If you’re craving fresh mountain air, slower mornings, and a break from the heat, a weekend in Big Bear is the perfect reset! Whether you’re traveling with kids or planning a couples getaway, Big Bear offers that rare mix of adventure and relaxation that makes you feel like you truly got away.
Big Bear Lake has been on my bucket list for years, but if I’m being honest, it’s not the easiest place to get to from Phoenix, which is probably why it took us so long to finally make it happen. But after one weekend there, I can confidently say… it was worth the wait! I’m already thinking about when we can go back.
Getting to Big Bear from Phoenix
For us, the easiest way to get to Big Bear was by driving from Phoenix. It’s a straightforward road trip and honestly felt simpler than coordinating flights, rental cars, and all the extra logistics, especially with a baby. If you’re coming from further away, you can fly into Los Angeles or San Diego and rent a car. But for our family, the drive just made more sense, and gave us flexibility once we arrived.
Where to Stay in Big Bear
We stayed at a friend’s house; however, Big Bear has so many rental options. In fact, one thing I noticed immediately is that Big Bear is full of the cutest cabins! Think cozy A-frames, wood-burning fireplaces, little decks for morning coffee… it’s the kind of place you book specifically to stay in. From modern A-frames to rustic lakefront cabins, there are so many options depending on your style. If you’re visiting in early spring (we went in March), there were plenty of vacancies. If you’re flexible, it’s actually a great time to go! It was less crowded, you can do things at a slower pace, and it’s still so beautiful outside.
Big Bear is truly a place where you want to unplug, set your phone on “Do Not Disturb”, step outside, and just be. Between the stargazing, quiet mornings, and fresh air, it’s the kind of reset you don’t realize you need.
Things to Do in Big Bear
Hike the Castle Rock Trail
If you do one hike while you’re in Big Bear, make it Castle Rock Trail. This was one of our favorite parts of the trip, not just because of the views (which are incredible), but because it felt doable without being overwhelming. It is a bit of a climb, but nothing too intense! Plus, once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the lake that make it all worth it. We brought Poppy along for this one, and she was able to safely stay secured in her baby carrier until the tip top.
If you’re an adventure seeker or someone who just wants more of a challenge, Pine Knot Trail is high on our list for next time! It’s about 7 miles and offers incredible panoramic views of the lake. We considered it but ultimately decided against hiking that far with Poppy since we weren’t familiar with the terrain. But next time? Christian and I are 100% doing it.
Spend a Slow Afternoon at Boulder Bay Park
Boulder Bay Park is arguably one of the more beautiful spots in Big Bear. We packed our paddleboards for this trip, but it was a bit too chilly to put it in the water. Still, we enjoyed the peaceful views from the coastline. No matter what time of year you visit, we heard it gets super windy at this park and almost always has a chill in the air. If you’re traveling with kids, this is an easy win. If you’re not, it’s still worth it! I’d pack a picnic and sit near the water for a few hours if I were you!
Ride the Mineshaft Coaster (Next Time for Us!)
I have to include this even though we didn’t actually ride it, but the Mineshaft Coaster looked so fun. It’s a mountain coaster that winds through the trees, and every time we passed it, we were like… should we figure out a way to make this happen!? But having a 9-month-old with you and no one to trade off with, it just wasn’t in the cards this trip. Next time? Absolutely. If you’re traveling without kids (or with extra hands), don’t skip this. I was so jealous of all the smiles on faces I saw coming down the mountain.
Exploring Big Bear Village
No trip to Big Bear is complete without spending time in The Village! It’s full of charming shops, local boutiques, and casual dining spots. We spent time popping in and out of stores, grabbing coffee, and just enjoying the slower pace of the day.
Eat Your Way Through Big Bear
We found some really good spots while we were there, and honestly, the food scene surprised me. One of our absolute favorites was Moonridge Coffee Company. Everything we ordered was so good, but what really stood out was their Random Acts of Kindness board, where you can pre-buy a drink or meal for someone who might need it. Such a simple idea, but it stuck with me!
For a sweet treat, Dank Donuts is a must. Their pineapple fritters and cinnamon rolls were HUGE. We settled for a normal sized cake donut, but I would absolutely visit again to try another flavor. And if you’re craving something fresh, Tropicali had some of the best poke bowls we’ve had in a long time. The vibe is super eclectic and fun, definitely not what you’d expect in a mountain town. We also loved Café Crêpe for a cozy breakfast and fun coffee drinks! The crepes are made to order so you may stand in line for awhile, but in my opinion it was worth it.
Visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
If you have time, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a great stop, especially for families. I used to intern at the Indianapolis Zoo years ago, so I try to visit as many accredited zoos as I can when I travel. While this was isn’t accredited, they do focus on rehabilitation and conservation, which makes it an educational experience. We drove past this zoo several times a day, but unfortunately, we just didn’t build out time in our itinerary to visit. We are adding this to our to do list for next time, especially when our daughter is a bit older to enjoy it.
Walk the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk
One of the quieter moments of the trip was walking through the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve. The boardwalk makes it really easy to explore, and it’s the perfect place to wind down at the end of the day. If you can time it for sunset, even better! We walked the entire boardwalk and then watched some teenage boys fish while the sun dipped behind the mountain. I always say Arizona has the prettiest sunsets, but this one specifically gave it a run for its money. The sunset we witnessed near this boardwalk was one of the prettiest ones I’ve seen in a long long time.
Why Big Bear Is Worth the Trip
Big Bear is one of those places that feels both accessible and completely removed from everyday life. It’s close enough for a weekend trip, but once you’re there, it feels like a true escape. Whether you’re hiking, exploring the village, or simply sitting outside your cabin under the stars, Big Bear invites you to slow down, which might just be the best part of all!
Want more travel itineraries? Head over to the Travel tab for more! And for more activities around Big Bear, you can visit Viator to see which tours are up your alley!
