They have a "folded lens " telescope. Basically, a huge telescope that takes up way less space…read more It's a little difficult to find, the gps failed us on that one. But when we called, they knew exactly how to guide us. We had to find the entrance behind a high school football field if I recall. Great tour, the kids had a blast. Wonderful gift shop as well. They treated us wonderfully.

Great little observatory run by passionate and educated locals! Events are paused for COVID but you…read morecan take a free guided tour of the telescope on Saturdays and visit the gift shop.

We got the day pass over at the Lake Arrowhead Village visitor center. I think it was $6 or $8…read more You can also pay there through an app, if you can get cell service. So it is easier to get the pass before you get there. There are some picnic tables to enjoy a meal or a break. There is a small cement path, to take you to a few little sights but there is also a dirt trail path that takes you out amongst the nature. We were there in July, it was during a heatwave, and mid day, so not too many birds and animals were out. There are a lot of tall trees that provide good shade, so that helps cool it off a little bit. There are some docents walking around that have information about the flora, fauna, and the area. The parking lot is decent size, but during cooler weather I bet it is hard to find parking. There is an easy trail, less than 20-30 minutes at a nice slow pace, during the summer. I imagine during winter snow it is much more challenging. It is a nice spot in between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear.

This is a wonderful little arboretum with free admission just north of Skypark along Highway 18…read more Be aware, however, that parking in the designated lot adjacent to the highway does require the purchase of an Adventure Pass (a mere $5/day), but the booth only appears to be open for select weekend hours. This may necessitate a visit to a nearby ranger station or business for pass purchase - and not as many local businesses carry these passes as once did. Coming from Lake Arrowhead (where the Visitor Center was closed), we tried the Lake Arrowhead 7-11 and Cedar Glen Trading Post before finding passes available at Cedar Glen Fine Foods. The trail itself is well marked, mostly shaded, and a little less than a mile in length. It's also circular in design, so you don't need to backtrack with the same scenery coming and going. A brochure on the local vegetation and points of interest is available at the trailhead, as well as public restrooms. Many trees and plants along the trail are also identified by placards. Being a dirt path, the terrain is comparatively flat, and numerous benches have been placed along the route for rest or contemplation. There are only a few spots with noticeable increases (or drops) in elevation, so it's perfect for young children, older folks, or leashed pets. Even on a Thursday around 1:00 pm we encountered other visitors along the trail, several walking dogs. Another nice touch is the walking path in front of the arboretum entrance where the meandering cement walkway between information kiosks is stamped with the prints of local wildlife species ranging from our little feathered friends to the big furries you'd not want to encounter on a forest walk. This is a great place for a quick stroll for all ages, and it showcases the diversity of the San Bernardino mountains. If you've passed it by on the way up to Big Bear via Highway 18, pull over for a quick "leg-stretcher" and check it out.

This was held at the big Bear convention center, which doesn't seem to have any signage and can…read moreonly be found by looking for Wyatt's. A good selection of cars at the show and in abundance of food and knickknack stalls to wander around and check out. Also a band playing on the stage of Wyatt and food and drink available there. Cool event to check out when visiting big Bear Lake, I look forward to visiting again next year.

The 34th annual BBLACC (big Bear Lake antique car club ) fun run car show was absolutely thrilling!…read moreMy friend Jay did not want to attend and didn't think my other friends would want to, but boy was he wrong! So glad we all participated in such a wonderful event! The Village streets were closed down, creating a pedestrian only zone throughout the afternoon & it started at 10 AM then they awarded the winners at 2:30 PM then at 3:30 PM they did the annual cruise around the lake. What an array and spectacle of some fantastic looking cars, trucks, jalopies etc! Every car was kept in such good shape. Pristine! And it was of course free for all to observe! Really looking forward to next year!

Lots of things to see and I love reading about the historical background that is our Lake Arrowhead…read more& her neighbors. Cool photos and nice little ginger shop. Old skool post cards: 25 cents for one or 10 for a dollar. You decide.

Stopped by before lunch, spent about 45 minutes here. We could've spent a lot longer, though,…read morebecause there is a lot of information (and a small gift shop). The volunteers that maintain the museum say they change the information and displays annually. The volunteers were so welcoming and informative. One drives from Huntington Beach just to volunteer at the museum, which is insane. There are interactive displays and a projector room. They even put a display in the bathroom because they have so much stuff. Tip: if you go in the side room, there's free candy.

Howdy Big Bear! You are our second home away from home. I wanted to stop in and see the new…read moreimprovements. What a great space! In one corner, there's everything you need to know or buy for a ski resort experience, ticketing, souvenirs, T-shirts, sweatshirts, postcards (I admired the wooden ones), Christmas ornaments, even dog sweaters. The woman working this station was kind and friendly. In the center, a large model map of Big Bear is there for viewing and the main counter for information on everything Big Bear. There's a wall of pamphlets for recreation, restaurant guides and hiking trail maps. I took a couple stickers and a hiking trail map while listening to the main Information Manager speak on the phone in a kind and understanding manner while some entitled person ran the poor woman through the wringer about why this and why that isn't discounted etc. The information manager never broke character on her professional stance and continued for no less than 15 minutes of warding off some maniacal caller. I felt for her. These women deserve better. I originally wanted to go in for their 'Care for Big Bear' kit, since I'm all about that idea. However, the caller took over our visit. We will try again in a week or two. I remember the old location on Bartlett, it was nice too. This new location is so beautiful. You're doing a great job Visitors Center. We Love Our Big Bear! We love those who pack it in-pack it out.

I had the pleasure of receiving skiing lessons from Timothy Blair. He was awesome, patient, and…read moreencouraging! By the 2nd half of our lesson I was confident!!! I really enjoyed my first experience skiing and Timothy is the absolute best!!

the new Zoo looks amazing. we are so excited to visit there. The animals and all of the scenery…read moreis going to be fabulous. See you next time Zoo!

I love this zoo. Small, but they truly care about the animals. The gift shop is a normal gift…read moreshop, but they don't overcharge and you can adopt an animal (not to take home, just support). The proceeds go to animal upkeep.

This place is the BEST!!! They are SUPER welcoming and accommodating! I came in with a big group of…read more8 and 4 kids and they were nothing but super friendly and showed nothing but great hospitality. They have a really Affogato drink and a mean matcha green tea. The staff is wonderful and left us with a memorable experience!

Amazing cow milk latte with this delicious saffron syrup. My usual latte is always a vanilla syrup…read morebut wanted to be outside my comfort zone and try their new syrup and I have no regrets, it was amazing! Service was so sweet, we were yapping it up I felt like we were long time friends. Place was super adorable I love their inside decor and homey feeling.

I think this is a fairly new event in big Bear Lake, pretty interesting, but seems more geared for…read morethe locals than a destination event for out of town visitors. Fun to just check out and enjoy gorgeous views of the lake from the park and listen to the band. The beer garden was pretty sparse and overall most of the events were a bit lackluster. Since this is new, I'm hoping it gets better in the years to come, and I will look forward to returning.