Big Bear, CA for the laidback nature lovers
Where was I this 4th of July? Enjoying my EY Summer Break in this cute little ‘town’ , ironically called as the Big Bear Lake, in San Bernardino County, California. And here is a review of my visit for anyone who enjoys getaways as much as I do.
If you are someone who loves to drive through curvy roads and hairpin bends, you can enjoy this 2.5 hour drive from Los Angeles to Big Bear Village as you bask in the cool breeze blowing over your face on a summer weekend.
Duration: Our trip was a 4N-5D trip for we wanted to have a relaxing and lazy getaway — away from the hustle bustle of the city, work, and meetings. However, you can also choose to visit Big Bear on a 2-day trip if you are someone who enjoys high entropy trips or are short on leaves.
Stay: We chose to stay in an Airbnb on the Pine Knot Ave, which also happens to be the main street in the Big Bear ‘downtown’. It was studded with cafes, bars, restaurants, ice cream shops and souvenir shops on both sides of the road. A stroll along this road onto the adjacent streets in the evenings is quite refreshing and calming at the same time if you are someone who enjoys exploring places on foot.
Weather: On a summer day in early July, we enjoyed the cool breeze and lots of sunlight — the temperatures were around 77F(high) and 40F(low) and most accommodations henceforth don’t come with air conditioners.
Exploring and sightseeing:
- Trails/ Hikes: If you are someone who enjoys trekking through sun-n-shade paths with an accelerated heartbeat as you enjoy bird’s eye views, you have got a few options to choose from.
Pine Knot Trail ( ~7-mile trail roundtrip) is the trail we went on: The trailhead, located at Aspen Glen Picnic Area, is at a walking distance of 1.2 miles from the Big Bear Village. The view was honestly not as splendid as one might imagine it to be, but the journey was really enjoyable and was complimented by a very pleasant weather (even in the peak summer time).
We also wanted to go on another one of the famous trails called the Castle Rock Trail but were too tired this time around. But I definitely recommend checking that out as well, the google pictures make it look quite interesting.
There are quite a few trails one could choose from depending on the appetite for difficulty level and the list can be found here: Best 10 Trails and Hikes in Big Bear Lake | AllTrails.
2. Boulder Bay Park: Great spot with car parking on the Big Bear Lake loop. One can enjoy an afternoon picnic or bask in the sun as you stroll through a pretty view of the lake studded with boulders.
3. Big Bear Dam: Another place for a quick stop on the ~14 mile Big Bear Lake loop.
4. Big Bear Lake: One of the closest places to walk to for enjoying a sunset or sunrise by the lake from up-close is to walk straight along the Pine Knot Ave for about 500 ft.
There are a few other places to visit and activities to do in this hilly town depending on your interests: kayaking and paddle boating among other water activities in the summers, and skiing among other snow activities in the winters. You could also visit the Big Bear zoo if that sounds fascinating.
Note: It is a small town and most of the places are within a 15–20 minute walking distance so it is very easy to switch things up when planning an itinerary.
Places to eat:
Here is a list of all the places we grabbed a bite at.
We grabbed an ‘Austin’s Kickin’ Chicken’ pizza on the first night — IMO it was a 6/10 taste-wise but the place is a decent spot for an evening hangout and enjoy some music, drinks and food.
2. Teddy Bear Restaurant: TEDDY BEAR RESTAURANT — 1762 Photos & 2424 Reviews — American (Traditional) — 583 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA — Restaurant Reviews — Phone Number — Yelp
We went here for a heavy and filling breakfast right before our trek to the Pine Knot Trail. The Avocado and Bacon 3-Egg Omelet with a side of O’briens and the Spanish 3-Egg Omelet with hash browns were pretty good both in terms of the portion as well as taste.
3. Himalayan Restaurant: HIMALAYAN RESTAURANT — 890 Photos & 1793 Reviews — Indian — 672 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA — Restaurant Reviews — Phone Number — Menu — Yelp
One of the very few Indian/ Nepalese restaurants in the town to go to for any Indian food lover. However, the service was extremely slow and poor, and the food was pretty average taste-wise.
4. Masala Craft Indian Cuisine: MASALA CRAFT INDIAN CUISINE — 315 Photos & 584 Reviews — Indian — 40760 Village Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA — Restaurant Reviews — Phone Number — Yelp
The food was okayish but we really enjoyed biting into the veg and chicken momos.
5. Grizzly Manor Cafe: GRIZZLY MANOR CAFE — 2161 Photos & 2491 Reviews — Breakfast & Brunch — 41268 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA — Restaurant Reviews — Phone Number — Yelp
If you’re someone who enjoys good pancakes, this place has got you covered. The cafe feels like Big Bear’s version of Luke’s Diner from Gilmore Girls. As you wait for the food to arrive, you’d probably find yourself reading through travels notes on the walls and ceilings of this quaint cafe.
6. The Copper Q: THE COPPER Q — 615 Photos & 688 Reviews — Bakeries — 645 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA — Phone Number — Yelp
This is for sure Big Bear’s version of a well-decorated Starbucks for anyone who likes to grab coffee and some quick bites for snacks. The service here is relatively slow but if you’ve got time on your hands, definitely stop by.
7. Santana & Mavericks Unique Crafted Food: SANTANA & MAVERICKS UNIQUE CRAFTED FOODS — 460 Photos & 550 Reviews — French — 40771 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA — Restaurant Reviews — Phone Number — Yelp
A great place to enjoy a Big Bear sunset view along with some food and drinks. I’d rate their Alfredo pasta a good 7.5/10.
8. Big Bear Lake Brewing Company: BIG BEAR LAKE BREWING COMPANY — 1407 Photos & 1921 Reviews — Breweries — 40827 Stone Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA — Restaurant Reviews — Phone Number — Menu — Yelp
I honestly cannot comment on the food here since we mostly went to sip on some beer with a nice with of the mountains and the lake, but it definitely is a good place to unwind and relax.
9. Amangela’s Sandwich & Bagel House: AMANGELA’S SANDWICH & BAGEL HOUSE — 494 Photos & 689 Reviews — Bagels — 40729 Village Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA — Restaurant Reviews — Phone Number — Menu — Yelp
This was last on our list but had one of the best bagels — especially enjoyed the flavorful and refreshing ‘Angela’s Special’ bagel. The menu also had a lot of interesting picks — a great spot for breakfast IMO.
All in all, I’d say Big Bear Lake makes for a wonderful weekend destination if you love mountainous roads, crave for relaxing getaways, evening strolls, sunsets by the lake and hikes, and enjoy a small town vibe.
Hope this comes in handy for your visit to Big Bear Lake :)
