Big Bear Vacation Rentals & Ski-in/Ski-out Homes

Big Bear is in the San Bernardino Mountains of southern California, about an hour and a half from Los Angeles. Big Bear Lake is a lake, so technically the area is Big Bear Lake,but everyone just says Big Bearto refer to the entire area.

While Big Bear can serve as your home base when exploring Southern California, it has enough to keep you busy a long weekend or more.

Big Bear is open year-round. The summer months (June through August) are the most popular, but Big Bear Lake has plenty of tourist activities in all four seasons.

Winter travel can be particularly beautiful if you like snow sports and/or watching frosty scenery unfold outside your window while drinking hot cocoa by the fireplace. Just remember to pack your parka!

The California summer can be pretty toasty, but Big Bear is high enough that it stays a few degrees cooler than the lowland cities. You will still need sunscreen and plenty of water, though if you visit in the summer months.

The most relaxing thing to do in Big Bear is enjoy a day on the mountain. There is no shortage of hiking trails, or places to stop and take pictures. You can travel from one end of Big Bear Lake to the other, stopping off at different peaks along the way for spectacular views. The Big Bear Discovery Center offers maps and information for travel in the mountains, as well as educational exhibits.

The Big Bear Adventure Pass gives access to the following four attractions: Upland Tropical Gardens (a botanical garden), Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, Skyline Marina (boat rental and guided fishing trips) and Echo Mountain (hiking trails).