The Ultimate Family Guide to Winter Magic
There is something about the mountain air that just resets the soul. As a girl from the South living in Los Angeles, I’m always looking for that perfect escape—somewhere the boys can run wild, the coffee stays hot, and the pace slows down just enough to actually enjoy the view!
We recently traded the palm trees for pine trees for a family getaway to Big Bear Lake, and it was a total dream. If you’re looking for the perfect Southern California winter road trip, put down the packing cubes and read this first. Here is exactly how we did it, with a little help from our friends at Visit Big Bear.
Where to Stay: A Boutique Dream at Sessions Retreat
If you follow me, you know I’m a sucker for a “vibe,” and Sessions Retreat delivered. We stayed in Cabin 99, and it was the ultimate home base for a family trip.
- The Layout: A two-bedroom setup with a full kitchen. If you’re traveling with kids, you know a kitchen isn’t a luxury—it’s a survival requirement for those early morning snacks!
- The Aesthetic: From the cutest “dream” bathroom to the cozy mountain-modern decor, every corner was photo-ready.
- On-Property Perks: When we weren’t on the slopes, the boys were obsessed with the tetherball and the fire pits. There’s even a detox area for when you need a moment of mountain zen. We are already eyeing a return trip this summer to see the property in full bloom!
Day 1: High-Speed Thrills & Line Dancing
We hit the ground running at Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. This place is a childhood core memory waiting to happen. We had passes for everything: snow tubing, the Mineshaft Coaster, the Soaring Eagle ride, and the classic Alpine Slide toboggan. We even squeezed in some bumper cars! It’s high energy, high fun, and the perfect way to tire the kids out early.
Dinner at Wyatt’s
For dinner, we headed to Wyatt’s, which is widely known as Big Bear’s most family-friendly restaurant. The environment is a total blast. Between the friendly staff and the line dancing, the energy is infectious!
The Order: Get the Chicken Parm. It’s delicious, comforting, and exactly what you want after a day out in the cold.
Day 2: Tubing & Exploring The Village
The boys couldn’t get enough of the snow, so Day 2 was all about more tubing! Big Bear is so fun in the winter, and if you’re hitting the slopes, you’ll need the right gear—luckily, you can find it everywhere in town.
Dining in The Village
The Village is such a fun area to explore with the family. There are so many other wonderful restaurants and boutiques to discover in the heart of the town! You can check out this guide to dining in Big Bear Village to find your next favorite spot.
The Hidden Gem: Hollywood Studios at Santaland
If you are a Hollywood buff like me and love a bit of history, this was a highlight of our trip. I actually met the owner the night before at Wyatt’s, and she invited us in to check out Hollywood Studios at Santaland.
This place is a total riot! It’s packed with entertainment history and nostalgia that made my heart so happy. It’s one of those unique, off-the-beaten-path gems that makes a trip truly memorable.
See You This Summer, Big Bear!
Big Bear, you were so good to us. The people are incredibly friendly and the mountain air was exactly what we needed. We had such a blast that we’re already planning our summer return to see the lake and get back to Sessions Retreat.
Have you been to Big Bear recently? What is your favorite spot to grab a bite or hit the snow? Let me know in the comments!