Big Bear Lake has great skiing, fishing, boating, trails, and a cute downtown with shopping and dining, all just a two hour drive from Los Angeles. This mountain paradise is not what most people picture when they picture southern California, but those who discover the area are always eager to return.

The San Bernadino Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for this large alpine lake, and there’s tons of recreation options whether you visit in the summer or the winter. If you’re feeling really ambitious, You can start on the coast and try and surf and ski in the same day!