The Perfect Big Bear Getaway

Big Bear is one of my favorite weekend trips. I love the crisp air, the beautiful pine trees, and the peaceful, local atmosphere of the town. My first time in Big Bear was to ski, and I fell in love with everything about the quaint little town. This weekend, Francisco (my bf) and I traveled up Route 18 to take a break from the hustle and bustle of busy Los Angeles before the holidays.

Here are our stops and my recommendations to plan your perfect trip to Big Bear:

Lodging

Where we stayed:

The Kodiak Cabin - Picking proper lodging in Big Bear is essential for a great trip. This time, we stayed at an adorable 1 bedroom cabin located 5 minutes from the center of town. Plenty of indoor/outdoor living space, a grill, and of course a cozy fireplace made this cabin a must. Plan to book a month out for the best rates. We discovered this gem on Airbnb for under $100 a night.

Would Also Recommend:

Snow Lake Lodge - We have also stayed in Snow Lake Lodge, which is another favorite in town. Each room has a full bedroom, kitchen and living room with a pullout couch, a fire place, and two bathrooms. This spot can comfortably fit 4 people. The Snow Lake Lodge starts at $130 a night and is right next to the main village.

Our cute and cozy Kodiak Cabin

Activities

What We Did:

Castle Rock Trail - On Saturday, Francisco and I hiked this busy 2.5 mile hike. Luckily, most tourists turned back after the first lookout. We climbed all the way up Castle Rock. While it was a challenging task, the top offered gorgeous views of the lake and surrounding mountains. There is no designated parking, so we found a spot on the side of the road near the trail head.

Bear Lake Woodland Trail - This was the perfect Sunday hike/stroll. It was a quick 1.8 mile loop with beautiful views of the lake and ski resorts. We only ran into a handful of other hikers, making it peaceful and serene. The trail was well maintained and reasonably flat. A parking lot and restroom are located at the base.

Would Also Recommend:

Snow Summit - Although there was no snow during our trip, skiing Snow Summit is one of my favorite winter activities. There are a range of slopes for all ability levels and a decent ski school for beginners. Francisco learned how to ski on this mountain 2 years ago. The mountain can get very busy on Saturdays, but Sunday is much more relaxed. Parking is a nightmare. Plan to be at the lodge by 8 for resort parking, otherwise know you will take a shuttle from a local lot.

Restaurants

Where We Ate:

Himalayan Restaurant - This is my favorite restaurant in Big Bear. A combination of Indian and Nepali cuisine, the Himalayan Restaurant offers such tasty food. Our favorites are the Samosas, Chicken Tikka Masala, and the Lamb Curry. During peak ski season, the wait may be up to an hour.

Big Bear Lake Brewing Company - We stopped at this Brewery after dinner and had a house draft on the heated patio. The beer was good and the location was ideal for people watching. However, I was not too impressed by the brewery. The interior had a strong smokey food smell and the atmosphere was lack-luster. Not sure I would go back.

Would Also Recommend:

Café Crêpe - This new little spot opened on the main road (Route 18). It has a small yet delicious menu that is worth a try.

No Name Pizza - This is a local favorite with excellent pizza. The restaurant is about 10 minutes from the center of town, but worth the trip.

Travel

The Route We Took:

Route 18 - We left LA at 9:00pm on Friday to avoid commuter traffic; this is a must. If you leave at 3:00pm, it can take over 4 hours to get to Big Bear. Route 18 is the closest drive up the mountain from LA, but it is not the fastest, nor easiest in my opinion. The road is narrow and winding. The curves are tight, and as a nauseous passenger, I was very uncomfortable.

What I Actually Recommend:

Route 38 - This is the way to go. It is technically the “scenic route” and a few miles longer, but actually a much easier and faster drive. The road is much straighter with wider curves. Fewer drivers take this path up the mountain, so it is overall an easier driving experience. To get to Route 38, take the I-10 to Orange Street.

Make Note:

Chains & Four Wheel Drive - We drove my 4x4 Jeep up the mountain. Rocks, snow, pot holes and steep driveways make it more comfortable to take a large car. Snow chains are required during the winter, so make sure you have them packed. Bring an ice scraper as well.

Final Thoughts

Big Bear is an easy weekend trip that offers great food, beautiful scenery, and fun activities year round. Make sure to plan in advance with friends or significant others for this great weekend getaway!