Rotary Pine Knot Park

278

489

2039

3 hours ago

This park is one of my favorites to bring my toddler. They playground is clean and positioned so the sun doesn't burn up the slides

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Andrea B.

436

679

3583

2 months ago

Pretty small park. They have the walkie talkie things, 3 slides abd some bars. That's pretty much it. Further down there are restrooms. There's several benches to sit at and some facing the lake. We got to see several birds, hornets and even a little gopher! read more

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Adela G.

34

14

0

26 days ago

Nice relaxing place next next to the lake to take a break. Parking not disabled friendly.

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Sal B.

142

41

27

3 months ago

Beautiful park with beautiful views. This is also where they have the Farmers market. If you see some guys selling cherries, BUY them. read more

Rotary Pine Knot Park - Map of the city - Playgrounds Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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Claudia T.

22

112

533

1 year ago

It's small playground with a few slides. Several benches and a few tables around it. It was clean and just missing some swings for the kiddos The view is beautiful next to the water and the playground was clean read more

Rotary Pine Knot Park - View from afar - Playgrounds Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Rotary Pine Knot Park - Playground - Playgrounds Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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Mike B.

5

7

1 year ago

Quaint little park, good use of space. Our son had a great time! Could probably use an extra bench or two... read more

Rotary Pine Knot Park - Bench - Playgrounds Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Rotary Pine Knot Park - Bench with view - Playgrounds Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Rotary Pine Knot Park - Benches - Playgrounds Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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Amber B.

Elite 16

17

210

478

2 years ago

Small playground - best for ages 4-8. There are a few slides and a few climbing apparatuses. No shade. Public restrooms near by. Limited parking. Lots and lots of benches for sitting by the lake. Two picnic tables. Some grassy areas to walk a dog. read more

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Mercedes S.

66

152

98

4 years ago

Absolutely lovely. Our kids loved it and it was great for supervision and safety. Can't wait to visit again. The playground happily accommodated my 1,3, and 5 year old. read more

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Jennifer O.

49

82

171

6 years ago

Great park. We stood within walking distance and in the morning we had the whole place to ourselves. We got to all run wild at our first time back at a park since March!! It was all clean and we felt comfortable being there. read more

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Chris W.

660

860

5384

10 years ago

Five stars for the view but one star for the parking and bathroom situation. We spotted the Rotary Pine Knot Park as we were driving down the main road in Big Bear. We made it a point to come back there later and it was worth the effort. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables in shade where you can get great views of the lake. The grounds are well maintained and the park looked nice. We brought a box of pastries and had a great time sitting there eating them in that environment. There's also a small playground with padded flooring for the children to play on. There are a minuscule number of parking spots available and some (all?) of them have signage warning that they are for guests of the Marina Resort next door. There is a large parking lot available at the Big Bear Lake Visitor Center about a five minute walk away. The problem is that you have to cross the very busy Big Bear Blvd, which is not ideal with little kids. The bathroom situation is pretty abysmal. For some reason they designed the bathroom stall so that it does not have a door on it! I ended up having to stand outside the bathroom asking people not to go in until the person was done to avoid any potentially embarrassing situations. The sinks are also designed strangely. Instead of having the water faucets face down they are facing up so the water vomits itself upwards and then falls down awkwardly. Who know what they were thinking when they designed this place. My advice is to use the public restrooms available at the visitor center where the parking lot is. read more

Rotary Pine Knot Park - View from the benches. Lake is a tad dry. :-/ - Playgrounds Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Rotary Pine Knot Park - Playground, picnic tables, and benches - Playgrounds Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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Amber O.

158

84

20

12 years ago

For all families with antsy toddlers or preschoolers, this is a must for your family trip to Big Bear Lake! We tried searching for a playground and didn't find any until we stumbled across this one. It's right near the marina so there are boats to watch, ducks to feed, and plenty of benches and picnic tables to perch your strollers nearby. There are also public restrooms up closer to the street - a must for potty breaks! :) Overall, a great way to enjoy some warm sunshine while allowing your littles to work up an appetite for dinner. read more

Rotary Pine Knot Park - The playground equipment is small but perfect for little kids. - Playgrounds Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Rotary Pine Knot Park - Lots of benches and a few concrete picnic tables nearby. - Playgrounds Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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Joe R.

45

14

26

9 years ago

This park is very small it's located next to a post office parking is kind of difficult because either have to park across the street in the public parking area and then walk your way across the street to this Park note to parents with young toddlers they have to be aware that there are cigarette butts on the grass so make sure the kids dont actually grab them and put them in their mouths however this park is pretty Nice to get them out in the morning and get them to exercise read more

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Karla A.

0

9

8

8 years ago

There is a small playground which kept my kids entertained for about 30 minutes. Definitely a good amount of benches to relax. Small little critters roaming around. You can see the lake has depleted from its original fullness; nevertheless a wonderful view of the lake and observatory in the background. Used the facilities for my little one and was able to find parking. Be careful there is broken cement. read more

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Jen B.

1

56

52

9 years ago

Quaint little park with a small playground. A good place for my 4yr old to burn off the pancakes and syrup energy after a late lunch in the Village. Pretty view of the lake and marina and you can climb down the rocks to lakeside if the water's low. read more

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Lor A.

35

14

3

11 years ago

The perfect spot for young children to burn off energy and hang out with other kids. My only complaint was the teenagers hanging out on the nearby grass. The was a lot of PDA and cursing from them. read more

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Harry N.

0

44

3

10 years ago

Very small playground with very little parking. Kids were bored in 5mins

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More info about Rotary Pine Knot Park

481 Bartlett Rd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Directions
Visit Website
http://www.bigbearlake.net/lakes-trails-parks/Parks/The-Rotary-Pine-Knot-Park

Hours

What time does Rotary Pine Knot Park open?

What time does Rotary Pine Knot Park close?

Outdoor Amenities

Does Rotary Pine Knot Park have bike parking?

No, Rotary Pine Knot Park does not have bike parking.

Does Rotary Pine Knot Park have parking?

Yes, Rotary Pine Knot Park has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Review Highlights - Rotary Pine Knot Park

“Quaint little park with a small playground.”

Mentioned in 6 reviews

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Boulder Bay Park

Cute. Lil Mountain Park before you head down the mountain back to the city. Park has some tree…read moreshade, nice green grass to set your blankie on and enjoy the fresh air, have a picnic or people watch. Doggie, pet friendly. Clean restrooms. If you feel like dipping your tosies in the crisp water, there is access, you can walk down to. Parking lot is small and tight. Happy Adventure Ya'll!

Boulder Bay Park is one of Big Bear Lake's most picturesque (and busy) spots, offering stunning…read moreviews of the lake, towering boulders, and plenty of open space for you and your dog to enjoy. Located on the western side of Big Bear Lake, this park is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, particularly those looking to enjoy a peaceful and leisurely walk with their pets, a picnic, or just some quiet time by the water. There is a free parking lot adjacent to the park, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. If the lot is full, there is additional street parking available nearby. The park is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during the spring, summer, and fall when the weather is mild, and the lake is at its most beautiful.

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Meadow Park

3.0(9 reviews)

0.6 mi

Bathrooms locked , Trash Cans over full ! Porta potties bad…read more!!! County of San Bernardino needs to do better!

This is definitely one of the prettiest parks in Big Bear Lake. It offers 16.25 acres of a ball…read morefield, picnic tables, big shady trees, a beautiful grassy lawn and sports courts. I have been to this park many times and we have created our own bocce ball court on the grass and played some fun games. In the summer time, there is access to the lake and they offer a swim beach so one can take a dip in the fresh water of the lake. Plenty of parking, grills for bbq, clean restrooms, and a play ground. I like to come down in the evening and catch a nice sunset and I have heard the views from this park for July 4th are some of the best views in town. Dogs are welcome here too. Overall, I will return here again and again.

Lots of grass to roll around in

Playground

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After glow

Ski Beach Park

4.3(15 reviews)

0.5 mi

Least enjoyable experience. Very strict on every aspect of being here and talked to each other…read moreabout the people present the entire time. At one point a lifeguard went up to a group and was eagle watching them waiting for them to do something wrong. Such a shame because this area of the lake is beautiful.

Nice view Easy parking…read more Quiet Lots of space for a grassy picnic Good playground for the kids

Sunset

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Big Bear Discovery Center

4.4(145 reviews)

1.4 mi

I've been here twice now for their music in the woods concerts in the summer and both times, it's…read morebeen a blast. There are hiking paths around which I haven't done yet. There is a small parking lot if you are one of the earlier folks there for that day. It's a little building where they do have restrooms. Everyone is friendly.

The Big Bear Discovery Center is a place of just that…read more.. Discovery!! A place where Nature is the Star, but Nurture is equally as important. A place where the Great Outdoors is embraced and being one with Nature is encouraged by all. Welcome to the Big Bear Discovery Center! While visiting our friends at their cabin in Beautiful Big Bear, we decided to take the kids to the Discovery Center to see what it was all about. Upon walking into the building, we were immediately immersed into the wildlife that makes up this areas landscape. From the avian wildlife, to the reptiles, to the large mammals that call Big Bear Home, the Discovery Center gave a great snapshot of what nature lives in these mountains. In addition, the various types of rock, plants and trees were also on display which showcased the unique landscape of the region. On the back part of the building, there was a decent sized gift shop where your young explorers can browse all of the nature related toys, books and gear to be a Jr. Ranger. But the fun didn't stop there... Out front, they had a table for kids to do a hands on activity. The day we went, kids could make their own bird feeder using a pine cone, peanut butter and bird seed. After making our homemade bird feeders, we took a short walk to the other side of the building where they had an outdoor area called Nature Discovery Zone where kids could play, dig, build things. There are other activities on site, but this is all we did on our visit. If you find yourself in the Big Bear area and have young kids, definitely a good place to come check out. They do have some snacks and drinks inside the gift shop, but I didn't see any actual hot food to eat. There are picnic benches and places you can sit and relax if you want to pack a lunch and eat in the outdoor area. Now... Who's ready to Discover the behind the scenes of Big Bear!

More items and info desk

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Gift shop

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

4.4(728 reviews)

2.5 mi

What an amazing experience at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo! The entire zoo is small but it was…read moreincredibly clean and well maintained, making it such a pleasant place to visit. It was obvious that the animals are very well cared for and loved, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The gift shop was also fantastic well stocked with a great selection of unique souvenirs and gifts. I left with a smile on my face and can't wait to visit again. I highly recommend the Big Bear Alpine Zoo to anyone visiting the area!

I really like the idea and concept behind this zoo. It's on the smaller side, but it was very well…read moremaintained and clean. The animals appeared to be well cared for, and I appreciated the focus on conservation efforts and protecting local wildlife. Being able to see some of these animals up close was definitely a cool experience. There were quite a few different animals throughout the zoo, although depending on when you visit, there may or may not be animals out in certain exhibits. I also liked that each exhibit had its own information card with additional details about the animals. It was helpful to learn more about what we were seeing and added a little more to the overall experience. Overall, I enjoyed spending some time here. It's a smaller zoo, so you probably won't spend an entire day here, but it's a nice place to stop by if you're in the area and want to see some wildlife while supporting their conservation efforts.

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White Wolf

Aspen Glen Picnic Area

4.1(94 reviews)

1.1 mi

Best place to go sledding... Get there early! Parking get…read morefull very fast! Lots of slopes to sled - all ages

The Aspen Glen Picnic Area is a day use area only that is open year round. It's a quaint area for a…read moreleisurely picnic or a great starting point to accessible trail heads. Some picnic tables, a community fire ring, and some barbecues are provided for use. I wouldn't rely on the restrooms. Also, be prepared as there's no potable water on-site. There is a small parking lot that fits about 15 small vehicles. Parked vehicles must display a valid recreation pass. You can purchase a pass from the Mountaintop Ranger District & Discovery Center along with other vendors (see the USDA Forest Service website for a map of vendors located under the "Passes and Permits" tab).

Picnic area

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Big bear snow man

Juniper Point

4.8(13 reviews)

1.4 mi

There are a few picnic tables under some large trees, the bike path runs through, the shoreline is…read morewalkable and you can sit and picnic. Very nice spot to relax!

This is a great spot to see the lake and relax. There are trails to walk as well. There is limited…read moreparking but plenty when I came on a weekday.

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Areas to sit and picnic by along the shore

Fawn Park

4.3(28 reviews)

2.6 mi

I had the honor of paying Queen Jackie respects today at her memorial. The memorial site is at Fawn…read morePark. It's a cute and simple park with a small gate around it. It was beautiful and serene. The ambiance is breathtaking with the crystal blue sky and Forrest surrounding. There are a few things for kiddos to play on but it's a very small park. This park is right next to the lake and you can even walk the local town. When visiting I actually saw an eagle flying in the air. My heart believes it was Shadow. It's so majestic watching them and it's amazing how high they actually fly. Almost making it impossible to see them when high up. Thank you Queen Jackie for touching so many hearts. May your legacy live on. Her 1st memorial will be held this weekend and the 2nd at the end of the month. If you have a chance, please visit

The Jackie memorial is so beautiful, the community here have really made this quite something…read morespecial. Inside fawn park there are some exercise machines, a giant tire (not sure about it being the largest). There is a miniature little house like for kids. Free parking in the entrance side, no restrooms. There are benches if you want to hang out. Very cute spot with lots of shade. The way Jackie is being honored and remembered here is incredible.

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Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk & Wildlife Preserve

4.5(49 reviews)

1.9 mi

The Stanfield Preserve Boardwalk is an easy-to-navigate trail located on the east end of Big Bear…read moreLake. This boardwalk stretches across a protected wetland area, providing a unique opportunity to experience the region's diverse flora and fauna up close. The boardwalk is relatively flat and well-maintained, making it accessible to visitors of all ages and fitness levels and it's dog friendly. Just be aware of bikers. The boardwalk is open from dawn to dusk and offers ample time to explore at your own pace. Parking is available nearby, and there are several access points to the boardwalk. We parked for free in a lot at the west end of the boardwalk.

I enjoy this trail! It's a flat walk along the lake with beautiful views, especially when the…read moreweather is nice! There is a parking lot here but it can get full, so many cars are usually park along the street. What I like about this place in particular is that all ages can do it & you can walk as far or little as you'd like. Great little treasure in Big Bear!

Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk & Wildlife Preserve

Fun bridge you walk on about half the distance

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Bluebird seems to be either well fed or puffed up to keep warm.

Alpine Slide At Magic Mountain

3.3(904 reviews)

0.7 mi

This place was so much fun. We took all the kids and were there for hours. Getting up to the top…read morewas really fun - you stood on a track and it pulled you up. It started snowing, which made it so much more magical. They have restrooms and food. Definite fun for the whole family!

The alpine slide and the mineshaft coaster were both so much fun!…read more The older lady in the ticketing booth for the coaster was kind of rude. When I was paying for my ticket, I also mentioned that I wanted to pay for the video. I obviously am unaware of how things are. I did t know that you would pay for the video after the ride. She just said something so condescending and rude. A little explanation of how I can preview the video, then pay for it after the die was done would have been nice. I didn't appreciate her at all. She was the elderly woman working the ticket booth around noon on Saturday, June 6, 2026. She might need to be retrained on how to give customer service.

WAIVER to sign before doing any Activities. I suggested Online sign in , hope they listen coz its long line always !

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Zofia G.

70

194

371

2 years ago

Rotary Park quickly became one of my favorite spots for a family day out, and it's easy to see why. The park, while not sprawling, offers a stunning view of the lake that serves as a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely day. The beauty of the lake, combined with the serene environment, makes for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The outdoor play area for kids might not be the largest around, but it packs a punch with its well-thought-out design, ensuring kids have a blast. The real cherry on top, however, is the unbeatable lake view you get from the play area. It's not every day you find a park where you can keep an eye on your kids playing while also enjoying a breathtaking view. Another aspect of Rotary Park that I deeply appreciate is the abundance of benches scattered throughout. These benches are not only practical but are positioned perfectly, allowing parents and visitors to relax and soak in the surroundings. Whether you're reading a book, catching up with a friend, or just enjoying some quiet time, there's always a spot for you. Rotary Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to spend quality time with their family or simply to enjoy nature's beauty. Its combination of scenic views, well-maintained facilities, and thoughtful amenities like plenty of seating makes it stand out. Definitely a local treasure worth exploring! read more

Rotary Pine Knot Park - playgrounds - Updated September 2026

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This was a gorgeous spot to stop and do a mini hike. Great photo opps and a beautiful place to have…read morea picnic and just relax. I posted a few photos because it is just too beautiful for words. You do have to have an Adventure Pass to park there ($5 at any 7-11). But it is absolutely worth the stop.

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Had a great time on the coaster! Our kids are obsessed & wanted to ride 5x. We would have if it was…read moremore affordable (our only complaint). $30 for one ride (adult+ kid) x2 for our fam = $60 for one ride. Would love to see an annual pass option or multiple ride discount option. We have a home in Big Bear & would love to come often! Highly recommend if you're looking for something fun to do!

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(61 reviews)

Bears play a pivotal role in my life: they are one of my spirit animals, my name means "Little…read moreBear" in Latin which is also a pet name moniker, I have a tattoo with a bear and another of the Ursa Minor constellation, my deceased father was obsessed with bears, etc. When I was a teenager before evening living in the state of California (which obviously has its own bear connection); I was obsessed with MTV just like every other hot-blooded teenage girl. One year, MTV production went to Big Bear for a winter skiing getaway. I was instantly drawn to Big Bear per the name and somehow felt my soul tugged (the same as to the entire state which is why I moved here nearly two decades ago). I vowed to someday visit Big Bear. I am also one of the proud members of the 'Eagle Fam' who is faithfully devoted to the world-famous bald eagle couple Jackie & Shadow watching their nest cam every day. My adult vow, added to the teen one regarding visiting, was to see Jackie and Shadow's nest in real life sans camera. Well, the day has come and Little Bear has finally visited Big Bear! If those of us living in Los Angeles aren't spoiled enough; we have the amazing San Bernadino Mountain range village of Big Bear just a two-hour drive away where we can escape the hustle-bustle of stressful LA and enjoy the alpine splendor that is Big Bear. Big Bear is known for its skiing season but is also a summer retreat with cabin life, hiking, boating, fishing, zip lines, shopping, etc; 7000+ feet above sea level surrounded by pine trees and mountains that kiss the sky. Even the drive to Big Bear is glorious on the winding road up the mountain that famously reveals Big Bear and its centerpiece model the lake in the distance glittering blue surrounded by mountains. Big Bear is breath-taking even before you formally arrive. As an Angelino, the energy and vibe of Big Bear can't be ignored. Not only is the air clean and devoid of smog, but it is peaceful, slow-paced and calming: a genuine retreat that feels worlds away from the LA proper. At the center of it all is the main showpiece: Big Bear Lake, itself. The lake is 7 miles in circumference but manages to appear sweepingly larger and is surrounded by cabins, boat docks, shopping, skiing, hiking trails, Big Bear Village (the central mountain tourist-y district) and the commercialized village center with everything from Vons, Starbucks, Dollar Tree, Marshalls and Grocery Bargain Outlet to nearby Big Bear Courthouse, post office and library. The lake is the prom queen of Big Bear. If you're thinking that it is probably just any old lake; you are sorely mistaken as it is a thing of beauty. As a Jackie and Shadow fan club member; I went to the Captain John's Marina/Dana Point Park shoreline Fawnskin section of Big Bear Lake which is the official, legal viewing point of the bald eagle nest (the land directly surrounding the nest and their famous roost trees is federally protected especially during nesting season and is a criminal act to trespass). Bring binoculars because looking up from the ground is further optically then from the nest cam in reverse. While I was there, Jackie was on the nest with the two babies but I was hoping to catch Shadow, the King of Big Bear either fishing or flying-in. I had waited and just when I literally verbally stated, "Shadow show yourself!"; I kid you not that he flew right over from the other side of the lake and soared above in circles only approximately 60 feet above for a minute in duration. I cried and this was one of the most magical moments of my life and a true spiritual encounter with the celebrity Shad Daddy. Big Bear is also magical in that even in the skiing off-season of April when I visited; a snowstorm hit and the pine trees and lake turned into a Christmas Card. Even I, this Los Angeles sun girl who loves heat and hates the cold; had snowflakes in my eyes and felt like a child surrounded by magic dust has I haven't truly been in snowfall in 17 years. A very dire and controversial topic effecting Big Bear at the time of this review is the fight against land developers who purchased the 'Moon Camp' parcel of land very close to the nest and want to bulldoze over 2k trees, create 50 boat slips and luxury housing even though there is NO housing shortage in Big Bear. The developers have agreed to sell Moon Camp to the Friends of Big Bear nonprofit/San Bernadino Trust for the hefty sum of $10 mil by July 31st to save Moon Camp and forever protect Jackie and Shadow's home area. The cause has gone worldwide viral and at the time of this review is up to $3 mil in donations (failure is not an option and financing will be the next step is $10 mil isn't reached). Big Bear Lake and the entire mountainous retreat city now hold a piece of my heart and I am chomping at the bit to return. This peaceful and heavenly mountaintop lake and city is the must-see of all Angelinos whether for skiing, boating or visiting the King and Queen, Jackie and Shadow.

Year round fun and beauty - not just the winter! Big Bear offers so many different activities that…read moreis sure to please. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, someone who enjoys shopping, eating, or enjoying a slower pace vacation with your family pet, Big Bear offers it. Some activities our family makes sure to enjoy for our Big Bear visits have been: Holloway's Marina to rent a dog friendly pontoon boat to enjoy lunch on the lake (they also offer Pirate Ship Charters), popping over to The Village to stroll with our dog and do a little shopping and eat some good foods (there's also many good food places outside of The Village - like the Grizzly Manor Cafe and Blanca and Pierres!), visiting the Big Bear Discovery Center, strolling along the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk, and horseback riding at Baldwin Lake Stables. In July, Big Bear puts on their "Fireworks Spectacular" which explodes over Big Bear Lake every July 4th and is FREE to spectators. A helpful tip: always check for road closures and road conditions before visiting/leaving and on the day of your travels. CalTrans has not been reliable, but Big Bear's website (Big Bear Mountain Resort dot com) has been. Just click on the "Road Conditions" tab and it'll take you to a page listing real time road updates and conditions. Enjoy beautiful Big Bear!

Captain John's Fawn Harbor & Marina

3.8

(256 reviews)

Loved meeting Captain John, Ben, Dave & Romeo! Captain John had the best stories about the eagles…read moreand made sure my experience at Captain John's Fawn Harbor & Marina was memorable. Liked his kayaks and will back to kayak next time I am in Big Bear. The vibe is mellow & happy just like my Californian spirit :) Thank you Captain John for my wonderful time at your Marina!!

We went to book the tour of the lake but weren't able to unfortunately. However, they did let my…read morefamily and I go to the telescopes they had set up pointing at Shadows nest. We stayed for about an hour even though they were long closed. We were excited to see the nest so I'm thankful they let us stay as long as we wanted

Maple Lane Trails