Big Bear Lake Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in San Bernardino County, California, United States
About Big Bear Lake
Parking within city limits does not require a permit. Parking in the forest areas surrounding the city requires the purchase of an Adventure Pass. Adventure Passes can be purchased at the Big Bear Discovery Center (see below) or any sporting goods store within the city. Big Bear Lake, previously known as Yuhaviat, was discovered by people of European origin back in 1845. Benjamin Davis Wilson and a crew of twenty men rode into Yuhaviat Valley chasing Native Americans who had been raiding their ranches in Riverside, CA. While in the valley, the men discovered that it was teeming with grizzly bear. Thus, Wilson came up with the name, Big Bear Lake, for the valley. Before Big Bear Lake became a popular vacation spot, it was known as a gold mining mecca. In 1860, a bear tracker named Willi
Top Attractions in Big Bear Lake
Explore the best things to see and do in Big Bear Lake:
- ★Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
- ★Bear Mountain Resort
- ★Big Bear Discovery Center
- ★Snow Summit Mountain Resort
Where to Eat in Big Bear Lake
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Big Bear Mountain Brewery
- 🍴Captain's Anchorage
- 🍴Grizzly Manor Café
- 🍴Himalayan Restaurant
- 🍴Maggios Pizza
- 🍴Nottinghams Restaurant
Where to Stay in Big Bear Lake
- 🏨Apples Bed and Breakfast
- 🏨Best Western Big Bear Lake Chateau
- 🏨Big Bear Vacations
- 🏨Cienaga Creek Ranch
- 🏨Destination Big Bear Vacation Rentals
- 🏨Holiday Inn Resort the Lodge at Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: