Field Trip: Big Bear Lake
Living in Southern California means that within just a short drive you can make your way from the beach to the ski slopes. Big Bear Lake is a winter wonderland in Southern California that offers something for everyone.
Big Bear Lake Village
Pine Knot Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(951) 233-7495
www.bigbearlakevillage.com
Without a doubt, the place to shop is Big Bear Lake Village, located in the heart of Big Bear Lake. There are two movie theaters, various shops with snacks, treats and boutique items. Park along the outskirt parking lots and just walk on over. It's not a big area and can get a bit crowded on holidays and weekends.
The Village also holds special events throughout the year. The Village Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was just held over Thanksgiving weekend. Through the month of December there will be the Bear Valley Tour of Lights, and a map is distributed to tour decorated homes in the area.
Elizabethio
672 Pine Knot Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 878-3068
www.himalayanbigbear.com
Big Bear features some unique restaurants. One that comes recommended is the Himalayan Restaurant, which features Indian and Nepalese food. If your children will eat Chinese food, they will find something on the menu they'll like.
Grizzly Manor Cafe
41268 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-6226
www.bigbearinfo.com
A great family friendly restaurant is Grizzly Manor Cafe. It's a breakfast place with all of the home cooked favorites. The servings are huge (pizza-sized pancakes anyone?), so taking the half order option might be advisable. It can get busy at times but the wait is typically short.
Cocina de Mexico
304 W Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear City, CA 92314
(760) 987-0324
For great Mexican food, take the family to Cocina de Mexico. It's small, cash only but with authentic food and quaint decor, you can't go wrong.
Big Bear Snow Play
2825 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 585-0075
www.bigbearsnowplay.com
Snow Play at Big Bear Mountain is the prime spot for inner tubing in the winter with guaranteed snow. For only $25, all ages get unlimited rides down the hill. The price includes the inner tube rental. Snow Play is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. The best part about this place is that they have two magic carpets which take you back to the top of the hill without having to hike up a sleep hill. Right now there are three hills to slide down, but by the time the winter storms really set in, the park will have up to eight different slides to choose from.
Snow Summit
880 Summit Boulevard
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-5766
www.snowsummit.com
Snow Summit is the place to hit the slopes in Big Bear. Part of the Big Bear Mountain Resorts (Bear Mountain), Snow Summit caters to both beginner and intermediate skiers. Snow Summit caters more to the family crowd and is home to Little Bear Ski School for the kiddos. It tends to be a bit busy on the weekends so remember to plan accordingly.
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
43285 Goldmine Dr
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 584-1299
www.address.com
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a wildlife sanctuary and rehab center and is the only zoo in the United States specializing in Alpine wildlife. Home to 160 orphaned and injured wildlife representing over 89 species including grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, snow leopards, bobcats, wolves, raccoons, foxes, bison and a pair of bald eagles, the zoo is a great place to visit if you love animals.
Robinhood Resort Lodge
40797 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(800) 990-9956
www.address.com
Robinhood Resort Lodge is a fantastic place for families to stay. The resort rooms feature lake views, cozy fireplaces, private in-room spas, even the option of a chalet by the lake. It is the newest and largest resort at Big Bear.
