As we prepare to turn the page of our calendars to fall, we can almost smell the crisp air, pine trees, and bonfires.
Saying goodbye to summer isn’t as hard as it used to be. Fall has become the trendiest new season for travel, with many different ways to go about it.
Some people can’t put beach vacations aside, while others are all in on fall foliage photo ops and exploring natural wonders without sweltering temperatures.
As someone who is spoiled living in San Diego with year-round, mostly great weather, I still crave the fresh mountain air and small-town delights from time to time.
While Big Bear is renowned as a summer and winter destination, I believe its true charm lies in the autumn months, between the two hectic seasons of a craze of tourists invading a relatively small town.
Boasting cozy cabins and far fewer crowds than summer and winter, the shining star of the San Bernardino mountains is the best fall escape in Cali.
Summer Will Soon Be Gone, So Beat The Ski Crowds!
Big Bear is one of the prettiest destinations in California, but not in ways you might suspect.
It goes without saying that pretty beaches, the bright lights of Hollywood, and the Golden Gate Bridge are what you picture in the Golden State.
What may be surprising is the astounding nature California has to offer beyond the crashing waves along the state’s phenomenal coastline.
Southern California isn’t just surfer dudes and taco stands either – there are dozens of gems to explore that might blow your mind.
Big Bear has always been a safe haven for me to unwind from the stresses of big-city living and enjoy some downtime surrounded by truly stunning scenery.
Heck, the drive alone will make you want to pull over every mile once you hit the winding mountain roads of the San Bernardino National Forest, scenery that would make other California icons blush.
Cozy Cabins & Scenic Hiking Trails: The Perfect Fall Escape To Recharge
Not everyone will relate, but when my mom passed in August 2020, Big Bear was just what the doctor ordered to take a metaphorical weeklong breath and reset.
San Diego is too crowded in August, with last-minute beach vacationers getting their sun and sand fix before school starts back up, so finding a relaxing place to decompress and grieve was nearly impossible.
Big Bear is easy to reach, roughly 2 hours from San Diego, Los Angeles, and I always seem to run into tourists from Vegas too, which is 3 and half hours away.
Now I’m not trying to hype up Big Bear as a place to go and cry in the woods, but it speaks volumes to how comfortable I felt choosing Big Bear as my place of refuge.
4 years later, I’m still booking fall trips here as exploring the colorful tree lines never gets old.
So much of the crowds dissipate between the summer tourists invading Big Bear’s stunning lakes and the winter invasion of skiers.
One of my favorite things to do here, as something you probably can relate to, is rent a cozy cabin. There’s just something magical about building a fire in the cool air as dusk turns to dark nights.
There are many local agencies renting out cabins in the woods just off the main strip. Call me basic, but I typically use Airbnb.
Although, on one rare occasion, I chose the Black Forest Lodge and was quite impressed with how comfortable it was.
What’s even more enjoyable is taking advantage of wide-open hiking trails. And yes, you’re probably wondering if Big Bear lives up to the name – there are black bear sightings here, but I’ve personally never seen one.
Just a fox…and my dog (pictured above), as Big Bear is a very pet-friendly destination, including many trails where dogs are allowed.
My favorite is Castle Rock Trail 1W03 – steep but worth the reward of the majestic lake views and your furry friend can tag along.
Better yet, fall temps dwindle down to the 50’s and 60’s – a far cry from the heat of summer.
Tip: For even more privacy, check out the tiny town of Fawnskin across the lake with some truly epic cabins. Keep in mind this is where the bear warning signs are located.
A Delightful Downtown District
Big Bear is undoubtedly an outdoor destination, but save some time to peruse downtown’s delightful local shops and eateries.
In fact, one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the world is located in Big Bear. Grab some delicious enchiladas and margs at El Jacalito Grill.
There are what seems like dozens of shops and other restaurants, along with nice hotels tucked away on the backside on quieter streets.
For those who don’t vibe with wooded cabins or old-timey lodges, there’s the top-rated Bluegreen The Club at Big Bear Village, a 4-star hotel perfectly located to see all the top sites.
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