Are you looking for Amazing Big Bear Lake summer activities? Then you’re at the right place.
Although Big Bear Lake is best known for its winter and snow activities, you might be surprised to learn that the little ski town is equally active throughout the summer.
Southern Californians frequently drive up the mountain to escape the sweltering heat of the valley below.
Tourists and their families bring boats, mountain bikes, golf clubs, and other items to enjoy the various summer activities offered in Big Bear.
Not to mention the spectacular natural beauty of the area, which serves as an ideal backdrop for any activity.
This post will highlight some of the amazing Big Bear Lake summer activities that will quench your hunger for adventure and make your summer vacation one to remember.
Let’s dive straight into it.
Amazing Big Bear Lake Summer Activities
Go on A Water-Skiing Excursion
Going on a water excursion is among the most amazing Big Bear Lake summer activities.
The lake’s water sports are by far the most popular summer recreational activities in Big Bear.
Locals from Southern California frequently visit to spend the weekend on their boats in the sun, wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing.
If you don’t have your own equipment, there are plenty of rentals available around the lake.
Pleasure Point Marina is a fantastic starting point.
You can rent boats by the hour and there are many different alternatives available, including pontoon boats, fishing boats, peddle boats, kayaks, and paddle boards.
The lake can become very busy with boats and those being towed behind them, so review your boating safety guidelines and lake etiquette before setting out.
Holiday weekends are generally the busiest, so plan around them if you want to avoid crowds.
Go on an Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain
Going for an alpine slide is definitely among the most amazing Big Bear Lake summer activities.
Magic Mountain is a small amusement center located in Big Bear and it offers several activities including alpine slides.
If you’re searching for a day of family fun, the park has a variety of attractions, including alpine slides, go-karts, a short rollercoaster, waterslides, and more.
One of the most liked activities is the Alpine Slide.
It’s a cross between bobsled and luge.
You take a chairlift up the mountain, then board a sled and race down a quarter-mile cement track with high-banked bends and a lengthy straightaway.
Because you control the brakes and steering, you can drive as fast or as slow as you like.
The water slides are another great way to cool off on hot summer days; it’s not a full waterpark, however there are two slides for sliding down.
Go Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is among the most amazing Big Bear Lake summer activities.
When the snow melts, the Snow Summit ski area becomes a popular mountain biking destination.
If you enjoy downhill courses, Snow Summit Bike Park offers many national downhill competitions throughout the year.
Witnessing people riding their bikes up the ski lift can be a strange sight for those who have never seen it before.
Apart from the Snow Summit courses, Big Bear offers approximately 100 miles of mountain bike terrain.
One significant advantage is that you can always avoid crowds.
Most of these trails, of course, require prior mountain riding experience.
Go Hiking at Castle Rock Trail
Hiking is definitely among the most amazing Big Bear Lake summer activities.
Big Bear is home to hundreds of miles of scenic hiking routes, including a section of the world-famous Pacific Crest Trail.
There are trails for every skill level, and most nearby trailheads are easy to find and have lots of parking.
Castle Rock Trail is a popular 2.7-mile out-and-back hike in the area that is rated as fairly difficult.
This climb takes guests just under two hours to complete on average.
You’ll get some spectacular vistas of Big Bear Lake from above as you rise.
This trail is dog friendly, which is a big lure for many individuals.
Visit Boulder Bay Park for a BBQ and Outdoor Games
Throughout the summer, Boulder Bay Park is a popular destination for Big Bear locals and visitors.
It is a lakeside park noted for its unique rock formations that are distributed on land and in the water.
Visitors can rent kayaks, fish from the docks, or simply relax and enjoy the warmth.
Setting up your favorite games and enjoying an afternoon barbecue while playing some games is a terrific way to take use of Boulder Bay Park throughout the summer.
Kubb is one of our favorite games to bring with us. It can be played on any open surface, including grass or sand.
The park is a fantastic choice for families with children because it has large stretches of grass for playing games and keeping an eye on children while they explore.
Indeed, taking part in outdoor activities at Boulder Bay Park is among the amazing Big Bear Lake summer activities.
Go Golfing at Bear Mountain Golf Course
The Bear Mountain Golf Course reopens for the season during the summer months, which is a nice perk of living in Big Bear.
The course is open from mid-May to October and is a terrific opportunity to escape the often-searing heat while playing a round of golf among the Ponderosa pines.
The course has a virtually unequaled backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains and becomes quite busy, therefore reservations are advised, though not essential.
Take advantage of this magnificent attraction the next time you’re in town by organizing a day teaching your kids to golf or perhaps escaping them for a few tranquil hours.
Golfing should be among your list of must-do as it is among the amazing Big Bear Lake summer activities.
Visit Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Big Bear Alpine Zoo is renowned for its work in rescuing and rehabilitating injured, orphaned, and imprinted wild animals.
It was built in 1959 to save local wildlife following a wildfire that ravaged most of the San Bernardino National Forest.
Even now, the zoo releases 80% of its animals back into the wild.
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo now houses around 160 animals, including those being rehabilitated and those who have found a permanent residence there.
The zoo is regularly hosting special activities for both locals and visitors, so keep an eye on their website.
On hot summer days, you’ll often see animal dwellers soaking up the rays. Wolves, grizzly bears, arctic foxes, and cats are among the animals that live at the zoo.
Having a day with the animals at the zoo is definitely among the most amazing Big Bear Lake summer activities.
Grab an Ice Cream in the Village
If you’re searching for a tasty way to cool off the summer heat, then go to Big Bear Village and get a scoop of ice cream.
The Village Sweet Shoppe, with its nostalgic candy store vibe, is everyone’s favorite.
Stock your bag with your favorite treats, then wander through the village with a scoop of gelato or ice cream in hand.
The streets are dotted with enough souvenirs and local shops to keep you busy for the entire day.
Other nearby ice cream shops include North Pole Fudge and Ice Cream Co. and An Ran Ju Gelato and Teahouse.
An ice cream treat offers you a perfect way to cool your body as you enjoy the amazing Big Bear Lake summer activities.
Go on a Rock-Climbing Excursion
Rock climbing is an awesome way to enjoy the scorching summer months in Big Bear, particularly if you can find a climbing area in the shade.
Big Bear’s many distinctive rock formations, as well as its closeness to climbing paradise Joshua Tree, making it a favorite destination for rock climbers from all over the world.
If you’ve never tried rock climbing before, it’s always a good idea to start with indoor rock-climbing gyms.
When you venture into more natural terrain, always climb with an expert climber and never climb alone.
If you’d like to try some adrenaline filled adventure, then rock climbing is definitely among the most amazing Big Bear Lake summer activities.
Hold a Fun Event on a Pontoon Boat
During the summer, renting pontoon boats to take out on the lake is a popular leisure activity.
Boat rentals are commonly accessible and fairly priced throughout the lake. Pontoon boats, which can hold up to ten people, are an excellent choice for birthday celebrations or family gatherings.
Bring your own food, beverages, music, and decorations to celebrate in any way you like.
Bring garbage bags, as you will be expected to leave with everything you took into the boat.
Pontoon boats are simple to operate, durable, and somewhat slow-moving, making them a low-stress option.
Big Bear Marina and Halloway’s Marina are two renowned and dependable boat rental service providers.
Booking ahead of time is advised throughout summertime due to the high demand.
Off-Roading Adventure
Big Bear Lake trails are well-known for their beautiful views and pristine natural surroundings, but Valley paths cater to more than just hikers and cyclists.
4X4 off-roading is also popular, and Big Bear has several world-class tracks!
If you want to enjoy it, then take it slowly and courteously.
These trails are also used by hikers, mountain bikers, motorcyclists, and wildlife.
When exploring these paths, it is essential that you have a 4X4 vehicle capable of handling tough and rocky terrain!
Vehicles with low ground clearance and two wheels may become stuck or damaged.
The Gold Fever Trail is the most easily accessible off-road trail on the North Shore.
Pack a picnic and take a 3-hour self-guided tour through Holcomb Valley up Polique Canyon.
You’ll learn more about Big Bear’s great gold mining history and witness some amazing views of the backcountry.
Indeed, off-roading is among the most amazing Big Bear Lake summer activities.
Final Thoughts on Amazing Big Bear Lake Summer Activities
There you have it. The list of 11 most amazing Big Bear Lake summer activities.
Despite being a popular winter destination, Big Bear Lake offers some amazing opportunities for visitors and locals during the summer.
All you have to do is plan your trip well and have fun.
So, if you’re looking for a unique summer experience, then head over to Big Bear Lake and experience some of the amazing opportunities it has to offer.
