Kind Traveler is proud to partner with Visit Big Bear Lake and participating lodging and charity partners to advance responsible tourism efforts in Big Bear through Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back program. Through our partnership, a portion of every guest stay with participating lodging partners funds the mission of local charity beneficiaries, positively impacting the well-being of Big Bear in creating a sustainable future.
Visit Big Bear Lake
Member Since August 2025
of funds raised go to the local charities
Local Impact Partners
Kind Factors
Discover Big Bear
A mountain and lake escape just a few hours outside of Los Angeles, Big Bear is one of Southern California's most beloved gems. The community, surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, is a haven for nature and outdoors lovers who come to experience everything from fishing the pristine seven-mile lake to skiing, camping, mountain biking, and stargazing.
Hiking is another unforgettable experience in Big Bear, a community located at an altitude of 6,759 feet and home to one of the world's rare 'Sky Island' forests. These special 'islands' are isolated mountain ranges that include peaks rising more than 6,000 feet above the surrounding desert floor.
In addition to all of those attractions, which speak directly to the souls of nature lovers everywhere, Big Bear is a place where you'll find a vibrant arts scene, including theater, visual arts and live music. But no matter what activities you choose to indulge in while visiting this Alpine wonderland in the San Bernardino Mountains, it will be hard to miss the love for nature and care for the environment that's exhibited by Big Bear residents and business owners alike.
Local Impact Partners
Friends of Big Bear Alpine Zoo
An organization whose mission is to support and ensure the success of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, this local nonprofit focuses on inspiring understanding, respect, and environmentally responsible action concerning the stewardship of wildlife and wildlife habitats. Their efforts include conservation, education, volunteer support, and fundraising.
Southern California Mountains Foundation
The Southern California Mountains Foundation believes passionately that people need public land. For 32 years, this non-profit has worked to protect those lands. The organization's efforts include conservation initiatives, innovative environmental education, and operation of the largest discovery center and local corps serving the Inland Empire. All of these efforts are designed to empower people to learn and protect the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest.
Care for Big Bear
Care for Big Bear is an ongoing campaign that advocates for responsible tourism, volunteering to help protect the environment, and preservation of the region's natural surroundings. The campaign is deeply committed to empowering the Big Bear community through cooperation of locals and visitors. It's also a call to action for all who love Big Bear to actively engage in helping to preserve and protect the stunning region for future generations.
How to Travel Kindly in Big Bear
Sustainable tourism and green travel are a significant focus in Big Bear Lake, one that permeates all levels of the community and local culture. When visiting, you'll find a community of environmental and sustainability advocates who care deeply for the natural environment, including preserving wildlife.
While visiting, the community asks that you help "Care for Big Bear" by:
- Following the principles of Leave No Trace
- Get involved in one of the many opportunities to volunteer
- Help preserve the area's Dark Skies
- Join events and activities inspired by the natural landscape
- Support local green businesses
Here are some other ways you can support Big Bear Lake and be a more responsible or mindful traveler when visiting.
Mindful Adventures
Thanks to its location amid the San Bernardino National Forest, the Big Bear region abounds with mindful adventure opportunities. Hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, camping and snowshoeing are just some of the options. Be sure to spend some time exploring the Big Bear Lake Trails, which include more than 100 miles of trails that visitors can hike or bike year-round. Along the trails, you'll find everything from thick pine forests to vibrant green meadows and high desert landscapes. If you're lucky, you may also see some of the local wildlife.
In addition to the mountains, the lake is one of the main attractions in Big Bear. There are many ways to take in its beauty including by booking a Big Bear Lake tour. Among the not-to-miss options is sailing aboard the Pine Knot Marina's Miss Liberty Paddlewheel, which provides a 90-minute guided tour of the lake focused on Big Bear's history and folklore.
At day's end, be sure to engage in yet another one of the area's most memorable and mindful activities – stargazing. Thanks to its remote mountain location, Big Bear offers stunning night skies for stargazing, along with night sky photography. (You may even see an occasional meteor shower.) A few of the best places to kick back and take in the celestial show include Holcomb Valley Road and Woodland/Cougar Crest Trailheads.
Copyright: Barrel 33
Conscious Culture
A vibrant, artistic community, there's all manner of cultural experiences in Big Bear. If you visit during theater season (roughly June through December), take in a show or performance at the Big Bear Performing Arts Center, a 400-seat, state-of-the-art theater that promotes and encourages performing arts.
The Bear Valley Historical Museum offers yet another way to experience Big Bear's history and culture. Established back in 1967 by individuals who hoped to preserve the colorful past of the high mountain valley, the museum is open each year from Memorial Day to Labor Day on Wednesdays and weekends.
The live music scene is another cultural highlight in Big Bear. Venues like Wyatt's Grill and Saloon regularly offer live music, as does Barrel 33, where you can also engage in wine and beer tasting.
Dine & Shop Kindly
Like so many other places in the world, dining in Big Bear can be an equally memorable part of the experience. You'll find everything from chef-crafted meals to pub fare and restaurants focused on sustainable dining.
When it comes to establishments that are leading the sustainability charge, look no further than Stella Luna, a scratch kitchen focused on sourcing everything responsibly, from ingredients to tableware. Stella Luna also works diligently to minimize its carbon footprint and reduce waste. (Each week, Stella composts about 250 pounds of its food waste, which is later privately distributed throughout the valley). Also notable, the menu features many vegan and vegetarian items.
Another local favorite, Amangela's Sandwich and Bagel House, focuses on serving fresh, healthy fare, including several vegan and vegetarian menu options.
And don't miss spending some time shopping in The Village, while exploring Big Bear. The charming neighborhood, known for its alpine architecture, is home to a variety of unique shops, including art galleries, sweets shops, and handmade items.
Stella Luna
Getting There
During the warmer parts of the year, many visitors travel to Big Bear Lake by car as the scenic drive is part of the experience. There are three primary routes to reach this mountain getaway: Highway 330 through Highland, Highway 38, which takes you through Redlands, and Highway 18 through the Lucerne Valley.
If you're planning to visit Big Bear by car, it's always important to check road conditions and weather conditions in advance, especially during the winter season. There may also be chain requirements for your car tires depending on the weather conditions.
The closest airports to Big Bear are Los Angeles (LAX), Ontario International in the Inland Empire, along with Palm Springs, and also the John Wayne Airport located in nearby Orange County. Within Big Bear itself, there is Big Bear Airport, but it is only accessible to private pilots.
During your stay in Big Bear, you can opt to leave your vehicle parked and use the Free Big Bear Trolley to get around town.