Big Bear Lake is a city in the San Bernardino County of the US state of California. It is a popular summer and winter tourist destination because of its ski areas. Located 25 miles north east of San Bernardino City, Big Bear Lake has a population of around 5,438 (2000 Census).The city got its name from the population of Grizzly Bears that used to live in the area.

The area where the city stands today was originally inhabited by Serrano Indians. They lived there for over 2,000 years before Benjamin Wilson and his party explored the area. The area experienced rapid growth during the California Gold Rush of 1861 to 1912. The world's second bus line was created by Kirk Phillips and it ran from San Bernardino to Big Bear Lake. It was made up of White trucks with several rows of seating. The bus line made it possible for Big Bear Lake to become the first mountain recreation area in Southern California.

The Pan Hot Springs Hotel was the fist major resort in Big Bear Lake. It was constructed in 1921 after Emile Jesserun bought up 40 acres of land that included a hot spring. Several other resorts and hotels followed. Each strived to give the their area a country club feel and catered to Hollywood stars like Ginger Rogers, Cecil B DeMille, and Shirley Temple. It is also a popular setting for movies and the 1920 film version of 'The Last of the Mohicans' was shot there. Part of the musical Paint Your Wagon (1969) was also shot in Big Bear Lake.