Best things to do in Big Bear for winter and summer trips

Big Bear Discovery Center

The valley's largest visitor center, run with the US Forest Service on the north shore in Fawnskin, with exhibits, trail and permit information and guided nature walks. A free first stop before a hike.

Time Bandit Pirate Ship

A 90-minute narrated sightseeing cruise on a one-third-scale replica Spanish galleon, leaving from Holloway's Marina. Reviewers like the costumed crew and the slow pace; the boat shows its age. Check the operator's dates before you go.

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

A small zoo and wildlife rehabilitation center in the Moonridge area that houses animals that cannot return to the wild. Its presentations and well-kept grounds draw steady praise, and it suits families with young kids.

Big Bear Solar Observatory

An active solar research observatory on the north shore, run by the New Jersey Institute of Technology and open to the public only for guided tours on select summer days. Book well ahead; not recommended for children under 5.

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

Ride a chairlift up and control your own speed down a quarter-mile slide, with go-karts and a mine shaft coaster on site. Riders must be at least 36 inches tall, and lines get long on summer weekends.

Snow Summit

Skiing and snowboarding in winter on terrain for beginners through advanced riders, and a lift-served bike park in summer. Weekdays are quieter; lift-ticket prices draw complaints.

Big Bear Marina

Rents pontoon and fishing boats and waverunners, runs guided charters and sells tackle. Reviewers call its prices competitive; it gets busy on weekends.

Bear Mountain

The resort's second ski mountain, with a nine-hole golf course in the warmer months. Crowding at peak times is the common complaint.

Big Bear Snow Play

Lift-served snow tubing from mid-November to Easter, with go-karts and a ropes course in the warmer months. Tubers must be at least 36 inches tall; weekend lines and uneven organisation are common complaints.

For a relaxed start to your visit

If you are looking for a free first stop before heading out on a hike, the Big Bear Discovery Center in Fawnskin is a good option. This is a visitor and nature center.

For families wanting to spend time on the water, the Time Bandit Pirate Ship offers lake boat tours in Big Bear Lake. This activity is suited for families on the lake.

Families with young children might consider the Big Bear Alpine Zoo in Big Bear Lake. This facility functions as both a zoo and a wildlife rehabilitation center.

For adventure and seasonal activities

Science enthusiasts visiting in the summer may find the Big Bear Solar Observatory in Big Bear City of interest. Tours are available, offering a look into solar observation.

The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain in Big Bear Lake offers an alpine slide and various family rides. This attraction is best for children over 36 inches tall.

For winter sports, Snow Summit in Big Bear Lake is a ski resort and bike park. It is a destination for skiing and snowboarding. During winter operations, it also provides snow tubing and night sessions, alongside lessons and equipment rentals. Snow Summit also offers a downhill bike park and scenic chair rides in the summer.

Bear Mountain, also in Big Bear Lake, is another ski resort and golf course. It is best for visitors looking for a second mountain. Snow sports in Big Bear are generally available from November through April, depending on weather and snow conditions.

Big Bear Snow Play in Big Bear Lake is a snow tubing park. It is recommended for a first snow day experience with children. Big Bear Lake itself supports activities like fishing, boating, jet skiing, and kayaking from spring through autumn, with many marinas opening seasonally in spring.

Every place on this list gets a score out of 10. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 10 and weighted as below.

• The experience itself — 40%
• Value — 20%
• Crowds and wait — 20%
• Setting and access — 20%

Facts come from each business's own website and OpenStreetMap. Public reviews on Google, Yelp and Tripadvisor are read for what repeats and never copied. No business pays for a place on this list.