Beat the Heat: 5 Must-Do Water Activities at Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead

When summer hits the Inland Empire, the valley floor can feel like a total furnace. Temperatures soar, the AC runs on overdrive, and you find yourself dreaming of cool alpine breezes.

Luckily, a refreshing mountain escape is closer than you think. Nestled just up the road in the San Bernardino National Forest sit two iconic bodies of water: Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead.

If you are looking to cool off, dive into this curated insider’s guide to the top five water activities at Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead this summer—and discover how to do it without paying inflated mountain resort prices.

1. Conquer the Floating Waterpark at Big Bear

If you have kids (or you’re just a big kid at heart), this is the ultimate summer milestone. Operating right out of the Pine Knot Marina area, Big Bear Watersports features a massive, inflatable floating obstacle course.

• The Setup: You’ll climb, slide, balance, and inevitably splash your way through a high-energy water course.
• Insider Tip: Sessions run hourly. You must be able to swim at least 20 feet from the dock to the park unaided, and life jackets are strictly required and provided on-site.

2. Wakeboarding and Tubing behind a Private Charter

Want the thrills of high-speed watersports but don't own a boat? No problem. You can book private boat charters at Big Bear Marina or Big Bear Watersports that come fully equipped with a professional captain and coach.

Whether you want to try your hand at wakeboarding or waterskiing, or just hold on for dear life on a high-speed towable tube, having a designated skipper means your group can focus purely on the fun. It completely eliminates the stress of navigating a busy lake on your own.

3. Cruise in Style on a Pontoon Rental

Sometimes, beating the heat means relaxing with a cold drink while floating in a quiet, shaded cove. Renting a pontoon boat is the classic Southern California lake vacation experience.

Plentiful rentals are available at both major marinas in Big Bear. These boats serve as floating living rooms, accommodating 10–12 people. Even better? Most pontoon rentals are dog-friendly, meaning your four-legged family members can enjoy the crisp mountain water right alongside you.

4. Water Skiing at the Historic McKenzie School

Here is an insider secret about Lake Arrowhead: unlike Big Bear, it is a private lake tightly regulated by the Arrowhead Lake Association. If you don't own property there, you generally can’t launch a boat.

However, there is a brilliant loophole. You can experience the pristine waters of Arrowhead by booking a lesson with the historic McKenzie Water Ski School, operating directly out of Lake Arrowhead Village. It is one of the oldest water ski schools in the country and allows the general public to get out on this otherwise exclusive water.

5. Take a Narrated Tour on the Lake Arrowhead Queen

If you prefer to stay dry while enjoying the water, head over to the waterfront at Lake Arrowhead Village and buy a ticket for the Lake Arrowhead Queen.

This classic paddlewheel boat takes you on a stunning, hour-long perimeter cruise of the lake. The hilarious local captains point out incredible geometric architecture and celebrity lakefront homes while sharing the mountain community's deep history.

The Ultimate Mountain Travel Hack: Stay at Hospitality Inn

Let's be completely transparent: summer weekend lodging rates up in Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead can skyrocket to absurd amounts. Plus, mountain traffic during peak season can turn a quick drive into a headache.

Smart travelers use a better strategy: they spend their days playing on the water, and their nights relaxing at Hospitality Inn San Bernardino.

Located right at 1909 Business Center Dr S, our hotel serves as the perfect low-altitude launchpad. You stay just an easy, scenic drive away from both lakes while enjoying incredible value:

• The Recovery Setup: After a long day of swimming, return to a cool, air-conditioned guestroom featuring a flat-screen TV with HBO.
• Convenient Amenities: Every single affordable guestroom comes standard with a microwave and refrigerator—essential for storing your lake-day picnic leftovers or cooling down your sports drinks.
• Extra Value: Skip the overpriced mountain tourist traps for breakfast. Guests at Hospitality Inn get 20% OFF at the local IHOP to fuel up before heading up the highway.
• No Hidden Fees: Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free on-site parking, keeping your vacation budget exactly where it belongs—on the water!

Lock In Your Summer Basecamp

Don't let the summer heat drag you down, and don't let over-inflated mountain hotel prices stop you from making memories. Book your next guestroom down the hill and experience the absolute best of the San Bernardino mountains.

Book Your Stay at Hospitality Inn TODAY!