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. Consider staying at least one whole day in Big Bear Lake to see all of its attractions.
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
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.
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 Air Canada, Delta, KLM 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
Amtrak is the most popular train carrier serving Big Bear Lake, followed by AccesRail. The train journey from Big Bear Lake to San Diego takes 2h 47m and costs around $59 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Palm Springs, expect to pay about $37 for a 3h 33m trip.
Car
Another option to get to Big Bear Lake is to pick up a car hire from Los Angeles, which is about 81 miles from Big Bear Lake. You’ll find branches of Thrifty and Dollar, among others, in Los Angeles.
Airlines serving Big Bear Lake
Where to stay in Big Bear Lake
Average rates range from around $407 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $425 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
Hiring a car in Big Bear Lake
Expect to pay $1.72 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 $20.53 and $27.37. The most frequently booked car type in Big Bear Lake is Standard (Class Standard SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact car hire (Ford Focus or similar) is, on average, 54% cheaper than other car hire types in the city.