We all know and love this spot, famous for its crystal clear waters, snowy mountains to ski in the winter and scenic trails to hike during the summer…
Big Bear Lake, our beloved eagles home, is now officially the #1 Best Lake in the U.S.
Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake isn’t just a fan favorite for locals and lake-loving eaglets like Sunny and Gizmo: it’s now a national champ, topping heavy hitters from New York to Minnesota.
This award comes from USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. And if that weren’t enough to make a splash, the SoCal gem also landed the #3 spot for Best Lake for Water Sports! The rankings came from a mix of travel experts and editors at USA TODAY and 10Best.com, but the final say came from the people. Thousands of voters cast their ballots, and Big Bear floated to the top.
The lake itself stretches a breezy seven miles long, has over 22 miles of accessible shoreline, and dips as deep as 72 feet, ideal for fishing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and pretending you’re in a movie during a boat tour. Speaking of boats, you’ve got options: from the famous Big Bear Pirate Ship to the classic Miss Liberty paddlewheel, there are plenty of ways to cruise in style.
With its breathtaking views, fun on the water, and that cozy mountain charm that keeps people coming back, this spot has earned the love of both tourists and locals. And it’s safe to say this recognition is more than well deserved!