Wondering what to do in Los Angeles this weekend? Pack up the kids and take a weekend getaway to Big Bear Lake! Surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, the town is perched on the edge of the lake and minutes away from the slopes of the areas two resorts, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, but there are tons of summer activities to enjoy, too.
Go: Year-round. Snow-making capabilities keep both resorts open with great skiing in the winter while summer presents ample opportunities for hiking, picnics, fishing and horseback riding. Visitors love the Independence Day Festival and the Fall Fest, which usually occurs over Labor Day weekend.
Approximate travel time: Located 100 miles east of Greater Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake is about a two hour drive (depending on traffic).
What to see: Nature! Leave the congestion of the city behind and enjoy crisp blue skies, the shimmering lake and beautiful vistas from the mountaintops. Drop by the Moonridge Animal Park to spy on black bears, bobcats, wolves, owls and more or head to the Big Bear Funplex for arcades games and bumper cars. During the summer, take a cruise around the lake on Miss Liberty, a paddlewheel tour boat.
Possible lunch spots: Bear Belly Deli serves up tasty sandwiches—perfect if you’re planning a picnic. Grizzly Manor Café’s breakfast hits the spot (though on busy weekends, you'll have to wait). For home style cooking, Teddy Bear Restaurant is the place to go, and for a sweet ending, head to Sugar Pine Bake Shop which serves cupcakes, sticky cinnamon buns and the like.
How to dress: In the winter you’ll want plenty of warm winter clothes, since temperatures can range from the teens to the mid-40s. Summer is warm and dry, so make sure to dress in light layers and lots of sunscreen.
Need to know: Be sure to check road conditions before heading out. Highway 38 is the recommended route as others often are closed in winter.
Bonus: Bear Mountain offers ski classes ranging from Little Bear Camp for ages 4-7 to Ski School for older kids ages 8-13. And for fun in the snow, head to Magic Mountain for sledding. During warmer months it’s all about the Alpine Slide, go carts, and the wet and wild waterslide.
Cost of trip: Moderate
Online: http://www.bigbearinfo.com/index.php; Be sure to check out lift and lodging packages for deals if you plan to stay overnight.
—Lara Burnap
