When Southern Californians want a quick escape from the urban sprawl of the lowlands, they head to the San Bernardino Mountains, where Big Bear Lake -- a city named after its signature body of water -- provides pretty space aplenty for play and relaxation.
The city, ranging in altitude from nearly 6,750 feet to 9,000 feet, is often abuzz with activity due to resorts, public parks and bays, and sites for tourists and locals -- at least on the lake's southern shores. The lake's North Shore is a good deal quieter. The manmade lake, as a whole, has more than 22 miles of shoreline.
Big Bear Lake is a gem, but its main thoroughfares aren't anything close to "hidden." Big Bear Blvd. and Lakeview Dr. can get jammed with traffic at times. Yet if tranquility is what you're seeking, you won't have to venture out far to find your pocket of peace on lake or trail.
For families, Big Bear Lake is a fantastic destination that can be enjoyed on a range of budgets. When snow is present, there's skiing, snowboarding, sledding and more. Come summertime, you can swim, boat, fish, hike, bike, mini-golf and then some.
Kids will be curious about the city and the lake's name. Yes, bears do roam the woods here, but only black bears these days and you're not likely to find them. But the grizzly -- not seen in the region since the early 1900's -- is the mammal credited for Big Bear Lake's name, due to encounters had by a team of men back in 1845 (when Big Bear Valley was known as Yuhaviat, a Serrano Indian word meaning "Pine Place").
Big Bear Lake, CA Family Vacations
Big Bear Lake, CA Family Vacations
Families will love:
- Perfect escape from the urban sprawl of the lowlands
- Pretty space aplenty for play and relaxation
- Perfect destination that can be enjoyed on a range of budgets
Written by Susan Derby
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Latest Big Bear Lake, CA Member Review
gailtapp - 2011-11-29
Big Bear is a wonderland locked into a place secluded with woods, trees, lake and lots of animals indigenous to the area. Although modern man has ...
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