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
$278
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
$278
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

Amtrak 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 Dollar and Ace, 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

Amtrak 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 Dollar and Ace, 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 (7,409 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,385 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,361 reviews)
Delta
Good (7,956 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,730 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,968 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,928 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,931 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,468 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,334 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,624 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (850 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,139 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,484 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,114 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,250 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (10,882 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,323 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (993 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (359 reviews)
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Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

Average rates range from around $377 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $355 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Ith Big Bear Lake Hostel & Lodge and Fireside Lodge.

Where to stay in popular areas of Big Bear Lake

Most booked hotels in Big Bear Lake

See all
Vintage Lakeside Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
$149+
View
Chateau Big Bear Boutique Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
$215+
View
Big Bear Frontier
3 stars
Good (7.9, Good reviews)
$154+
View
Holiday Inn Resort The Lodge At Big Bear Lake By IHG
3 stars
Good (6.9, Good reviews)
$178+
View
Motel 6 Big Bear
2 stars
Good (6.6, Good reviews)
$144+
View

Hiring a car in Big Bear Lake

Expect to pay $1.57 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 $18.73 and $24.97. Full-size (Chevrolet Traverse or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Big Bear Lake, while also 24% cheaper than other types, on average.

Expect to pay $1.57 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 $18.73 and $24.97. Full-size (Chevrolet Traverse or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Big Bear Lake, while also 24% 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.