About Big Bear Lake
The City of Big Bear Lake in California is one of the jewels of the state and brings in visitors from around the world. The high elevation of the city means there are plenty of options for alpine recreation. Visitors can enjoy snowboarding and skiing during the winter, or the alpine lift during warmer months.
The summer months are the perfect time for hiking the surrounding mountains or checking out the famous golf course. No matter which season you choose to visit Big Bear Lake, you will have plenty of activities to choose from. It’s located in the San Bernardino Mountains, which are more than 6,000 feet above sea level.
Big Bear Lake is around two hours from Los Angeles, making it one of the quick escapes for busy lifestyles. It’s a year-round destination and can provide the perfect location for filming in California. It’s a small town, with a permanent population of approximately five thousand people.
Big Bear Lake Filming Options
When in Big Bear Lake, you can take advantage of most options in Southern California. Many Los Angeles services also reach the small alpine town. Choosing a filming location in Big Bear Lake will not be difficult, even in such a small town.
- Cameras
You will definitely need cameras when filming in Big Bear Lake, and there are plenty of options for finding the right gear. In addition to renting each piece you need; you can often find companies that offer bundles. You can also choose a production company that uses their own equipment.
- Lighting
Lighting can be just as vital as cameras when filming in Big Bear Lake, and it isn’t a feature that should be overlooked. It can enhance the entire project and hiring an experienced professional can go a long way.
- Transportation
Getting from Big Bear Lake to nearby big cities might sound like a headache, but there are plenty of private options to consider. They can make traveling throughout southern California comfortable and easy.
- Catering
You will have numerous tasty options to consider for catering when filming in Big Bear Lake. You can also benefit from plenty of catering companies in surrounding Southern California. Having food and drink options is a good way to show your film team that you appreciate their work.
Filming Companies in Big Bear Lake
Setting up a successful filming venue can be time-consuming and even stressful. But you don’t have to do it all alone when choosing a filming location in Big Bear Lake. While the small town of Big Bear Lake is geared towards outdoor recreation, there are plenty of companies in the area you can use on your next filming project.
- SoCal Rentals
SoCal Rentals provides some of the best filming equipment you can find in all of Southern California. Their gear includes high-definition cameras, computers, microphones, and monitors. The company was founded in 2008 and has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry. SoCal Rentals is known for its wide selection.
- Sweet Basil Bistro
You can enjoy some Italian comfort food during your next Big Bear Lake filming project. Sweet Basil Bistro offers premiere dishes in the area, with options for catering, carry out, or dining in. You can select boxed options from their lunch and dinner menus to offer simple catering for your team.
- Elite Black Car Services
You can trust Elite Black Car Services with any of your private transportation needs in Southern California. For more than three years they’ve offered airport pick up, wedding transportation, and corporate chauffeuring. They have a range of luxury vehicles to choose from, with sizes to accommodate several passengers, or just a few.
Pros and Cons of Filming in Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake has its pros and cons when considering it for filming. The area has plenty of good to offer, and some bad parts to be aware of. Make sure you know all the ups and downs of the city before settling on your Big Bear Lake filming venue.
Advantages
- Recreation
There are countless opportunities for recreation when in Big Bear Lake. During warm seasons you can go hiking, backpacking, boating, and swimming. In the winter, snowy slopes are a perfect way to enjoy the cold. It’s one of the best winter destinations in the state.
- Year-round fun
One of the biggest advantages of Big Bear Lake is the fact that you can enjoy it any time of year. Each season brings more to offer, from swimming to snowboarding. People vacation in the region from all over the country to ski the mountain slopes.
- Peaceful
The small size of Big Bear Lake combined with its location makes it the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet. It’s far removed from the busy California cities.
Disadvantages
- Changing seasons
The changing seasons of Big Bear Lake can be a downside for people that don’t enjoy the snow or cold temperatures. It’s not the place to visit if you’re looking for sunny California beaches.
- Far away
Big Bear Lake is far from many big-city amenities you might find in Los Angeles or San Diego. It’s an escape from city life, with long commutes to get back.
- No nightlife
The small size of Big Bear Lake means you won’t experience much nightlife. It doesn’t have the same bars and clubs found in LA, and most of the fun has to be experienced during the day.
Famous Locations
- Big Bear Mountain Resort
Southern California isn’t the place you think of when you picture skiing, but Big Bear Mountain Resort offers some of the best slopes in the country. There are two different mountain areas to explore: Bear Mountain and Snow Summit. There are 400 acres of land to ski or snowboard. Southern California’s only half-pipe is found on the slopes of Bear Mountain, where the atmosphere is reminiscent of skateboarding.
- Big Bear Discovery Center
The Big Bear Discovery Center is the perfect way to start any Big Bear Lake trip. The center offers plenty of information on Big Bear Lake, and the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest. Indoor exhibits display unique features of the wildlife and wilderness, and an outdoor amphitheater acts as the stage for educational presentations. It’s less than a mile from the start of the region’s hiking trails.
- Castle Rock
The Castle Rock trail is one of the more popular trails for visitors to explore. It’s a mile-long hike that has an elevation rise of 800 feet. The terrain can be challenging at times, but for the most part, the Castle Rock journey is great for novice hikers. The views of Big Bear Lake from the top are some of the most beautiful in the entire area.
