Looking for a dog-friendly Big Bear getaway? Cooper and I recently escaped the triple-digit desert heat for an affordable overnight adventure filled with mountain views, dog-friendly restaurants, a charming boutique hotel, and the highlight of the weekend, the annual Puptopia Festival.
I’ve visited Big Bear more times than I can count, but this trip felt a little different. Instead of packing our schedule with hikes and sightseeing, I wanted to enjoy the cooler mountain air, spend quality time with Cooper, and experience Puptopia, a festival created just for dogs.
What I didn’t expect was discovering one of my favorite affordable hotels, enjoying fantastic meals on dog-friendly patios, and remembering that sometimes one night away is all it takes to recharge.
If you’re planning a dog-friendly Big Bear getaway with your four-legged travel buddy, here’s everything we did.
Where We Stayed in Big Bear
Finding an affordable place to stay in dog-friendly Big Bear during the summer can be challenging, so I was excited to discover Sierra Blue Hotel & Swim Club.
At under $120 per night during our visit, the hotel felt more like a boutique stay than a budget property. Mid-century modern decor, comfortable furnishings, and thoughtful touches immediately put me in vacation mode.
Our room included:
- King bed
- Microwave and refrigerator
- Window air conditioner
- Large ceiling fan
- Windows that opened for fresh mountain air
The hotel also offers an indoor swimming pool that’s open until 10 p.m., a cozy guest lounge with a television, and coffee drinks available for purchase.
Traveling with Cooper always comes first, so I appreciated that the staff immediately offered him a dog bed at check-in. While the $60 pet fee felt a little steep for one night, the staff clearly welcomes dogs rather than simply allowing them.
Parking cost $15, and even with my Ford F-150, I found plenty of room to park comfortably.
The location really sets this hotel apart.
Big Bear Village is only a short walk away, so once I parked the truck, I left it there for the rest of the evening. I love destinations where I can spend more time exploring and less time driving from place to place.
If you’re looking for an affordable hotel in dog-friendly Big Bear, I’d happily stay here again.
Exploring Dog-Friendly Big Bear at Boulder Bay Park
Hotel check-in wasn’t until 4 p.m., and we arrived in Big Bear earlier that afternoon, so Cooper and I made Boulder Bay Park our first stop. It turned out to be the perfect way to ease into vacation mode.
If you’ve never visited Boulder Bay, add it to your itinerary. Massive granite boulders line the shoreline while pine-covered mountains reflect across the lake. The peaceful setting encourages you to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the scenery.
Shade is limited, but we found a comfortable spot beneath one of the pine trees. A gazebo with picnic tables offers additional seating, although it filled up quickly on a Friday afternoon.
One thing I wish I’d packed was a swimsuit.
Families cooled off in the designated swimming area, dogs splashed along the shoreline, and paddle boarders glided across the lake. Watching everyone enjoy the water made me wish we’d planned another hour or two here.
If you’re planning a dog-friendly Big Bear vacation during the summer, arrive early if you’d like more shade, bring plenty of water, and don’t rush. Boulder Bay Park isn’t a place to simply check off your list. It’s a place to relax and soak in the mountain views.
Sometimes the best part of a vacation is slowing down.
Where to Eat in Big Bear
One of the reasons I enjoy dog-friendly Big Bear so much is that Cooper can join me almost everywhere. Instead of leaving him back at the hotel, he came along for every meal, which always makes the trip more enjoyable.
Happy Hour at 572 Social
Our first stop was 572 Social, a restaurant I’ve enjoyed on previous trips.
Live music filled the patio, the mountain air felt incredible after weeks of desert heat, and my first glass of wine officially put me in vacation mode. If you’re looking for a relaxed place to unwind before dinner, I highly recommend stopping here.
Dinner at Peppercorn Grille
For dinner, we walked over to Peppercorn Grille, another restaurant I never miss when I visit Big Bear.
Although the restaurant doesn’t normally accept patio reservations, I called ahead because I was dining with Cooper. The staff couldn’t have been more accommodating, and they had our table ready when we arrived.
I ordered the hanger steak with peppercorn sauce, a loaded baked potato, and, because I was officially on vacation, a white chocolate martini that was every bit as delicious as it sounds.
The food was outstanding, but the friendly service impressed me just as much. Everyone welcomed Cooper with a smile, which always earns bonus points in my book.
At one point, Cooper became completely fascinated with the specialty cocktail menu.
I’d like to think he was deciding between an Old Fashioned and a martini.
Unfortunately, he forgot his wallet.
So water it was.
After dinner, we strolled back to the hotel, watched a little television, and called it an early night. Sometimes the perfect vacation doesn’t need a packed itinerary. It just needs good food, cooler weather, and great company.
Where to Eat Breakfast in Dog-Friendly Big Bear
The next morning, after checking out of the hotel, we headed into Big Bear Village for breakfast at Teddy Bear Restaurant, a local favorite that’s been serving visitors for decades.
We found a table on the shaded, dog-friendly patio, where Cooper settled in while I ordered breakfast.
I kept it simple with bacon and eggs, but the real star of the meal was the restaurant’s famous cinnamon cornbread. Warm, buttery, and lightly sweet, it’s absolutely worth ordering, even if you think you’re too full for it.
As you might expect, Cooper showed much more interest in my bacon than the cornbread. I couldn’t resist sharing a piece or two.
One thing to know before you visit: Teddy Bear Restaurant is cash only, although there’s an ATM inside if you need it.
After breakfast, we wandered through Big Bear Village for a bit before making our way to the reason we’d planned this trip.
Puptopia: A Must-Visit Event in Dog-Friendly Big Bear
The highlight of our dog-friendly Big Bear weekend was Puptopia, a free festival held at Veterans Park that’s all about celebrating our four-legged companions.
Just a short walk from Big Bear Village, the festival featured dozens of vendors, interactive activities, demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities for dogs to play, cool off, and, of course, collect treats.
We spent the first part of our visit browsing vendor booths filled with toys, collars, apparel, health and wellness products, pet services, and plenty of goodies for both dogs and their humans.
One of the best purchases of the day was Cooper’s $15 pawdicure. The staff trimmed and filed his nails, demonstrated the proper technique, and shared helpful tips for making nail trims less stressful at home. As someone who’s always a little nervous about trimming Cooper’s nails myself, I thought it was money well spent.
After his pawdicure, Cooper cooled off in the splash pools, patiently posed in the colorful ball pit, and happily accepted attention from just about everyone we met.
Watching the small dog races turned out to be another highlight. Some dogs sprinted straight to the finish line, while others became distracted by spectators or stopped to sniff along the way. The crowd cheered for every participant, and everyone seemed to be having as much fun as the dogs.
We spent about an hour exploring the festival before Cooper let me know he’d had enough excitement for one day.
Then again, I have a feeling he would have happily stayed if someone had kept handing him treats.
If Puptopia returns to dog-friendly Big Bear next year, we’ll definitely be back.
One Last Drive Around Big Bear Lake
Before heading home, we took one last drive around Big Bear Lake.
The sparkling water, towering pines, and mountain views provided the perfect ending to our quick getaway. That final drive reminded me that not every vacation has to be packed with activities. Sometimes the best memories come from rolling down the windows, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and taking the scenic route.
Soon we were heading back to the desert with one tired pup, a few fun souvenirs, and another weekend adventure we’ll both remember.
Is Dog-Friendly Big Bear Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
If you’re looking for an affordable dog-friendly Big Bear getaway, this itinerary is a great place to start. Between the beautiful lake, welcoming patios, scenic parks, and events like Puptopia, Big Bear offers plenty to enjoy with your dog.
This trip also reminded me that you don’t need a week-long vacation or an expensive resort to create lasting memories. Sometimes all it takes is one night away, cooler temperatures, great food, beautiful scenery, and your best friend riding shotgun.
I’ll definitely be back, and next time I may stay an extra day to spend more time at Boulder Bay Park and explore a few more trails with Cooper.
If you’re planning another California adventure with your pup, be sure to read my latest guide, Dog-Friendly Dana Point: An Affordable Weekend Getaway on the Coast. If Big Bear offers mountain views and fresh pine air, Dana Point delivers ocean breezes, harbor walks, dog-friendly patios, and beautiful coastal scenery. Together, they make two unforgettable weekend escapes without requiring a long drive or a big budget.
Whether you choose the mountains or the coast, I hope these guides inspire you to get Out of the House with TLC and make a few memories of your own with your favorite travel companion.
Happy travels! 🐾
Travel information, prices, and policies were current at the time of my visit but may change over time.