Vacation Rentals in Big Bear Lake

California's Big Bear Lake is prime vacation rental hunting country, with plenty of roomy cabins just waiting to be discovered. Properties in the area are typically constructed from locally-sourced hardwoods, with mountain or lakeside locations and sublime views of the slopes and the water. You can find a cottage well away from the action, or a cabin near the attractions - it's up to you.

Along with detached vacation rentals, you'll also find no shortage of vacation apartments in the Big Bear Lake area. Most of these smaller properties tend to be down by the lake or in Big Bear town itself, and there are some gorgeous locations on Lagonita Point, or to the west down Big Bear Boulevard. Expect log fires, big balconies, and tranquil surroundings.

Big Bear Lake is a mountain resort, which can be found in California's San Bernardino Mountains. Offering a mixture of ski slopes in the winter, and outdoor activities in the summertime, Big Bear Lake is one of the state's premier vacation spots, and it's all under 100 miles from downtown Los Angeles.

The resort itself is centered around a reservoir measuring 7 by 2.5 miles, and the mountains which surround it. The main settlement is Big Bear Lake City, which has a population of just over 12,000. However, many tourists stay close to nearby resorts like Moonridge or Bear Mountain - two of the state's leading Alpine destinations. And there's also Big Bear Village, a smaller, more laid-back part of town, which hosts many rental properties.

Most visitors touch down at LA International Airport (LAX), around two hours away by road. Getting to the resort isn't hard. Just follow CA-18 into the mountains from LA, and it will take you directly into Big Bear Lake City.

Vacation rentals in Big Bear Lake are perfect for people who love to ski or snowboard. The 200 acre snowpark at Bear Mountain is ideal for beginners, while Snow Summit is a laid-back place for ordinary skiers to strut their stuff.

If you're thinking about visiting Big Bear Lake for a summer vacation, go right ahead. The country around the resort is sublime, and it's set up for hikers of all abilities. If you don't fancy the climb, you can get to Snow Summit via the Sky Chair, or you can disappear into the mountains and get back in touch with nature.

During the warmer months, Big Bear Lake is a magnet for people who love to mess around on the reservoir. Go wakeboarding at North Shore Landing, enjoy the waterslides on the Tarzan Boat, or head to the Marina and rent a boat to enjoy some peaceful summer fishing. Whatever your watery passions, Big Bear Lake has them covered.

Bear Mountain's 580 feet long, 65-feet wide, and 18-feet tall superpipe is a snowboarder's dream, allowing boarders to fine tune their moves and show off their skills to their heart's content.

Whether you visit Big Bear Lake in the middle of winter or the height of summer, the night sky is one of its most appealing features. Nowhere this close to Los Angeles has such clear, beautiful skies - so find a spot and soak it all up.

The 9-hole course at Bear Mountain has got to be one of California's most stunning golfing locations. Not only that, but with the altitude in play, golfers will see their drives soar further than ever before.

Big Bear Lake is a huge fishing center, so if you fancy testing your skills, go ahead and rent a vessel at the town center marina. With plenty of trout and loudmouth bass populating the depths, the lake is bound to offer everyone a reward for their efforts.

If you need an adrenaline injection, Big Bear Speedway is the place to go. Featuring miniature versions of F1 vehicles, this thrilling little track just off Big Bear Boulevard offers thrills and spills for young and old alike.

One of the amazing things about vacationing at Big Bear Lake is the weather. Although you're within a few miles of the California desert, temperatures at Big Bear rarely top 85 degrees. So, in summer you can expect mild, outdoor-friendly conditions, while in Winter the snow falls reliably and the slopes are hard to resist.

One thing that surprises some visitors to Big Bear Lake is its vibrant cultural scene. Every summer (usually July 1-2), the town hosts a lively Artwalk which brings into focus local ceramic, painting, crafts and sculpture talents. Summer also sees the Music in the Mountains Concert Series at the Discovery Center Amphitheater, while there's a buzzing comedy festival in November.