Lagonita Lodge is set right on Big Bear Lake, an idyllic take nestled in the lovely San Bernardino mountains. A true year-round destination, there's no need to stay away juts because there's no snow to be found.

Big Bear Lake has lots to do in the summer including swimming, mountain biking, water skiing, hiking and adventure tours. Nowhere else will you find true nature so close to the hustle and bustle of city life. You really get the best of both worlds with Big Bear Lake, and Lagonita Lodge is the perfect place to rest your head after you've experienced many adventures on the lake or in the woods.
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Big Bear is located in Southern California. Specifically, it is in the San Bernardino National Forest, which is northeast of Los Angeles. In the summer time, the weather is moderate but with plenty of sunshine. Here is some information on what people planning on taking a summer Big Bear vacation can do while there.

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Photo Credit: Rennett Stowe

California lodging options are as diverse as the residents of this legendary state.  Depending on what type of vacation you want to have, you can stay in anything from a hotel to a motel to a condo to a rental.  It all depends on what part of the state you’re in and what you’re hoping to get out of your trip.  There are certain benefits to every type of lodging as well.

Lodges and condos offer guests a chance to experience all the comforts of home with all the service one would expect from a world class hotel.  Lodges and condos often offer great group rates for their larger rooms and in many cases are actually a budget conscious alternative over regular hotels.  Lodges and condos are more typically seen in the skiing areas of California.  Place like Granlibakken Lodge or Lagonita Lodge Vacation Rental and Condos are beautiful lodges located in amazing landscapes perfect for skiers.

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Photo Credit: DennyMont

Your next trip to Big Bear Mountain just got a little sweeter with the upcoming events surrounding the Snowshoe the Bear race in the valley. Starting on February 6th, 2010 right at the foot of the snowy peaks will be a plethora of exciting and challenging races and events for all ages and abilities with the 3rd annual Snowshoe the Bear. Whether you are a snowshoe marathon runner or just a curious beginner looking to try your luck , there is an activity for your skill level.

Reserve your snowshoes before hand to get in on events such as: the 5k and 10k snowshoe race, the kid's race, plenty of live entertainment, and exhibit booths featuring local artists and cuisine. 5 and 10k may sound like a long way, but beginners are highly encouraged to sign up for this easy-to-do sport. Post race activities don't end without plenty of free sponsor giveaways from your favorite local and national sponsors.

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Photo Credit: Lucy Crabapple

California mountain parks are among the most popular ski vacation destinations in the country.  With so many outstanding mountain parks in California, the hardest thing won’t be trying to find one to suite your needs but rather deciding which ones NOT to go to.  The following is a selection of mountain parks in California.

Bear Mountain

Boasting four massive mountain peaks Bear Mountain Park has something for everyone.  Whether you are just beginning to learn the sport or an old school veteran looking for a new thrill, Bear Mountain has you covered.  Sprawling over 200 acres this California mountain has all kinds of jumps, jibs, rails and boxes.  When its time to take a break from all the action make your way to “The Scene”.  “The Scene” is the base area park and has a great bar called The Beach Bar, you can also check out the great gear shop called the Ice Box.  There is a reason  Bear Mountain is called “one of the most progressive terrain parks in the world”.  For the best skiing and snow resort living California has to offer check out Bear Mountain.

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As one of California’s best hot spots for snowboarding, Opening Day at Big Bear is scheduled to be a blast. Unlike many other resort and ski slopes, this location has everything a snowboarder could need to develop their skills with freestyle boarding. Join the hundreds of other eager fans this season as Opening Day at Big Bear took place on November 2nd, 2009.

With one of the earliest openings in the area, you will be able to get some extra skiing and snowboarding time in before the other guys get their act together. Opening Day at Big Bear is always filled with great promotions and fun for the whole crew. At Big Bear, the party just begins at opening day. The whole two weeks following the Opening Day at Big Bear are dedicated to providing their attendees, old and new with fabulous entertainment choices and even several parties and festivals like the Snow Jam live music fest that is scheduled to take place on November 13th through the 15th of this season.

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If you’re looking for a vacation equipped with some home-style fun, a Big Bear rental could be for you. Rentals offer families and friends the opportunity to vacation with the amenities of home. Rentals are not only private but also completely surrounded by the beautiful scenery that Big Bear has to offer.

Big Bear Lake Cabins: Big Bear Lake Cabins can sleep up to six guests. These scenic rentals are within walking distance of many of Big Bear’s most coveted activities. At this property you can rent bikes, ride horses, play volleyball or visit the full-service spa.

Sleepy Forest Cottages: Sleepy Forest is a family owned and operated business catering to those in search of a little romance. Many of the secluded cottages feature Jacuzzis in front of the fireplaces and free wireless Internet. This 17-unit property also offers two family cabins and complimentary continental breakfast.

Castle Wood Cottages: Also catering to the romantic, Castle Wood Cottages offers themed suites ranging in name from Antony & Cleopatra to Gone with the Wind. You can have chocolate-dipped strawberries or silk rose petals sent to your room, and in-room massages are available.

Lagonita Lodge: This award-winning resort is situated on the south shore of Big Bear Lake. If you’re not looking to spend your vacation in a detached home, these condo-style rentals might work for you. They feature full kitchens and offer daily housekeeping services, which many rentals do not. Lagonita Lodge offers activities for all seasons, such as trout fishing, lake cruises, trips to the zoo and cross-country skiing.

The privacy and adventure that rentals afford prove that there is a Big Bear rental for everyone.

Big Bear restaurants are ready to serve the hungry customer who has spent all day adventuring outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a casual quick bite or a romantic fine dining experience, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Murray’s Saloon & Eatery
672 Cottage Lane
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-1444
Murray’s Saloon & Eatery is perfect for a late-night adventure. Their full bar and cheap beers make it a frequent stop for locals but not quite right for kids. In addition to the drink menu, Murray’s serves up great food and conversation.

Grizzly Manor Cafe
41268 Big Bear Blvd
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-6226
This small cafe is known for its breakfasts and large portions. Choose from an assortment of gigantic pancakes, or try The Blob—biscuits and gravy topped with cheese, bacon and two eggs. Visit the full menu for more dining options.

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Big Bear might be known for its abundance of outdoor activities, but there are plenty of other Big Bear attractions to get out and see.

Moonridge Animal Park: Featuring Timber Wolves, Bald Eagles and Grizzly Bears, Moonridge Animal Park is fun for the whole family. The park has an education center with exhibits including wildlife displays and murals. Moonridge Animal Park is also a care and rehabilitation center for animals; about 200 injured animals and birds are treated at the park annually.

Hangman’s Tree: Located in Holcomb Valley, this Juniper tree was once the sight of mass hangings. During the height of the Gold Rush, nearly 50 convicted felons were hanged on the tree’s branches. After each execution, the hanging branch was chopped from the tree. Nubs of the once full branches are still visible, making this one of the eeriest Big Bear attractions.

Big Bear Discovery Center: The discovery center offers guided tours, nature walks and snowshoeing in the San Bernardino National Forest. During the summer, the center’s Amphitheater hosts musical acts and performances.

Big Bear Solar Observatory: The sustained atmospheric stability surrounding Big Bear Lake makes it the perfect location for scientists to study the sun. Its larger-than-life telescopes stand out on the shore of the picturesque lake. Public tours are usually available Saturdays during July and August, but due to frequent construction, consult the Web site for more information.

If you’re not in the mood for an athletic afternoon, a tranquil visit to a Big Bear attraction could be just the ticket.

Each season, visitors flock to Big Bear in search of activities, relaxation and the perfect Big Bear vacation. There is so much to see and do in Big Bear that whittling down the list of activities and sights can be difficult.

Alpine Slide: Located in the Magic Mountain Recreation Area, this cement slide offers visitors an authentic bobsled experience all year long. After a picturesque chairlift ride to the top of the slide, riders board their individual sleds and proceed to glide down one of two of two quarter-mile tracks. A single ride will cost you $4, or you can purchase five rides for $18.

Baldwin Lake Stables: For more than 20 years, Baldwin Lake Stables has been providing visitors with the ultimate horseback riding experience. Choose from picturesque rides that last as little as one hour, to half-day or sunset rides. Kids can also get in on the action and experience hand-led pony rides or visit the petting zoo. Reservations must be made at least one day in advance.

Pine Knot Village: Home to the first lodges in Big Bear, no Big Bear vacation is complete without a visit to Pine Knot Village. Visit the Village to explore its retail shops, restaurants and movie theater. You can also tour its many art galleries and lakeside landscape.

Big Bear Snow Play: Open November through Easter, Big Bear Snow Play is the largest snow play hill in the San Bernardino Mountains. Two magic carpet lifts ease riders to the top of the hill and eliminate the need to manually lug your inner tube up a steep slope. There is also a heated base camp for when it’s too cold to play for long. The $25 ticket price affords you an inner tube and unlimited rides.

Skiing: Big Bear has two ski resorts to suit your snow sports needs. Both offer high-speed chairlifts, equipment rentals and lessons.

Your Big Bear vacation would not be complete without a little activity, so check out all that Big Bear has to offer.