Beat the Heat: Big Bear

Unless you live in Los Angeles or nearby, you may not have heard of one of Southern Californians' favorite playgrounds. Maybe they're trying to keep it for themselves, but this Alpine setting just 100 miles from the busy metropolitan area deserves more attention than it often gets.

Located in the San Bernardino National Forest northeast of Los Angeles, Big Bear, California centers on a fresh-water lake seven miles long and a mile wide, at an altitude of 6,750 to 9,000 feet. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, winter snow and moderate summers, it's a favorite Southern California vacation spot. Our Big Bear Visitor Guide has all the essentials you'll need to plan a trip.