The lake’s shoreline is dotted with a number of marinas. For boat-owners, slips are available to rent. Pontoons, pedal boats, kayaks and canoes can be rented, too, as can equipment for windsurfing, water-boarding, jet-skiing, paddle-boating and sail-boarding. Narrated lake tours can be had aboard the Big Bear Queen or the larger Miss Liberty. Wee buccaneers may be more thrilled by a ride aboard the pirate ship Time Bandit.

The only official public swimming beach is McGill Swim Beach. On a hot day, you’ll want to arrive early to secure a shady picnic spot. Kids will have fun swimming here, especially given the floating play structures in the water. Fishing is a popular pastime on the lake. As in all of California, a valid permit is required of anglers and a license mandatory for those 16 and over.