Memorial Day Weekend

One Day - Take A Hike

Big Bear's expansive trail network offers everything from paved walkways near the lake shore to challenging treks up steep, rocky terrain. There's never a bad time of year to explore these trails but from late April through May you can catch the wildflowers in bloom. One you won't want to miss are the Pebble Plains at the Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve.

Got kiddos in tow? Stop by the Visitor Center to pick up pamphlets to accompany the Woodland Interpretive Trail and Bluff Lake Reserve and enjoy a day of guided discovery.

Two Days - Meet the Wildlife

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a must see on your weekend getaway. This animal rehabilitation facility is not only a home for injured and imprinted wildlife but 90% of the animals brought in are successfully rehabilitated and released back into their natural environment. Visit BigBearAlpineZoo.org to learn more about their conservation and sustainability efforts.

Take an easy stroll along the Alpine Pedal Path or the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk and get to know the water fowl of Big Bear Lake. Keep your camera handy as you'll get numerous opportunities to capture a snapshot of the ducks, pelicans, great blue herons, coots, and other critters!

Three Days - Tour the Valley

Explore Big Bear's back country on a guided horseback ride with Baldwin Lake Stables. The ranch also features a petting zoo, perfect for animal loving kids!

Boat tours are an easy way to get on the lake, learn some Big Bear history, and take in the incredible scenery. Set sail with the Miss Liberty Paddlewheel, or the Big Bear Queen, the Cruzer, or enjoy some swashbuckling fun on the Big Bear Pirate Ship.

See the Valley from the sky! Helicopter Big Bear offers a unique perspective of Big Bear you'll never forget. Choose from a range of flight paths to see Big Bear's many landscapes and microclimates.

Day One - Get Acclimated

Take it slow on day one of your fitness adventure and get acclimated to the altitude. An easy hike along the Woodland Interpretive Trail takes you on 1.5 mile loop with a gentle ascent and decent. Pick up one of the accompanying brochures from the trailhead or from our Visitor Center. The Woodland Trail also offers easy access to the 3-mile Alpine Pedal Path across the highway from the parking lot.

Towne Trail runs between Knickerbocker Road and the Snow Summit Base Area. This easy walk is 1.25 miles one way and features level terrain. Your best bet is to park at either the Knickerbocker or Pennsylvania Public Lots in The Village and walk up Knickerbocker Road to the 2N08 Forest Road. Start up 2N08 and you'll find Towne Trail takes off the left. After the ski resorts close you may park in Snow Summit's main lot to access the trail on the right-hand side of the base area.

Both trails suitable for mountain biking.

Day Two - Challenge Yourself

Take it up a notch when you feel comfortable at a higher altitude. Some of Big Bear's best challenge hikes include Cougar Crest (4-5.5 mile out & back with rocky terrain and steep elevation gain. You can stop at the PCT junction or continue along the steep Bertha Peak climb), Skyline Trail (a 15-mile stretch through changing terrain and scenery. Access it from the top of Clubview Dr, Boulder Bay, Mill Creek Rd, or the top of Snow Summit), and Bobsled Trail (from the base of Snow Summit follow signs for this 2-mile trek up the slopes. Steep elevation gain.) See additional trails - please note which trails allow for mountain biking.

Looking to get some weight training in? Spend a morning or afternoon at The Fitness Source gym. Machines, free weights, and more make this facility a perfect stop to keep your fitness journey on track during your getaway. Day and week passes are available.

Day Three - On the Water Workouts

Switch up your workout and head to the lake! Kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and swimming are some of Big Bear's most popular recreation activities. See our Marinas for locations to rent kayaks and SUPs. Swimming is permitted, however you must remain within 50 feet of shore. Please note that lake water temps can still be very cold in the spring. Consider a wetsuit and a life vest if you choose to swim.

Day One - Wake Sports Adventure

Designated Wakesports offers an experience of a lifetime with everything you need to learn the basics of any wake sport. Even if you already familiar with the basics, Designated Wakesports is available for hire with a high speed sport boat, a driver, and all the equipment you'll need.

Day Two - Jet Around

Feel the wind in your hair as you zoom across the 7 miles of Big Bear Lake! Jet skis are available from nearly every marina; search marinas to start your adventure.

Day Three - Zip Through the Air

Venture inland and fly through the trees with incredible ease! Action Tours Zipline features 9 high speed lines through the forest for an adrenaline rush you'll never forget. You'll even take a ride on a Swiss army Pinzgauer to access the remote course. Action Tours also offers Segway tours year-round so be sure to visit their website.

Option One - Guided Jeep Tours

New to off-roading driving, or just new to the Big Bear area? Take a guided tour with Big Bear Off Road Experience and get to know the trails and the basics of mastering rock crawling and other challenging terrain.

Option Two - OHV Easy Routes

If you've got your own 4X4 vehicle but are looking to take it easy, check out the Gold Fever Holcomb Valley Trail. Pick up a Gold Fever Trail brochure at the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center, then head towards Polique Canyon Road off of North Shore Drive. The 11.4 mile journey will take you through 12 scenic stops of gold rush history and information at points of interest. This adventure will get you out of your vehicle for short hikes and give you great views of the valley and scenic vistas of Baldwin Lake. Road conditions vary depending on the weather. 4WD and/or high clearance vehicles are recommended. This is a great family activity and historical tour for the entire family.

Explore San Bernardino National Forest's OHV roads.

Option Three - Challenge Rides

The John Bull Trail offers a step up from the Gold Fever Trail and is really recommended only for experienced drivers. This 3-mile trail along Forest Road 3N10 is considered the most difficult in the Big Bear area so be prepared for steep climbs with boulders and numerous rock gardens. Short wheelbase vehicles will benefit in sections and high clearance and differential lockers are recommended.

The Gold Mountain Trail is another challenging 12.4 mile loop on 3N69 to Gold Mountain - an area revered by the native Serranos. This advanced road features difficult rock gardens and vehicles with a short wheelbase are recommended.

Always stay on the designated route as you will encounter some sensitive plant habitat and cultural sites along the way.

Big Bear Dining

Day One - Take Your Pick

Big Bear Lake spans the globe when it comes to cuisine. Find delicacies from Italy, Mexico, China, India, Japan, Germany and more. Raise a glass of locally brewed beer or wine, dine upscale at local fish and steak houses, or keep it casual of pizza parlors and pub houses.

Day Two - Worldly Entrees

Restauranteurs from around the world have found a welcome home here in Big Bear Lake. Take your taste buds on a journey with Chinese, Nepalese, Mexican, Thai and many other cultural cuisines!

See full list of Big Bear eateries.

Day Three (though why wait that long?) - Indulge!

Sip on some high altitude wine or order a flight of unique beers and ciders at Barrel 33. There's even a menu of delicious hors d'oeuvres to pair with your drinks!

No visit to Big Bear is complete without a stop into Sister My Sister Bake Shop for homemade cupcakes, Danishes, cookies, brownies and anything else your taste buds may be yearning for. Got a special event coming? Ask these talented cake decorators about special occasion cakes and more.

Bear Mountain Golfing Course

Perhaps a relaxing round of 9 is more your pace on a holiday weekend. Reserve your tee time and enjoy the great outdoors with some friends, or solo. Bear Mountain Golf Course also features a Clubhouse Grill where you can fuel up for your game or wind down with some drinks afterward. Be sure to pick up some souvenir apparel and equipment from the Pro Shop!

Snow Summit Scenic Sky Chair

Get panoramic views of Big Bear on the Scenic Sky Chair. Guests can ride to the top of the resort in the spring/summer/fall seasons and access hiking trails and the Skyline Taphouse for lunch and drinks.

Shop The Village

Big Bear offers a unique shopping experience for visitors with rustic decor, mountain inspired fashions, rural artworks, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Discover shopping opportunities in The Village and around the Valley and bring a little bit of Big Bear home with you.