This Iconic California Mountain Town Is Back and Bigger Than Ever—5 Reasons to Go Now
After punishing storms, San Bernardino Mountain towns like Big Bear are rebounding with locally owned offerings for mountain seekers.
Thomas J. Story
The mountains are calling, and now is absolutely the time to go. The towns in the San Bernardino Mountains—including Big Bear, Arrowhead, and the surrounding areas—have always been iconic mountain escapes, especially for Angelenos looking to retreat from the rat race. But this winter, it’s even more apropos to retreat to the region, as hospitality pros are rebounding from a punishing storm season in 2022. From boutique hotels and bespoke homegoods to grocers with local sundries and a bottle shop, here are some of the spots to visit on your winter trip.
Littlebear Bottleshop
Nathan Hazard’s cocktail-focused pop-up has evolved into a specialty shop in the mountain town of Skyforest, where you’ll find mindfully sourced spirits, beer, and alpine wines from around the globe that are simpatico with the shop’s surroundings. The cozy and welcoming space, which was once the local firehouse, has continued to be a center for community, as Hazard was a vocal activist for disaster relief during the recent storms.
Hotel Marina Riviera
Originally built in 1968, this Viking-inspired lodge sits right on the edge of Big Bear Lake, and has been mindfully restored by the Casetta Group, who also redid the charming Casa Cody in Palm Springs, to integrate the warmth and coziness of a classic ski lodge. It’s located just a quick five-minute walk from town, and there will also be a restaurant and bar opening on the property in the months to come.
Evergreen Curated Goods
Vintage hunters Neisha and Gary Wallace sell clothing, apothecary items, small-batch sustainable goods, and clothes for both kids and adults in their charming shop in Skyforest, just down the road from Littlebear Bottleshop and right next door to another great spot for picking up gifts, Base Camp. Be sure to keep an eye out for the couple’s brand Foundation Vintage—a line of hand-dyed, natural indigo—while you shop.
Bear Cupboards
Located in Big Bear Lake, this purveyor of provisions, produce, wine, and beer is a great way to stock up your cabin for the week. Opened by L.A. restaurateur and bar owner Dustin Lancaster—known for crafting some of the coolest bars on the Eastside, like Capri Club and Bar Covell—and his wife, Maya Brenner, the shop carries all the sundries you’ll need for a great week of adventuring and eating.
Noble + Proper
Husband-and-wife team Sara and Sven Simon wanted to give a highly personalized touch to each of the seven unique cabins on this property, opting to name each after one of their grandparents. Each is stocked with Parachute bedding and cozy wood-burning stoves to keep the place warm. And on-site amenities include complimentary bicycles, BBQs, picnic tables, hammocks, and horseshoes.
