Big Bear City, California

Big Bear City is an unincorporated community on Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County's Big Bear Mountain Resorts. At an elevation of over 7,000 feet, Big Bear City enjoys a mild summer climate with over 300 days of sunshine and cold winters filled with snow, skiing and even ice skating.

While the City of Big Bear Lake has the mountain ski resorts at its back door, Big Bear City is home to Big Bear Airport, Big Bear Solar Observatory and Big Bear Historical Museum. It also enjoys many shops, restaurants, art galleries, trails to hike on near Big Bear Lake and nearby attractions in the Big Bear Valley.

Serrano Indian Ceremonial Site - Earliest recorded settlers to the Big Bear Valley , Serrano Indians, gathered food and enjoyed an abundance of game, fruits, nuts and special gathering places, including one located in the hills of Big Bear City.

Serenity Place Gallery - You'll have no trouble spotting the Serenity Place Gallery as you drive along Big Bear Boulevard. It's the brightly colored building decorated with colorful art murals depicting the works of renown artists.  One of Southern California's art gallery gems, you'll find items such finely-carved lamps and chairs offering a twist on the Craftsman style effect, glass object d'art, glass lampshades, hanging light-catchers, ornaments and one of the house specialties, ceramic table tops and murals made in the shop by local artisans.  This  art and fine craft destination is nationally recognized in all mediums. Owned by two art graduates of Brooks College, many of their items are on display but they also sell art related books, classes, framing, plus provide a kids area so parents can shop. Serenity Place Gallery, 1028 W. Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 Call: 909-585-9977.

Big Bear Solar Observatory - Because of its sunshine and position on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, Big Bear City is home to the world's largest and finest solar observatory. Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) is located on an island at Big Bear City - North Shore in  in the middle of Big Bear Lake. Since July 1997, the Observatory has been managed by the New Jersey Institute of Technology for the benefit of a consortium of universities, including Caltech. The facility is located in water to avoid the disturbance of images by convection from ground heating. As a result it is the world's premier site for observing the Sun. It carries out one of the most extensive observing programs of any solar observatory; the optical observations at BBSO are supplemented by radio observations with a frequency-agile solar imaging array. Replacement of the dome in 2006 ranks it the world's largest solar observatory.  Though not open to the public, there have been several open house events allowing the public to visit and learn about  BBSO and its programs. Address: 40386 North Shore Lane, Big Bear City, CA 92314.

Big Bear Historical Museum - provides a living history of Big Bear Valley. The complex includes several buildings housing thousands of artifacts, artwork and photographs from early Big Bear.  From ancient arrowheads and tools used by Serrano Indians to some of the first skis, sleighs and boots enjoyed in this mountain resort, you'll find the museum fascinating, especially because of the enthusiastic docents who share stories and information in a friendly manner, making the learning experience anything but dull.  Adults and kids can wander the grounds of this great facility not far from Big Bear Lake to look at a cabin filled with items that were used in households locally around the turn of the 20th century. Another building is a blacksmith shop where horseshoes and other items were made during not only Big Bear's gold rush days, but during its growth as a popular stage stop next door in the town of Fawnskin. In addition to 19th century items, there is an assortment of 20th century memorabilia relating to Big Bear such as Western art and a donated collection from the Broadway hit, Oklahoma, that Fawnskin celebrity Shirley Jones gave to the museum. Big Bear Historical Museum, open weekends May through October, offers a walk through the colorful and romantic history of Big Bear. Located just east of the airport in the Big Bear City Park on Greenway Drive. Call: (909) 585-8100

Big Bear Airport - is located in Big Bear City on the north shore of Big Bear Lake. Two popular restaurants, Barnstorm Cafe which is open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Call: (909) 585-9339; and Mandarin Garden, with second floor views serves Chinese meals for Lunch & Dinner, Call: 909) 585-1818, provide an ideal setting to watch the planes come in and out of the airport.   It hosts a popular annual event, the Big Bear Air Show, which includes spectacular planes, vendor booths, games, raffles and fun. For aviators, the Big Bear Airport features tie down, a Pilot's Lounge, Self-serve fuel facilities and many services. Contact the Big Bear Airport for additional information or visit.  Big Bear Airport, 501 W. Valley Blvd., Big Bear City, CA 92314. Hours: 8 am to 5 pm daily, bigbearcityairport.com