Want to visit the best lake in America? It’s closer than you think
Big Bear Lake has two new reasons for adventure seekers and aquatics enthusiasts to visit after its recent recognition as the best lake in America and the addition of a floating waterpark.
The popular Southern California mountain getaway was recently voted best lake in America in a USA Today poll.
Girls laugh after falling on one of the challenging obstacles on the 40-foot by 60-foot floating waterpark at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
A guest screams as she slide down a waterslide of the 40-foot by 60-foot floating waterpark at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
With 12-foot-high platforms, tunnels, a waterslide, and other challenging obstacles, there is more than one way to get drenched on the 40-foot by 60-foot floating waterpark at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Ariana Brito, 11, of Whittier laughs as she falls on one of the obstacles in the water park at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
A young girl crawls across High Rise cone of the challenging obstacles on the floating 40-foot by 60-foot waterpark at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Guests play on the challenging obstacles of the 40-foot by 60-foot floating waterpark at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Wilder Robinson, 11, jumps off the obstacle course type water park at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Guests are fitted wit life jackets before being able to play
on the 40-foot by 60-foot floating waterpark at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
With 12-foot-high platforms, tunnels, a waterslide, and other challenging obstacles, there is more than one way to get drenched on the 40-foot by 60-foot floating waterpark at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Eli Smith, 6, and dad Ryan Smith both of Venice are worn out after playing on the challenging obstacles for 45 minutes on the 40-foot by 60-foot floating waterpark at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
A guest waits in the bypass in line for the 12ft. Platform of the 40-foot by 60-foot floating waterpark at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Wilder Robinson, 11, jumps off the obstacle course type water park at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
James Martin of Big Bear jumps off the dock to swim to the obstacle course type water park at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
A guest jumps off the 12-foot-high platform after going through a tunnels on the 40-foot by 60-foot floating waterpark at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Adriana Gomez, 45, of Whittier waves to family from the obstacle course type water park at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Guests listen to safety instructions before being aloud to play on the 40-foot by 60-foot floating waterpark at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Safety crew member Lee Motter keeps her eyes on guests
on the 40-foot by 60-foot floating waterpark at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
With 12-foot-high platforms, tunnels, a waterslide, and other challenging obstacles, there is more than one way to get drenched on the 40-foot by 60-foot floating waterpark at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
A girl slides off Mt. Hood a waterslide on the 40-foot by 60-foot challenging obstacles waterpark floating at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
1 of 19
Girls laugh after falling on one of the challenging obstacles on the 40-foot by 60-foot floating waterpark at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village in Big Bear on Saturday, July 5, 2025. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Additionally, the lake placed third for best lake for watersports, beating out other well-known destinations such as Lake Havasu in Arizona and Lake Michigan.
“This is a very proud moment for the community of Big Bear Lake,” Travis Scott, Visit Big Bear CEO, said in a news release. “We have a deep appreciation for our lake, which is a rare treasure indeed.”
In addition to having bragging rights for visiting the best lake in America, visitors from the valleys and cities below the San Bernardino Mountains will find its newest reprieve from the summer heat — a floating waterpark.
Brian Boyd, the waterpark’s owner, dubs it a “Wipeout”-like obstacle course. The 40-by-60-foot floating waterpark features 12-foot-high platforms, tunnels, a waterslide and more.
The water park is located at Pine Knot Marina near Big Bear Village.
Guests can reserve 45-minute sessions daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Sept. 1, 2025. Cost is $19.95 per person. The waterpark is open to guests ages 8 and up, as well as those ages 4-7 with a paid accompanying adult.
Want to visit the best lake in America? It’s closer than you think News Big Bear Lake has two new reasons for adventure seekers and aquatics enthusiasts to visit after its recent recognition as the best lake in America and the addition of a floating waterpark. The popular Southern California mountain getaway was recently voted best lake in America in a USA Today poll.…
Want to visit the best lake in America? It’s closer than you think News Big Bear Lake has two new reasons for adventure seekers and aquatics enthusiasts to visit after its recent recognition as the best lake in America and the addition of a floating waterpark. The popular Southern California mountain getaway was recently voted best lake in America in a USA Today poll.…
Princess Kate wore Ralph Lauren, Blazé Milano & Vejas for her hospital visit Entertainment Here are more photos of the Princess of Wales on Wednesday, where she made a surprise appearance at Colchester Hospital. She actually visited the hospital garden and planted some flowers. This was her first public outing in sixteen days, and her first outing since suddenly pulling out of Royal Ascot.…
Prince William & Kate will have a ‘starring role’ in the Macrons’ state visit Entertainment France’s President Macron and Brigitte Macron will undertake a state visit to the UK this week, starting on Tuesday. This visit has been on the books for months, and for months, we’ve heard that Prince William and Kate will play some kind of “major” role in the visit. Well, late…
So you want to form a nonprofit. Is it the right thing to do? News You love dogs. Or maybe it’s art. Or you want to help pay the medical bills of indigent individuals. Or you want to start a shelter for the unhoused (cats, dogs, humans or some combination). Your heart is in the right place, but you need donations. And naturally, you think…
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok