Summer Vacations in Big Bear Lake, California
We’ve recommended a lot of great summer vacation ideas already, from Disneyland to Mexico! But let’s face it – cost control is a big issue this summer, and as much as we love “The Happiest Place on Earth!”, the visitors’ wallets don’t always leave so happy. On the other hand, Californians and some Nevadans have another option that many people don’t know about yet: Big Bear Lake, California.
Tucked into the lush, cascading valley of the San Bernardino Mountains and alive with the trill of songbirds, Big Bear Lake is family-friendly four-season resort welcome to anyone with a spirit of adventure and a love of the great outdoors.
Not to mention, it’s only a few hours’ drive from Los Angles, San Diego and even parts of western Nevada. Since one of the largest deterrents to travel these days is prohibitive airline pricing, this is a superb California drive market opportunity.
I said four-season, but right now we’re only talking about one: summer. Big Bear Lake is best known as a ski resort during the late fall, winter and early spring, but I find the summer no less exciting (full disclosure: I actually find it more exciting). Here’s the basic set-up: you’ve got the mountains, lined with hiking trails, wildlife and photo opportunities, you’ve got the lake, ideal for fishing, boating, swimming and more, you’ve got the village, perfect for a mid-day shopping trip, and finally you have the resorts offering mid-to-upscale rooms at mid-to-upscale prices.
It’s definitely a resort-style destination. It exists so that you might vacation there.
While the winter is all about snow-draped mountains, summer is the lake’s time to shine. Head down to the lakefront for a nice swim, or plan ahead and check out any of over a dozen excursions. Fishing is popular, of course, with charters heading out daily, equipment provided. Boating is another big one. Bring your own, or rent at a reasonable rate. If you’re looking for something a little, well, more, take to the skies for some pulse-pumping parasailing.
My favorite, and this should come as no surprise, is the pirate ship cruise. You’ll board a replica Spanish Galleon, actually the ship used in “Time Bandits” (remember “Time Bandits”?!) for a 90-minute tour and pirate show over Big Bear Lake. All the pirates are great, but it’s really the captains that make it special, each having an outrageous presence and style that you can’t help but love. Learn more.
I’ve barely cracked the surface of Big Bear’s summer bounty. There’s mountain biking, hiking, bird watching, golfing, mini-golf and go-karts at Alpine Slide, Moonridge Animal Park, a day spa, shopping, plus just hanging around the resort. It’s more than you can fit in a single trip.
Now about that resort. Once again we go with the Northwoods Resort in Big Bear Lake. The Adirondack-style lodge has an effortless charm to it, it’s well-located in Big Bear, the on-site restaurant is quality (such a relief in places like this), and you can usually score some pretty good savings going with one of their many Big Bear vacation packages.
Have a fun summer vacation in Big Bear Lake, California!
Have a choice summer vacation idea of your own? Let us know about it in the comments below, or head over to the Summer Family Vacation Guide for more of our stupendous suggestions.
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Randy Said,
June 23, 2009 @ 8:06 am
I like that you mention Northwoods. The location is amazing and its a great value to get right in the action at Big Bear. We checked other hotels and were not impressed. They either lacked in facilities or were too far out. Stay here, you will not regret it.
Steven Said,
June 23, 2009 @ 8:37 am
Thanks for your comments, Randy.
There’s no question that the Northwoods is our go-to choice in the area.
Victoria Said,
June 26, 2009 @ 7:50 am
This is an exciting vacation destination. With so many things to do and beautiful surroundings, Big Bear would be an ideal retreat for a family vacation. In fact, my close friends are leaving for Big Bear next week…They will be staying at the privately-owned cabin, but Northwoods’ on-site dining seems enticing. I’ll definitely put this one on my “travel” wish list
kauai resort Said,
September 15, 2009 @ 3:16 pm
That pirate ship cruise sounds awesome! I guess I never realized how much there is to do and see up there during the other seasons besides winter! I will have to check it out next summer hopefully.
kate Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 9:42 pm
Thanks for giving me another terrific place to visit. It sounds like a great place to go and get out of the Arizona summer heat and have a great time not just in the winter.
hawaii luxury resort Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 12:58 pm
I’m going to have to pay a visit to Big Bear in the summer time, it sounds really great! I had only considered visiting during the winter months but why not for the summer? A hike is great fun and terrific excercise as well.
Park City Lodging Said,
February 4, 2010 @ 8:54 pm
Big Bear Lake sounds really pretty. I think a lot of people don’t realize how beautiful ski resort are during the summer months. With all the snow we are getting this winter, I can’t wait for the summer to warm up and get out the mountain bike.