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
$174
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
$174
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, Delta, Southwest and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Big Bear Lake departs from Phoenix and takes around 1h 28m.

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 Economy Rent a Car, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Amtrak operates bus routes 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, Delta, Southwest and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Big Bear Lake departs from Phoenix and takes around 1h 28m.

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 Economy Rent a Car, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Amtrak operates bus routes to Big Bear Lake.

Airports near Big Bear Lake

LAXLos Angeles
ONTOntario
SNASanta Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Airlines serving Big Bear Lake

KLM
Good (1,448 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,758 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,711 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,132 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,209 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,864 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,101 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,231 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,729 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,531 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,495 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (896 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,676 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,676 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,178 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,380 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,357 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,155 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (381 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,829 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Big Bear Lake

Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

Average rates range from around $272 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $330 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, 937 reviews)
$95+
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Vintage Lakeside Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 1134 reviews)
$89+
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Chateau Big Bear Boutique Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1235 reviews)
$136+
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Big Bear Frontier
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1217 reviews)
$119+
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Deep Creek
2 stars
Excellent (8.4, 113 reviews)
$112+
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Gold Mountain Manor
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, 16 reviews)
$169+
View

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake costs $82 per day, on average, or $164 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, 47% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.14 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 $37.70 and $50.27. The most frequently booked car type in Big Bear Lake is Luxury (Mercedes-Benz C-Class or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Chevrolet Equinox or similar) are, on average, 3% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake costs $82 per day, on average, or $164 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, 47% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.14 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 $37.70 and $50.27. The most frequently booked car type in Big Bear Lake is Luxury (Mercedes-Benz C-Class or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Chevrolet Equinox or similar) are, on average, 3% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Find car rentals in Big Bear Lake