Introduction
Where to eat
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.

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Where to Eat in Big Bear Lake

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Bone Yard Bar and Grill (560 Pine Knot Ave) and Peppercorn Grille (553 Pine Knot Ave.) are great picks.

When to visit Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
$280
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
$280
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 Fox and Economy Rent a Car, 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 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 Fox and Economy Rent a Car, 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 (7,216 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,374 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,151 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,661 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,957 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,907 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,842 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,865 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,465 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (814 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,288 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,604 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,424 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,743 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,099 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (349 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (10,431 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,223 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,316 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,922 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Big Bear Lake

Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

Average rates range from around $421 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $352 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 And 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 (8.6, Excellent reviews)
$214+
View
Vintage Lakeside Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
$150+
View
Big Bear Frontier
3 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
$157+
View
Holiday Inn Resort The Lodge At Big Bear Lake
3 stars
Good (7.2, Good reviews)
$209+
View
Motel 6 Big Bear
2 stars
Good (6.6, Good reviews)
$145+
View

Hiring a car in Big Bear Lake

Expect to pay $1.56 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 $18.64 and $24.85. The most frequently booked car type in Big Bear Lake is Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Full-size car hire (Chevrolet Traverse or similar) is, on average, 16% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

Expect to pay $1.56 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 $18.64 and $24.85. The most frequently booked car type in Big Bear Lake is Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Full-size car hire (Chevrolet Traverse or similar) is, on average, 16% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.

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.