Big Bear, California is a wonderful four-season outdoor tourism and vacation destination. With a location less than a hundred miles from Los Angeles, Big Bear provides a welcome respite from the big city.
The Big Bear Lake area was originally inhabited by the Serrano Indian tribe. The Serrano Indians viewed the local grizzly bears as ancestors and did not hunt bears. The first non-natives to view the beautiful Big Bear region were a party of explorers headed by Benjamin Wilson. Wilson gave the lake the name Big Bear because of the many bears in the area surrounding the lake. Big Bear became a premier vacation destination with the advent of the car and paved roads.
Big Bear Lake is the largest recreational lake in Southern California. The lake provides wonderful fishing opportunities. Bass, trout and catfish are plentiful in Big Bear Lake. Boating opportunities also abound in Big Bear. Numerous concessions offer rentals of all types of boats. Jet skiing, water skiing and parasailing are also available for the adventurous vacationer.
Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear also offers beautiful hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Hiking trails range from easy half-mile jaunts to challenging day hikes. Another fun outdoor activity for the thrill-seeking traveler is a zip-lining tour. Whizzing through picturesque scenery, zip lines provide an exciting way to view the natural beauty of the Big Bear region.
In the winter, the Big Bear region provides superb skiing and snowboarding at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. These resorts offer 75 trails, 20 ski lifts, and seven snowboard parks. Big Bear provides fun winter activities for everyone, from novices to experienced skiers.
Active adults will find a plethora of activities in Big Bear. Additionally, children of all ages will enjoy a Big Bear vacation. The youngest children will appreciate the animal park and petting zoo. Older children will enjoy the many sporting opportunities provided in Big Bear.
A Big Bear vacation is not limited to the outdoors. The restaurants, hotels and resorts in Big Bear cater to couples, singles and families looking for a relaxing vacation. From a youth hostel to luxurious inns, everyone can find suitable accommodations in Big Bear. Restaurant choices are plentiful in Big Bear, and range from fancy Italian bistros to casual delis.
The Big Bear region is a wonderful destination for everyone seeking an exciting outdoor vacation in Southern California.