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 66 km from Big Bear Lake. Los Angeles Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Delta, Air Tahiti Nui and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Big Bear Lake departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 14m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Big Bear Lake. The train journey from Big Bear Lake to San Diego takes 2h 56m and costs around $36 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Austin, expect to pay about $187 for a 36h 45m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Big Bear Lake is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 131 km 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 66 km from Big Bear Lake. Los Angeles Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, Delta, Air Tahiti Nui and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Big Bear Lake departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 14m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Big Bear Lake. The train journey from Big Bear Lake to San Diego takes 2h 56m and costs around $36 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Austin, expect to pay about $187 for a 36h 45m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Big Bear Lake is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 131 km 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 (1,419 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,579 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,002 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,534 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,045 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,789 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,035 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,031 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,664 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,423 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,493 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,464 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (874 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,309 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,584 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,064 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,334 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,329 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,137 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,407 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Big Bear Lake

Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

Average rates range from around $229 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $288 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

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Lagonita Lodge
0 stars
Excellent (9, 880 reviews)
$103+
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Vintage Lakeside Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 1124 reviews)
$102+
View
Chateau Big Bear Boutique Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1212 reviews)
$104+
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Deep Creek
2 stars
Excellent (8.3, 108 reviews)
$105+
View
Gold Mountain Manor
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 16 reviews)
$152+
View
Big Bear Frontier
3 stars
Good (7.9, 1199 reviews)
$96+
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