Big Bear Lake, a small city in San Bernardino County, is one of the prominent tourist destinations in Southern California. The city lies on the banks of its namesake Big Bear Lake, which is renowned for its gorgeous turquoise color and the backdrop of the picturesque San Bernardino Mountains. The town is also neighbored by a few charming, unincorporated settlements, including Fawnskin, Moonridge, Sugarloaf, and (to make things extra confusing) Big Bear City.
This corner of California is staggeringly beautiful, and if you’re dreaming of a European alpine vacation without having to deal with the hassle of passports or transatlantic flights, look no further! The Big Bear area has everything a travel enthusiast looks for.
From mouth-watering foods to appealing lake views to adventurous activities like hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and skiing, Big Bear Lake has it all. In fact, the area is ideal for mountain vacations and is home to several top ski resorts.
With all that in mind, it might be tough to figure out where to stay in Big Bear Lake, or if you’d rather eschew Big Bear Lake hotels in favor of a vacation rental in Fawnskin, or Sugarloaf. Whether you’re planning on budget accommodation, a cabin resort by the lake, or one of the more popular hotels in Big Bear town center, we can help you plan where to stay in Big Bear!
TL;DR
Best Places to Stay in the Big Bear Area
- Best Area for Younger Travelers: Big Bear Lake West
- Best Area for First-Time Travelers: Big Bear City
- Best Area for Kids: Big Bear Lake East
- Best Area for Nightlife: Big Bear Lake Central/The Village
- Best Area for Recreational Activities: Moonridge
- Best Area for Adventures: Fawnskin
- Best Area for Fun Activities: Big Bear Lake Central/The Village
- Best Area for Luxury Travelers: Sugarloaf
Areas and Neighborhoods to Stay in the Big Bear Area
1. Big Bear Lake West
Do you want to spend a few days near a gorgeous lake and beautiful mountains? Big Bear Lake West is an ideal location. Sometimes called the Boulder Bay Area, the west side of town starts from Fisher Cove and stretches up to Metcalf Bay.
Big Bear Lake West is a mostly residential area, but it’s got plenty to keep outdoorsy folks entertained. Since this area lies between the National Forest and the lake, it offers eye-catching lake views.
If you want to spend some quality time near the lake, visit this area of town. In addition, you can go to Boulder Bay Park to enjoy exquisite mountain views.
It is an ideal place to picnic with your friends or the fam. If you want to enjoy kayaking and paddle boarding, Pleasure Point Marina is an ideal location in the area.
Big Bear Lake West has several opportunities for hiking lovers. Some popular trails in the area include Champion Lodgepole Trail and Siberia Creek Trail.
Top things to do in Big Bear Lake West include:
- Boulder Bay Park
- Pleasure Point Marina
- Hiking Champion Lodgepole Trail and Siberia Creek Trail
- Fisher Cove
- Blanca’s Restaurant
- Garstin Island (aka Treasure Island)
- Dam Keepers House
Where to stay in Big Bear West
When it comes to staying, Big Bear Lake West gives you various options. It has a ton of lakefront properties covering different price ranges.
The area also has a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals. People who want to immerse themselves in nature can choose forest service cabins too. Some top accommodations in Big Bear Lake West include:
See Related: Where To Stay In Morro Bay, California: Best Areas
2. Big Bear Lake Central/The Village
Are you coming to Big Bear Lake for the first time? You can’t find a better area to stay in than in the center of Big Bear Lake. This area is home to much of the action in Big Bear Lake, especially access to the lake itself. This part of town has numerous boat marinas offering activities like sailing, boating, fishing, and boat tours.
Apart from that, this part of Big Bear Lake is home to several entertainment options, yummy restaurants, and even a performing arts center. The center of town is also home to attractions like Holloway’s Marina, Big Bear Marina, Ski Beach Park, and Veterans Park.
I’m also including the Village in this section. This cute little micro-district is in the heart of Big Bear Lake and is a great place to enjoy some retail therapy, fast or fine-dining, and some of the area’s nightlife.
The Village is home to several bars and nightclubs. If you want to enjoy the nightlife or feel like partying, it is the best place in the entire Big Bear Lake.
Big Bear Village is also an excellent place to relish local coffee, candy, and mouth-watering meals. The Village also hosts several holiday celebrations and annual events throughout the year.
This part of the Big Bear area is ideal for those who want to be just a short walk from the heart of the action, with easy access to everything, from food to lake access, to skiing, to nightlife, and everything else in between. In terms of Big Bear Lake accommodation, it’s also home to some of the area’s top resorts and rentals such as Robinhood Resort, Bear Creek Resort, and Pine Knot Guest Ranch.
Do note that if you want to stay in a tranquil area, avoid this part of town. You can encounter a lot of traffic, especially on weekends around The Village.
Top things to do in Big Bear Lake Central include:
- Head to the Big Bear Visitors Center for inspiration!
- Big Bear Performing Arts Center
- Big Bear Escape Room
- Holloway’s Marina
- Big Bear Lake Brewing Company
- The Village
- Big Bear Bowling Barn
- Pine Knot Trail
Where to stay in Big Bear Central/The Village
There are several well-established hotels, resorts, lodges, and cabins to stay at in this part of Big Bear Lake. Some top options in this neck of the woods include:
3. Big Bear Lake East/Fox Farm
If you want to enjoy the charm of a small town with kids or have easy access to some of the area’s best skiing opportunities, Big Bear Lake East is the place for you.
Big Bear Lake East is a residential area with good options for dining and shopping. It also has attractions like the nearby Snow Summit Resort, Eagle Point, Summit Estates, Winter Park, and Heavenly Valley. Besides, there are several beautiful places of worship you can see. Big Bear Community Hospital is also situated in the area.
From the views of Bear Mountain to the lake’s sparkling, deep blue water, Big Bear Lake East offers visitors a plethora of attractions. This plethora includes plenty of outdoor activities for kids.
You can take your little ones to the Big Bear Valley Historical Museum. The museum exhibits nine antique buildings representing the evolution of Big Bear town. In addition, you can sightsee Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve.
Big Bear Snow Play is another point of interest for kids in Big Bear Lake East. The resort offers a wide range of recreational activities, such as snow tubing, a zip line, a ropes course, and a speedway.
There’s the awesome Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain if you’re still seeking an adrenaline rush. Here you can enjoy epic mini-bobsled experiences, on the Alpine Slide, as well as go-karts, and a water slide.
The east side of town is also home to the Fox Farm Road neighborhood. This historic part of Big Bear Lake is an absolutely beautiful neighborhood to stroll, rich with small-town vibes. You can also find a number of high-end vacation rental, lodge, and cabin options here.
Top things to do in Big Bear Lake East include:
- Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve
- Big Bear Snow Play
- Ski Beach/Meadow Park
- Snow Summit Resort
- Eagle Point
- Get the Burger
- Big Bear Mountain Brewery
- Sizzlers
- Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Where to stay in Big Bear Lake East
Winter sports enthusiasts and families will get a lot out of the east side of Big Bear Lake. A wide range of accommodation options is available here, so you shouldn’t find too much trouble finding somewhere to rest for the night. Some top picks are:
See Related: Where to Stay in Death Valley: 5 Best Areas & Places
4. Moonridge
Moonridge is another one of the best places to stay in the Big Bear Lake area. Only 3 miles to the Southwest of Big Bear Lake, the unincorporated Big Bear neighborhood is well worth exploring, and another great spot if skiing, snowboarding, or other mountain and winter sports are on your itinerary.
Moonridge area consists of Upper Moonridge, Lower Moonridge, and High Timber Ranch. It makes a perfect getaway as the location is just a few minutes away from all the major attractions in Big Bear Lake. More importantly, though, it’s a great part of town if you yearn to enjoy the slopes and wilderness around Bear Mountain.
If you are someone who loves winter adventure, consider visiting Moonridge in the winter. Bear Mountain Ski Resort is one of the best and most popular ski resorts in the area, offering a wide range of snow-based activities.
Those who are traveling in the summer can explore nearby hiking trails, such as the Moonridge Truck Trail or Pebble Plain Trailhead. You can also embark on a Big Bear bike tour with a local guide to discover scenic views, charming mountain escapes, and the history of this community.
Other major attractions in the area include Bear Mountain Golf Course and Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Since Moonridge is set in such a tranquil setting, it is heaven for those who are looking for a quiet mountain retreat.
Top things to do in Moonridge include:
- Big Bear Alpine Zoo
- Bear Mountain Golf Course
- Moonridge Truck Trail
- Pebble Plain Trailhead
- Bear Mountain Golf Course
- Bear Mountain Ski Resort
Where to stay in Moonridge
Regardless of your plan for your time in Big Bear Lake, Moonridge is the abode of some of the best hotels, and rentals in Big Bear. Some of these top accommodations include:
5. Fawnskin
Bordering the northwestern shores of Big Bear Lake, on the opposite bank of the town of Big Bear Lake, Fawnskin is another tiny unincorporated town with oodles of character. This mountain resort community sits at a height of 6750 feet. It is rich with fascinating local history as well as plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures and excursions, whilst being committed to offering visitors a genuine small-town vibe.
Cut off from the hustle and bustle of city life (even the comparative bustle of Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City), this area is a suitable place for those looking for a quiet neighborhood to spend their vacation. Plus it’s breathtakingly beautiful.
In fact, I’d go so far as to say, that this near-total hidden gem boasts some of the best and most incredible views in all of Southern California. Featuring vistas of snow-capped mountains, the deep blue lake, and the surrounding forest, Fawnskin is home to postcard-perfect views, no matter which way you turn your head.
Fawnskin also offers several outdoorsy destinations to explore and enjoy, including Fawn Park and Captain John’s Fawn Harbor & Marina. Since Fawnskin is a little remote, it offers some of the area’s best hiking options where you’re unlikely to run into many other hikers outside of peak season. If you plan to hike around here, you’ll be close to Grays Peak Trailhead and the North Shore Biking and Walking Trail, as well as the Cougar Crest Trail, which leads to the famous Pacific Crest Trail.
Fawnskin is also an ideal place to stay in the Big Bear area if you plan on camping or bringing an RV. The Serrano Campground, Big Bear Shores RV Resort, and the Lighthouse Trailer Resort & Marina can be found between Juniper Point and Big Bear Solar Observatory. There are also several forest campgrounds north of Fawnskin if you’re looking for something a tad more wilderness-y.
Top things to do in Fawnskin include:
- Captain John’s Fawn Harbor & Marina
- Juniper Point
- Big Bear Solar Observatory
- Woodland Trail
- Pacific Crest Trail
- Duane Boyer West Public Launch Ramp
- Butler Peak
- Grays Peak
- Lucky Bear Fishing Charters
- North Shore Cafe
Where to stay in Fawnskin
While there aren’t any hotels in Fawnskin per se, the neighborhood is home to several rental houses, lodges, campsites, and cabins, meaning you can surely find a place in Fawnskin that matches your needs and budget. Let’s take a look at some best available options:
See Related: Where To Stay In Napa Valley: Best Areas & Places
6. Sugarloaf
Named after the nearby Sugarloaf Mountain, the neighborhood of Sugarloaf is an old yet classic unincorporated community to the south of Big Bear City and east of Moonridge. Tucked away in the mountains, stunning Sugarloaf offers privacy and seclusion, making it a perfect option for travelers looking for fun and peace.
It also favors the more self-sufficient tourist. Those who prefer to do their own cooking, or just can’t abide tourist traps can rent a cabin, or pitch a tent and stay away from the more crowded places of Big Bear Lake!
Once a popular ski destination, the area is now more residential featuring Kallans, a comfy neighborhood bar & grill, and several parks for kids and pets. However, while ostensibly lacking in things to do, it is still a perfect getaway for adventure lovers.
Sugarloaf offers plenty of things to do year-round, including skiing, hiking, and biking. The easy access to lakes, forests, and mountain makes this area an ideal pick for lovers of the great outdoors.
There are also a number of campsites in the Sugarloaf area if you plan to sleep under the stars. If you’re working to a budget, I’d highly recommend this, as some of the prices for rentals in Sugarloaf are pretty steep!
If you love enjoying mountain biking, backcountry hiking, or fishing, you must explore Sugarloaf at least once. If you are searching for that friendly, small-town vibe, Sugarloaf won’t disappoint you either. Though this area’s tourist amenities aren’t as well developed as other neighborhoods in the Big Bear area, it does include a laundromat and some stores for you to grab supplies.
Top things to do in Sugarloaf include:
- Sugarloaf National Recreation Trail
- Access to San Bernardino National Forest
- Erwin Lake Park
- The Arrastre Recreational Shooting Sites
- Deadmans Ridge
- Sugarloaf Park
- TAZ.guru
- Bark Park Dog Park
Where to stay in Sugarloaf
While there isn’t really anything to speak of in terms of hotels in Sugarloaf, this neighborhood offers a wide range of vacation rentals. Whether you’re looking for a spacious home for a large group or a place for just two, the area offers multiple options and guarantees a comfortable stay. Let’s take a peek:
7. Big Bear City
The people who call this part of California home must be pretty intuitive, because “Big Bear” could refer to the lake, the town of Big Bear Lake, or the city of Big Bear, which is also known as Big Bear City. See what I mean? It’s confusing to a humble outsider!
My pitiful intellect aside, Big Bear is still a great place to stay. Despite being older, more heavily populated, and somehow more deliberately designed compared to its sister town of Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City still has plenty of small-town vibes for a relaxing vacation.
Friendly, family-run stores and eateries make for a very welcoming stay in Big Bear, plus you can enjoy easy access to several hiking trails and landmarks like the Eye of God. This immense quartz dome megalith is a sacred shrine to the local Yuhaaviatam, a clan of Serrano Natives who have inhabited the Big Bear region for over 2,000 years.
There are other opportunities to learn more about the area here. Make sure to check out Blue Quartz Mine, as well as the Big Bear Valley Historical Museum to get boned up on local history.
Top things to do in Big Bear City include:
- Big Bear Retreat Center
- Gold Mountain
- Eye of God Hiking Trail
- Lumberjack Cafe
- Lippy’s Country Store
- Blue Quartz Mine
- Big Bear Valley Historical Museum
Where to Stay in Big Bear City
Whether you are traveling with your family or friends, Big Bear City offers a wide selection of vacation rentals for all types of tourists. It’s also home to the famous Gold Mountain Manor, one of the oldest Bed & Breakfasts in the area. On top of that, consider the following places for a comfortable stay in the area:
FAQs
Why is Big Bear Lake called “Big Bear” Lake?
The city got its name because of the number of grizzly bears that once roamed the region. Although grizzly bears have essentially been driven from the area, you can still find many black bears in the region.
What is Big Bear known for?
Sitting in the heart of Southern California, the Big Bear area is famous for its sublime landscapes. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities can be enjoyed here. Boasting unique neighborhoods and accommodations of all types, Big Bear is a perfect vacation place for couples, families, and friends.
Can I swim in Big Bear Lake?
Well, as per the Big Bear Municipal Water District, swimming is permitted in the lake in the summers, but at your own risk. Big Bear Lake is ideal for swimmers of all levels. Since there are no lifeguards, remember not to swim farther than 50 feet from the shore for your own safety.
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