Big Bear Discovery Center

This is such a great stop for everything if you just want to explore. Bonus points if you bring kiddos with you! We spent about 2 hours here and honestly? We had a blast. There’s trails everywhere, the center is full of animals and my daughter was so happy to see the same animals we see everyday here in big bear! We’re definitely coming back; Mainly because my daughter named the big grizzly “GooGoo”. So I guess it’s see ya soon GooGoo!

The center is located on the north side of Rim of the World Byway (Route 38) on the north side of the Big Bear Lake. Hours of operation vary, and they are only open from 0900 – 1600 hours daily and closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. The center is the lynch pin for a variety of activities and educational programs centering around the local environment and history of the area. Inside you will find interactive and interpretive displays, hands-on activities and daily guided tours (usually two a day). There is a gift shop, information desk, picnic tables, restrooms and conference room inside the main building. Outside you can take in a free guided tour along a short natural trail, which is very easy and informative. There is a amphitheater, which is used to host the Music in the Mountains concert

Great place to stop in and explore. Clean restrooms, gift shop, learning/information areas and trails. Definitely worth your time to visit!

We love it there; there are many shops and restaurants so you can spend the day there peacefully!

Friendly staff gift shop very well organized and lots of nice things you can buy to remember your trip to big bear