Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Big Bear Lake travel guide

Big Bear Lake Tourism | Big Bear Lake Guide

You're Going to Love Big Bear Lake

With a population of 5,019, Big Bear Lake is a must-see destination in California, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Big Bear Lake deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

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Activities & attractions in Big Bear Lake

Guided Jeep Tours Guided Can-Am Tours
Tours•Jeep Tour

Where to Eat in Big Bear Lake

If you’re looking for affordable options, Peppercorn Grille (553 Pine Knot Ave.) and Sweet Basil Bistro (40629 Big Bear Lake Blvd) are great picks.

When to visit Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
$166
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
$166
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Big Bear Lake in July, when the average temperature is 64.4 °F, and the highest can go up to 80.6 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 19.4 °F, with an average temperature of 33.8 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in January, when precipitation is around 4.6″. In contrast, June is usually the driest month of the year in Big Bear Lake, with an average rainfall of 0.2″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Big Bear Lake

Plane

Although Big Bear Lake doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Ontario Airport (ONT), which is located 41 miles from Big Bear Lake. Los Angeles Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Air France, Aeromexico and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Big Bear Lake departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 13m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Big Bear Lake, followed by AccesRail.

Car

Another option to get to Big Bear Lake is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 81 miles from Big Bear Lake. You’ll find branches of Ace and Priceless, among others, in Los Angeles.

Plane

Although Big Bear Lake doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Ontario Airport (ONT), which is located 41 miles from Big Bear Lake. Los Angeles Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Air France, Aeromexico and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Big Bear Lake departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 13m.

Train

Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Big Bear Lake, followed by AccesRail.

Car

Another option to get to Big Bear Lake is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 81 miles from Big Bear Lake. You’ll find branches of Ace and Priceless, among others, in Los Angeles.

Airports near Big Bear Lake

LAXLos Angeles
ONTOntario
SNASanta Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Airlines serving Big Bear Lake

KLM
Good (1,405 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,558 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,001 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,500 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,032 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,779 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,007 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,007 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,402 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,661 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,484 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (865 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,416 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,285 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,564 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,247 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,055 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,133 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,335 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,393 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Big Bear Lake

Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

Average rates range from around $204 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $243 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Fireside Lodge and Motel 6 Big Bear.

Where to stay in popular areas of Big Bear Lake

Most booked hotels in Big Bear Lake

See all
Lagonita Lodge
0 stars
Excellent (9, 868 reviews)
$103+
View
Vintage Lakeside Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 1111 reviews)
$89+
View
Chateau Big Bear Boutique Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1206 reviews)
$113+
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Gold Mountain Manor
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 15 reviews)
$154+
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Deep Creek
2 stars
Excellent (8.1, 106 reviews)
$103+
View
Big Bear Frontier
3 stars
Good (7.9, 1199 reviews)
$105+
View

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake costs $64 per day, on average, or $127 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 17% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.41 per gallon in Big Bear Lake (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $40.88 and $54.51.

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake costs $64 per day, on average, or $127 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 17% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.41 per gallon in Big Bear Lake (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $40.88 and $54.51.

Find car rentals in Big Bear Lake