Winter may be coming to an end but the fun is just getting started in Big Bear. If you’re looking for a destination not too far from Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego, add Big Bear to your list! Find the perfect getaway for you and your family and dive into endless fun, whether it’s an outdoor adventure or a cozy day indoors. Turn a simple weekend trip into unforgettable memories!
Cabins, Lodges and Cozy Stays
If you’re planning a trip to Big Bear, we highly recommend booking through Big Bear Luxury Vacations! They not only make finding the perfect place to stay stress-free but also offer great discounts. Whether your family is looking to ski, snowboard, hike, or go on an off-roading tour, Big Bear Luxury Vacations makes finding a place to stay seamless.
Finding the perfect getaway for your family has never been easier! Simply enter the number of family members, and a list of great options pops up instantly. You can even customize your stay by selecting features like a fireplace, hot tub, or pet-friendly accommodations. The rentals are perfectly located near all the activities. If you want a stress-free booking experience, Big Bear Luxury Vacations is the way to go! Our family enjoyed Luxury Lodge where our families could play pool, Pacman and video games. The kids also enjoyed building a snow fort and having a snowball fight. The place was spacious enough to have other friends that were up for the week over to enjoy the game area and catch up.
Taking Good Times to New Heights!
Whether your family is looking for a day of tubing or a break from skiing/boarding, one of our must-try adventures is the Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. We had an absolute blast tubing down the mountain multiple times. We enjoyed racing each other, building chains and spinning solo. The moment we entered the park, we were in awe of the bobsled experience up close. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or taking in the gorgeous views, the Alpine Slide is an absolute must-do. No matter the season, the chairlift ride to the top is stunning, setting the stage for our adventure. We hopped onto our individually controlled sleds which are perfect for solo riders or parents with kids. Each is equipped with Teflon runners and ball-bearing wheels for a super smooth ride. With two quarter-mile cement tracks filled with high-banked turns and exciting straightaways, every trip down was exciting!
Craving more excitement? Try the Mineshaft Coaster, a thrilling addition that opened in 2020. As California’s only mountain coaster, it’s a one-of-a-kind ride that takes you through dips, turns, and bridges weaving through the mountain and the snow banks. Whether you ride solo or with your child, it’s an adventure you won’t forget! Prefer a more relaxed experience? The Soaring Eagle Ride offers breathtaking views as you glide down the mountain. This double-seated ride is perfect for parents and kids looking to take in the beauty of Big Bear from above.
Rough Roads, Epic Rides!
We had an absolute blast trying out new adventures, and one of the highlights was the Big Bear Off-Road Experience! We got behind the wheel of a Jeep and explored the stunning mountainside. With a variety of trails to choose from, a tour guide was there to ensure a fun and safe journey for the whole family. We scaled rocks, squeezed between crevices, drove the Jeep through mud puddles, all while having a great time together as a family. This is a great way to not only experience Big Bear, but build memories together as a family and learn more about the area. Our guide, Tyler, was very knowledgeable about the history and nature of the area. We enjoyed exploring gold mining caves, hearing about wildlife and even smelling and tasting some of the plants. The kids kept commenting that they felt like they were part of the Monster Truck rally they so enjoy watching. Spots fill up fast, so be sure to book early!
Snowy Fun & High-Flying Adventures
When the snow falls, it’s tubing time! Our kids couldn’t get enough of sliding down the mountain, making for some incredible family memories. Even if it’s warming up where you are, Big Bear still offers chilly fun with man-made snow, keeping the winter vibe alive. We highly recommend the Big Bear Snow Play and Ropes Course whether the snow is man-made or fresh, it’s a blast for everyone! Offering a new twist on the classic tubing experience, the park lights up with neon lights after dark, creating a new frosty adventure. And if snow isn’t in the forecast, don’t worry, their ropes course has over 30 obstacles to challenge and entertain all ages.
Great Eats & Good Times
After all the adventure, finding a good meal is a must! One of our favorite stops is Wyatt’s Saloon, where we got to honky-tonk on the dance floor while waiting for our food. Our moves might not have been perfect, but the fun and laughter made it all worth it! This is a family friendly restaurant where you will find toddlers and seasoned dancers showing off their best moves on the dance floor. We stopped by on a Wednesday and were able to enjoy some dance lessons. The more experienced dancers were a joy to watch, adding to the lively atmosphere. Our favorite dishes at Wyatt’s are the burgers, tri tip plate with macaroni and dill pickle chips. The restaurant is bistro style so this is a great option to meet up with other friends/family, where everyone can order their favorites and share a table.
On nights when we wanted a more relaxed vibe, we headed to Nottingham’s, where we enjoyed live music and a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. It was the perfect place to unwind and soak in the Big Bear charm. This is a great spot if you want to explore Big Bear Village before or after. Another great casual option is Maggio’s pizza.
No matter your adventure style: thrill-seeker or laid-back explorer, Big Bear has something for everyone!
10 Snow Must Haves:
- Snow Sled
- Snow Bibs
- Thermal Socks
- Insulated Long Sleeve
- Beanie
- Snow Boots
- Winter Gloves
- Snowball Maker
- Snow Jacket
- Hand Warmers
