lake adventures
When most people think of Big Bear, they think of white powdered ski slopes and hot cocoa by the fireplace. After all, Big Bear is home to not one, but two epic ski resorts in Snow Summit and Bear Mountain which offer the best skiing and snowboarding in Southern California. But did you know that Big Bear is also home to Southern California’s best lake? Big Bear Lake is about seven miles long by one mile wide and is teeming with trout, bass, and catfish. While the lake is an attraction unto itself, there are a diverse array of activities and spectacles to be enjoyed while out on the lake or from its beautiful shoreline.
Located on the north shore of the lake is a monumental structure that looks like a giant version of R2-D2 from Star Wars known as the Big Bear Solar Observatory. Although it’s not the most sought-after attraction, it stands as a reference point for navigating the lake waters and looks pretty cool too! Treasure Island is a fun spot on the west side of the lake that can be reached by boat or kayak from Boulder Bay Park. There are several beach landing sites where you can land a kayak and enjoy the view or climb a nearby outcrop of boulders if you desire a little adventure. On the south shore is Ski Beach Park, Big Bear Lake’s only area specifically designed for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty and a sandy beach area invites guests to lay out in the sun. At the east end of the lake is the best place to watch the sunset from a wildlife preserve known as Stanfield Marsh. Perfect for sunset walks on the Kissing Bridge after a romantic dinner at Captain’s Anchorage nearby (www.captainsanchorage.com). They don’t call it the “Kissing Bridge” for nothing! Pro tip: the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk is a great place to go fishing when the lake is full.
Of course, the best way to experience the lake is to cruise the crisp blue water on a boat or jet ski. Less than a mile from Bear It All Chalet is the Big Bear Marina (www.bigbearmarina.com). Here, you can rent a pontoon boat, fishing boat, or jet skis. The staff is very friendly and provides simple instructions for aspiring boat captains! No experience is necessary, and the lake is easy to navigate.
