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As we prepare to turn the page of our schedules to drop, we can almost taste the cool air, pine trees, and fireworks.

Saying goodbye to the summertime is easier than it once was. Autumn has turned into the hottest new year for journey, with so many various approaches.

Some people find it difficult to put beach vacations off, while others enjoy taking in the beauty of the fall foliage and taking in the outdoors in subzero temperatures.

As someone who is spoiled living in San Diego with year-round, typically great wind, I also crave the clean mountain air and small-town comforts from time to time.

Big Bear is known for its summer and winter activities, but I think its true appeal comes in the fall, in between the two hectic tourist season and a craze of tourists sweeping a fairly small town.

The San Bernardino Mountains ‘ shining star is the best drop escape in Cali, with luxurious houses and far-fewer audiences than in the summer and winter.

Summer Will Soon Be Gone, So Beat The Ski Crowds!

Big Bear is one of the prettiest places in California, but not in way you might think.

It goes without saying that the Golden State’s beautiful beaches, Hollywood’s vibrant lamps, and the Golden Gate Bridge are what you envision.

Beyond the crashing tides along the country’s magnificent beach, California has something that may surprise you.

There are dozens of gems to explore that might blow your mind, but Southern California is n’t just about surfer dudes and taco stands either.

I’ve always found solitude in Big Bear to escape the stresses of city life and enjoy some interruption surrounded by really breathtaking scenery.

When you hit the winding mountain streets of the San Bernardino National Forest, beauty that would make another California icons blush, you’ll want to take over every hour for good.

Cozy Cabins &amp, Scenic Hiking Trails: The Perfect Fall Escape To Refill

Although not everyone will associate, when my mom passed away in August 2020, Big Bear was exactly what the doctor ordered: take a symbolic weekly mouth and update.

Finding a peaceful setting to unwind and lament in San Diego was almost impossible because last-minute beachgoers getting their sun and sand fix before school resumes in August were notoriously busy.

Big Bear is easy to reach, about 2 hours from San Diego, Los Angeles, and I always seem to run into travellers from Vegas also, which is 3 and half hours apart.

Although I’m not trying to hype up Big Bear as a place to go and shed tears in the wilderness, it does speak volumes about how at ease I felt when I chose to live there.

4 years later, I’m still making fall travel arrangements below because discovering the vibrant tree lines is not tiresome.

Between the summer visitors who invade Big Bear’s beautiful lake and the winter athletes who invade the mountains, there is a lot of the crowds that disappear.

Renting a comfortable room is one of my favorite things to do these, as you probably can relate to. Building a fire in the great atmosphere as twilight turns to nighttime has a wonderful quality.

There are numerous local businesses that rent out houses in the trees off the main strip. Call me simple, but I usually use Airbnb.

Although, on one unusual event, I chose the Black Forest Lodge and was quite amazed with how comfortable it was.

What’s even more pleasurable is taking advantage of wide-open walking paths. And certainly, you’re probably wondering if Big Bear lives up to the name because there are black bear sightings below, but I’ve never seen one.

Just a fox…and my dog ( pictured above ), as Big Bear is a very pet-friendly destination, including many trails where dogs are allowed.

The rough Castle Rock Trail 1W03, which your furry friend can follow, is my favorite, and it’s for the prize for the stunning lake views.

Better still, fall breezes dwindle down to the 50’s and 60’s – a far cry from the heat of summer.

Tip: For even more protection, check out the small town of Fawnskin across the river with some truly incredible cottages. Keep in mind that this is where the keep warning signs are located.

A Delightful Downtown District

Big Bear is certainly an outdoor place, but save some time to examine downtown’s nice nearby shops and eateries.

In fact, Big Bear is home to one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the world. At El Jacalito Grill, grab some delectable enchiladas and margs.

There are what appear to be dozens of restaurants and shops, as well as nice hotels hidden away on the side of quieter streets.

For those who do n’t vibe with wooded cabins or old-timey lodges, there’s the top-rated Bluegreen The Club at Big Bear Village, a 4-star hotel perfectly located to see all the top sites.

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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. None of the organizations referred to in this post have reviewed, approved, or otherwise supported this content.