Introduction
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, The Bone Yard Bar and Grill (560 Pine Knot Ave) and Peppercorn Grille (553 Pine Knot Ave.) are great picks.

When to visit Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake in September
Estimated hotel price
$162
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Bear Lake in September
Estimated hotel price
$162
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 only carrier operating train routes to Big Bear Lake.

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 Midway, 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 only carrier operating train routes to Big Bear Lake.

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 Midway, among others, in Los Angeles.

Airports near Big Bear Lake

LAXLos Angeles
ONTOntario
SNASanta Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Airlines serving Big Bear Lake

Lufthansa
Good (7,407 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,385 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,361 reviews)
Delta
Good (7,954 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,730 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,968 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,924 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,929 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,469 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,334 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,624 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (850 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,139 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,484 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,114 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,250 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (10,882 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,323 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (993 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (359 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Big Bear Lake

Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

Average rates range from around $223 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $212 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, 833 reviews)
$96+
View
Vintage Lakeside Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1099 reviews)
$89+
View
Chateau Big Bear Boutique Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1197 reviews)
$128+
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Gold Mountain Manor
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 15 reviews)
$186+
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Deep Creek
2 stars
Excellent (8, 104 reviews)
$101+
View
Big Bear Frontier
3 stars
Good (7.9, 1203 reviews)
$92+
View

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake costs $51 per day, on average, or $103 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, 9% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.56 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 $42.70 and $56.93. Full-size (Chevrolet Traverse or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Big Bear Lake, while also 24% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake costs $51 per day, on average, or $103 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, 9% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.56 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 $42.70 and $56.93. Full-size (Chevrolet Traverse or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Big Bear Lake, while also 24% cheaper than other types, on average.

Find car rentals in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Big Bear Lake city guide for the best Big Bear Lake travel tips. To help you organize your Big Bear Lake trip ideas, this Big Bear Lake visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.