Vince And Ismara's Guidebook to Big Bear Valley
Sightseeing
Learn about everything Baldwin Lake is coveted for! From the beautiful flowering plants only found in Baldwin Lake to the Three-Spined Stickleback Fish that lays dormant until the wet season! It’s pretty amazing our backyard is literally an ecological reserve managed and protected by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife!
Baldwin Lake Ecological Reserve
44999 N Shore DrLearn about everything Baldwin Lake is coveted for! From the beautiful flowering plants only found in Baldwin Lake to the Three-Spined Stickleback Fish that lays dormant until the wet season! It’s pretty amazing our backyard is literally an ecological reserve managed and protected by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife!
Less than a mile from our place The Eye of God is an amazing historical landmark that paints a picture of Big Bear’s Grizzly past…Once projected possibly dozens of feet from a hillside above Baldwin Lake near Big Bear. In a crowning blow, a desperate and deluded gold miner endeavored to detonate the Eye of God in search of precious minerals, exploding the mountain of quartz into a small rock face that it is today.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Eye Of God
Quartz LaneLess than a mile from our place The Eye of God is an amazing historical landmark that paints a picture of Big Bear’s Grizzly past…Once projected possibly dozens of feet from a hillside above Baldwin Lake near Big Bear. In a crowning blow, a desperate and deluded gold miner endeavored to detonate the Eye of God in search of precious minerals, exploding the mountain of quartz into a small rock face that it is today.
Beautiful hidden gym not far from town! Bluff Lake is such an amazing place to enjoy nature. Take your entire family and your camera because you will want to take photos of this amazing little lake! We also found out it has been the scene for many movies including the old Parent Trap!
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bluff Lake Reserve
Mill Creek RoadBeautiful hidden gym not far from town! Bluff Lake is such an amazing place to enjoy nature. Take your entire family and your camera because you will want to take photos of this amazing little lake! We also found out it has been the scene for many movies including the old Parent Trap!
Another hidden gem hidden along a short but beautiful drive through highway 38. Here you’ll find a very private and intimate encounter with the Santa Ana River. The lodge has a little store and a restaurant open daily.
Seven Oaks Lodge
39950 7 Oaks RoadAnother hidden gem hidden along a short but beautiful drive through highway 38. Here you’ll find a very private and intimate encounter with the Santa Ana River. The lodge has a little store and a restaurant open daily.
Holcomb Valley's original gold mining town was named Belleville and was the textbook image of a Wild West town with its outlaws, claim jumpers, and general debauchery. The Belleville Cabin is one of Big Bear's most notable landmarks and is located along the popular Gold Fever Trail. The original purpose of the cabin is up to your imagination, but the style was quite common in the area as it could be built quickly to shelter the rush of gold miners. Accessible by car. SUV or truck preferred.
Belleville Cabin
Polique Canyon RoadHolcomb Valley's original gold mining town was named Belleville and was the textbook image of a Wild West town with its outlaws, claim jumpers, and general debauchery. The Belleville Cabin is one of Big Bear's most notable landmarks and is located along the popular Gold Fever Trail. The original purpose of the cabin is up to your imagination, but the style was quite common in the area as it could be built quickly to shelter the rush of gold miners. Accessible by car. SUV or truck preferred.
Take a drive through Holcomb Valley and visit this cool little interactive trail. You’ll love the sights while driving through the San Bernardino National Forest on the fire roads.
Gold Fever Interpretive Site
Take a drive through Holcomb Valley and visit this cool little interactive trail. You’ll love the sights while driving through the San Bernardino National Forest on the fire roads.
Shopping, Restaurants, and Leisure
Aside from it's unique goods and delicious dining, The Village is a beautiful sight in any season. Bright green trees in the spring and summer line the streets offering shade to visitors, while manicured planters burst with colorful blooms. In fall, the leaves show off their crimson, orange, and yellow hues, bringing a warm glow to the Valley. Wintertime transforms The Village into a snowy wonderland with holiday lights twinkling in the trees. Yes, you'll want to add this little spot to your getaway!
166 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The VILLAGE SHOPS AND COURTYARD
652 Pine Knot AveAside from it's unique goods and delicious dining, The Village is a beautiful sight in any season. Bright green trees in the spring and summer line the streets offering shade to visitors, while manicured planters burst with colorful blooms. In fall, the leaves show off their crimson, orange, and yellow hues, bringing a warm glow to the Valley. Wintertime transforms The Village into a snowy wonderland with holiday lights twinkling in the trees. Yes, you'll want to add this little spot to your getaway!
Great food and great vibes at this “nicer” restaurant in The Village. We love date nights here and bringing our guests to this place because of the menu variety, views from the upstairs balcony, and the ambiance on the downstairs patio.
307 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Oakside
40701 Village DrGreat food and great vibes at this “nicer” restaurant in The Village. We love date nights here and bringing our guests to this place because of the menu variety, views from the upstairs balcony, and the ambiance on the downstairs patio.
If you feel like some tacos and margaritas this is the spot for you! Right on the boulevard!
387 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hacienda Grill
41787 Big Bear BlvdIf you feel like some tacos and margaritas this is the spot for you! Right on the boulevard!
No Name Pizza
1112 W Big Bear BlvdThe closest pizza joint to the house.
Local pizza and Italian favorite! Right in the Vons shopping center.
359 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Maggio's Pizza
42160 Big Bear BlvdLocal pizza and Italian favorite! Right in the Vons shopping center.
If you’ve never been to sizzler you’re missing out! A great buffet as well as to order entrees. Good for families and close to all the main attractions.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sizzler - Outdoor Seating Available
42137 Big Bear BoulevardIf you’ve never been to sizzler you’re missing out! A great buffet as well as to order entrees. Good for families and close to all the main attractions.
Local draft beers & burgers in a casual, rock n roll themed space.
192 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fire Rock Burgers & Brews
618 Pine Knot AveLocal draft beers & burgers in a casual, rock n roll themed space.
The closest Mexican place to the house. Fresh cooked food and HUGE portions!
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cocina De Mexico Restaurant
300 W Big Bear BlvdThe closest Mexican place to the house. Fresh cooked food and HUGE portions!
Definitely the most FUN Mexican restaurant in town! Fireworks and all when you order shots!
Azteca Grill Mexican Restaurant
Definitely the most FUN Mexican restaurant in town! Fireworks and all when you order shots!
Closest market to the house. Has most of the basics.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lippys Country Store
1217 E Big Bear BlvdClosest market to the house. Has most of the basics.
Only open Friday-Sunday. This little restaurant a great spot to grab a bite while exploring the little town of Fawnskin on Big Bear Lake’s north shore.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
North Shore Cafe
39226 N Shore DrOnly open Friday-Sunday. This little restaurant a great spot to grab a bite while exploring the little town of Fawnskin on Big Bear Lake’s north shore.
Bars/Nightlife
Super fun bar/restaurant! Live music, food, patio games and animal friendly!
101 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whiskey Dave's
40740 Village DrSuper fun bar/restaurant! Live music, food, patio games and animal friendly!
The spot to be for entertainment and nightlife. Many celebrities frequent this bar! Ask for Thomas!
38 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
AV BAR & NIGHTCLUB
664 Pine Knot AveThe spot to be for entertainment and nightlife. Many celebrities frequent this bar! Ask for Thomas!
Closest place for food and drinks. Local favorite in Sugarloaf.
93 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kallans Bar And Grill
44761 Barton Ln NClosest place for food and drinks. Local favorite in Sugarloaf.
Super fun and family friendly! Has arcade games and live music right in the heart of The Village
Village Sports Bar
Super fun and family friendly! Has arcade games and live music right in the heart of The Village
Our favorite spots for picnics, walks, kayaking, and just chillaxing!
This is a beautiful park with beach front access. There are restrooms and plenty of parking in the parking lot joined to the park. The park has a lush green lawn for picnics and a swing/ slide play area for kids. Close to all the main attractions.
85 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Ski Beach
41216 Park AveThis is a beautiful park with beach front access. There are restrooms and plenty of parking in the parking lot joined to the park. The park has a lush green lawn for picnics and a swing/ slide play area for kids. Close to all the main attractions.
Great little walk on our very own boardwalk! Take in the beautiful scenery of this protected place in Big Bear!
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve
42300 Big Bear BlvdGreat little walk on our very own boardwalk! Take in the beautiful scenery of this protected place in Big Bear!
Located about two miles from Big Bear Dam, Boulder Bay Park is an outdoor recreational facility offering year-round activities.
Boulder Bay Park View
Located about two miles from Big Bear Dam, Boulder Bay Park is an outdoor recreational facility offering year-round activities.
Such a beautiful spot near the little town of Fawnskin. Located on the northwestern area of Big Bear Lake.
Grout Bay Picnic Area
Such a beautiful spot near the little town of Fawnskin. Located on the northwestern area of Big Bear Lake.
Great paved trail on north shore with spectacular views of the lake and forest. Stay on the paved path or head onto any of the dirt trail offshoots for some additional adventures!
194 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Alpine Pedal Path Trail 1E50
740 Stanfield CutoffGreat paved trail on north shore with spectacular views of the lake and forest. Stay on the paved path or head onto any of the dirt trail offshoots for some additional adventures!
Awesome little walking trail that will give you some beautiful views of the lake and forest.
50 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Woodland Trail 1E23
41948 North Shore DriveAwesome little walking trail that will give you some beautiful views of the lake and forest.
Off-Roading/Rock Crawling Trails
World famous Gold Mountain Trail is right down the street from our place! This is our go to trail when we just want to get out there. It is literally right off the highway. This trail is one of Jeeps “Badge of Honor” trails. You can go to the App Store on your phone and download the app, check-in to the trail, and once completed Jeep will send you an awesome badge of honor in the mail! Look them up, they’re very neat! Once on the trail it will take you through a set of switchbacks which will offer an amazing view of the east valley. Once you crest the summit you’ll be able to get a better view of the rest of the valley and just amazing views overall of the San Bernardino National Forest. Heading down the backside of the mountain will lead you to The expansive trail system and what we like to call our backyard! A must do trail for Jeepers and all 4x4 enthusiasts!
Gold Mountain
World famous Gold Mountain Trail is right down the street from our place! This is our go to trail when we just want to get out there. It is literally right off the highway. This trail is one of Jeeps “Badge of Honor” trails. You can go to the App Store on your phone and download the app, check-in to the trail, and once completed Jeep will send you an awesome badge of honor in the mail! Look them up, they’re very neat! Once on the trail it will take you through a set of switchbacks which will offer an amazing view of the east valley. Once you crest the summit you’ll be able to get a better view of the rest of the valley and just amazing views overall of the San Bernardino National Forest. Heading down the backside of the mountain will lead you to The expansive trail system and what we like to call our backyard! A must do trail for Jeepers and all 4x4 enthusiasts!
What can we say??? John Bull, the GNARLY rock crawling trail along Union Flat Road…WOW! Another Jeep “Badge of Honor” trail and our favorite “hard” rock crawling trail in Big Bear! 4x4 a MUST! Such a fun trail that begins with a tough rocky accent that doesn’t let up until the end of the trail which could take hours depending on many factors. If you have the rig for it we would say this is THE TRAIL to do!
Union Flat Road
Union Flat RoadWhat can we say??? John Bull, the GNARLY rock crawling trail along Union Flat Road…WOW! Another Jeep “Badge of Honor” trail and our favorite “hard” rock crawling trail in Big Bear! 4x4 a MUST! Such a fun trail that begins with a tough rocky accent that doesn’t let up until the end of the trail which could take hours depending on many factors. If you have the rig for it we would say this is THE TRAIL to do!
One of the more lush trails in Big Bear but be prepared for a challenge! Holcomb Creek can definitely be categorized as the Beauty and the Beast that’s for sure!
If you start on the Big Bear side you’ll end up at another beautiful little hidden gem called Green Valley Lake. Hang out for a bit and enjoy the serenity of this spot then head down Green Valley Lake into Arrowbear Lake where you’ll find some little shops and restaurants. It’s just a quick drive back down highway 18 to get back into Big Bear Lake from there. Trust us you’ll love this little loop and will want to run it in reverse the next time!
Holcomb Creek 4x4 Trail
3N16One of the more lush trails in Big Bear but be prepared for a challenge! Holcomb Creek can definitely be categorized as the Beauty and the Beast that’s for sure!
If you start on the Big Bear side you’ll end up at another beautiful little hidden gem called Green Valley Lake. Hang out for a bit and enjoy the serenity of this spot then head down Green Valley Lake into Arrowbear Lake where you’ll find some little shops and restaurants. It’s just a quick drive back down highway 18 to get back into Big Bear Lake from there. Trust us you’ll love this little loop and will want to run it in reverse the next time!
Just a 5 minute drive from the home down Highway 18. This trailhead will lead you through some amazing and picturesque scenery where you’ll see Joshua Trees and Pine trees intermingling!
Cactus Flat OHV Staging Area
Just a 5 minute drive from the home down Highway 18. This trailhead will lead you through some amazing and picturesque scenery where you’ll see Joshua Trees and Pine trees intermingling!
Activities and Other Things to Do
Discover the area on horseback! Just down the street from our place. If you really want to experience San Bernardino National Forest this is the way to do it!
90 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Baldwin Lake Stables
46475 Pioneer Town RdDiscover the area on horseback! Just down the street from our place. If you really want to experience San Bernardino National Forest this is the way to do it!
Go visit the big bears and other wildlife at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo!
723 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zoológico Alpino de Big Bear
42801 Club View DrGo visit the big bears and other wildlife at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo!
Big Bear Off-Road Experience puts YOU in the driver's seat! You will drive trail-capable vehicles on some of Big Bear’s world famous off-road terrain and trails. Guides will be there for you 100% of the time. They will narrate the trips (via 2-way radio) to inform you of all the basic controls, capabilities, and operations of your vehicle. The guides will also discuss the history of the valley, plant and wildlife information, and whatever else happens to come up along the experience! You can choose to drive their Jeeps or our Can-Am's, concurring local off-road terrain, Either way, you're guaranteed to have an experience of a lifetime!
112 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Bear Jeep Experience
42011 Big Bear BlvdBig Bear Off-Road Experience puts YOU in the driver's seat! You will drive trail-capable vehicles on some of Big Bear’s world famous off-road terrain and trails. Guides will be there for you 100% of the time. They will narrate the trips (via 2-way radio) to inform you of all the basic controls, capabilities, and operations of your vehicle. The guides will also discuss the history of the valley, plant and wildlife information, and whatever else happens to come up along the experience! You can choose to drive their Jeeps or our Can-Am's, concurring local off-road terrain, Either way, you're guaranteed to have an experience of a lifetime!
EV Charging
Loop Charging Station
Paid DC fast charging.
Tesla Supercharger
ChargePoint Charging Station
Tesla chargers are located in the back parking lot of the Remax building. Check in with the office if charging before 5pm. Anytime after 5pm you can just plug in.
RE/MAX Big Bear - Village
Tesla chargers are located in the back parking lot of the Remax building. Check in with the office if charging before 5pm. Anytime after 5pm you can just plug in.
ChargePoint chargers located in southeast corner of parking lot across from the entrance to the Village Courtyard and Shops.
Free Public Parking
ChargePoint chargers located in southeast corner of parking lot across from the entrance to the Village Courtyard and Shops.