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. We recommend you stay at least 6 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, Peppercorn Grille (553 Pine Knot Ave.) and Sweet Basil Bistro (40629 Big Bear Lake Blvd) are great picks.

When to visit Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
$285
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
$285
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 41 miles from Big Bear Lake. Los Angeles Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from Lufthansa, Air New Zealand, Air Canada 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.

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 Avis and Fat Uncle Car Rental, 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 41 miles from Big Bear Lake. Los Angeles Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from Lufthansa, Air New Zealand, Air Canada 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.

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 Avis and Fat Uncle Car Rental, among others, in Los Angeles.

Airports near Big Bear Lake

LAXLos Angeles
ONTOntario
SNASanta Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Airlines serving Big Bear Lake

KLM
Good (1,430 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,626 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,007 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,574 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,094 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,812 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,094 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,679 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,051 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,438 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,505 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,522 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,331 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (879 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (1,095 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,606 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,336 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,412 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,448 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,146 reviews)
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Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

Average rates range from around $428 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $590 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 (8.7, Excellent reviews)
$191+
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Chateau Big Bear Boutique Hotel, BW Signature Collection
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
$212+
View
Big Bear Frontier
3 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
$200+
View
Holiday Inn Resort The Lodge At Big Bear Lake By IHG
3 stars
Good (6.9, Good reviews)
$177+
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Motel 6 Big Bear
2 stars
Good (6.6, Good reviews)
$115+
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 $18.19 and $24.25.

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 $18.19 and $24.25.