Big Bear Vs. Lake Arrowhead: A Mountain Getaway Comparison | Pacaso (2024)

Published Date: January 5, 2023

Big Bear Vs. Lake Arrowhead: A Mountain Getaway Comparison | Pacaso (1)
There’s a lot to love about both Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead. Both are charming California alpine towns nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, less than two hours from Los Angeles. And while both boast summer lakefront fun and winter snow play, there are five key differences you’ll want to know before picking your favorite.

1. Lake access: Big Bear

Both towns have mountain lakes as their centerpiece, but Big Bear Lake is much larger than Lake Arrowhead. And that’s not the only difference. If you’re headed to Lake Arrowhead for some watersports fun, it’s important to know that the lake is privately owned. That means lake access is limited to local homeowners and their guests living right on the water or within about a one-mile perimeter, known as Arrowhead Woods. Without a home here, the only way to enjoy some time on the water is if you’re staying at a waterfront resort, camping at the campgrounds on either side of the lake, or enjoying a guided boat ride on the Lake Arrowhead Queen.Big Bear Lake is open to all and offers a wide range of watersports, thanks to multiple marinas and boat launches dotting the shoreline. For a day, a weekend or longer, enjoy boating, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing or guided tours.

2. Winter sports: Big Bear

While both Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead get enough snow in the winter to give you that cozy winter wonderland feel, Big Bear is far and away the better option for those looking for snowsports activities. Big Bear sits at an elevation of roughly 7,000 feet — 2,000 feet higher than Lake Arrowhead — and averages 50-plus inches of snow a year, compared to 37 inches in Lake Arrowhead. And there’s even more snow at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, two ski resorts in the Big Bear area. They’re known for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Southern California, with a combined 400 acres, 25 lifts and 55 runs. Snow Summit is a great destination for beginners and families, while Bear Mountain delivers more challenging terrain.

3. Village offerings: Lake Arrowhead

Both mountain towns have a downtown “village” that serves as the hub for locals and visitors alike. While both villages offer dining, shopping and entertainment, Lake Arrowhead Village is especially big on charm.You’ll find over 50 shops and restaurants, plus plenty of special events throughout the year. Perhaps the most popular event is the Summer Concert Series, which runs from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend with tribute bands performing on the Center Stage multiple times each week.

4. Ease of access: Tie

Which destination is easier to get to? That depends on where you’re coming from. From Los Angeles, both are fairly easily accessible by car, but Lake Arrowhead is a bit closer. In fact, you’ll pass Lake Arrowhead on Highway 18 en route to Big Bear. Also, since Big Bear is larger and more popular, you’re more likely to hit weekend traffic heading in and out of town.If you’re traveling by air, you’ll only have one option: Big Bear. The town has a small airport, Big Bear City Airport, that’s popular with jet setters who travel by private or charter plane.

5. The vibe: Tie

Which mountain retreat you fall in love with depends on your preferences. Lake Arrowhead is widely considered to be an upscale retreat, with more private residences than resorts and far fewer visitors each year. Many call Lake Arrowhead their home away from home for its solitude and slower pace of life.Big Bear is a better known vacation destination, which means more people — and more activities. Adventure travelers and outdoors lovers flock to Big Bear all year to enjoy their favorite adrenaline-pumping activities and active pursuits.

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Big Bear Vs. Lake Arrowhead: A Mountain Getaway Comparison | Pacaso (2)

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Big Bear Vs. Lake Arrowhead: A Mountain Getaway Comparison | Pacaso (2024)

FAQs

Big Bear Vs. Lake Arrowhead: A Mountain Getaway Comparison | Pacaso? ›

Big Bear sits at an elevation of roughly 7,000 feet — 2,000 feet higher than Lake Arrowhead — and averages 50-plus inches of snow a year, compared to 37 inches in Lake Arrowhead. And there's even more snow at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, two ski resorts in the Big Bear area.

Is Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake the same? ›

There are two major mountain lakes in southern California, Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake, they are both in the San Bernardino National Forest about 25 miles apart. They've been sibling rivals since 1922, when a dam was built to form Lake Arrowhead.

How far apart are Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead? ›

The distance between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake is 23 miles. The road distance is 25.1 miles. How do I travel from Lake Arrowhead to Big Bear Lake without a car? The best way to get from Lake Arrowhead to Big Bear Lake without a car is to line 4 bus and line 5 bus which takes 1h 36m and costs $3 - $12.

What is the best month to go to Lake Arrowhead? ›

Overall, the best time to visit Lake Arrowhead is sometime between late April to early June or September to early November. This is when the weather is mildest, so you can comfortably explore without getting too hot or cold.

What's the difference between Big Bear Lake and Big Bear City? ›

Not to be confused with Big Bear City, which is immediately east of Big Bear Lake, the City of Big Bear Lake is comprised of the geographic area along the south shore of Big Bear Lake. Big Bear City is part of the unincorporated areas that make up the surrounding areas of Big Bear Lake in the Big Bear Valley.

Is Arrowhead nicer than Big Bear? ›

Many call Lake Arrowhead their home away from home for its solitude and slower pace of life. Big Bear is a better known vacation destination, which means more people — and more activities.

Is Lake Arrowhead up a mountain? ›

Lake Arrowhead is an artificial lake located in the San Bernardino Mountains on Little Bear Creek, a tributary of Deep Creek and the Mojave River. It has a surface area of approximately 780 acres (320 ha) and a capacity of 48,000 acre⋅ft (59,000 dam3).

What is the nicest area of Lake Arrowhead? ›

When the season ends, people leave behind a much quieter town. In fact, the quiet and peaceful atmosphere is one of the community's more attractive attributes. Cedar Glen and Town Center are two of Lake Arrowhead's most popular neighborhoods.

Can you swim in Lake Arrowhead? ›

Lake Arrowhead is a great place to swim but there are always times when you must exercise caution. Lakeweed Treatments - View the calendar to learn when lakeweed treatments are scheduled. Swimmer's Itch - View this notice to learn about swimmer's itch and how to treat it.

Does Lake Arrowhead have a village? ›

Lake Arrowhead Village is nestled in the beauty of the woods, having the charm of Swiss chalets, while offering a variety of modern amenities. The Village houses an assortment of quaint specialty shops, as well as outlet stores such as: Jockey, Bass, Famous Footwear and Coach, among others.

Is Lake Arrowhead expensive? ›

Explore Lake Arrowhead, CA

92352 has a median listing home price of $777K, making it the most expensive zip code. Sugarloaf is the most affordable zip code, with a median listing home price of $338.5K.

Is Lake Arrowhead a good day trip? ›

If you're staying in Big Bear for a few days and looking to add some variety to your vacation, a day trip to Lake Arrowhead is the perfect solution. Just a short drive away, Lake Arrowhead boasts its own unique charm, stunning landscapes, and a variety of activities for a memorable day out.

How much does it cost to get into Lake Arrowhead? ›

DAY USE FEE:

$4 per day per person 13 & older.

Why is Big Bear so popular? ›

Surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear Lake is a year-round playground for winter and summer sports enthusiasts, as well as a refuge for city dwellers to relax and enjoy the beauty of the majestic pine trees that cover the landscape, the abundant wildlife, the wildflowers in the spring, and the snow ...

Is Big Bear worth it? ›

Its beautiful during any season of the year. I do recommend going to the lake when you head to Big Bear. Amazing trip to Big Bear! We have visited this mountain retreat area a dozen times and each time it has a different beauty.

What part of Big Bear should I stay in? ›

Moonridge

If you're an adventure seeker visiting Big Bear to do some skiing or snowboarding, then Moonridge is the ideal neighborhood for you. With close proximity to Bear Mountain, you won't have to travel far to get to Bear Mountain Ski Resort.

What is Bear Lake called? ›

BEAR LAKE STATE PARK — For anyone wanting to have a true outdoor experience, Bear Lake State Park should be one of their first stops. It has been called the Carribean of Utah, and for good reason.

What is the nickname of Bear Lake? ›

The lake has been called the "Caribbean of the Rockies" for its unique turquoise-blue color, which is due to the refraction of calcium carbonate (limestone) deposits suspended in the lake.

Can anyone use Lake Arrowhead? ›

Every property in Arrowhead Woods has lake rights for private Lake Arrowhead. Those rights run with the land, meaning they are part of your grant deed. If you do not own property within Arrowhead Woods, there is no way for you to have lake rights for private Lake Arrowhead at all.

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