjoy the beautiful sunset views from their many trails nearby.