The Best of Big Bear Lake
Food scene
The name of this restaurant is Tropicali (ignore "Big Bear Local"). It was ranked 15th Best Restaurant in America by YELP & # 1 in Cali by USA Today. It's probably the one place we go every time we visit the mountain.
The staff is really engaging and it has creative, Hawaiian-inspired comfort foods presented in a rockin' setting. Everything on the menu is good.
231 locals recommend
Big Bear Local
40616 Village DrThe name of this restaurant is Tropicali (ignore "Big Bear Local"). It was ranked 15th Best Restaurant in America by YELP & # 1 in Cali by USA Today. It's probably the one place we go every time we visit the mountain.
The staff is really engaging and it has creative, Hawaiian-inspired comfort foods presented in a rockin' setting. Everything on the menu is good.
Warm, rustic stop with indoor & outdoor seating for American dishes, plus beer, wine & cocktails. It's a beautiful building - the picture above doesn't do it justice.
307 locals recommend
Oakside
40701 Village DrWarm, rustic stop with indoor & outdoor seating for American dishes, plus beer, wine & cocktails. It's a beautiful building - the picture above doesn't do it justice.
Can be a little more upscale than most places in Big Bear.
Indoor & outdoor seating serves all-American dishes plus beer, wine & cocktails.
507 locals recommend
Peppercorn Grille
553 Pine Knot AveCan be a little more upscale than most places in Big Bear.
Indoor & outdoor seating serves all-American dishes plus beer, wine & cocktails.
More lake views! Upscale lakeside restaurant serving steak, seafood, pasta & wine in classic surroundings.
265 locals recommend
The Pines Lakefront
350 Alden RdMore lake views! Upscale lakeside restaurant serving steak, seafood, pasta & wine in classic surroundings.
My favorite restaurant, especially in the winter. It's a circa-1947 lodge-like American restaurant serving steaks, seafood. Also, they have a salad bar.
169 locals recommend
The Captain's Anchorage
42148 Moonridge WayMy favorite restaurant, especially in the winter. It's a circa-1947 lodge-like American restaurant serving steaks, seafood. Also, they have a salad bar.
Sightseeing
Castle Rock Trail is Big Bear's most popular trail. Densely forested with boulder outcroppings and a seasonal waterfall, this is a gorgeous hike any time of year. It's 2.4 miles round tip. I found it to be "Intermediate".
474 locals recommend
Castle Rock Trail 1W03
Big Bear BoulevardCastle Rock Trail is Big Bear's most popular trail. Densely forested with boulder outcroppings and a seasonal waterfall, this is a gorgeous hike any time of year. It's 2.4 miles round tip. I found it to be "Intermediate".
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
42801 Club View DrAlpine Slide at Magic Mountain
800 Wildrose LnSki Resorts
Bear Mountain Ski Resort
43101 Goldmine DrBetter for snowboarding but closest to the cabin
Snow Summit
880 Summit BlvdBest resort for skiers.
Coffee / Breakfast
Cozy spot for espresso drinks & baked goods along with high-end kitchen gadgets & cooking classes. I like the London Fog latte.
300 locals recommend
The Copper Q
645 Pine Knot AveCozy spot for espresso drinks & baked goods along with high-end kitchen gadgets & cooking classes. I like the London Fog latte.
My #1 go-to morning coffee spot. They have great breakfast sandwiches but they've been short-staffed lately and haven't always opened the kitchen in the morning. Lines out the door on good ski days.
335 locals recommend
Moonridge Coffee Company
42646 Moonridge RdMy #1 go-to morning coffee spot. They have great breakfast sandwiches but they've been short-staffed lately and haven't always opened the kitchen in the morning. Lines out the door on good ski days.
Very busy, get there early. This tiny, popular eatery is known for its hefty portions of classic American breakfast fare.
516 locals recommend
Grizzly Manor Cafe
41268 Big Bear BlvdVery busy, get there early. This tiny, popular eatery is known for its hefty portions of classic American breakfast fare.
Very busy, get there early. Parking lots gets full too. Cash only (but ATM on site). Menu is fun and extensive.
Laid-back eatery specializes in American comfort food including their signature housemade pies.
248 locals recommend
Teddy Bear Restaurant
583 Pine Knot AveVery busy, get there early. Parking lots gets full too. Cash only (but ATM on site). Menu is fun and extensive.
Laid-back eatery specializes in American comfort food including their signature housemade pies.
Fun on the Lake
Great place to rent jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks, pontoon /fishing boats or take a tour of the lake.
37 locals recommend
Big Bear Marina
500 Paine CourtGreat place to rent jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks, pontoon /fishing boats or take a tour of the lake.