Why is Big Bear so popular?

What is Big Bear Lake Most Famous For? Big Bear Lake is Southern California's premier 4-season destination. The city offers majestic natural beauty, abundant outdoor recreation, and a laidback vibe. The region combines epic mountain scenery with 22 miles of shoreline.



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Big Bear Lake was a mecca for gold mining before it was a popular four-season resort. History records show that in 1860, a bear hunter named William Holcomb discovered gold in the area now called Holcomb Valley. After tracking a bear's blood trail to a creek, he found gleaming flakes of gold in the water.

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Big Bear is a Manmade Lake The first dam was created in 1885. It was expanded upon in 1910, thus tripling the amount of water in the lake. The area turned into an absolute haven of beauty and fun. Now, it is one of the best places in the country for recreation.

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Big Bear Lake is a nice place to raise a family. The quaint town has lots of activities in the village, nearby hiking, a lake to enjoy, and snow play during the winter. It is extremely safe and family friendly. The village offers an enjoyable nightlife and there are other fun activities around town.

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This is Where the Stars Live It's rumored that Brittney Spears has a vacation home here, and Mel Blanc (the voice of Bugs Bunny), Roy Rogers, and Max Factor have all lived here at one time or the other. Who knows who you might spot shooshing down the slopes next to you!

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55% of the area is designed for beginners, and is one of the most fun Big Bear Mountain things to do. They have an official beginners' area where you can practice your new skills on the gradual incline of a large hill. The area fills up in the winter, and if you fall, you won't be alone.

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The only place you can see Grizzly Bears today is at the Moonridge Animal Park in Big Bear Lake. Years after the demise of the Grizzly, the smaller, less aggressive Black Bear was introduced into the San Bernardino Mountains.

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Swimming Rules From the Big Bear Municipal Water District: In the summer months, swimming is permitted in Big Bear Lake at your own risk! There are NO lifeguards on duty and swimmers must stay within 50 feet of the shore or within 20 feet of a private dock.

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The lake is home to alligators and crocodiles, and while fishing is allowed, getting a permit is the least of your worries. Gators and crocs wait submerged off-shore for fishermen to hook their lines.

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Big Bear averages over 300 days of sunshine each year and temperatures vary throughout the seasons. Summer temperatures average 77 degrees daytime and 45 degrees at night. Winter brings about 120 inches of annual snowfall with temps in the mid-40s during the day and mid-20s at night.

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Etymology. Big Bear got its name due to the large number of grizzly bears that once roamed the area. Although grizzly bears went extinct in the valley at the turn of the 20th century, there are still thousands of black bears found in Big Bear Valley.

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Big Bear is a Manmade Lake The first dam was created in 1885. It was expanded upon in 1910, thus tripling the amount of water in the lake. The area turned into an absolute haven of beauty and fun. Now, it is one of the best places in the country for recreation.

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Visit During Off Seasons To avoid the crowds, head to Big Bear during the low tourist seasons. It tends to be least crowded March – June, between ski season and summer. Tourism tapers off again between September – November, with the exception of the Oktoberfest crowd.

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Yes, there are black bears in Big Bear. While bears can be dangerous if provoked or surprised, they generally avoid human contact. However, there have been sightings of black bears in Big Bear, including on ski slopes and in the Village.

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Warm clothes are a must! Layer up with thermals and sweaters or hoodies. A warm, waterproof jacket and snow pants are also best for snow play or sports. Snow boots and thick socks are great if you plan on snowshoeing or tubing. Also, be sure to protect your hands and ears with gloves and hats.

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Do Not Hike/Bike/Camp Alone (especially at night) Be Aware Of Your Surroundings At All Times. Know Where You're Hiking/Camping and Let Others Know Where You Are.

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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. We recommend you stay at least 10 days in order to fully appreciate everything Big Bear Lake has to offer.

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Test results in parts of both Lake Elsinore and Big Bear Lake confirmed the presence of harmful algal blooms, made from a group of organisms called cyanobacteria, officials said. The bluish-green-brown colored bacteria can produce potent toxins and are a health threat to humans and pets, officials said.

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