The kids are just about ready to start back to school, and you’re probably telling yourself you could really use a another vacation after all the running around and rescheduling involved. We couldn’t agree more, and we’ll gladly help you plan your September visit to Big Bear.
We’re beyond excited to see this year’s Oktoberfest arrive on September 7th running weekends through November 2nd. This year marks the 49th anniversary, and it’s on track to be the best one yet. This family event is consistently rated as Southern California’s #1 Oktoberfest. Opening weekend will offer free admission to all current and former military, fire fighters, and law enforcement. And this year free admission is extended to their families as well. It’s one of the biggest events on the Big Bear calendar, and one many of our guests return for every year. Enjoying a fun day at Oktoberfest followed by a relaxing stay in one of our luxury Five Star Vacation Rentals is a perfect combination. Buy your tickets in advance and get more details at this link.
The Big Bear Cycling Association continues to have scheduled rides throughout September for all skill levels. We can’t encourage you enough to join in on these. Big Bear has so much natural beauty that flies by from inside a car. The slower pace you’ll enjoy on a cycling adventure is perfect for absorbing more of the amazing wildlife and natural beauty. Bring your own bike, or rent one after you arrive. Check out the calendar of ride at https://bigbearcycling.com.
Bear Valley Farms is quickly becoming one of our favorite attractions in Big Bear. They’re offering activities that are just plain fun. If you’ve never gone horseback riding with the kids, this is a great opportunity to share that experience. And since they are a working farm, they also offer farm tours where you can get up close and feed the various animals. And our favorite new fun activity is goat yoga. Yes, you can experience having these cute critters climbing all over you while you engage in a series of stretches and exercises. But your smile muscles will probably get the biggest workout. Check out all the fun events they offer at this link.
You can book your stay online or view all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link. Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your getaway. And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway. Here are links to our other properties in Nuevo Vallarta and La Quinta.
The ads are unavoidable, and it’s unmistakable that the lazy, hazy days of summer are waning. Back to school season is upon us with all the flyers in the mail, the extra shopping trips, and the annual reworking of our schedules. But there’s still time to plan one last family getaway before the bell rings on that first day back to school. Put us on your back to school shopping list, and you can end the summer on a great note.
Golfers can also enjoy the 9 hole course at the base of Bear Mountain throughout the summer. This is a delightful course that offers some of the most amazing scenery you’ll find on any southland course. Have fun brushing up on your game with their 300 yard driving range and areas for chipping, putting, and bunker practice zones.
Throughout the summer starting in late June and ending the first week of August you can unleash your child’s inner equestrian. 
On August 3rd we’ll see the 10th annual 
The Big Bear Valley Renaissance Faire continues the first two weekends of August. This annual event is so much fun, some of our guests book more than one weekend just to return. You’ll enjoy traveling minstrels, amazing food, jousting matches, medieval royalty and more food. Of course all this running around and horseplay can be tiring, so it’s a great time to book your stay in a Five Star Vacation Rental in Big Bear.
Though we hardly call this work, we would like to work with you and your family to help you put together a great vacation this summer. And we’re not judging, but we want to gently remind you of all those past summers when you were determined not to let time slip away. But you did. This summer we’ve made it easier than ever before.
There are lots of great reasons to choose a Five Star Vacation Rental over a traditional hotel vacation. Privacy and convenience are two of the big ones. In a hotel, you have lots of common areas shared with strangers, and that can range from inconvenient to “who the heck is yelling in the hallway at 2am???” Each of our properties also has a full kitchen, so you’re in control of how, when, and what you eat. You’ll probably want to enjoy some of the great dining experiences that can be found in restaurants at each of our destinations, but you can stock up to keep snacks, drinks, or full meals prepared right in your vacation rental as well. You decide how you want to spend your vacation. And many people prefer to skip the lines and expense at the restaurant for something fun they can prepare together right in their own kitchen.
July in Big Bear is full of options for family fun, and the 4th is certainly the most popular event of the month. We suggest you book early for the dates surrounding the 4th, because we sell out every year. If you’ve never seen the fireworks over Big Bear Lake, you should put it on your bucket list. Big Bear prides itself on putting on the biggest fireworks display in all of Southern California. There are plenty of great spaces around the lake and boats you can rent to view the spectacle on the lake. There are also a bunch of other events during the day from a fun run in the morning, a festival with booths full of great gifts and creations from local artists, and plenty of amazing food. But don’t delay!
July 5th and 6th Bear Mountain golf course is offering a unique experience for the golfers. It’s a night time glow in the dark extravaganza with glowing golf balls, and the entire course laid out with a special lighting. You can be the first one among your golfing buddies to declare you love the sport so much, you even play it at night. Tickets for the event are $59 and include the green fee, cart rental, light refreshments, and a glow-in-the-dark ball. Check out their 
If you’ve never done goat yoga, your life is incomplete. Bear Valley Farms is offering goat yoga on their 30 acre spread, and it’s a rare chance to relax and feel the soothing hooves of some baby and adult goats walk all over you. Leave your kids with the in-laws, and head over to spend some time with these kids. It’s hard to imagine you won’t come away from the experience with some great stories and some pretty relaxing yoga as well. Who knew allowing farm animals to climb all over you could be so relaxing? Visit their 
Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 12th this year, and this may be a good year to step up your celebration of mom. Candy and flowers are great, but how about adding a weekend getaway in Big Bear as well? We still have some great cabins and estates available for the weekend, and there’s still time to book a getaway mom will long remember. Treat mom to a great lunch buffet at 
On May 26th car buffs will want to head over to the Big Bear Snow Play to check out this year’s Antique Car Show and Pinewood Derby. You’ll enjoy a great collection of finely restored and preserved cars from the past. And the pinewood derby competition is a great family event where you can build and race your own creations. Check out more details at 
Spring relaunches Big Bear’s cycling season, and there are a bunch of events planned all month long. The events start May 1st. with a twilight ride starting from Maggio’s Pizza at 5:30pm. Many consider Big Bear to the cycling capital of Southern California, and the Big Bear Cycling Association is one of the most active cycling groups anywhere in the country. Owing to Big Bear’s natural beauty and varied terrain the association offers a broad spectrum of rides for all skill levels and some planned specifically as family events. Visit their website for more details on upcoming rides: 
Big Bear’s night life is jam packed throughout May with some really great choices sure to delight everyone in the family. For a fun night of comedic relief, and family-friendly slapstick, head over to the Big Bear Performing Arts Center for the Big Bear High School Performing Arts Department’s presentation of a Panto version of “The Wizard of Oddz.” Inspired by the comedic style started in England, this loosely follows Dorothy and her friends trying to get back to Kansas with some very funny changes and audience participation along the way. You’ll want to 
Hiking in Big Bear is a passion for many of our guests, and it’s easy to see why. There are hiking paths ranging from wheelchair and stroller accessible paved ones to expert-level paths up to 15 miles long calling for navigation skills and significant exertion. The paths navigate a variety of the terrain and views found throughout the Big Bear area. Hiking in the spring is especially rewarding and will usually bring some close up interactions with some of the local wildlife as well.
Fishing in Big Bear Lake starts up again this month as well. And whether you’re looking for a lazy afternoon relaxing on the banks of the lake or a serious angler intent on bringing home something fresh for dinner, Big Bear Lake fishing is a perfect fit. Rainbow trout, bass, and catfish can find their way to the end of your hook on a typical day. And with the gourmet kitchens you’ll find in most Five Star Vacation Rentals in Big Bear, they can end up deliciously prepared for everyone in your group. As any fisherman will tell you, there’s really nothing quite as tasty as a fresh caught and prepared fish dinner. Add some sides from the local market, and you’ll be serving up smiles all around.
