4-Day Summer Weekend in Big Bear, California: Lake Adventures & Local Eats
Looking for the perfect summer escape? Big Bear, California is the ultimate destination for lake lovers, outdoor adventurers, and foodies—and it’s totally doable with pets! Here’s our 4-day itinerary packed with paddleboarding, pontoon boating, fishing, local dining, and a cozy cabin stay.
Day 1: Arrival & Dinner
Arrive late afternoon and check into our tiny, pet-friendly cabin, the perfect cozy base for the weekend so we could bring all three of our dogs. We booked through Big Bear Vacations, they were extremely easy to work with and we loved the little cozy cabin, very on theme for Big Bear!
After settling in, kick off the trip with dinner at The Bone Yard Tap Room & Grill, serving hearty meals and local brews—perfect after a long drive.
Day 2: Paddleboarding at Boulder Bay
Start early and head straight to Boulder Bay for paddleboarding. Arrive early because parking is very limited, especially on summer weekends. We circled the parking lot for almost an hour before getting a parking spot. Also, if you have inflatable paddle boards, don’t forget your electric pump. After circling the parking lot and finally getting a spot, we realized we didn’t have ours and had to hand pump up the boards. It was quite a work out prior to being on the lake all day!
Enjoy calm waters, scenic views, and a morning of fun on the lake before grabbing lunch nearby.
Day 3: Fishing & Pontoon Adventure
Gear up at Big Bear Sporting Goods for all your fishing and lake essentials. My husband bought his fishing license and other fishing supplies, while I forgot my Yeti can cooler, they had everything we needed!
Then, rent a pontoon boat from North Shore Landing to cruise, fish, and relax on Big Bear Lake. Spend the day soaking in the sun, trying your hand at fishing, or just enjoying the mountain lake scenery. Pro-tip, there is a floating restroom on the lake called the S.S. Relief, it’s a total lifesaver!
Day 4: Coffee & Departure
Before hitting the road, stop at The Tea & Coffee Exchange for a light breakfast and fresh coffee. It’s the perfect way to fuel up and reflect on a weekend full of lake adventures, local eats, and mountain air before making the drive home.
We make it a point to support local businesses whenever we travel—not only do you get unique, high-quality food and drinks, but you also help the local community thrive. Small businesses like this make a vacation feel more personal, memorable, and authentic.
Pro Tips:
Boulder Bay paddleboarding is best in the morning—parking fills up fast.
Reserve your pontoon boat in advance, especially during summer weekends.
Stock up on fishing gear at Big Bear Sporting Goods before heading to the lake.
Big Bear offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, water fun, and local flavors, making it an ideal summer getaway for a long weekend road trip.
Lake Day Essentials: What to Pack for a Perfect Day on the Water
Spending the day on the lake is all about fun, comfort, and being prepared. Over the years, we’ve figured out a few must-have items that make every pontoon trip, paddleboarding session, or fishing adventure easier—and more enjoyable. Many of these items are available on Amazon, so you can grab them before your next getaway (yes, purchases through our links help support the blog at no extra cost to you!).
1. Safety First
Life Jackets & Floatation Gear – Keep everyone safe, especially kids and pets.
Waterproof Dry Bags – Protect your phone, wallet, and electronics from splashes.
2. On-the-Water Essentials
Paddleboards or Inflatable Kayaks – Perfect for exploring calm coves like Boulder Bay.
Fishing Gear – Rods, tackle, and bait for those relaxing fishing moments.
Cooler or Insulated Bag – Keep drinks and snacks cold all day long.
3. Sun & Comfort
Sunscreen & Hats – Prevent sunburn while enjoying the lake.
Sunglasses – Polarized lenses reduce glare off the water.
Quick-Dry Towels & Blankets – For drying off or lounging on the boat.
4. Extras for Fun & Convenience
Waterproof Speakers – Bring your favorite tunes to the water.
Portable Chairs or Inflatable Floats – For floating or chilling at anchor.
Snacks & Hydration – Energy bars, fresh fruit, and plenty of water keep everyone fueled.
With a few well-chosen items, you can turn any lake day into a relaxing, memorable adventure. Click through our links to see all our recommended lake day essentials—your next trip just got a lot easier (and more fun)!
Need Help Planning Your Next Adventure?
Planning a getaway can be fun—but it can also be overwhelming with all the options for lodging, activities, and local hotspots. That’s where I come in!
Whether it’s a lake weekend, mountain escape, or bucket-list trip, I can help you plan every detail so you can focus on relaxing and making memories.
✨ Click here to connect with me and let’s start planning your next adventure!
