Where is Big Bear Lake, California

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Big Bear Lake is a mountain city in Southern California's San Bernardino Mountains and part of the Inland Empire region. It is about 95 miles east of Los Angeles and sits along the shores of Big Bear Lake. The city is known for its alpine scenery, year-round outdoor recreation, and nearby ski areas such as Snow Summit and Bear Mountain.

Location Map of Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County, California

Where is Big Bear Lake Located in San Bernardino County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California.

Big Bear Lake Map, California

About Big Bear Lake Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, California. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Big Bear Lake Located?

Big Bear Lake is a city located in San Bernardino County, California, the United States. It lies in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, about 95 miles (153 km) east of Los Angeles, 40 miles (64 km) northeast of San Bernardino, and 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Redlands. Big Bear Lake is located at 34.2439° North latitude and 116.9114° West longitude. The 2020 United States Census recorded a population of 5,046. The city covers about 6.73 square miles (17.43 sq km), including land and water. Big Bear Lake is best known for its namesake mountain lake, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain, and year-round outdoor recreation. The high-elevation setting gives the city four distinct seasons, including snowy winters that attract skiers and snowboarders.

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Big Bear Lake City Facts

CityBig Bear Lake
StateCalifornia
CountySan Bernardino County
CountryUnited States
RegionSan Bernardino Mountains, Southern California
IncorporatedNovember 28, 1980
Founded1860s
Total Area6.73 sq mi (17.43 sq km)
Land Area6.24 sq mi (16.16 sq km)
Water Area0.49 sq mi (1.27 sq km)
Elevation6,752 ft (2,058 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 5,000
Population (2020 Census)5,046
Population DensityAbout 809 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) (UTC−8/UTC−7)
ZIP Codes92315
Area Code909, 840
Major HighwaysCalifornia State Route 18, California State Route 38, Big Bear Boulevard
Public TransitMountain Transit
Major AttractionsBig Bear Lake, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain, Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Big Bear Discovery Center
Official Websitehttps://citybigbearlake.com/

Distance from Big Bear Lake, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Big Bear City, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
  • Running Springs, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Lake Arrowhead, CA – 29 miles (47 km)
  • Redlands, CA – 38 miles (61 km)
  • San Bernardino, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Yucaipa, CA – 32 miles (51 km)
  • Hemet, CA – 57 miles (92 km)
  • Riverside, CA – 54 miles (87 km)
  • Moreno Valley, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
  • Palm Springs, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
  • Ontario, CA – 63 miles (101 km)
  • Corona, CA – 67 miles (108 km)
  • Temecula, CA – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Los Angeles, CA – 95 miles (153 km)
  • Pasadena, CA – 87 miles (140 km)
  • Long Beach, CA – 110 miles (177 km)
  • San Diego, CA – 140 miles (225 km)
  • Las Vegas, NV – 205 miles (330 km)
  • Phoenix, AZ – 285 miles (459 km)
  • Santa Barbara, CA – 190 miles (306 km)

Top Attractions in Big Bear Lake

  • Big Bear Lake
  • Snow Summit
  • Bear Mountain
  • Big Bear Alpine Zoo
  • Big Bear Discovery Center
  • Boulder Bay Park
  • Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve
  • Big Bear Solar Observatory
  • Big Bear Village
  • Alpine Pedal Path

Airports Near Big Bear Lake

  • Big Bear City Airport (RBF) – 5 miles
  • San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) – 40 miles
  • Ontario International Airport (ONT) – 65 miles
  • Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) – 65 miles
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 120 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official City of Big Bear Lake Website.

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