The trails are thawing, the lake is shimmering and Big Bear Lake is officially open for adventure. Spring and summer usher in the best of alpine life—blooming meadows, refreshing breezes and endless miles of dog-friendly paths begging to be explored.
Pull up a patio chair, let your pup take in the mountain air and soak in the kind of slow, golden days you’ll long reminisce over. Big Bear is ready (and barking) for you and your four-legged co-pilot. Start planning your escape today.
There’s no better first mate than your dog, and Big Bear Lake is the perfect place to prove it. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, pontoon or fishing boat from one of multiple marinas dotting the shoreline. Back on land, the 3.2-mile Alpine Pedal Path offers a breezy leashed stroll along the lake with easy beach access—perfect for a spontaneous game of fetch or a well-earned wade in the shallows. Read more
Big Bear’s trail network keeps dogs—and their humans—very happy. The Woodland Trail, Rathbun Creek Trail and Alpine Pedal Path are local go-to’s for a leashed ramble. Ready to let them run? Bark Park zones at Meadow Park and Erwin Park give small and large dogs their own dedicated space to play and socialize. Sugarloaf Park on the east end is another off-leash gem. Read more
Big Bear’s restaurant community rolls out the welcome mat for four-legged guests, with plenty of pet-friendly patios around town ready to seat your whole crew. Dank Donuts is a must-stop—famous for gourmet donuts and made-to-order toasts, they also whip up dog donuts made with vet-approved ingredients. Over in The Village, Oliver’s Emporium crafts its own house-made doggy treats worth fetching. Read more
From rustic cabins to cozy lodges, Big Bear offers a wide range of pet-friendly stays for you and your pup. Since pet policies differ from property to property, it’s always worth a quick call to confirm the details before you book. Many lodges welcome dogs for either a one-time or nightly fee. Just remember your pup should never be left alone in a hotel room. Read more
The date is set for the next Puptopia Festival, Saturday, July 25. Puptopia Big Bear returns to Veterans Park for another free, all-out celebration of dogs and the people who love them. Agility courses, live shows, photo ops, a K9 Lounge and more await. Bring up to two leashed pups and make a weekend of it in the mountains. This is what summer traditions are made of! Learn more
Memorial Day weekend is when Big Bear officially flips from ski town to lake town, and the cabin rentals our regulars rely on start selling through by mid-May. Our Memorial Day weekend dog-friendly guide puts Big Bear alongside five other California escapes worth booking now.
