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.

Activities & attractions in Big Bear Lake

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 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
$126
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
$126
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Big Bear Lake in July, when the average temperature is 64.4 °F, and the highest can go up to 80.6 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 19.4 °F, with an average temperature of 33.8 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in January, when precipitation is around 4.6″. In contrast, June is usually the driest month of the year in Big Bear Lake, with an average rainfall of 0.2″.

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 American Airlines, Air France, Aeromexico and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Big Bear Lake departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 15m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Big Bear Lake. The train journey from Big Bear Lake to Burbank takes 0h 29m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about $14 for a 0h 34m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Big Bear Lake is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 131 km from Big Bear Lake. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Sixt, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Big Bear Lake, including Bus, FlixBus and Greyhound. From San Fernando, the bus ride to Big Bear Lake takes 145 km and will cost you around $29. From San Diego, the ticket costs about $45 for a journey of 193 km.

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 American Airlines, Air France, Aeromexico and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Big Bear Lake departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 15m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Big Bear Lake. The train journey from Big Bear Lake to Burbank takes 0h 29m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about $14 for a 0h 34m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Big Bear Lake is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 131 km from Big Bear Lake. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Sixt, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Big Bear Lake, including Bus, FlixBus and Greyhound. From San Fernando, the bus ride to Big Bear Lake takes 145 km and will cost you around $29. From San Diego, the ticket costs about $45 for a journey of 193 km.

Airports near Big Bear Lake

Airlines serving Big Bear Lake

Lufthansa
Good (4,689 reviews)
KLM
Good (846 reviews)
SWISS
Good (954 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,604 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,264 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,587 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (489 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,598 reviews)
Air France
Good (980 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,106 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,433 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,971 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,967 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (227 reviews)
Finnair
Good (857 reviews)
LOT
Good (677 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (816 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (928 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,168 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (837 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

Average rates range from around $268 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $248 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Big Bear Lake

Most booked hotels in Big Bear Lake

Lagonita Lodge
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 760 reviews)
$128+
Gold Mountain Manor
4 stars
Excellent (9.7, 14 reviews)
$218+
Deep Creek
2 stars
Excellent (8.9, 29 reviews)
$97+
Robinhood Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 659 reviews)
$121+
Best Western Big Bear Chateau
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 835 reviews)
$113+
Sessions Retreat & Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 305 reviews)
$110+

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake costs $24 per day, on average.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 92% cheaper than airport locations in Big Bear Lake.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Big Bear Lake (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Big Bear Lake is Full-size (GMC Yukon or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Ford Focus or similar) are, on average, 47% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Big Bear Lake costs $24 per day, on average.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 92% cheaper than airport locations in Big Bear Lake.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Big Bear Lake (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Big Bear Lake is Full-size (GMC Yukon or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Ford Focus or similar) are, on average, 47% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.