A Local’s Tour: Airbnb Experiences in Big Bear, California
Airbnb experiences in Big Bear, California, might be a new adventure idea to most travelers. When I tell friends and family that I am a hiking guide in Big Bear, California, through Airbnb Experiences, most people ask, ” What the hell is that. There are so many apps like Rover, Uber, Instacart and Wags these days to help people make some cash with their side hustle. Airbnb experiences in Big Bear is another one of these great apps you simply download to your iPhone and sign up as a host to make some extra cash doing whatever you excel at. For me, that is being the best hiking guide in Big Bear Lake, California. If you happen to book an Airbnb stay for any area, you will notice before your trip on the best Airbnb experiences in the area you have booked.
Airbnb experiences are a new endeavor begun by the creative team at Airbnb about a year and a half ago. It’s a new concept to a lot of people but a great way to explore a vacation town with a local by your side. I honestly so wish this app experience had been available years ago when I was younger, exploring Alaska in my early twenties or when we road-tripped across Wyoming and Montana a few years ago in our RV. Going on a hike, a fly fishing excursion or a guided mountain bike ride with a local is something I personally would have paid good money to enjoy. That’s why I brought my personal skill set to Airbnb experiences in Big Bear, California.
If you have never been to Big Bear Lake before, maybe you don’t know what things locals do for fun in this ski town. Yes, skiing and snowboarding are the bread and butter for our mountain resort but there are actually more things to do in Big Bear once you remove your skis. When I created my Airbnb experiences in Big Bear, I wanted to host events that showcase all my favorite things to do in our mountain hamlet. I’ve lived in the San Bernardino Mountains my entire life and every free moment I have finds me outdoors in this alpine forest; Hiking, mountain biking, trout fishing or kayaking. And you all thought Big Bear was just a ski resort! Take my word on it; The absolute best way to experience all the fun that Big Bear has to offer is to go out with a local. Thanks to Airbnb’s experiences in Big Bear, you can join a local for a day of fun.
Airbnb Experiences on the trails of Big Bear Lake
Booking a hiking tour through Airbnb experiences Big Bear Lake is the best way to get a local guide’s opinion on the best hikes this alpine town has to offer. A good hiking guide knows the local flora and fauna of the local area and shares all this knowledge with the guests who booked the hike. I have been hiking the trails of the San Bernardino Mountains basically since I was twelve years old. Once I was old enough to drive myself to different trailheads, I made my way to Big Bear and by the time I was thirty, I knew, seemingly, every hike between Big Bear Lake and Crestline. Joining the Airbnb experience in Big Bear Lake was easy for me as being a hiking guide, sharing all my favorite trails comes naturally to me. I love showing our mountain visitors my favorite trails, like a sunset tour of Snow Forest with the awesome lake views or my favorite wildflower hike in Big Bear Lake. One of my all-time Airbnb experiences in Big Bear is my Deep Creek swimming hole tour in the summertime. That is one of my favorite natural areas in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Other Airbnb experiences in Big Bear
I am not the only host in Big Bear Lake through Airbnb Experience but I am one of just a few. Another super unique Airbnb experience via Big Bear, California, is an afternoon of coffee tasting with the gal who started Catalina Coffee Roasting. What better to do at over 6,000 feet but try loads of unique coffee drinks in a beautiful setting?
There is also another Airbnb experience in Big Bear where a dude takes you fly-fishing on the Santa Ana River. (He even includes all the equipment you need!) Fly fishing seems so difficult to me and I feel like this would be a fun day out in the mountains if you were visiting Big Bear for the first time.
If you feel like taking a little drive from Big Bear Lake to Lake Arrowhead, take a hiking tour to the Deep Creek Hot Springs! The hike to the Deep Creek hot springs is not that advanced of a hike but the trail system is a bit convoluted and hard to find if you do not know the area well. Going with a hiking guide is definitely recommended in my opinion. My sister-in-law runs this experience through Airbnb and she took me here for the first time last year. Even being the expert hiker that I am in the San Bernardino Mountains, I feel like I would have had a hard time finding the hot springs on my own.
At this time, VRBO offers experiences through TripAdvisor, like this one! Try out this Jeep tour with a gourmet pop-up picnic next time you visit Big Bear Lake!
Planning a trip for you and your family to the local mountains in the near future? Airbnb experiences in Big Bear, California is such a great vacation idea for the whole family. Hosts can cater to your experience for familiar for the most part. I always encourage my guests to bring dogs to my Airbnb experiences in Big Bear Lake. I have so many guests book with me, just because they are coming to Big Bear with their pup and have no idea what to do while on vacation with a dog in Big Bear. There is more to do in Big Bear Lake than you might think. Book an Airbnb experience and have a friendly host take you all over our awesome community and show you all the fun that Big Bear Lake holds.
🌲 Airbnb Experiences in Big Bear California FAQ
What are Airbnb Experiences in Big Bear California?
Airbnb Experiences in Big Bear California are guided activities hosted by locals, such as hiking tours, fishing trips, Jeep tours, food tours, coffee tastings, and outdoor adventures. Instead of just booking a place to stay, you can book a local-led experience to explore the area in a more personal way.
Are Airbnb Experiences in Big Bear California worth it?
Yes—especially if it’s your first time visiting Big Bear Lake. A local guide can:
- Show you hidden trails and scenic spots
- Help you avoid crowded tourist areas
- Share local history, wildlife, and insider tips
It’s one of the easiest ways to experience Big Bear beyond just skiing.
What types of Airbnb Experiences are available in Big Bear?
Popular Airbnb Experiences in Big Bear California include:
- Guided hiking tours
- Jeep tours
- Gourmet food tours
- Snowshoe hikes in winter
- Coffee tasting experiences
- Hikes with swimming at the end (seasonal)
Most experiences focus on outdoor activities in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Can beginners book a hiking Airbnb Experience in Big Bear?
Yes—many hiking experiences are designed for beginners.
A local guide can:
- Choose trails based on your fitness level
- Adjust the pace of the hike
- Help you feel comfortable on unfamiliar terrain
This is especially helpful if you don’t know the area.
Why book a hiking guide through Airbnb Experiences in Big Bear?
Booking a hiking guide gives you:
- Access to local knowledge of trails and conditions
- Insight into flora, fauna, and history
- A safer and more enjoyable experience
Many trails in Big Bear can be hard to navigate without local experience.
Are Airbnb Experiences in Big Bear dog-friendly?
Many Airbnb Experiences in Big Bear California are dog-friendly, especially hiking tours.
Always check with your host in advance, but Big Bear is generally a very dog-friendly destination, and many guides welcome dogs on the trail.
When is the best time to book Airbnb Experiences in Big Bear?
It depends on what you want to do:
- Winter: Snowshoeing, snow play, winter hikes
- Spring/Summer: Hiking, wildflower tours, swimming holes
- Fall: Scenic hikes and fewer crowds
Big Bear offers year-round experiences beyond just ski season.
Are Airbnb Experiences in Big Bear good for families?
Yes—many experiences are family-friendly.
Hosts often:
- Adjust the activity for kids
- Offer easier trail options
- Create relaxed, beginner-friendly outings
It’s a great way to explore the outdoors with the whole family.
Do Airbnb Experiences include equipment?
Some do, depending on the activity.
For example:
- Fly fishing tours may include gear
- Snowshoe tours may offer rentals
- Hiking tours typically require you to bring basic gear
Always check the experience details before booking.
How do Airbnb Experiences work in Big Bear California?
It’s simple:
- Book your stay (optional)
- Browse local Airbnb Experiences
- Choose an activity hosted by a local
- Meet your guide and enjoy the experience
Everything is booked directly through the Airbnb app.
Are there Airbnb Experiences near Lake Arrowhead and Deep Creek?
Yes—some experiences extend beyond Big Bear Lake.
Popular nearby options include:
- Deep Creek Hot Springs hikes
- Santa Ana River fly fishing
- Lake Arrowhead outdoor tours
These are great add-ons if you want to explore more of the mountains.
What makes Airbnb Experiences in Big Bear unique?
What makes them special is the local connection.
You’re not just visiting—you’re:
- Exploring with someone who lives there
- Learning about hidden spots
- Getting a more authentic mountain experience
It’s the difference between being a tourist and actually experiencing Big Bear.