Big Bear Lake Village review for shopping and dining

The destination's own guide describes a compact concentration of restaurants, boutiques, galleries and entertainment businesses that can be explored on foot.

Visitors value having many stops close together, while weekend, holiday and event traffic can make parking and restaurant access more difficult.

A walkable downtown for shopping, food and people-watching between activities

Big Bear Lake Village is a district focused on shopping and dining. It brings together various shops, restaurants, places for sightseeing, nightlife, and entertainment in the downtown area. The area is presented by the official tourism site as a destination suitable for all four seasons.

During spring, visitors can expect to see flowers, and summer brings greenery. As fall arrives, the area displays autumn foliage, and winter offers snow along with decorative lights. The official tourism site presents it as a four-season destination with different scenery depending on the season.

Dining and entertainment options

For those looking for a meal, Big Bear Lake Village offers a range of cuisines. You can find restaurants serving Italian, Nepalese, Thai, Mexican, German, Hawaiian, and American food.

Beyond dining, the village provides entertainment. It includes a movie theater and a bowling venue for leisure activities. Additionally, there are escape rooms and other attractions that require tickets, operated by individual businesses within the district.

Big Bear Lake Village also hosts annual community events. These events add to the everyday activities of shopping and dining, providing opportunities for visitors and locals to gather and participate in local happenings. The district is about 1.3 miles from Snow Summit's main address.

The area is well-suited for walking, shopping, and enjoying food. It is a spot for people-watching between other activities in the Big Bear region. The district operates year-round, offering a consistent place for visitors to explore.

For animal lovers

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a zoo and wildlife rehabilitation facility in Big Bear Lake. This spot is best for families with young children.

For lake adventures

Time Bandit Pirate Ship offers a lake boat tour in Big Bear Lake and is best for families on the lake.

Big Bear Marina offers marina services and boat rentals in Big Bear Lake and is best for renting a boat.

For thrill seekers

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain provides an alpine slide and family rides and is best for kids over 36 inches.

Shopping and activities

The Upstairs Mall in Big Bear Lake Village offers a variety of items, including books, vinyl records, handmade crafts, gifts from around the world, and novelty products. Other shops in the area feature kitchenware, artistic home decor, jewelry with a mountain theme, and merchandise with healing crystals.

For those looking for a hands-on experience, Mystic Moto’s candle bar provides an opportunity to create your own candles. Additionally, visitors can engage in a walking-tour scavenger hunt organized by Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure, or visit Hollywood Studios at Santa Land for themed photo opportunities in movie scenes.

Dining and amenities

When it comes to dining and refreshments, Big Bear Lake Village has several options. You can sample local wines at Barrel 33, grab a sandwich and coffee at Amangela’s, or enjoy frozen yogurt from Beary Bliss.

For visitors driving electric vehicles, Big Bear Lake Village offers charging stations. These are located at the Pennsylvania public lot and near the Tea & Coffee Exchange.