Share the article
Last updated
As we prepare to turn and drop the page on our calendars, we can almost smell the fresh air, the pine trees and bonfires.
Saying goodbye to summer is no longer as difficult as it used to be. Fall has become the trendiest new season for travel, with many different ways to go about it.
Some people can’t put beach vacations aside, while others are preoccupied with fall photos and exploring natural wonders without sweltering temperatures.
As someone who is spoiled living in San Diego year round, largely nice weather, I still long for the fresh mountain air and the pleasures of the small town every now and then.
Although Big Bear is known as a summer and winter destination, I believe its true charm lies in the fall months, between the two hectic seasons of a craze of tourists invading a relatively small town.
With cozy cabins and far fewer crowds than summer and winter, the shining star of the San Bernardino Mountains is the best fall getaway in Cali.
Summer will soon be over, so beat the ski crowds!
Big Bear is one of the most beautiful destinations in California, but not in the way you might suspect.
It goes without saying that beautiful beaches, the bright lights of Hollywood and the Golden Gate Bridge are what you imagine in the Golden State.
What may be surprising is the amazing nature that California has to offer, aside from the crashing waves along the state’s phenomenal coastline.
Southern California isn’t all surfer dudes and taco stands: there are dozens of gems to discover that might just blow your mind.
Big Bear has always been a safe haven for me to relax from the stress of big city life and enjoy some free time surrounded by truly breathtaking scenery.
Heck, the drive alone will make you want to stop every mile once you reach the region’s winding mountain roads San Bernardino National Foresta landscape that would make other California icons blush.
Cozy cabins and scenic hiking trails: the perfect fall escape to recharge
Not everyone will remember it, but when my mother passed away in August 2020, Big Bear was just what the doctor ordered to take a metaphorical week’s breath and reset.
San Diego is too busy in August, with last-minute beach vacationers getting their sun and sand package before school starts again, so finding a relaxing place to decompress and mourn was nearly impossible.
Big Bear is easy to get to, about a 2 hour drive from San Diego, Los Angeles, and I also always run into tourists from Vegas, which is a 3 and a half hour drive.
Now I’m not trying to hype up Big Bear as a place to go and cry in the woods, but it speaks volumes about how comfortable I felt choosing Big Bear as my sanctuary.
Four years later, I’m still booking fall trips here because exploring the colorful tree lines never gets old.
Much of the crowds disappear between the summer tourists invading Big Bear’s beautiful lakes and the winter invasion of skiers.
One of my favorite things to do here, which you can probably relate to, is rent a cozy cabin. There’s just something magical about lighting a fire in the cool air as dusk turns to dark nights.
There are many local agencies that rent out cabins in the woods just off the main strip. Call me basic, but I usually use Airbnb.
Although on a rare occasion I have been in front of the Black Forest lodge and was quite impressed with how comfortable it was.
What’s even more fun is taking advantage of the wide open hiking trails. And yes, you’re probably wondering if Big Bear lives up to the name – black bears have been sighted here, but I’ve never personally seen one.
Just a fox…and my dog (pictured above), as Big Bear is a very pet-friendly destination, with many trails that allow dogs.
My favorite is Castle Rock Trail 1W03 – steep but worth the reward of the majestic view of the lake and your furry friend can join you.
Better yet, fall temperatures drop into the 50s and 60s – a far cry from the heat of summer.
Tip: For even more privacy, visit the small town of Fawnskin across the lake, which has some truly epic cabins. Please note that this is where the warning signs for bears are located.
A wonderful city center
Big Bear is undoubtedly an outdoor destination, but save some time to explore the wonderful local shops and eateries downtown.
In fact, one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the world is in Big Bear. Grab some delicious enchiladas and margs El Jacalito Grill.
There are seemingly dozens of shops and other restaurants, along with nice hotels, tucked away around the back on quieter streets.
For those who don’t fancy wooden cabins or old-fashioned lodges, there’s the top-rated Bluegreen The Club at Big Bear Village, a four-star hotel perfectly located to see all the top sites.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
