What to Do In Big Bear!
Big Bear valley is a four-season resort, and a beautiful place to live all year round. There are three major highways to enter the valley, as well as, an airport.
However, for this journey, we will begin on highway 18, which begins in San Bernardino, California.
The 45-minute drive up the mountain is in itself, a scenic wonder. However when you cross over the dam on our new bridge you will enter an area we call Boulder Bay filled with old and new cabins as well as permanent homes.
You won't have to keep a sharp eye out for a brand new park on the lake, on your left, because it also provides ample parking, a dock - that is often occupied by anglers- and a small swim beach.
If you look just ahead on your left, you will see the sign for Boulder Creek Condos and if you were smart, you would have made advance reservations especially for a unit with a lake view!
Another mile on your left and you will see a sign for Holloways Marina, which has, as much to do about boat rentals, as guided fishing tours, The Pirates Ship lake tours as well as full and part time Motor Home rentals. Oh and did I mention the latest in Cable Wake Boarding?
Another quarter mile on your right up Hwy 18, you will find a locals' favorite, called Azteca Grill with authentic Mexican dishes to die for at very reasonable prices including beer and wine. Say hello to your hosts Arturo and Rosa for us!
And. would you believe just another quarter mile up the road on your right you will find a long time outdoor fun park called Alpine Slide. With Go Carts, Miniature Golf and Bobsled it operates 12 months of the year and provides fun for kids of all ages.
Another quarter mile and you have to make a decision. Do you wish to go straight ahead, enter the village with dozens of shops, and visit one of Big Bears most famous photo artist, Tim Wolcott at his world famous Gallery Of The American Landscapes? Or turn left, follow the curve and just on your right you will discover the Bowing Barn - with tons of things to do - including a bar with a dance floor.
And believe it or not, just a few feet more and the next barn-red building is Big Bear's newest entertainment center, the Big Bear Fun Plex with its own Lazer-Tag court, Alpine Roller Coaster and, bumper cars, pool tables, arcade games and did we mention the pizza restaurant inside?
If you have decided by now that you might want a place of your own in our fair valley, just drive another half mile and keep a sharp eye out on the left for Exit Realty. Stop in, say hello to Dan and his very knowledgeable real estate agents, and see what may be available just for you.
By the way, just few blocks more on your right and you will the office for Action Zip Line, which is a 3-hour excursion high up in the forest with nine zip lines that are sure to open your eyes and give your heart a thrill. Don't miss this "once in a lifetime opportunity"
Now, just for a minute, let me introduce you to our beautiful forest with over 450 miles of off-road vehicle paths, as well as, an untold number of miles of bike paths. While we're on the subject of bike paths, just a quarter of a mile on your right, you will find the Summit Blvd. entrance to that well- known premier ski slope. On the corner - with a huge parking lot - is another premier business called Chains Required that not only rents bikes in the summer but skis in the winter. What an ideal location.
By now, you know that Big Bear is all about fresh air and recreation with super relaxation. For those who don't want to get up in the morning looking for a restaurant - or cooking for that matter - let us tell you about a bed 'n breakfast facility with accommodations and food that will knock your socks off! It is called Apples and yep you guessed - it's just another quarter mile on your right to Moonridge Road and a quarter mile up the road toward Bear Mountain ski resort. On your left is Apples Bed 'N Breakfast!
When you are well rested from recreating and shopping, etc. let us introduce you to just two more places you will want to know about. Go back down Moonridge road, turn right and drive past the Stater Brothers shopping center where about a mile down the road you will find a fun place on your right, called Big Bear Snow Play. Of course, it's open only in the winter, but on a very gentle hill that's just right for small children as well as the adults you might have with you.
Then, right across the highway is a giant of a building called The Big Bear Lake Convention Center. This building happens to house the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the state of California, as well as, a dozen major events throughout the year. The center holds up to 1500 people. For you corporate types that are looking for a location that provides a change in atmosphere with a ton of old-world hospitality, the Big Bear Lake Convention Center is worth a look-see.
The Big Bear Valley Historical Societies building and exhibit is just a couple more miles out to the east of here housing more mining information and such including the original settlers, the Serrano Indians.
Now for those of you who insisted in driving up the mountain from Redlands or flew in from the Ontario Airport (20 minutes) or LAX (35 minutes) just reverse all of the directions in this letter and all of the rest of our recommendations will still be available to you. Thanks for visiting and welcome to Big Bear.
Now, a third way up or down the mountain - Hwy 18 from Las Vegas/Barstow and a left turn at Greenway brings you to a stop light. Turn right and in about a mile you will come to the Airport and another mile, you will you will find the Convention Center. Just across the street will find the snow play area. See, it's just that easy.
Big Bear Valley also includes historic Fawnskin on the north shore of the lake, just a few minutes' drive from here and on your way there you will pass the Discovery Center provided by the San Bernardino National Forest Association and plan spending some time, for sure!
Just in case you need some more information, just cruise this directory. We'll keep a light on in the window for you!
Thanks for visiting and a big welcome to Big Bear!
