The much-awaited Oktoberfest is now being celebrated across the world (not just in Germany) and there’s only a week left before the festivities come to a close. If you are in California, wondering how to spend the last Oktoberfest weekend, look no further! The gorgeous Big Bear Lake in Southern California has a bunch of surprises lined up for you.

Rustic Stays in a Forest Setting

Surrounded by San Bernadino National Forest, Big Bear Lake is the perfect vacation destination that is open to travellers round the year. This little city is named after the Big Bear Lake, which happens to be the main attraction for lovers of watersports. Its proximity to the San Bernadino Mountains makes the area an ideal location even for those who love to hike. The best way to enjoy a getaway like this is to stay in a log cabin hidden somewhere in the rows of tall pine trees.

Alpine Pedal Path: Hiking in Big Bear Lake

If you love to hike as much as I do, you will always be looking for beautiful trails to test your hiking shoes on. Big Bear Lake has a neat little trail that is very easy to follow even for beginners. The Alpine Pedal Path has a nicely paved road that you can even take your bike on. If you are into birding, carry your DSLR along to capture bald eagles, which are commonly sighted here.

Mix Your Vacation With Pleasure

Work and pleasure may not mix together, but vacations and pleasure sure do! 😉 The Oktoberfest days are a nice time to relish the last few days of bright sunshine and get yourself a nice tan in your private pool. Big Bear Cool Cabins has a charming collection of over 350 private homes and cabins, some of which come with swimming pools and hot tubs in your backyard. There’s nothing quite like soaking up some sun as you laze on your pool bed, your favourite drink in hand.

Witness Nature’s Beauty at Boulder Bay

One of the prettiest parks in Big Bear is Boulder Bay. True to its name, this lakeside wonder gives you copious views of white boulders covered with savage coloured moss. Even the outcrops on the rocks look romantic when the winds steer the fog about the blue sheet of the lake. Such scenes make for incredibly romantic pictures.

Cosy Cabins in Cool Climes

As you plan your evenings and gather together with your family and friends for an amazing night of revelry, you must ensure you have a perfect setting to create that merry mood. Take your pick from the homey cabins, wood panelled lodges and lakeside homes offered by Big Bear Cool Cabins for an unforgettable holiday. The properties are fully furnished and come with a fireplace and all the works to keep you warm on winter nights.

Beautiful Sunsets at Stanfield Marsh

It cannot get any wilder and prettier than this! The Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve in Big Bear not only invites water birds on its marshy terrain, but also lets you be amazed by stunning sunsets from its boardwalk. The marshland dries up in the summers, and the landscape looks quite different then. I have had a long love affair with bird photography in marshy regions. You just cannot miss this place when the season is right!

And When It’s Winter…

When it is cold and snowing, Big Bear’s Snow Summit Ski Resort is where you should be for some ski adventures and scenic gondola rides. You can also indulge in snow sledging, snow-fights ( 😉 ) and other snow sports when the ground is white with thick snow. Don’t forget to book your Big Bear Cool Cabin property for an extended stay this Oktoberfest. They also have pet-friendly houses for your furry friends.

Save More with Big Bear Cool Cabins

Before you go back to chugging your brew, book your Big Bear holiday with Dealspotr’s exclusive discounts on the Oktoberfest Packages at Big Bear Cool Cabins. These include 5-15% discount on lodging, discounted tickets to Oktoberfest, a couple of complimentary 2-hour kayak rental (or you can rent a bike instead) from GetBoards and 10% discount on Scenic Sky Chair or golf. Use my promo code OKTOB1 and don’t forget to add 2 Oktoberfest tickets to the package. There are packages for 1, 2 and 3 nights.

The next time you are in California, don’t let it just be about the Golden Gate Bridge or the beaches. Go off the beaten track and explore a lake or hike in the woods for a fulfilling experience.

Do you know more places in California that are not tourist magnets?

Got any tips for Big Bear Lake for my readers?

Let me know through your comments below. 🙂

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