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Big Bear Lake, CA

USA Today 10 Best

USA Today 10Best Award

Each year, Big Bear Lake hopes to grab a spot in the Top 10 for one of USA Today's voter categories. This year, we grabbed the top spots in 2 contests!

Why Vote Big Bear?

We invite everyone to vote Big Bear and celebrate the beauty we enjoy everyday in our alpine haven. USA Today's 10Best contests let you amplify your love for Big Bear, so join us as we go for the win!

In 2025, Big Bear was honored to be a Top 10 finalist in both the Best Lake category and Best Lake for Watersports category - and we placed in the top 3 for both!

Hooray!

Big Bear History at a Glance

  • 1884: The Rock Dam was constructed by Frank Elwood Brown
  • 1910: John Eastwood designed a new multi-arch wall to replace the Rock Dam
  • 1912: The New Dam - and current - was finished, doubling the size of the lake.
  • 1916: The Bear Valley Land & Water Co made the surface of the lake free for boating and fishing.

Read More History

Big Bear Gets Better & Better!

In 2023, Big Bear ranked #4 for Best Lake.

Then, in 2024 we had an unfortunate trend downward to #6 (frown face).

Now, for 2025 we've had a screamin' comeback to finish #1 for Best Lake and #3 for Best Lake for Water Sports!

Start Having Fun in Big Bear

Big Bear is a Top Destination!

Thank you everyone who voted to for Big Bear to take the top spot.

Check out the awards

Big Bear Lake's 2025 award from USA Today 10 Best, the award reads "Best Lake, 1st place Big Bear Lake"
Big Bear Lake's 2025 award from USA Today 10 Best, the award reads "Best Lake For Water Sports, 3rd place Big Bear Lake"

Get On the Lake!

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