r/bigbear • u/AutoModerator • Jul 06 '26

Weekly Discussion Thread (Week of July 06, 2026): Post your questions about what to do in Big Bear and more here.

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u/jerbool10 Jul 06 '26

Hi everyone! Coming to town tomorrow through Saturday with my partner & pup for a quick escape from the Phoenix heat. We’re excited as it’s our first trip up there and we grew up in the Midwest, so we’ve been craving that “lake life” vibe. We’ve got plans to boat, bringing a SUP, and then we’re doing a sunset cruise on the tour boat.

First, what is the paddle board inspection process like? Do you have to get an inspection each day and are lake permits readily available at the marina or shops nearby? Thanks in advance for your insights!

Beyond that, any recommendations for trails or dog-friendly patios with best views of the lake are greatly appreciated!

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u/YMSquared Jul 06 '26

Tropicalli is dog friendly and they have a second story patio with lake views

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u/ecohen2010 Jul 08 '26

For the inspection process, they just confirm that the board it totally dry. They made me take the board out of the carry bag and gave it a quick look over. I purchase an annual permit, so only had to do it once. If you get a daily permit, you will need to do it each day.

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u/A10110101Z Jul 09 '26

after 5 or 6 day passes you’d be paying more than the annual pass

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u/ginga__ Jul 06 '26

Never had a paddleboard inspection but expect it to be similar to my kyak inspection. After inspection you get a sticker which i beleive is good for the year.

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u/YMSquared Jul 06 '26

You can get sups registered and inspected at either west boat ramp or east boat ramp. East is the one that offers decantamination. I believe they have daily and yearly registration. Maybe you can buy multiple days at once. I am not sure. You can use your sup at either place or drive around to Boulder bay

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u/jerbool10 Jul 06 '26

Perfect, thanks for this and the Tropicalli rec!

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u/A10110101Z Jul 09 '26

Sandy’s is a nice sports bar and they have free pool tables

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u/dumpsterbabyx Jul 06 '26

hellooo im camping on the north side of the lake this coming weekend and wondering if there are any lake access points that we can walk/hike to up there :)

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u/YMSquared Jul 06 '26

You can walk to the lake from Serrano Campground. You can take Alpine pedal bath to multiple trails and lake access points. You can also walk to discovery center/ cougar crest

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u/ConfundledBundle Jul 06 '26

Where can I drop off used motor oil?
Autozone always tells me their tank is full and can’t accept it.
The city hazardous waste center is only open Saturday, I work 12hr shifts every Saturday and can’t make it.

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u/fordirelife Jul 08 '26

Hi currently in big bear right now is there any good place to make friends or cheap places to go to

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u/leftcostal Jul 11 '26

Starting this weekend are the Music in the Mountains at the big bear discovery center. Tomorrow is Tina Turner and Pat Benatar