Big Bear may be a SoCal destination, but if an image of a beach town flits through your head, think again. Picture Douglas firs instead of palms, an icy mountain lake instead of an ocean, and pack a snowsuit instead of a swimsuit because even if it’s below freezing, you’re going to want to go outside. Amber Woods wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I just love living in Big Bear,” Woods shares over the phone as she—what else?—takes a walk in the woods. “Compared to the other mountain areas, there’s so much more wilderness and trails and things to do.”
Woods spreads the joy of living in Big Bear by hosting several tours that aim to help people discover hidden pockets, secret trails, and lesser-known views. Some of her winter tours are so fun, they even turn into snowball fights.
“I have a snow play, and I have a snow hike,” Woods shares. “My snow play is my most sold-out experience of the year.” And if you’re wondering what “snow play” means, it’s exactly as the name implies. “I basically take people out into a beautiful area of the wilderness, and they can just play in the snow.”
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Woods’ tours capture the simple magic of Big Bear: It’s an escape into nature where you can breathe deeply and play like a kid again. “It’s so beautiful, and there’s just so much happiness here,” Woods says. “It’s the happiness of being outdoors and of having so many different trails and different places to go.”
In this edition of the WeekEnder, we’re taking you through some of the best outdoor experiences in Big Bear, along with a few places to stop and rest when you’re ready for a break.
Things to do
Ski, sled, hike, or gallop your way through this winter wonderland.
Big Bear Mountain Resort is home to Southern California’s only snowboarding half-pipes and the highest lift-served peak in SoCal. It also has 400 ski-able acres with over 58 runs spread across three mountains. And they’re geared toward different ability levels, all of which received massive upgrades for the 2023/24 season. If that’s not enough, there’s family friendly snow tubing and a snow-play area, plus mountain-top dining with views of the lake.
Let a local show you around by going on one of Amber Wood’s many hikes and experiences, which range from guided walks with sunset Champagne to off-road tours in a Jeep to family-friendly hikes where Woods helps kids identify animal tracks and local wildlife and even find owl pellets. Whichever you choose, Woods promises to take you to a quiet, hidden gem that even the locals might not know about.
Celebrating its 40th year, Magic Mountain offers guests the chance to race down a mountain in a tiny, wheeled sled on a quarter-mile of cement track. With side-by-side tracks, you can even race your family and friends. The Alpine Slide is the biggest draw at Magic Mountain, but there’s plenty more to do, from Go Karts to snowtubing.
Home to Big Bear’s shopping, dining, and nightlife scene, The Village is the place to grab souvenirs and enjoy a night out (it’s got bowling, an escape room, and some of the eateries highlighted below). For souvenirs, we recommend Brown Bear Gift Shop, a 100-year-old institution, or the Shirt Shanty, which specializes in Big Bear apparel.
Year round, the stable offers rides through the mountainside of Big Bear Valley’s east end. The trips range from one hour to a half day and can be tailored to your experience level. The vistas are outstanding—especially on the sunset ride.
Where to eat and drink
Fuel up for your next adventure.
Loved by locals and travelers alike, this laidback breakfast spot is light on frills but heavy on stickers (the diner is covered in them, thanks to its visitors). The menu is full of hearty diner classics in oversize portions, like eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns, biscuits and gravy, or Belgian waffles with whipped cream and strawberries. A perfect way to pregame before hitting the slopes.
This lowkey sandwich and bagel shop in The Village is the perfect spot for a quick bite on a busy day. The deli sandwiches are huge (seriously, you might want to share), the bagels are fresh, and the drink menu is extensive, from coffee to smoothies to cocktails, including seasonal winter drinks like rum and eggnog. Hot tip: the Club Sandwich is a fan favorite.
This chill rock-n-roll themed burger and beer joint has exposed brick walls, countertop seating, and live music. Along with salads and apps, the restaurant has a huge menu of specialty burgers, with some eclectic combos (honey chipotle grape jam and peanut butter, anyone?). Each burger is paired with an on-tap craft beer recommendation.
Situated in a quaint, half-timber building, this white tablecloth Italian American restaurant has dark wood accents and a dash of Bavarian charm. The menu is packed with pasta dishes and pizzas, plus fine-dining faves like Filet Mignon and Lobster Tails. Try the Maui Crab Cake crusted in macadamia nuts as an app—customers rave about it.
If a day outdoors makes you want to chill out with a beer, this craft brewery in The Village is the place to do it. The on-tap menu of house-made beers is packed with IPA, wheat, and blonde beers, while the draft menu is heavy on California crafts. There’s also cocktails and a full food menu with burgers, pizza, and even steak. If you like any of the beers on tap, grab a growler or 4-pack to go.
Places to stay
Charming mountain lodges and cozy cabins.
These stylish cabins are individually decorated and named after the owner and her husband’s grandparents, like Otto’s Chalet or Fran’s Flat. Save the massive Orville Lodge, cabins are 830 square feet with homey yet high-end retro decor—picture black-and-white tiled floors, foosball tables, retro wallpaper, richly painted walls, wood wainscoting, and other bespoke details. Each residence comes with a 50-inch flatscreen, gas fireplace, and kitchenette stocked with dishware. Plus, the cabins sit right on the edge of The Village.
This old-school inn gives you exactly what you need at a price that’s hard to beat. Standard rooms have dark wood furniture and cozy cabin accents like quilted bedspreads, plus fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and patios or balconies, some of which have excellent views over the lake. Larger rooms with kitchens are also available, including a cabin that sleeps eight. Situated right on the edge of The Village, it’s pretty accessible to Big Bear’s downtown attractions.
If you think log cabins are always tiny, think again, because this one is a massive 7,000 square feet. Despite its grand size, the B&B-style log mansion still has loads of rustic charm, with natural accents like log siding, rough hewn four-poster beds, and stone fireplaces. The manor’s seven cozy guest rooms all have fireplaces and some are outfitted with clawfoot or jacuzzi tubs. Common areas include a veranda, lounge areas with billiards and games, and a guest kitchen stocked with hot drinks and snacks like cookies and microwave popcorn.
The textbook example of rustic chic, this trio of cabins has been featured in Travel + Leisure thanks to their design-conscious, cozy minimalist decor. Each dog-friendly cabin has a full kitchen, memory foam mattresses, and stock of board games, plus there’s fire pits, fireplaces, and lots of exposed wood and golden accents. The largest cabin can house up to six guests. The property is well-located, too, with easy access to skiing and hiking.
This newly renovated hotel has a gently retro vibe with sleek button-tufted leather couches, mid-century modern coffee tables, and woven wall hangings. Family-style rooms can sleep up to five people, pets included. And remember to pack your snowsuit and your swimsuit, since this hotel has an indoor pool. Best of all, it’s located in the heart of downtown, an easy walk to several of the dining options highlighted above.
