If you're planning a trip away with friends, then Big Bear Lake is the perfect place. Whether you're an action queen or a chilled-out spa-lover, you'll adore spending time in our comfortable Big Bear vacation home and getting to know the local area.

Enjoy Big Bear Lake

In July and August, you're likely to see temperatures of just above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's plenty warm enough to enjoy the sun on the lake. For a fun way to find your way around the lake, rent a stand-up paddleboard or a kayak and take a leisurely jaunt around. Stick together and see if you can discover one of the secret little coves scattered along the lakeshore.

Whether or not you decide to jump in and cool down is up to you, but when you're done exercising, head into Big Bear town and make a beeline for the North Pole Fudge and Ice Cream Parlor. The ice cream and candy here is hand made on-site and is the perfect pick me up before your next activity.

Snowboarding

If you’re visiting in the wintertime, then you probably plan to hit the slopes. Big Bear is a great place for snowboarding, so check out Snow Summit’s Westridge freestyle run and Bear Mountain’s freestyle park for a fun ride.

Bear Mountain and Snow Summit have single pass access so you can vary your slopes, and both mountains have places to take snowboarding lessons or hire equipment before you hit the slopes for real.

There are 2000 vertical feet of snow, and you can ride the 26 chairlifts to get to know the mountains. Beginners will want to try The Gulch and Easy Street slopes, and more advanced boarders can try their skills on Boneyard, Gambler, or Rip’s Run.

After a hard day’s boarding, you can come back to the house and relax your aching muscles in the hot tub before you hit the hay. If you’re too tired to even cook you can order in from one of the local restaurants and enjoy a chilled evening in and a glass of wine.

Wine Tasting

Less than an hour away lies the Sycamore Ranch Vineyard and Winery, located in the picturesque San Bernardino mountains. You can tour the gardens and vineyard, which were recently featured in Sunset Magazine, and book in for a boutique tasting experience.

You can arrange to visit the on-site tasting room between 10 am and 5 pm for a tasting, and the fee of $20 is redeemable against purchases of two bottles of their excellent wine.

If you’d rather stay in town, then drop into Barrel 33, a wine shop with a difference. A new wine bar has made this little shop an even more appealing place to visit, and the owners Alayna and Manny welcome visitors to try some of their favorite local wines. If you’ve been browsing in the village and are on your way to eat this is a great place to go and check out the one-of-a-kind oak barrel furniture, then relax with a glass of something delicious.

If you’re a keen artist, then check out the Paint and Sip events, local artist, Nancy from Craft to Treasure, joins you at Barrel 33 to collaborate in creating works of art in a convivial setting.

Spa Day

Who doesn’t love being primped and pampered in the spa? If you’re spending time with friends in Big Bear, then consider fully embracing relaxation with a trip to one of the local spas.

Elevations Day Spa has every treatment that you could possibly need, from a massage for aching muscles to modern custom facials. If you’re in a group, the staff are very accommodating about fitting you in for treatments together. You can also book a package with a variety of treatments and lunch included. The Wine Down massage is the signature treatment and is a heavenly way to de-stress.

Hideaway Salon & Spa also provides a fantastically relaxing experience. The therapists are top quality, and the customer service is second to none. There is a full menu of treatments, from massages to facials and body treatments. They also provide a mobile spa service for two or more people, so you could have them come up to the house and have the most blissed-out afternoon ever.

Mountain Mobile Massage & Spa has been at the top of their game in Big Bear for more than 18 years and has the testimonials to prove it! Their male and female therapists offer massages at your accommodation or you can go along to the spa and wellness center to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. You can book a massage with a friend or individually to truly refresh and rejuvenate your body and mind. They specialize in using essential massage oils, hot stones, and reflexology, so treat yourselves to a wonderfully chilled out experience.