Big Bear Lake travel guide

Big Bear Lake Tourism | Big Bear Lake Guide

You're Going to Love Big Bear Lake

With a population of 5,019, Big Bear Lake is a must-see destination in California, United States. Consider staying at least one whole day in Big Bear Lake to see all of its attractions.

Where to Eat in Big Bear Lake

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Bone Yard Bar and Grill (560 Pine Knot Ave) and Sweet Basil Bistro (40629 Big Bear Lake Blvd) are great picks.

When to visit Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
€117
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
€117
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Big Bear Lake in July, when the average temperature is 18 °C, and the highest can go up to 27 °C. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as -7 °C, with an average temperature of 1 °C. You’re likely to see more rain in January, when precipitation is around 118 mm. In contrast, June is usually the driest month of the year in Big Bear Lake, with an average rainfall of 4 mm.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Big Bear Lake

Plane

Although Big Bear Lake doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Ontario Airport (ONT), which is located 41 miles from Big Bear Lake. Los Angeles Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, British Airways, Aer Lingus and other airlines departing from Ireland. The shortest flight to Big Bear Lake from Ireland departs from Dublin and takes around 11h 05m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Big Bear Lake. The train journey from Big Bear Lake to Burbank takes 0h 28m and costs around €10 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about €13 for a 0h 39m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Big Bear Lake is to pick up a car hire from Los Angeles, which is about 81 miles from Big Bear Lake. You’ll find branches of Thrifty and Dollar, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Big Bear Lake, including Bus, FlixBus and Amtrak. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to Big Bear Lake takes 120 miles and will cost you around €30. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about €30 for a journey of 125 miles.

Plane

Although Big Bear Lake doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Ontario Airport (ONT), which is located 41 miles from Big Bear Lake. Los Angeles Airport is the most popular, with regular flights from American Airlines, British Airways, Aer Lingus and other airlines departing from Ireland. The shortest flight to Big Bear Lake from Ireland departs from Dublin and takes around 11h 05m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Big Bear Lake. The train journey from Big Bear Lake to Burbank takes 0h 28m and costs around €10 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about €13 for a 0h 39m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Big Bear Lake is to pick up a car hire from Los Angeles, which is about 81 miles from Big Bear Lake. You’ll find branches of Thrifty and Dollar, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Big Bear Lake, including Bus, FlixBus and Amtrak. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to Big Bear Lake takes 120 miles and will cost you around €30. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about €30 for a journey of 125 miles.

Airports near Big Bear Lake

Airlines serving Big Bear Lake

Lufthansa
Good (4,662 reviews)
KLM
Good (858 reviews)
SWISS
Good (924 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,485 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,598 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,302 reviews)
Air France
Good (981 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,557 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (475 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,939 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,126 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,482 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,784 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (229 reviews)
Finnair
Good (880 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,166 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
LOT
Good (682 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (916 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

Average rates range from around €215 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to €196 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Ith Big Bear Lake Hostel & Retreat Center and Fireside Lodge.

Where to stay in popular areas of Big Bear Lake

Most booked hotels in Big Bear Lake

Robinhood Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
€119+
Best Western Big Bear Chateau
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
€123+
Sessions Retreat & Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
€98+
Holiday Inn Resort The Lodge At Big Bear Lake
3 stars
Good (7.7, Good reviews)
€116+
Motel 6 Big Bear Lake -, CA
2 stars
Good (7.2, Good reviews)
€88+

Hiring a car in Big Bear Lake

Expect to pay €0.97 per litre in Big Bear Lake (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between €11.60 and €15.46. Intermediate (Hyundai Elantra or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Big Bear Lake, while also 52% cheaper than other types, on average.

Expect to pay €0.97 per litre in Big Bear Lake (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between €11.60 and €15.46. Intermediate (Hyundai Elantra or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Big Bear Lake, while also 52% cheaper than other types, on average.