With a blend of rustic charm, outdoor adventure and refreshing mountain air, Big Bear offers an ideal winter escape a mere two hours from L.A. From carving through the slopes to curling up in a cozy cabin, here are the spots to know at this bucolic mountain getaway.
The shabby-chic N P Cabins interior; PHOTO BY JENNY SIEGWART
STAY:
Hotel Marina Riviera, a Casetta Hotel
Nestled on the shores of Big Bear Lake, Hotel Marina Riviera is redefining mountain luxury with plans to open this ski season. The newly restored Viking lodge-inspired gem boasts 42 rooms with lake views, six family-friendly cabins and plans for an airy restaurant, pool, beach club and barrel sauna—all wrapped in 1960s mountain charm.
N+P Cabins
Named and designed after the owner’s beloved family members, each fully equipped cabin here, ranging from two to four beds, has its own eclectic edge. Think floral wallpaper, checkered tiles and antique furniture paired with Parachute home linens, a French press and Frame TVs.
Midnight Moon Cabins
Give your cabin camping experience a chic upgrade. At Midnight Moons, sleek A-frame cabins come with jacuzzis, a washer and dryer, a fully equipped kitchen, a fireplace and a spacious deck to soak in the mountain air. Feel free to bring your furry friend, too!
WINE & DINE:
Café Crêpe
Channel the French Alps at this adorable roadside pitstop, where crepes made with Nutella, ham and egg, caramel apples and much more are on offer.
Barrel 33
Pair wine, beer and even cider tastings at Barrel 33 with small bites, flatbreads, charcuterie and the like. Cheers!
Stella Luna
This sunny kitchen offers a range of dishes, from bacon-wrapped dates to herb-baked chicken, quinoa bowls and grilled avocado. Many options are gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan.
Teddy Bear Restaurant
Locals love this 1944-established eatery known for its home-style cooking. If you’re not sure what to order, check out Ted E’s Top Ten, featuring favorites such as the 100% Angus pastrami burger and the homemade chicken pot pie.
La Pergola Trattoria
La Pergola Trattoria serves fresh Italian food, including bruschetta, pizza drizzled in truffle oil, gnocchi alla vodka and its signature carrot cake, all in a bistro-style atmosphere.
Sip on a whiskey and rum Silky Daisy cocktail at Stella Luna; PHOTO BY COURTESY OF STELLA LUNA
Tropicali
Poke in the mountains? You heard that right. Step inside the seaside-inspired spot for dishes like the Ahi tuna Tahiti Bowl, topped with sweet onions and coconut milk boss sauce for the ultimate post-slopes meal.
Village Pizza
Every Big Bear aficionado is familiar with Village Pizza, known for inventive pies, hearty appetizers and family-style salads. Head in for a slice, or bring a box back to your cabin.
PLAY:
Big Bear Mountain Resort
Hit the slopes at 8,805 feet this season, whether you’re an avid skier or a snowboarding fanatic. Big Bear Mountain Resort, comprised of Snow Valley, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, is the place to be for all things snow sports, with 400 skiable acres and more than 58 runs.
Big Bear Snow Play
Race your family and friends down thrilling snow hills at Big Bear Snow Play’s tubing attraction. After dark, slide past colored lights for an exciting twist on the winter activity.
Race your friends down the hill during a day of tubing at Big Bear Snow Play; PHOTO BY CINDY SILVA
Big Bear Pilates
Keep up with your favorite low-impact exercise routine in the snow-capped San Bernardino Mountains. Whether you choose jump-board cardio or a back, arms and abs sculpting class, you’re guaranteed to feel the burn.
Lost In The Woods Art Gallery
Escape the cold and tune into your artistic side with Lost In The Wood’s art workshops. Sculpt ceramics, learn to oil paint and even try your hand at graffiti with help from the owner, Beth.
Ritual Provisions Candle Making
Candles are essential winter-season decor. Why not make them yourself? At Ritual Provisions, it’s as easy as picking a vessel and fragrance, pouring the wax and adding embellishments to create something uniquely your own.
Midnight Moon’s black A-frame cabins are the ultimate snowy escape; PHOTO BY GIANNA CHRISTINA PHOTO
