This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Big Bear Lake.
Outdoor adventurists should definitely plan to stop at Big Bear Lake on their next trip through California! You have a choice of hostels and this is the largest recreation lake in Southern California, which calls for plenty of fishing and boating.
Even though the lake is the number one reason to visit Big Bear Lake, there are plenty of things to do, even for those who would prefer to stay dry. At the shore you will find opportunities to hike, ride horses, and mountain bike in the summer, or participate in winter activities such as sledding or skiing. Big Bear Lake is in a mountainous and forested region. This is a great area to view wildlife, which includes deer; bobcats; coyotes; foxes; and of course, the namesake bears. Although the population is small, especially compared to typical Southern Californian cities, the Big Bear area is very welcoming to visitors, making it a popular tourist destination.
The local hostels in Big Bear Lake certainly reflect the values of being both traveler-friendly and rustic in the woods. Although Big Bear Lake is nearly an hour's drive from other cities, bus service is available and the journey all the way up the mountains is very scenic. Even if you prefer more urban destinations, Big Bear Lake offers a change of pace in the midst of large Southern Californian cities. The closest big city is San Bernardino, and there are several other large cities about an hour's drive away. Some people say that you can do everything in Southern California, and Big Bear Lake is a rare gem found no place else in the world!
