Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County might be an under-the-radar destination for Northern Californians, but in SoCal, it’s been a dear-to-the-heart, dog-friendly summer vacation magnet for more than a century. The city is named after Big Bear Lake, a picturesque alpine gem that’s a favorite for boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and other water activities.

The village area of Big Bear Lake has several dog-friendly shops and restaurants with comfortable outdoor seating. Of course, there are plenty of pet-friendly hotels, cabins, and vacation rentals in Big Bear Lake, too.