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 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. The train journey from Big Bear Lake to San Diego takes 2h 47m and costs around $35 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Palm Springs, expect to pay about $22 for a 3h 33m trip.

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 Kyte and Fox, 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. The train journey from Big Bear Lake to San Diego takes 2h 47m and costs around $35 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Palm Springs, expect to pay about $22 for a 3h 33m trip.

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 Kyte and Fox, among others, in Los Angeles.

Airports near Big Bear Lake

Airlines serving Big Bear Lake

Lufthansa
Good (7,356 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,417 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,799 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,717 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,762 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (9,630 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (933 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,673 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,622 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,754 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,082 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (4,159 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (482 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (7,353 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,407 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,332 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,331 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,986 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,367 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,286 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

Average rates range from around $240 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $251 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, 794 reviews)
$120+
Gold Mountain Manor
4 stars
Excellent (9.7, 14 reviews)
$178+
Deep Creek
2 stars
Excellent (8.9, 35 reviews)
$108+
Robinhood Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 655 reviews)
$131+
Best Western Big Bear Chateau
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 828 reviews)
$130+
Cathy's Cottages
0 stars
Excellent (8.1, 184 reviews)
$68+

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake costs $31 per day, on average.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 65% cheaper than airport locations in Big Bear Lake.

Expect to pay $3.82 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 $45.88 and $61.17. The most frequently booked car type in Big Bear Lake is Full-size (GMC Yukon or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Hyundai Elantra or similar) are, on average, 48% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake costs $31 per day, on average.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 65% cheaper than airport locations in Big Bear Lake.

Expect to pay $3.82 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 $45.88 and $61.17. The most frequently booked car type in Big Bear Lake is Full-size (GMC Yukon or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Hyundai Elantra or similar) are, on average, 48% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.