Summer & Year-Round Fun at Vista Getaway
Big Bear Lake isn’t just a winter paradise – it’s busy all year long with outdoor adventure. In summer and fall I love taking advantage of the lake and mountains. Vista Getaway is perfectly placed so that in minutes you can be on the water or on the trails. For example, Big Bear Lake offers “a scenic escape in the San Bernardino mountains, perfect for a day of cruising, fishing, or splashy watersports”. Almost every marina nearby rents boats and jet skis – Pleasure Point Marina, Pine Knot Landing and others are just a 5–10 minute drive. Most marinas carry pontoon boats (big ones seating up to 12 people) for leisurely family cruises, fishing boats for lake anglers, and even jet skis for thrill-seekers. In fact, you can rent a pontoon or fishing boat at one place and a jet ski at another on the same day. (Bonus: we can often point you to weekday or multi-day rental specials to save you money.) If you prefer paddling, local marinas and shops also rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards by the hour – great for exploring the lake’s quiet coves that big boats can’t reach.
Beyond the lake, ziplines and ropes courses are a huge hit with our guests. Snow Summit’s base area runs a summer zip line where you “soar through the air safely and securely” high above the forest canopy. We’ve taken friends on Action Tours’ 3-hour zipline adventure, which zips over canyons and lakes. If you’re in the mood for vertigo, check out the Adventure Park (about 20 minutes away) with a series of ziplines and rope bridges through the trees.
Back at the lake, summer isn’t complete without a day on the water. We often pack a picnic, take the pontoon out for a cruise to Barefoot Beach or Boulder Bay, and jump into the cool water. Fishing is another year-round treat – the trout and bass fishing in Big Bear Lake is excellent. Between these activities and our cabin’s game room, you can fill every day with a new adventure.
The mountains themselves are perfect for hiking and biking all year round. In summer, Vista Getaway is my launch point for mountain bike rides. Snow Summit even transforms into a bike park: over 60 miles of trails crisscross the national forest, and lifts run in summer for downhill biking. Hiking is also fantastic: you can day-hike to the Pacific Crest Trail, circle the lake on the Discovery Center trail, or scramble up local peaks for sunset.
Vista Getaway really lets you do it all in one trip. Imagine skiing Snow Summit in the morning and boating on Big Bear Lake that very afternoon – our location makes that possible. (The Snow Summit and Bear Mountain ski lifts are only about 2 miles apart and both sit right by the lake.) After your summer explorations, come back to our deck and watch the sun set over the water with a cool drink.
Ready to start planning? Book Vista Getaway today for your mountain-lake vacation. Reach out to me for recommendations – I’m happy to share local tips, trail maps, or help arrange gear rentals. See you soon at Vista Getaway!