Wondering what to do in Big Bear Lake? Big Bear Lake is a unique destination. It is surprisingly near to active hotspots like Las Vegas and Phoenix and offers a nature-field break in a perfectly tranquil space. It is encompassed by the San Bernardino National Forest and is a small, down-to-earth, how far is big bear from las vegas-back city.
Serrano tribe were here first, and when they lived here, they only had the grizzly bears for company! Big Bear Lake was first put on the map after Benjamin Wilson and his party explored it. It grew to new heights during the gold rush of 1861, which lasted until 1912. It is also here that the second bus line in the world was created, running from Big Bear Valley to San Bernardino to circumvent the two-day trip that would take via horse-drawn coach. Famous for skiing, snowboarding, fishing, hiking, and biking opportunities, this serene getaway is packed with places to visit. Some are focused on the luscious verdancy of the environment, others concentrate on the crystalline waters of the lake itself, and many more highlight the fun of winter sports. There are activities of all kinds, and many promise to be educational, with even the most exciting tours providing information about the region’s history, ecosystem, and wildlife.
So, which of them should you check out first? We’re here to help you decide! Here are our picks for the 20 best things to do in Big Bear Lake, California. Things To Do In Big Bear Lake 1. Big Bear Alpine Zoo was first set up in the year 1959 as a rehabilitation center for injured animals following a forest fire, opening as the Moonridge Animal Park before changing its name years later. More than 180 animals across 85 different species live at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. You’ll find American badgers, arctic foxes, owls, black bears, grizzly bears, mountain lions, coyotes, gray wolves, bobcats, snow leopards, golden eagles, flying squirrels, and more.
Many of these animals are temporary residents and will move back to the wild eventually, and their only direct human interaction is with their keepers. However, zookeepers bring an animal to the amphitheater every day for a presentation. If you love animals, visiting the zoo for a docent-led tour is one of the great ways to spend time in Big Bear Lake, California. Big Bear Lake itself is a picturesque expanse of sapphire waters, packed with lots of stuff to do for a relaxing and fun California excursion. Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, it is a man-made lake dedicated to a wide range of water sports and scenic exploration. You can ride a canoe, go kayaking, swim, rent a jet ski or boat, go fishing, or do any other combination of similar undertakings.