How to Plan a Big Bear Mountain Trip for the WHOLE FAMILY
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Planning a family getaway to the snowy mountains is so exciting. But if you’ve never taken a trip to the snow, it might feel a little scary. The good news is, if you’re a Southern California local, Big Bear Lake is an excellent choice. With its snowy peaks, pine-covered hills, and a year-round playground of outdoor fun, it doesn’t have to be a complicated trip at all.
My family and I have traveled over to Big Bear Lake many times over the years, and it’s one of your favorite places to visit to get our snow fix. Whether we’re snow tubing down a hill, cozying up by a fireplace in a cabin, hitting the slopes for the first time with skis or snowboards, or just making memory after memory with the kids, Big Bear is full of magic.
So lets talk about how YOU can have a fun, stress-free Big Bear vacation with the family.
This post may contain affiliate links from which I receive a commission if you click or make a purchase. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See my full policy for more information.
Why Visit Big Bear Mountain?
There are so many reasons Big Bear stands out as a top family getaway and why it remains a classic for Southern California families. Here’s some of the things Big Bear has to offer whether you drive over for a day trip or plan to stay a few days:
- Year-round mountain resort with seasons of fun. Big Bear Mountain Resort, which includes peaks like Snow Summit and Bear Mountain — offers a full mix of snow activities in winter and mountain-resort fun all summer long.
- Close enough for Southern California families. Big Bear Lake sits in the San Bernardino National Forest, making it reachable from many SoCal hubs. It’s a top destination spot if you live in the greater Los Angeles area (~2 hour drive), San Diego (~2.5 hour drive), or inland counties.
- Diverse activities for every age and energy level. Whether your kids are toddlers, grade-schoolers, or teens, or you’ve got mixed ages, Big Bear offers everything from gentle snow play and snow tubing, to skiing, snowboarding, summer biking, scenic lifts, rope courses, and more.
- Nature + convenience. You get the fresh mountain air, pine-scented forests, winter snow, and summer sun, but also easy access to cabin rentals, rental gear, and family-friendly amenities.
- Pet Friendly. A lot of families don’t realize how pet-friendly Big Bear Mountain is! Many of the popular cabin rentals offer a variety of pet friendly options, restaurants with patio space for dogs, and many dog friendly hiking trails to explore. If finding a pet sitter is whats holding you back from booking your trip, just bring them along for the adventure!
Big Bear offers the perfect balance of mountain adventure, family-friendly fun, and Southern California convenience that we can all appreciate.
Don’t get me wrong, there are other beautiful mountain spots nearby to visit for snow. Such as Mt. Laguna, Palomar Mountain, or even Mt. Baldy. But there’s something extra special about Big Bear’s village town feel that keeps us coming back.
Plan a Big Bear Mountain Trip with Your Family
If you’re ready to book a cozy cabin and bring your family to the beautiful mountains for a little snow trip, here are the main things to think about before finalizing your plans:
When to Go
- Winter (snow season): If you want snow tubing, skiing or snow play, go in the winter (usually November through March/April, though snow and snowmaking conditions vary). Keep in mind, this is considered their busiest season, so be prepared for long waits and possibly traffic.
- Shoulder season / early spring / late fall: If you enjoy a more quieter visit with fewer crowds, this is a great time to head over to the mountain, but snow may be patchy (so check weather conditions if you’re going for snow play).
- Summer: If you prefer no snow, warm weather, and outdoor adventures, Big Bear transforms into a summer mountain resort! With activities like hiking, zip lining, mountain biking, scenic lifts, and of course, lake activities around Big Bear Lake itself.
How to Get There & What to Know
The popular Big Bear Mountain Resort is located within the San Bernardino National Forest. It’s roughly a 2-hour drive from many parts of Southern California, depending on where you start. You can check out road closures and best routes to get in and out of Big Bear here.
If you’ll be driving up into the mountains during any kind of active snow, or storms, you should always keep a close eye on road conditions. You should also plan to travel with tire chains unless you have a 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle. For chain specifications, visit Big Bear’s driving safety rules here.
Best Places to Stay in Big Bear
Where you stay can make or break a family trip, especially with kids. Fortunately, many of the cabins up in Big Bear have been remodeled offering a more modern stay. Some even have really cool game rooms with arcade games, a pool table, shuffleboard (my personal favorite), or even small movie theatres!
The first cabin we ever stayed during our large family trip in Big Bear had completely decked out their garage into an arcade/game room! Needless to say, our kids spent 90% of their time here and 10% of their time in the under stairs kid’s hideout area.
Another cabin we stayed at through Big Bear Lakefront Cabins had a more high-end, luxury type feel nestled in the Moonridge community. The property was up on a hill, perfect for tubing or sledding and we got lucky to experience two days of snowfall during that trip. It was so much fun and my favorite trip to date!
However, there are plenty of traditional cabins available if you prefer that wooded cabin feel instead. Below, are some of my favorite properties that we’ve stayed in previously!
- Big Bear Lakefront Cabins: They host beautiful mountain-style cabins and rentals throughout Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City and Fawnskin, California. Their properties are cozy, often with fireplaces, easy access to slopes or snow play, and plenty of space for a family to spread out. Great if you want that “mountain getaway” vibe or even a lakefront retreat!
- They have graciously given me a discount code to share with you for 10% off your stay of 2+ nights! Simply add Momma10 into the booking notes on BigBearLakefrontCabins.com. Please note, this discount is NOT valid during any holiday period, for lakefront/lakeview cabins in summer, or during December 10th-January 10th. *Subject to change at their discretion*.
- Budget-friendly motels or lodges: If you’re trying to keep the trip affordable but still want to enjoy the mountain resort vibe, some simple lodgings like Robinhood Resorts or Big Bear Frontier Resort would be a great family-friendly option.
Booking considerations to consider: In peak seasons, holidays and weekends, lodging fills up fast. Try to book early and ideally somewhere central, with easy getaway routes when roads get busy.
What to Pack for the Snow with Kids & the Family
A little prep goes a long way when it comes to packing the right things for your snow trip. Trust me, you don’t want to overpack, or forget something at home. You alson don’t need to be stressed out about not having room for everything you need.
So, here’s a handy packing checklist to help you and the family stay warm, safe, and ready for fun:
- Waterproof snow jackets & snow pants for all kids/adults
- For kids, we love these snow jacket/bib sets by iXtreme
- Gloves / mittens, hats, scarves / neck warmers
- Pajamas (equal to the amount of nights you’ll be staying)
- Regular clothing for basic outings like coffee runs, donut stop, or bowling
- Warm base layers (thermals, long sleeves & pants)
- Thermajohn makes super soft and cozy kid’s thermal sets
- Wool or moisture-wicking socks (bring extras!)
- If your child is in diapers or nighttime underwear, bring enough for up to 2 extra nights
- Swimsuits / towels (if your lodging has a hot tub or indoor pool)
- Sunscreen & lip balm (yes, even in snow!)
- For the kiddos, we love using our Tubby Todd Sunscreen Sticks and All Over Ointment to help with chapped cheeks or skin.
- Kids’ sleds or snow tubes (if you’re not renting from a tubing site)
- Portable baby monitor (if your child is small enough to need monitoring while they sleep)
- White noise machine to help your child sleep
- We always bring our Hatch with us on these trips and it makes the adjustment of sleeping somewhere new so much easier
- Bath wash, shampoo, and lotion (if your child has specific skincare needs that other soaps may irritate)
Bonus: If you plan to ski or snowboard, book lessons + rentals in advance to save time and ensure gear fits properly!
Also, keep in mind, there are grocery stores and convenience stores should you forget any of the basic items you need. So don’t be too stressed if you leave something at home.
Places to Eat
If there’s one thing about Big Bear, they have a lot of delicious restaurants. Now, if you’re traveling with the family, be mindful that a lot of these places aren’t necessarily big.
They fill up quick during traditional meal times, and if it’s a very popular spot, you could be waiting hours just to get a seat.
One thing we’ve learned to do during our trips is if it’s a spot we love, but the wait time is just too long, we’ll order our meals to-go, bring them back to the cabin, and enjoy a little movie night with the kids.
Of course, it is fun to try out some new spots when the crowd has died down, but just be prepared to plan ahead so you can beat the crowds. Below, are my personal favorite spots to snag a bite to eat in Big Bear.
Breakfast Spots to Visit in Big Bear:
- Grizzly Manor Cafe – you’ve heard of it and that’s for a good reason, their breakfast is AMAZING! The downside is the place is tiny, and there’s almost always a long line to get in. This is definitely one of those spots I recommend taking to go. And you must, must, must try their giant pancakes, they’re so yummy and definitely hit the spot.
- Mountain Munchies – This little spot is one we had never been to until we visited in 2024. We we’re rushing to beat the next storm on our way out and decided to stop by on a whim. The restaurant wasn’t overly packed, the service was fast & friendly, and the food was delicious, especially the french toast! A great place to check out if you want to sit down for a traditional breakfast without the huge crowds.
- Dank Donuts – This spot is a MUST for fresh, tasty donuts. They also have a variety of breakfast sandwiches to choose form on their menu. While I’ve never tried the sandwiches, if they’re remotely close to tasting as good as they’re donuts, I have no doubt it’ll be delicious. There’s also nothing wrong with starting the day off with a tasty donut or two.
Lunch & Dinner Spots to Visit in Big Bear:
- Teddy Bear Restaurant – This gives me those old school diner vibes every time we visit. They usually have a cash only sign up, seats can be limited, but the food is tasty. Whether you’re going for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, rest assured your meal will be cooked to perfection.
- Saucy Mama’s Pizzaria – Easily one of the best pizza spots around! Their pizzas never skimp on ingredients or flavor and my kids love when we get this place for dinner. If you need a favorite to start with, I recommend the Murray’s Meatlover and Adolfo’s Amazing Alfredo.
- Fire Rock Burgers & Brews – Another small, often crowded spot in Big Bear (located over in the main village), but their burgers and onion rings are so yummy. The vibe in this place is also pretty cool. If you’re into music, you’ll love the scenery.
Things to Do in Big Bear When it Snows
If you’re wondering about all the fun you can have in these beautiful snowy mountains, I created a full guide to family-friendly activities already!
Check out my article: Fun Things To Do In Big Bear With Kids When It Snows for a complete list of snow play, tubing, donut shops, snow-friendly outings, and more.
Planning a trip to Big Bear should feel exciting and fun, because it is! There’s so much beauty and fun to be had in these beautiful mountains.
With the right timing, a cozy place to stay, a solid packing plan, and a few fun activities lined up, you can give your family a winter getaway they’ll remember for years.
Whether you’re hiking under summer skies, tubing down snow lanes in winter, or sipping cocoa by a fire after a day on the slopes, Big Bear offers a bit of magic for every family.
If you’re going to plan a Big Bear Mountain trip soon, then here’s to snowy mountains, cozy cabins, and family memories waiting to happen. If you’ve been before, drop a comment and let me know your favorite memory at Big Bear!