Best Summer Activities

in Big Bear Lake

Your Ultimate Summer Guide

A table set with a fresh salad, a pizza with herbs, another pizza slice, a glass of water, and floral arrangements in vases.

Make a splash on

Big bear lake

Nothing says summer quite like spending a day on the water. Rent a kayak, paddle board, pontoon boat, or jet ski and experience Big Bear Lake from a completely different perspective. If you'd rather stay on shore, pack a picnic, relax on the beach, or watch the sunset paint the mountains in shades of gold.

Don't miss:

  • Kayaking & paddle boarding

  • Pontoon boat rentals

  • Wakeboarding & tubing

  • Fishing for trout and bass

  • Sunset cruises

Summer in Big Bear is more than just a break from the heat—it's a season filled with mountain adventures, lakeside afternoons, and unforgettable moments. Whether you're craving an adrenaline-filled weekend or a peaceful escape surrounded by nature,

Big Bear transforms into Southern California's favorite summer playground.

At N+P Boutique Lodge, you're perfectly positioned to experience it all. Just minutes from the lake, hiking trails, and The Village, every adventure begins right outside your door.

Close-up of seven rectangular cheese and tomato pizza slices being prepared with grated cheese and tomato sauce on top.
Close-up of avocado toast topped with tomato slices, crumbled cheese, and chili flakes, held in a person's hand with a drink on a dark outdoor table, with blurred trees and building in the background.
Close-up of a chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream bar being held with a gloved hand, in a kitchen setting.

the art

OF SOAKING UP

sUMMER

People sharing a meal at a wooden table with various dishes including pizza, salads, and drinks, with two hands presenting a slice of pizza with pepperoni and black olives.
People dining and socializing on an outdoor wooden patio near a lake at dusk, with trees silhouetted against the twilight sky.

Hit the Trails

Big Bear is home to hundreds of miles of scenic hiking trails suitable for every experience level. Wander through pine forests, discover hidden alpine meadows, or climb to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the lake.

Popular summer hikes include:

  • Castle Rock Trail

  • Cougar Crest Trail

  • Pine Knot Trail

  • Woodland Interpretive Trail (perfect for families)

Bring plenty of water, your camera, and prepare for some incredible views.

Ride the Mountain

Winter may bring skiing, but summer belongs to mountain biking.

Snow Summit transforms into one of Southern California's premier bike parks, offering trails for beginners and experienced riders alike. Don't have your own bike? Rentals and lift tickets make it easy to spend the day exploring downhill terrain.

If you're looking for something a little slower, cruise the paved Alpine Pedal Path for one of the most scenic bike rides in town.

Stroll Through The Village

After a morning outdoors, spend an afternoon exploring Big Bear Village.

Browse locally owned boutiques, enjoy handcrafted coffee, stop for ice cream, or grab dinner on an outdoor patio while live music fills the streets. Summer weekends often feature artisan markets and community events that make every visit feel unique.

It's the perfect place to slow down and enjoy mountain life.

Experience the Summer Events

Summer is festival season in Big Bear, with something happening nearly every weekend.

Depending on when you visit, you may find:

  • Outdoor concerts

  • Farmers markets

  • Classic car shows

  • Fourth of July celebrations

  • Food festivals

  • Local craft fairs

There's always something bringing the community together.

Four glass jars filled with various cookies and powdered sweets on a reflective surface.

End the Day The N+P wAY

After a full day exploring the mountains, there's nothing better than returning to a place designed for slowing down.

Unwind around the rooftop fire pit, relax in the spa, take a sunset bike ride, or simply curl up beside your cabin's fireplace with a glass of wine. At N+P, summer isn't about rushing from one activity to the next—it's about creating space to reconnect, recharge, and savor every moment.

Because sometimes the best part of the adventure is coming home.

Birds perched on a sign that reads 'TROPICAL ISLAND STATE OF MAINE' with mountains, blue sky, and a parking lot in the background.

Family-Friendly Fun

Traveling with kids? Big Bear has no shortage of family adventures.

Spend the day:

  • Riding the Alpine Slide

  • Racing down the mountain coaster

  • Playing miniature golf

  • Visiting the zoo

  • Exploring the Discovery Center

  • Enjoying lakeside parks and playgrounds

There are plenty of ways to keep everyone entertained from sunrise to sunset.

A cocktail glass with ice and a lemon wedge, with a straw inside, in front of a bar decorated with tiki statues, signs, and leopard-print wallpaper.
Outdoor rooftop patio with tables and chairs, tall pink and green patio heaters, a large wooden cactus sculpture in the center, mountains and a lake in the background, and the word "RESERVED" painted in pink on the wooden floor.
A large, realistic shark head sculpture with its mouth wide open at an outdoor location, possibly a restaurant or cafe, with tables, umbrellas, and a body of water in the background.
Close-up of a bowl of nachos with melted cheese, jalapeño slices, hot sauce, and crispy chips, with chopsticks partially inserted, outdoors near a street.

Plan Your Summer Escape

The best summer weekends fill quickly in Big Bear, and it's easy to see why. Long sunny days, cool mountain evenings, endless outdoor adventures, and the comfort of a thoughtfully designed boutique lodge make for the perfect California getaway.

Whether you're planning a romantic retreat, a family vacation, or a spontaneous weekend in the mountains, N+P Boutique Lodge is your home base for experiencing the very best of Big Bear.

Ready to make Summer Memories?

Book your stay at N+P Boutique Lodge and discover why every season here tells a different story—but summer might just be everyone's favorite.

De La Nonna

Grizzly Manor

Dank Donuts

Table with two large pancakes topped with butter, a fried egg with bacon, and another serving with shredded hash browns and bacon. Two cups of coffee, condiments, and utensils are on the table.
Person serving slices of pepperoni pizza with cheese from a stainless steel tray at a restaurant.
A stack of four donuts with colorful sprinkles and icing on a plate, next to a black cup with the 'Dunk Donuts' logo. A donation box with the same logo is in the background.