Vacation Spot

Big Bear recovers from drought to again be great

By CARY ORDWAY

While in recent years Big Bear Lake suffered from an extended drought that drastically reduced the water level, the lodgings and frequent visitors of Big Bear are happy to report that Big Bear is back to its old self.The popular resort area is once again attracting millionss of Southern California vacationers to its natural charms.

The dead trees are noticeable but, as far as we could tell, not yet seriously detracting from the experience that Southern Californians have enjoyed for generations. It's no accident that Hollywood has frequently used the area as a stand-in for mountain locales around the world. And, much to the delight of filmmakers, one of its greatest assets is the sunshine — where else can you find an easily accessible mountain with 300 annual days of sunshine?

This area also has one of the best selections of getaway-style lodgings anywhere in the state. The "cabin in the woods" experience is alive and well, whether it's staying in a resort or renting your own Big Bear cabin by the week or month. There are some of the best bed-and-breakfast inns available anywhere in California. Or you can stay in simpler motel-style units — this area has it all.

Big Bear vacations are popular with residents all over California and the activities in this area are limitless — if it has to do with outdoor recreation, you probably can do it at Big Bear. Hiking trails are located in different locations around the lake, and bicycling is big — although, remember, you're at almost 7,000 feet of altitude. Boat rentals and water activities are available in summer; in winter the area turns into a winter wonderland ski resort. Skiing and snowboarding are offered at Snow Summit and at Bear Mountain. Other winter sports include sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. If you want a real back-to-nature experience, just try a Big Bear cabin in winter.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Big Bear Lake is about a two hour drive east of Los Angeles, not far from San Bernardino. Another popular destination, Arrowhead Lake, also is in the general vicinity. Lodging in the area is plentiful and you can find Big Bear rentals in every price range.

WHAT: Big Bear Lake is about as far removed as you can get from the heat of inland Southern California — mainly because you travel up some 7,000 feet to a completely different climate zone. With an abundance of pine trees and other mountain vegetation, this area looks more like the Sierras than Southern California.

WHEN: Any time of year. Summer and winter are the busiest seasons because of water activities and snow activities. The shoulder seasons can be some of the most pleasant ties to visit — always sunny, but not too hot. Last minute travel deals are sometimes available in shoulder seasons and vacation packages are common year-round.

WHY: A Big Bear vacation is a total escape from both the population centers of Southern California. Yet it's a fairly short drive from most locations in this part of the state.

HOW: To plan your Big Bear vacation, start with a list of local accommodations. Big Bear rentals are easy to find and relatively inexpensive and range from smaller, older buildings to magnificent log homes. Big Bear vacations come in all shapes and sizes, as well, ranging from a night at a small motel to weeks in a luxurious vacation home.

Find your next cabin on Big Bear by visiting Lakerentals.com.

OTHER DESTINATIONS: If you're looking for other California vacation ideas, be sure to check out other California Weekend articles on Yosemite National Park, Idyllwild, Julian and Sequoia National Park.

RECOMMENDED LODGING: Northwoods Resort and Conference Center; All Seasons Resort Rentals; Big Bear Getaway; Golden Bear Lodging

DestinationSeek.com can help you find comfortable Big Bear Cabin Rentals for your next visit.

Getaway Media Corp publishes websites focused on getaway travel, including www.californiaweekend.com and www.northwesttraveladvisor.com. If you enjoyed reading about Big Bear, be sure to visit our sites and read the hundreds of feature articles on the many getaway travel destinations in our coverage areas. Like Big Bear, these other attractions are worth including in a your upcoming vacation or getaway. If you think about it, we're fortunate to live in a place where we can enjoy destinations such as the Big Bear without traveling thousands of miles. This is why Getaway Media Corp sites are so popular with the traveling public -- they showcase attractions that are close by and easy to visit on your next vacation or getaway.