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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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
$169
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
$169
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 Delta, American Airlines, Southwest and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Big Bear Lake departs from San Francisco 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 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 41 miles from Big Bear Lake. Los Angeles Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from Delta, American Airlines, Southwest and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Big Bear Lake departs from San Francisco 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 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

Lufthansa
Good (8,174 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,552 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,147 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,464 reviews)
SWISS
Good (2,022 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,483 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,266 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,632 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (951 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,737 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,058 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,638 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,912 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,212 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,422 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,499 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,426 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (431 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,436 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,354 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Big Bear Lake

Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

Average rates range from around $222 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $326 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Knickerbocker Mansion Inn B&B and Fireside Lodge.

Where to stay in popular areas of Big Bear Lake

Most booked hotels in Big Bear Lake

See all
The Vintage Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 1164 reviews)
$89+
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Chateau Big Bear Boutique Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1273 reviews)
$130+
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Big Bear Frontier
0 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1235 reviews)
$103+
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Cathys Cottages
0 stars
Good (7.9, 406 reviews)
$69+
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Holiday Inn Resort The Lodge At Big Bear Lake By IHG
3 stars
Good (6.7, 1172 reviews)
$121+
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Motel 6 Big Bear Lake Ca
2 stars
Good (6.4, 1028 reviews)
$86+
View

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake costs $66 per day, on average, or $131 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, 31% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $4.35 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 $52.24 and $69.65.

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake costs $66 per day, on average, or $131 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, 31% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $4.35 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 $52.24 and $69.65.

Find car rentals in Big Bear Lake