Author
Field Mag
Photographer
via AirBnb
Traveling during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic increases your risk and the risk of those around you. Please be mindful and observe local restrictions, wash your hands, and WEAR A MASK.
Just two hours east of Los Angeles, Southern California's Big Bear Lake is a small but beautiful alpine town tucked away in the San Bernardino National Forest. Home to the indigenous Serrano people for over 2,000 years and named after the large grizzly bear population that flourished before settlers came to the area in the 1800s, today Big Bear is known for its panoramic views of surrounding mountain peaks, family-friendly ski resorts, pine-scented mountain air, and year-round outdoor activities.
Snow Summit and Bear Mountain Ski Resorts are big draws for visitors, as they sit just a short drive from the Village-the town's popular hub of dining, entertaining, and shopping. A-Frames, log cabins, mountain chalets, and whatever this wild thing is, provide ample opportunity for winter, spring, summer, and fall getaways, so there's truly something for everyone in this SoCal vacation destination.
The following 15 Big Bear vacation rentals are our top picks for Airbnbs in the area, selected for a combination of aesthetic prominanaence and proximity to outdoor recreation.
[Looking to escape elsewhere in the nation? Check out our other curated cabin rental lists.]
Big Bear Lake, CA — Whiskey Ridge Chalet
Vibe: Pine & Ginger
This cozy, boho-inspired home is filled with an assortment of unique pieces and colorful accents. Startup the wood stove and crash in the variety of sitting areas around the house, like the loft bean bag area or outside on the decks. With the Alpine Zoo, Big Bear Ski Resort, Big Bear Lake, and The Village in Downtown Big Bear all within a 10-minute drive, there’s plenty to do outside the house too.
Rate: $650/night
Big Bear Lake, CA — Stōkhaus Cabin
Vibe: Retro Retreat
Lovers of vintage, rejoice! The Stōkhaus is stocked with 60s-inspired patterns, colors, and furnishings, complete with a retro-style kitchen and custom-made couch. Tongue-and-groove pine paneling and vaulted ceilings make for a cozy yet spacious interior, all centered around a bright orange wood-burning fireplace. Chill on the redwood-deck or adventure to Bear Mountain Ski Resort, the Village or Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk for a day out.
Rate: $336/night
Big Bear, CA — Kitchy Cabin
Vibe: Sweet 60's
In the Moonridge area, this cabin features a sugar-coated mid-century vibe. Pastel hued with attention-grabbing vintage fireplaces in the living room and master suite, spa-like bathrooms with sky-blue tiles, a moody game room complete with a vintage poker table, and an outdoor area with a hot tub and large dining table, this spot is perfect for a post-pandemic catch-up with your friends or family. Rest and recharge in the house or head out to Snow Summit for skiing, snowboarding, or mountain biking.
Rate: $457/night
Big Bear Lake, CA — Treehaus Chalet
Vibe: Ski Lodge Chic
With inspiring views of distant mountains and a ski-lodge feel, call this chalet basecamp for a week of adventuring and recharging. Downstairs, two Swiss alpine-inspired bedrooms will keep you comfortable all night long, and the upstairs living area features a wall of windows, vaulted ceilings, mid-century modern furniture, a foosball table, and a retro-style kitchen. Outside, hang out on the swing, around the BBQ pit, or marvel at “Snuffy” the giant 1,000-year-old Juniper tree mere steps from the front door. Bring your furry friend along too, as this listing is pet-friendly.
Rate: $432/night
Big Bear Lake, CA — Striking Gold Cabin
Vibe: Rowdy Family-Friendly
Somewhere between millennial and mid-century modern, this spot embraces pattern and play, accommodating up to 16 people. There’s game tables a plenty-pool, ping pong, and poker are all at hand, set among classic Americana wallpapers, forest-green carpeting, and log cabin bones.
Rate: $698/night
Big Bear Lake, CA — Black A-Frame
Vibe: Shaggy Chalet
This playful A-Frame features a mix of mid-century modern and 60's mountain chalet, complete with a large percentage of carpet-covered flooring. A hot tub on the back deck, spacious front porch, and hammock provide some spots to chill outside while inside, board games and plenty of sitting areas set you up if you're snowed in. A hiking and biking trailhead sits right outside the door, or you can head to Bear Mountain, home to SoCal's renowned terrain park and a large beginner area for fledging skiers and snowboarders.
Rate: $325/night
Big Bear Lake, CA — Colorado Lodge
Vibe: Plywood Palace
An ongoing experiment in indoor/outdoor architecture, the Colorado Lodge property features 5 small, modernized cabins. A coating of black paint neutralizes and unifies their exteriors, while inside newly remodeled plywood interiors feature Scandinaviian-esque furnishings. A quiet but central location means you can relax but reach downtown Big Bear and Big Bear lakefront within short walks.
Rate: $199-260/night
Big Bear Lake, CA — The Wilderness Haven
Vibe: Modern Vintage
A pet-friendly cabin, this vacation home sleeps an impressive 11 guests within its walls. A bright sort of industrial meets antique interior features a wood stove and outdoor-inspired decor. Sit outside on the porch or deck or head out back and eat dinner at the picnic table. A short drive to Pine Knot Village, explore what town has to offer after a day of hiking or skiing.
Rate: $362/night
Big Bear Lake, CA — Stones Throw Cabin
Vibe: Lakeside Luxury
This spacious lakefront cabin offers up plenty of spots inside and out to kickback. From the expansive deck, lofted living area, and hammock swinging amongst the pines, you won't want to leave. The interior is homey but luxurious with a large couch providing ample space to crash and chat. A private dock and nearby Holloway's Marina mean easy access to water-sports in the summer and in the colder months, access Snow Summit within a quick drive.
Rate: $419/night
Big Bear Lake, CA — Bright Family Cabin
Vibe: Cute & Compact
Fit for a small family or crew, this cabin consists of a familial interior and 3 bedrooms. A back deck and yard are great for soaking in the mountain air or playing in the snow after a new fall. A walk away from Magic Mountain and its famed Alpine Slide, take a group here or downtown Big Bear for a day in town.
Rate: $223/night
Big Bear Lake, CA — Cozy Pines Retreat
Vibe: Studio Sanctuary
This studio cabin is great for traveling solo dolo or with your SO. The sweet, simple exterior is mirrored in the cozy straightforwardness of the interior. Warm and inviting, hang out on the central couch in front of the wood stove to watch a movie, or take things outside the porch. Grill up dinner on the bbq on the back deck or dine out in downtown Big Bear. Pet-friendly, bring your puppy along for the ride too.
Rate: $139/night
Big Bear, CA — Alterra Cabin
Vibe: A-Frame with a View
With floor to ceiling windows and an expansive deck looking out over beautiful mountain views of Bear Mountain and Snow Summit, you'll always feel surrounded by SoCal's stunning pine-filled terrain in this A-frame getaway. A mid-century interior features a reading loft for curling up with a good book, and hiking trails in the San Bernardino National Forest are just steps away.
Rate: $240/night
Big Bear Lake, CA — Moonlight Bungalow
Vibe: Handcrafted Hideaway
For those looking for a more rustic feel, The Moonlight Bungalow totes the patina of a true mountain cabin. This cabin delivers everything you would need with a charming handcrafted feeling. Get some sun on the front porch or hit the ski slopes nearby.
Rate: $210/night
Big Bear Lake, CA — Twin Pines
Vibe: Pastel Pops
A recently renovated 1960's cabin, Twin Pines features pops of colors throughout its mid-century modern furnished interior. Straightforward and sweet, the space features a bright and airy living area, with almost beach-house feeling bedrooms. An outdoor patio provides space for star-gazing and right off of Big Bear Blvd, this house is easily accessible.
Rate: $287/night
Big Bear Lake, CA — Golden State Cabin
Vibe: Eclectic Industrial
A stain glass door welcomes you to this quaint cabin. An eclectic mix of styles makes the interior inviting and homey and a large kitchen provides plenty of space to prepare meals. Out back, there's a deck for hanging out on as well as a hot tub for an après-adventuring soak.
Rate: $268/night
Big Bear, CA — Honey Bear Cabin
Vibe: Pooh's Pad
This cozy cabin sits right between rustic and modern. The central stone fireplace sets the vibes for the whole place and a window bench, reading nook, and bathroom heat lamp makes it all the more alluring. An outdoor sitting area with a propane fireplace is a great spot to hang, or you can reach a system of hiking trails within a 5-minute walk if you need to stretch your legs.
Rate: $156/night
Big Bear Lake, CA — Bonita Cabin
Vibe: Logs, logs, logs
Packed with things to do, this luxury cabin is the perfect spot for a family reunion or a safely-conducted get-together. A pool table, hot tub, and horseshoe pit out back provide group activities and the three-level house is full of 4 cozy bedrooms and A LOT of rustic log furniture and bear tchotchkees embrace the style of the area.
Rate: $914/night
Published 06-01-2021
