5 Best Places to Paddle Board in Big Bear Lake, CA

Nestled in the mountains of Southern California lies a hidden gem for water enthusiasts.

Discover the best places to paddle board in Big Bear Lake, where serene waters and breathtaking views await.

Are you ready to embark on a paddleboarding adventure in this picturesque paradise?

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Planning Your Paddle in Big Bear Lake

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024, rental counts come from OpenStreetMap. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs clear 59 °F from May through October. July is the warmest month, averaging 80 °F, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
Rules and licences: The US Coast Guard treats a paddleboard as a vessel as soon as you leave the immediate swimming or surfing area. From that point a wearable life jacket for every person on board is required, together with a sound signal, and a white light after dark. Individual states add their own rules on top, so check the state boating agency before a longer trip.
Rentals nearby: OpenStreetMap lists one place within 16 miles that hires out boards, kayaks or canoes: Paddles and Pedals. Call ahead, opening times outside the main season are short.

Where to Paddle Board in Big Bear Lake

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Big Bear Lake

🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍 Access Point: Boulder Bay Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Trout, ducks, osprey, occasional deer
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: San Bernardino Mountains, Boulder Bay Park
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Observe watercraft speed limits, respect no-wake zones

Big Bear Lake is a beautiful mountain lake located in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains. Its calm waters make it an ideal spot for paddle boarding, with stunning mountain views surrounding the lake.

Revel in the natural beauty of Boulder Bay Park, as you paddle along the shoreline, taking in the picturesque landscape that Big Bear Lake has to offer.

#2 Pine Knot Marina

🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍 Access Point: Pine Knot Marina (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Trout, ducks, osprey
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Village
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Observe boating rules, be aware of boat traffic

Pine Knot Marina is an ideal paddleboarding spot located next to the bustling Big Bear Village. Its convenient location and access to the lake make it a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts.

Gliding on the smooth waters of Big Bear Lake, you’ll enjoy exceptional views of the San Bernardino Mountains while being close to shops and restaurants in Big Bear Village.

#3 The Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk

🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍 Access Point: Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Trout, ducks, geese, herons
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: San Bernardino Mountains, wildlife reserve
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife reserve, be cautious of nesting birds

The Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk offers a more tranquil paddleboarding experience, surrounded by the peaceful Stanfield Marsh Wildlife Reserve. It’s a great spot to connect with nature while enjoying the calm waters of Big Bear Lake.

Appreciate the abundant wildlife, as well as the wonderful panoramic views of the San Bernardino Mountains framing the lake.

#4 Big Bear Marina

🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍 Access Point: Big Bear Marina (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Trout, ducks, osprey
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Solar Observatory
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, respect no-wake zones

Big Bear Marina is another popular spot for paddleboarding near Big Bear Village, offering easy access to the lake and impressive views of the surrounding mountains.

With the Big Bear Solar Observatory nearby, you’ll have a unique paddleboarding experience as you glide along the water, surrounded by the beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains.

#5 Fawnskin

🏖️ ️Location Type: Mountain Lake
📍 Access Point: Fawnskin, North Shore (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm waters
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟️ Wildlife Encounters: Trout, ducks, osprey
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: San Bernardino Mountains, North Shore vistas
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, respect no-wake zones

Fawnskin, located on the picturesque North Shore of Big Bear Lake, offers paddleboarders a more secluded experience. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and panoramic mountain views that the North Shore has to offer.

With fewer crowds and an abundance of natural beauty, Fawnskin is a perfect spot for those seeking a more peaceful paddleboarding adventure.

Big Bear sits at nearly 7,000 feet, so the water stays cold even in August. Lake San Marcos and Lodi Lake are the warm lowland lakes; Puget Sound is the cold saltwater one further north.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case