5-star hotels in Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is a mountain valley set around a reservoir created in the late 19th century, and the city that grew around it is now a year-round destination. Visitors come for fishing, boating, hiking and mountain biking in warmer months, and for snowboarding and skiing in winter. The main commercial areas are Big Bear Lake Village and Big Bear City, and the valley's gold-mining and logging history shows up in local museums and historic sites. The water sits at approximately 6,700 feet, a few hours' drive from major Southern California cities.

The ten 5-star properties here are cabins and lodges on residential streets — Bow Canyon Rd, Winterset Ct., Encino Rd, Colusa Dr, Teakwood Dr, Summit Blvd, St. Moritz, La Cerena Ave, Hillcrest Drive and Edgemoor Rd. Three are within 0.6 km of the centre; the rest lie between 2.1 km and 3.7 km out, where a car is useful. Couples get fireplaces and private hot tubs, families get family rooms, kitchens and arcade or table-tennis corners, and larger groups can take the four-bedroom Summit Pine Lodge 4 BDR Minutes From Bear Lake.

Getting there and around

Big Bear Lake is typically reached by car. From the Los Angeles area, take Interstate 10 east to Highway 330 or Highway 18 into the mountains; from the High Desert, use Highway 18 or Highway 38. The drive from Los Angeles is about two to three hours, depending on traffic and weather. There is no commercial airport in Big Bear Lake: the nearest major airports are in Ontario, Los Angeles and Palm Springs, and the small Big Bear City Airport serves private planes. Once in the area, a car is useful for getting around, though the Village is walkable. Local bus service, Mountain Transit, operates routes in the valley, but schedules can be limited.

When to go

Summer, from June to September, offers warm days for lake activities and hiking. Winter, from December to March, is ski season; snow can make driving conditions challenging, so check road conditions and carry chains when required. Spring and fall are quieter, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds, though some seasonal businesses may have reduced hours. The area is a year-round destination, but weather in the mountains can change quickly, so prepare for varying conditions.