Mountain towns can feel magical but also overwhelming when you’re trying to pick which one fits your vibe. If you’ve been wondering whether to head to Big Bear or Running Springs, you’re in exactly the right place. Today, I’ll break it down, share the emotional and practical differences, and help you choose the town that will let you relax, recharge, and feel confident in your trip. 

Let’s Dig In!

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^{This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below.See full disclosure here}

Quick Answer: Which Town Should You Choose?

Here’s the bite-sized version for my skimmers:

• Big Bear Lake – Best for variety, scenic adventures, restaurants, and activities. Think Alpine Zoo, Castle Rock Trail, Big Bear Discovery Center, jeep tours, ziplines, and cozy bistros like Sweet Basil. Perfect for first-timers or those who want “mountain everything.”
  
• Running Springs – Tiny, quiet, and slow. A small selection of the foodie spots. Great for introverts, reflective hikes, or as a peaceful base before heading to Big Bear. Limited food options are best for those who appreciate micro-town charm.
  

Pro tip: Many travelers opt for a combination of staying in Running Springs for calm mornings and visiting Big Bear for activities, food, and evening village strolls.

So while this quick snapshot gives you the gist, let’s dive into each town’s vibe, activities, and food so you can pick the perfect mountain escape—or combine both for the ultimate weekend.

Big Bear — Adventure, Variety, and Scenic Fun

Big Bear is the larger, more developed mountain town.

Why People Love Big Bear:

• Activities: Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Big Bear Discovery Center, Castle Rock Trail, Jeep Tour, Zipline, and private tours from LA. 

• Food: Sweet Basil Bistro (cozy comfort food), Himalayan Restaurant (Indian/Nepalese flavors)
  
• Village Energy: Shopping, artisan gifts, and local treats
  
• Water & Winter: Paddleboarding, kayaking, and Snow Summit Sky Chair
  

Emotional Vibe: You’ll leave Big Bear feeling accomplished, entertained, and nourished—both by the food and the views.

Running Springs — Peace, Reflection, and Slow Mountain Energy

Running Springs is small. Like… really small. But if your goal is gentle mornings, solo reflection, or escaping the busier mountain crowds, it’s perfect.

Highlights:

• LuluBelle’s Coffee House & Bakery – pastries, vegan options, and the town’s main culinary hub
  
• Quiet hikes & trails: Keller Peak Fire Lookout, forest walks, and hikes.
  
• Shops: Artistry & Alchemy, Shop Suey, Hilltop Haus, Golden Oaks Thrift Store
  
• Proximity: 20–30 minutes from Big Bear Lake for more dining and activities
  

Emotional Vibe: Calm, intimate, introvert-approved, and grounded.

Adventure vs. Serenity

Pro Tip: If you want both adventure and calm, start in Running Springs for a morning coffee and quiet hike, then spend the afternoon in Big Bear for activities and dining.

Variety vs. Cozy

• Big Bear: Sweet Basil Bistro, Himalayan Restaurant, and lots of dining options
  
• Running Springs: LuluBelle’s Coffee House & Bakery, Belgian Waffle Works, Victoria’s Family Restaurant
  

Tip: For more vegetarian or upscale options, Big Bear is your best bet. Running Springs is small, and your best meals are either at LuluBelle’s or a short drive away.

What Fits Your Travel Style?

• Big Bear: Variety, activity, scenic spots, social energy, bigger crowds
  
• Running Springs: Intimate, quiet, reflective, introvert-friendly, tiny-town charm
  

Think of it this way: Big Bear gives you the full mountain experience, Running Springs gives you the peaceful mountain pause.

Combining Both for a Perfect Weekend

1. Morning in Running Springs — Coffee at LuluBelle’s, hike Keller Peak
   
2. Afternoon in Big Bear — Castle Rock Trail, Alpine Zoo, or Jeep Tour
   
3. Evening in Big Bear Village — Sweet Basil Bistro dinner or Himalayan Restaurant curry
   
4. Optional: Private Tour from LA to hit both without driving stress 

Both towns are magical—it just depends on your travel style. Craving variety, lakeside dining, shopping, and plenty of action? Big Bear is your playground. Prefer calm mornings, forest walks, and slow, introspective mountain vibes? Running Springs is your retreat.

Not sure which to choose? You don’t have to. Many travelers pair the two for the ultimate escape—start slow with my Things to Do in Running Springs: Your Cozy, Relaxed Mountain Escape Guide, then round out the weekend with a little more energy using my San Bernardino Mountain Weekend guide. It’s the perfect balance of rest, adventure, and those small mountain moments that linger long after you leave.

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

– Beth

Welcome back, adventurers, especially my introverted, gentle-travel-loving friends who want the mountains without the overwhelm. If you’ve been wondering what to do in Big Bear without feeling lost, stressed, or stuck in decision-paralysis, you’re in exactly the right place. Today, I’m going to walk you through the best things to do in Big Bear—at your pace, in your style, with honesty, comfort, and zero pressure. 

Let’s Dig In!

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^{This post contains affiliate links to the products that I use and trust. This means that I might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase using any of my links below. See full disclosure here.e}

Let’s Answer the Big Question: What Are the Best Things to Do in Big Bear?

Here’s the quick, bite-sized version for my skimmers (I see you, and I love you):

Top Things to Do in Big Bear

• Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge
  
• Big Bear Discovery Center
  
• Castle Rock Trail
  
• Big Bear Lake Jeep Tour with Light Lunch
  
• Zipline Tour with 9 high-speed ziplines + suspension bridge
  
• Kayaking or paddleboarding at Big Bear Lake
  
• Walk the Village
  
• Eat at Sister My Sister Bake Shop
  
• Dinner at The Himalayan Restaurant
  
• Scenic Sky Chair at Snow Summit
  
• Cozy lakeside moments doing absolutely nothing
  

And yes, many of these activities can be booked in advance using my curated travel partners:

So while those are the top experiences that make Big Bear feel both adventurous and cozy, let’s go deeper—because there’s something incredibly grounding about understanding what each activity offers, how it feels emotionally, and how it supports the type of travel you actually enjoy.

Big Bear Alpine Zoo — Healing for Animals and Humans

If you’ve never been to a rehabilitation-first zoo, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is something special. This is where injured wildlife—from owls to mountain lions—come to heal, recover, and sometimes be released back into the wild.

There’s something deeply soothing about this place.
No chaos. No pressure. Just nature, care, and quiet connection.

What to Expect

• Rescued and rehabilitated wildlife
  
• Educational exhibits
  
• A slower pace (perfect for introverts)
  
• Short walking paths and shaded areas
  

Big Bear Discovery Center — Your Home Base for Mountain Calm

The Discovery Center is the spot to learn, breathe, and reset before starting any adventure.

You’ll find:

• Nature exhibits
  
• Guided programs
  
• Trail info
  
• Calm, quiet spaces
  
• Ranger Q&A (they’re so kind!)
  

It’s the perfect starting point if you want to feel grounded before diving into mountain activities.

Big Bear Lake Jeep Tour with Light Lunch — Gentle Thrills, No Stress

If you want adventure without the high-energy chaos, a guided Jeep tour is the sweet spot.
You get the wind, the woods, the mountain views—and someone else does the driving.

Why it’s great for gentle travelers:

• You don’t have to plan routes
  
• You don’t have to navigate mountain roads.
  
• You get lunch included.
  
• It’s a small group and call.m

Zipline Tour — 9 High-Speed Ziplines + Suspension Bridge

This is the adrenaline chapter—but don’t run away yet!

The guides are patient, the groups are small, and you can always opt out of higher-intensity sections.

Why People Love It:

• 9 scenic ziplines
  
• A wobbly suspension bridge that’s weirdly fun (I have skipped on them)
  
• Forest canyons and sweeping views
  

If you’ve ever wanted to feel brave in small, safe ways… this is your moment.

Book here: Zipline Tour 

Castle Rock Trail — The Trail That Gives You Everything

Castle Rock Trail is Big Bear’s classic:

• 2 miles
  
• Short but rewarding
  
• Stunning lake views
  
• A big rock at the top that makes you feel like the wise mountain hermit we all secretly want to be
  

Pro Tip: Go early. The morning light is golden and quiet.

Big Bear Village — Shopping, Snacks & Slow Moments

This is where you wander. No pressure. No schedule. Just cozy mountain-town energy. Take your time, sip coffee, and let yourself get lost among charming boutiques and sweet shops.

Must-Visit Shops in the Village

• Village Faire Upstairs Mall – A treasure trove of locally made crafts and unique finds. Perfect for introverts who like browsing at their own pace.
  
• Village Sweet Shoppe – Candy, chocolate, and treats to delight your inner kid (and your actual kid if they’re with you).
  
• Bear Prints and Gifts – From mountain-themed souvenirs to quirky keepsakes, this shop is a must for memory-makers.
  
• Mountain Gifts – Cozy cabin décor, nature-inspired home accents, and Big Bear-branded finds that feel a little more mountain chic than souvenir shelf. Great for gifts—or pretending your house is a cabin year-round.

Pro Tip:

Take a stroll through the Village, peek into every shop that catches your eye, and don’t forget to enjoy a moment on a bench or by the fountain. Mountain towns are best enjoyed unhurried.

Lunch Sweet Basil Bistro 

If you love comfort food with a bit of elegance (and the kind of dim lighting that makes you feel like the main character), Sweet Basil Bistro is your Big Bear must-stop.

Think:

• Homemade pastas
  
• Incredible sauces
  
• Warm, intimate atmosphere
  
• The feeling of rewarding yourself for hiking even when you only did half the trail (no judgment,I support this energy)

Dinner at The Himalayan Restaurant

A warm bowl of curry after a mountain day?
Pure comfort at The Himalayan Restaurant.

This cozy spot serves:

• Nepalese
  
• Himalayan
  
• Indian favorites
  

It’s flavorful, soothing, and exactly what your tired body needs after a day of breathing mountain air like a functional adult.

The Private Tour from LA — The Easiest Way to Visit Big Bear

If you’re coming from Los Angeles and don’t want to drive mountain roads, the Private Tour to Big Bear Lake & Lake Arrowhead is a lifesaver.

You get:

• Hotel pickup
  
• No stress
  
• Scenic stops
  
• A guided experience

Great for first-timers or travelers who want the mountains without the logistics.

Discover Big Bear Lake

Big Bear isn’t just a destination—it’s a reset button. A breath of fresh air in a world that expects us to always be “on.” Whether you hike, zipline, sip coffee, or simply sit by the lake doing absolutely nothing (a very valid itinerary), this mountain town has room for you.

If you’re ready to plan your getaway, explore activities and tours with my trusted partners, which support the blog at no extra cost and keep Bite-Sized Adventures alive. 

Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep exploring!

 -Beth