Introduction
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring 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. We recommend you stay at least 4 days in order to fully appreciate everything Big Bear Lake has to offer.

Article

When to visit Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
$247
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
$247
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Big Bear Lake in July, when the average temperature is 18 °C, and the highest can go up to 27 °C. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as -7 °C, with an average temperature of 1 °C. You’re likely to see more rain in January, when precipitation is around 118 mm. In contrast, June is usually the driest month of the year in Big Bear Lake, with an average rainfall of 4 mm.

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 66 km from Big Bear Lake. Los Angeles Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from Air Canada, Lufthansa, Air New Zealand and other airlines departing from New Zealand. The shortest flight to Big Bear Lake from New Zealand departs from Auckland and takes around 12h 05m.

Train

AccesRail is the only carrier operating train routes to Big Bear Lake.

Car

Another option to get to Big Bear Lake is to pick up a car hire from Los Angeles, which is about 131 km from Big Bear Lake. You’ll find branches of Alamo and Fox, 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 66 km from Big Bear Lake. Los Angeles Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from Air Canada, Lufthansa, Air New Zealand and other airlines departing from New Zealand. The shortest flight to Big Bear Lake from New Zealand departs from Auckland and takes around 12h 05m.

Train

AccesRail is the only carrier operating train routes to Big Bear Lake.

Car

Another option to get to Big Bear Lake is to pick up a car hire from Los Angeles, which is about 131 km from Big Bear Lake. You’ll find branches of Alamo and Fox, 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

Lufthansa
Good (7,044 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,334 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,836 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,588 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,935 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,790 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,698 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,446 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (780 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,696 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,215 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,563 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,243 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,349 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (346 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,069 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,275 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,967 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,851 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,203 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Big Bear Lake

Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

Average rates range from around $437 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $350 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Hillcrest Lodge and Ith Big Bear Lake Hostel & Retreat Center.

Where to stay in popular areas of Big Bear Lake

Most booked hotels in Big Bear Lake

See all
Chateau Big Bear Boutique Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
$213+
View
Robinhood Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
$214+
View
Holiday Inn Resort The Lodge At Big Bear Lake
3 stars
Good (7.3, Good reviews)
$182+
View
Motel 6 Big Bear
2 stars
Good (6.5, Good reviews)
$161+
View
Big Bear Lakefront Lodge
2 stars
Good (6.4, Good reviews)
$176+
View

Hiring a car in Big Bear Lake

Expect to pay $1.52 per litre in Big Bear Lake (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $18.15 and $24.20. Standard (Toyota Tacoma or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Big Bear Lake, while also 31% cheaper than other types, on average.

Expect to pay $1.52 per litre in Big Bear Lake (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $18.15 and $24.20. Standard (Toyota Tacoma or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Big Bear Lake, while also 31% cheaper than other types, on average.

Big Bear Lake Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Big Bear Lake city guide for the best Big Bear Lake travel tips. To help you organise your Big Bear Lake trip ideas, this Big Bear Lake visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.