Guidebook for Big Bear Lake
Food Scene
Great breakfast but go very early on weekends or you will have to wait in line.
516 locals recommend
Grizzly Manor Cafe
41268 Big Bear BlvdGreat breakfast but go very early on weekends or you will have to wait in line.
Hearty breakfasts. Not quite the local spot as Grizzly Manor, but friendly, good and easier to get into on the weekends.
47 locals recommend
The Grind & Grill Cafe
42011 Big Bear BoulevardHearty breakfasts. Not quite the local spot as Grizzly Manor, but friendly, good and easier to get into on the weekends.
Fun outdoor seating and often live music. Good beers and food.
421 locals recommend
572 Social kitchen & lounge
572 Pine Knot AveFun outdoor seating and often live music. Good beers and food.
The absolute best place for burgers. Skip the overpriced Whataburger and head for this place every time. Sit outside if its warm. Very inexpensive and tasty.
248 locals recommend
Broadway Cafe
1117 W Big Bear BlvdThe absolute best place for burgers. Skip the overpriced Whataburger and head for this place every time. Sit outside if its warm. Very inexpensive and tasty.
Our favorite restaurant. It half way round the lake, so if you feel like a tour, make this a stop. They serve sandwiches as well as more interesting plated meals. Great service and cozy atmosphere.
36 locals recommend
North Shore Cafe
39226 N Shore DrOur favorite restaurant. It half way round the lake, so if you feel like a tour, make this a stop. They serve sandwiches as well as more interesting plated meals. Great service and cozy atmosphere.
The Old German Deli
40645 Village DrGreat sandwiches and German sausages.
Entertainment & Activities
Big Bear's zoo allows close access to lots of animals. It's a fun half day adventure.
37 locals recommend
Alpine Zoo (Goldmine Dr & Lassen Rd) station
Big Bear's zoo allows close access to lots of animals. It's a fun half day adventure.
This is the largest ski slope. It's close to the cabin. We suggest dropping skiers off in front so they don't have to struggle with the busy lots.
906 locals recommend
Snow Summit
880 Summit BlvdThis is the largest ski slope. It's close to the cabin. We suggest dropping skiers off in front so they don't have to struggle with the busy lots.
This is the closest location for short term boat, jet ski, kayak and pontoon rentals. They are friendly. It's a little more expensive than Captain John's across the lake, but also more convenient.
82 locals recommend
Pine Knot Marina
439 Pine Knot AveThis is the closest location for short term boat, jet ski, kayak and pontoon rentals. They are friendly. It's a little more expensive than Captain John's across the lake, but also more convenient.
This is a much quainter location to rent pontoon and other boats. Expect a drive across the dry lake bed due to the low lake level. They will sometimes have live music near the shack where you rent. Very nice folks and slightly less expensive than Pine Knot and the other locations.
242 locals recommend
Captain John's Fawn Harbor & Marina
39369 N Shore DrThis is a much quainter location to rent pontoon and other boats. Expect a drive across the dry lake bed due to the low lake level. They will sometimes have live music near the shack where you rent. Very nice folks and slightly less expensive than Pine Knot and the other locations.
Here is a slide down a concrete shoot open when it's not snowy, and a snow park with tubing in winter months.
652 locals recommend
Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
800 Wildrose LnHere is a slide down a concrete shoot open when it's not snowy, and a snow park with tubing in winter months.
Sightseeing
The discovery center has guided nature tours. They sell adventure passes for parking in forest areas (although we usually leave one in the booklet for you to borrow). There are hiking trails all over and they will tell you where to find them. The rangers there also will tell you about wildlife and the natural history of Big Bear Lake.
488 locals recommend
Big Bear Discovery Center
The discovery center has guided nature tours. They sell adventure passes for parking in forest areas (although we usually leave one in the booklet for you to borrow). There are hiking trails all over and they will tell you where to find them. The rangers there also will tell you about wildlife and the natural history of Big Bear Lake.
Lovely trees and spring fed lake. Easy hike. May require 4wd to access trailhead.
Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail (1W11)
Champion Lodgepole Pine Trail (1W11)Lovely trees and spring fed lake. Easy hike. May require 4wd to access trailhead.