Big Bear Lake travel guide

Big Bear Lake Tourism | Big Bear Lake Guide

You're Going to Love Big Bear Lake

With a population of 5 019, Big Bear Lake is a must-see destination in California, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Big Bear Lake to see all of its attractions.

Where to Eat in Big Bear Lake

If you’re looking for affordable options, The Bone Yard Bar and Grill (560 Pine Knot Ave) and Sweet Basil Bistro (40629 Big Bear Lake Blvd) are great picks.

When to visit Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
AED 464
1 night at 3-star hotel
Big Bear Lake in April
Estimated hotel price
AED 464
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Big Bear Lake in July, when the average temperature is 18 °C, and the highest can go up to 27 °C. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as -7 °C, with an average temperature of 1 °C. You’re likely to see more rain in January, when precipitation is around 118 mm. In contrast, June is usually the driest month of the year in Big Bear Lake, with an average rainfall of 4 mm.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Big Bear Lake

Plane

Although Big Bear Lake doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Ontario Airport (ONT), which is located 66 km from Big Bear Lake. The shortest flight to Big Bear Lake from the United Arab Emirates departs from Dubai and takes around 16h 20m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Big Bear Lake. The train journey from Big Bear Lake to Burbank takes 0h 28m and costs around AED 40 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about AED 51 for a 0h 36m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Big Bear Lake is to pick up a car hire from Los Angeles, which is about 131 km from Big Bear Lake. You’ll find branches of Thrifty and Dollar, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Big Bear Lake, including FlixBus, Busbud and Amtrak. From Ontario, the bus ride to Big Bear Lake takes 64 km and will cost you around AED 88. From Santa Barbara, the ticket costs about AED 235 for a journey of 193 km.

Plane

Although Big Bear Lake doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to Ontario Airport (ONT), which is located 66 km from Big Bear Lake. The shortest flight to Big Bear Lake from the United Arab Emirates departs from Dubai and takes around 16h 20m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Big Bear Lake. The train journey from Big Bear Lake to Burbank takes 0h 28m and costs around AED 40 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about AED 51 for a 0h 36m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Big Bear Lake is to pick up a car hire from Los Angeles, which is about 131 km from Big Bear Lake. You’ll find branches of Thrifty and Dollar, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Big Bear Lake, including FlixBus, Busbud and Amtrak. From Ontario, the bus ride to Big Bear Lake takes 64 km and will cost you around AED 88. From Santa Barbara, the ticket costs about AED 235 for a journey of 193 km.

Airports near Big Bear Lake

Airlines serving Big Bear Lake

Lufthansa
Good (4,614 reviews)
KLM
Good (848 reviews)
SWISS
Good (927 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,451 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,599 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,282 reviews)
Air France
Good (974 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,549 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,930 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,125 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,478 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,729 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (878 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
TAP Portugal
Good (1,160 reviews)
LOT
Good (682 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (911 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Big Bear Lake

Average rates range from around AED 851 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to AED 796 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Ith Big Bear Lake Hostel & Retreat Center and Fireside Lodge.

Where to stay in popular areas of Big Bear Lake

Most booked hotels in Big Bear Lake

Robinhood Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
AED 457+
Best Western Big Bear Chateau
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
AED 485+
Sessions Retreat & Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
AED 395+
Holiday Inn Resort The Lodge At Big Bear Lake
3 stars
Good (7.7, Good reviews)
AED 462+
Motel 6 Big Bear Lake -, CA
2 stars
Good (7.2, Good reviews)
AED 349+

Hiring a car in Big Bear Lake

Expect to pay AED 3.79 per litre in Big Bear Lake (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between AED 45.40 and AED 60.53. Intermediate (Hyundai Elantra or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Big Bear Lake, while also 52% cheaper than other types, on average.

Expect to pay AED 3.79 per litre in Big Bear Lake (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between AED 45.40 and AED 60.53. Intermediate (Hyundai Elantra or similar) is the most popular car type to hire in Big Bear Lake, while also 52% cheaper than other types, on average.