What to do in Big Bear while house and pet sitting

Big Bear is a popular Californian resort in the San Bernardino Valley that attracts visitors all year round. As one of the few places in California to see regular snow, it fills up with skiers and snowboarders during the winter months, while the summer provides opportunities for hiking, horse riding, mountain biking and fishing in Big Bear Lake. Below, we’ve put together a handy list of things to do in Big Bear if you’re heading there for house or pet sitting.

Big Bear attractions

1. Butler Peak: For some absolutely spectacular views, head up to the Butler Peak Fire Lookout. At an elevation of 2602 metres (8,537 feet), it’s the highest lookout post in San Bernardino county, and offers stunning 360-degree views of Big Bear Valley and San Gorgonio Mountain to the south. The Butler Peak trail is only open from April to September, and there may be snow at the top even outside the winter months, so prepare accordingly. The trail is around a 16-kilometre return hike, with some difficult terrain in places.

2. Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve: On the southern shore of Big Bear Lake you’ll find this beautiful wildlife and waterfowl preserve. A wooden gazebo marks the entrance, where you’ll find posters telling you all about the animals you might spot on your walk, including herons, ducks, osprey and pelicans. Two bridge-like walkways take you right out over the water for a peaceful stroll through nature.

3. Bluff Lake Reserve: Open for visitors only in the summer months, Bluff Lake Reserve is an oasis of beautiful mountain marsh and meadow habitat. Hidden away to the south of Big Bear Lake at an elevation of around 2,300 metres (7,600 feet) the meadows are home to endangered species like Bear Valley bluegrass and Big Bear checkerbloom, while the lake is filled with thousands of Western toads.

Free things to do in Big Bear

1. Alpine Pedal Path: Stretching along the north shore of Big Bear Lake is the Alpine Pedal Path, which provides superb views across the water. As its name implies, the mostly flat trail is ideal for cyclists, but it’s also popular with walkers and skaters, and dogs are welcome provided they’re on a leash. Halfway along the 8.4-kilometre path you’ll find the Big Bear Discovery Center, which provides information about the local area, as well as hosting outdoor concerts and other events. If you’re visiting between late November and April, keep an eye out for bald eagles circling overhead, as they overwinter in the San Bernardino Mountains.

2. Pine Knot Trail: This 11.1-kilometre trail starts on the southern side of Big Bear Lake and winds its way up to Grand View Point, at an elevation of 2,372 metres (7,784 feet). The path is popular with hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders, and dogs are welcome as long as they are on a lead. The serene path winds its way through thick forests and grassy meadows, and the top provides views of San Gorgonio Mountain, the highest peak in Southern California. 

3. Cougar Crest Trail: Another spectacularly beautiful hike, the Cougar Crest Trail starts on the north side of Big Bear Lake, near the Big Bear Discovery Center. This 8.5 kilometre (5.3 mile) track takes you gently upwards, with an elevation gain of 274 metres, and gives excellent views of the lake behind. It’s particularly noted for the many wildflowers along the way. Note that bikes aren’t permitted on the trail, but dogs are allowed if they are on a lead.

Fun things to do in Big Bear

1. Big Bear Lake: Southern California’s largest recreation lake, at around 11 kilometres (7 miles) long and about 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) across at its widest point, offers all sorts of water-related activities. Fishing is one of the most popular pursuits: there are numerous jetties and marinas for fishing around the lake, as well as plenty of opportunities for hiring a boat to catch species such as trout, bass and catfish. In addition there’s a range of exhilarating water activities to choose from, including kayaking, wakeboarding, sailing, jet skiing, parasailing and paddle boarding. Go wild in the wet stuff!

2. Castle Rock Trail: In the southwest corner of Big Bear Lake you’ll find the start of Castle Rock Trail, a 4.3-kilometre steep ascent to the titular Castle Rock, which provides spectacular views of the lake below. It’s one of the most popular trails in the region, so expect crowds during peak times, but if you rise early enough it’s a great spot to see the sun rise over the valley below.

3. Boulder Bay Park: Boulder Bay Park is a beautiful place to stop for a picnic on the southern shore of Big Bear Lake. You can admire the picturesque piles of boulders from your picnic table, as well as the mountains and lake beyond – and if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you could even slip into the water on a kayak or canoe. 

What to do in Big Bear with pets?

1. Bark Park: Many of the trails and parks in Big Bear are dog friendly, but Bark Park is specifically designed for energetic pooches. This small park on the southern shore of Big Bear Lake has various agility equipment for dogs to tire themselves out on, including a tunnel and jump, as well as separate areas for small and large dogs.

2. Big Bear Lake Beaches: There are several beaches on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, along the course of the Alpine Pedal Path, and all of them are dog friendly. Take your doggy friend for a splash in the water and play fetch to your heart’s content!

3. Nottinghams Restaurant: Nottinghams Restaurant has an outdoor patio where dogs are welcome – but this food establishment goes one step further by providing doggy dinners, too. Pooches can choose from dishes such as beef patty and chicken breast, but furry diners must be kept on a lead at all times.

Best restaurants in Big Bear

1. Grizzly Manor Café: The Grizzly Manor Café is something of a local institution, and you’ll often see large queues outside as dedicated patrons wait patiently to receive delicious food. Open daily from 7 am to 2 pm, the café specialises in big breakfasts: expect waffles, pancakes, sausages, biscuits and gravy, and eggs done every which way, all in enormous portions.

2. Teddy Bear Restaurant: As another bear-themed restaurant in Big Bear, this establishment won’t win any prizes for originality, but it certainly makes up for it with mouth-watering, hearty fare. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the family-run Teddy Bear has been serving family favourites like pot roast, pies and pastrami burgers since 1944.

3. Himalayan Restaurant: For something a bit different, head to the Himalayan Restaurant for some excellent Nepalese and Indian cuisine. Enjoy delicious dishes such as lamb masala and mo-mo (steamed dumplings) in a break from the usual steak and burgers fare.

Wherever you decide to go in Big Bear, we hope that you – and your pet! – have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful valley in Southern California.

If you’re new to TrustedHousesitters and want to find out more about becoming a pet sitter yourself, head this way for an explainer on how it all works. And to find more travel guides and plenty of advice on pets, take a look at the articles on our blog.