Big Bear, Small World

Big Bear Lake, California is a quaint valley township in the majestic San Bernardino mountains. There are many smaller cities on the way up the mountain such as Crestline, Angelus Oaks, Running Springs, Arrow Bear and even the beautiful private lake town named Lake Arrowhead.

But what is interesting about this city is that it is actually composed of several smaller areas. They include, counter-clockwise around the lake starting from the dam, Boulder Bay, Big Bear Lake, Moonridge, Big Bear City, Sugarloaf, Erwin Lake, Lake Williams, Baldwin Lake and Fawnskin.

Boulder Bay is a small semi-private cove with a few higher end homes. Big Bear Lake is where both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit ski resorts are located as well as most of the Bear Valley shopping areas and the famous Big Bear Lake Village. Moonridge is a more secluded and hilly area adjacent to the lake that stretches higher up into the mountain.

Big Bear City is east of Big Bear Lake and the home of many locals. Sugarloaf is densely populated and up against the edge of the national forest. Erwin Lake is a heavily wooded border town of the Big Bear Lake area. Lake Williams and Baldwin Lake are country towns where livestock is raised. Fawnskin is a tiny town on top of the lake where seasonal festivals are often held.

Tourism in Big Bear Lake doesn't always focus on the minute aspects of what this area has to offer. But this town has several schools, restaurants and businesses like any other major city elsewhere.

Traveling away from the main roads might offer you an exciting foray into quaint and cozy residential areas. Just be careful not to meander into the wilderness. Big Bear Lake is special, secret getaway for many to be entertained and to build everlasting memories.

The Bear Valley is already known for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and lake sports in the summer, but it really has so much more to offer when you take a closer look. Be sure to visit when you have the chance. This mountain utopia is just an hour or so from Los Angeles and Orange County. And it is a whole other world up here.

Article submitter E. Jamis is quite experienced in shopping Big Bear CA real estate and Big Bear Lake, CA homes for sale in general.