Big Bear Lake

--> Big Bear Lake <--

A couple of hours drive from the center of downtown Los Angeles lies the famous mountain resort of Big Bear Lake. High in the San Bernardino National Forest, this area has been part of the Southern California scene of 100 years. In fact, the lake did not become a lake until 1885 when a dam was built across a small creek running through the mountains.

While its neighbor a few valleys away, Lake Arrowhead, always got a lot more publicity, Big Bear Lake has almost been the better place to spend some time. I know. I speak from experience.

I can remember as a kid back in the 1960's going with my parents to Big Bear. In fact, they loved it so much that they bought a cabin in one of the local communities of Fawnskin, to which they eventually retired.

What do you want in a mountain vacation spot? In the summer, Big Bear Lake is a boaters dream. The fresh water lake is seven miles long and approximately one mile across at its widest point. It has a maximum depth of 72 feet and over 22 miles of shoreline. Lake activities include kayaking, fishing, water-skiing, jet skiing, sailing, swimming and boating. In fact, one of the attractions is a solar observatory in the middle of the lake.

Winter brings about 100 inches of snowfall and temperatures in the low 40s during the day and mid 20s at night. Numerous Big Bear Lake ski resorts cater to all winter sports enthusiasts. And the best thing is, after skiing for the weekend, you are back home in a very few hours.

But there are many other sports available at big Bear Lake. Trekking and hiking is great with places that can accommodate families with kids and well as the experienced 'mountain climber". Watch bald eagles soar above the mountain tops. Horse back riding does not get any better than this. A few minutes into the woods, and you think you are Benjamin Davis Wilson (Los Angeles's first mayor) who 'discovered' Big Bear. You can even pan for gold since Big Bear had its own gold rush back in 1860.

Accommodations at Big Bear Lake suit everyone's requirements and budget. There are campgrounds and parks where you can hook up your RV. Cabins for a family and luxurious hotel suites for the honeymooners at an elegant European chateau-style furnished with antiques. Many personal family homes are available for rent as well as several bed and breakfast locations. And you will be pleasantly surprised at how well you budget will also be treated no matter what style of lodging you choose.

Big Bear Lake fully lives up to its motto: "It really is a breath of fresh air" and with style.

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