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. Consider staying at least one whole day in Big Bear Lake to see all of its attractions.

Activities & attractions in Big Bear Lake

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 April
Estimated hotel price
$126
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
$126
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, 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 12m.

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 131 km from Big Bear Lake. You’ll find branches of Fox and Hertz, 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, 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 12m.

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 131 km from Big Bear Lake. You’ll find branches of Fox and Hertz, among others, in Los Angeles.

Airports near Big Bear Lake

Airlines serving Big Bear Lake

Lufthansa
Good (7,118 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,344 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,657 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,829 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,614 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,920 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,114 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,440 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,804 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,515 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,659 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (800 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,325 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,289 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,524 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (358 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,223 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (854 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,339 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,143 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

Average rates range from around $281 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $283 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Big Bear Lake

Most booked hotels in Big Bear Lake

Lagonita Lodge
0 stars
Excellent (8.8, 668 reviews)
$120+
Robinhood Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 969 reviews)
$132+
Deep Creek
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 71 reviews)
$115+
Chateau Big Bear Boutique Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1102 reviews)
$147+
Gold Mountain Manor
4 stars
Excellent (9.6, 7 reviews)
$192+
Cathy's Cottages
0 stars
Excellent (8, 398 reviews)
$74+

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake costs $64 per day, on average.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 30% 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. The most frequently booked car type in Big Bear Lake is Standard (Class Standard SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Nissan Versa or similar) are, on average, 58% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake costs $64 per day, on average.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 30% 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. The most frequently booked car type in Big Bear Lake is Standard (Class Standard SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Nissan Versa or similar) are, on average, 58% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

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.