Big Bear Lake

When Angelenos say they're going to the mountains, they usually mean Big Bear, where alpine-style villages surround the 7-mile-long lake. The south shore has ski slopes, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, water-sports opportunities, restaurants, and lodgings that include Apples Bed & Breakfast Inn. The more serene north shore offers easy to moderate hiking and biking trails, splendid alpine scenery, a fascinating nature center, and the gorgeous Windy Point Inn.