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- Big Bear, California is the top-trending US destination among Airbnb users, according to the company.
- Just two hours from LA, the all-seasons paradise offers outdoor activities from skiing to lake fun.
- We found highly-rated Big Bear Airbnbs ranging from $100 to $375 per night to start.
- Read more: Are Airbnbs safe? We spoke to experts, a company representative, and an Airbnb host to share everything you should know before booking someone's home
Among Airbnb's recent top trending destinations is Big Bear, California. Within a couple hours' drive of the Los Angeles metro area, the lake and mountain environment offers stunning natural beauty, ample opportunity for outdoor activities in all seasons, and a complete change in scenery from nearby urban environments.
Popular homes for rent in this area tend to be rustic. Many are cabins, with Instagram-friendly design features like A-frame structures, lofted bedrooms, midcentury details, wraparound decks, cozy fireplaces, or tree house vibes.
It's worth noting that compared with hotels, experts and the CDC agree private vacation rentals pose a lower risk for virus transmission, given the limited number of face-to-face encounters with other travelers. Plus, Airbnb's pandemic-era Enhanced Cleaning Initiative overhauled host cleaning protocols to boost both guest safety and the messaging around it.
After a fall and winter spent almost entirely isolated as virus cases spiked in my hometown of Los Angeles, I felt confident enough in the private Airbnb experience to book a family getaway to an isolated Big Bear cabin and found it to be a rejuvenating, socially distanced getaway.
Still, it's important to note that the pandemic remains a threat amid an ongoing vaccine rollout, and the virus remains uncontrolled around the US. Therefore, there are risks associated with any travel, and no absolute guarantee of safety. We recommend following CDC, WHO, and other reputable organizations' safety guidelines. Wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and practice good hand hygiene.
We compiled a list of the best Big Bear Airbnbs, based on the following criteria:
Here are the best Airbnbs in Big Bear, California, sorted by price from low to high.
Cozy cabin with hot tub, $100
Book this cozy cabin with hot tub close to the lake starting from $100 per night
This cozy cabin is budget-friendly and offers some nice features for the price, including a private hot tub, deck, and patio. Plus, it permits pets (with a modest one-time charge of $25 for the entire stay) so you can bring your four-legged family along too.
Located between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake, this home is close to restaurants and stores about a mile away in the town of Running Springs. It's close to the lake and skiing opportunities. The all-wood interiors give it a classic cabin feel and the home sleeps six guests in two bedrooms with a Queen bed, a Double bed, and a sleeper sofa in the living area. The kitchen is small but has a full-size fridge and range. Reviewers also give the Superhost high marks for kindness and helpfulness.
This home has availability starting in April.
Rating: 4.89
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts. It gets a 4.7 cleanliness score.
Elevated rustic cabin, $149
Book this elevated rustic cabin starting from $149 per night
This 1962 cabin maintains its rustic charm via a stone fireplace in the living area, a potbelly stove in the bedroom, and wood paneling throughout. While the listing notes up to six guests can stay here, it's really best for four adults given its cozy size and two full bedrooms.
The listing is situated amid the mountains and surrounded by pines for isolation and privacy. The 10,000-square feet of yard space is a major draw and includes a propane barbecue grill, fire pit, and easy access to hiking trails; keep your eyes peeled for cool animal sightings.
This home has a few scattered days available in March, with more dates opening up in mid-April.
Rating: 4.92
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts. It gets a 4.8 rating for cleanliness.
Chic chalet, $229
Book this chic chalet starting at $229 per night
This chic home falls into Airbnb's Plus category, meaning it's noted for its exceptional hospitality and standout details. There's room for six guests in two bedrooms, with 1.5 baths.
Here, artful details abound: Dine under an antler chandelier, get ready for the day under the Edison-style lights hanging in the spa-like powder room, and cozy up on the designer couch around the fireplace with a white stone backdrop. Cook in the fully upgraded modern kitchen, or enjoy the outdoor grill and pine views.
This home is wide open starting in mid-March.
Rating: 4.93
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Midcentury, A-frame cabin, $254
Book this A-frame cabin starting from $254 per night
This charming midcentury, A-frame cabin is situated in a quiet neighborhood on the north side of the lake, with panoramic views of both Bear Mountain and Snow Summit from its large deck. It's also located just three houses from the national forest, with miles of easily accessibly hiking trails.
The main floor has two bedrooms, and there's another in the loft with room for a total of five guests. There's plenty of hygge to be found here thanks to details like a wood-burning fireplace and a hanging egg chair complete with a fluffy blanket. The small but well-outfitted open-concept kitchen features full-sized stainless steel appliances and a long dining table that can seat six. There's also an infrared gas grill on the deck, along with an outdoor dining area.
This home has scattered dates available over the next few months.
Rating: 4.96
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts. It gets a near-perfect 4.9 cleanliness score.
Kid- and pet-friendly cabin with hot tub, $310
Book this cabin with hot tub starting at $310 per night
Just built in 2018, this peaked-roof cabin comes outfitted with all the modern conveniences. Walking distance to both the lake and village, the home has room for six guests with three bedrooms and two baths.
The open floorplan features a great room with a 55-inch TV including Netflix, a well-stocked kitchen, and a nicely-appointed coffee station. Ideal for families, one bedroom includes two twin beds with colorful polka dot comforters kids will love, plus the house is stocked with games and toys. Meanwhile, adults might enjoy sipping a glass of wine on the back deck while soaking in the private hot tub.
This home has a few scattered dates open over the next few months, with more dates open for the summer months.
Rating: 4.96
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts. It gets a perfect 5.0 cleanliness score.
Balsam bungalow with lake view, $314
Book this balsam bungalow starting from $314 per night
This handsome midcentury bungalow is located on a hillside with idyllic forest and lake views. Outdoor enthusiasts will like that Big Bear slopes and state forest hiking trails are each just a fraction of a mile away. Features include a masonry fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, a wraparound wood deck with fire pit, barbecue, and large dining area.
The home sleeps four in two bedrooms, with one bath. Unique details include macrame wallhangings in keeping with the cabin vibe and an irregularly shaped coffee table made from a tree slab.
This home has plenty of availability over the next few months.
Rating: 4.94
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts. It gets a 4.8 cleanliness score.
Scandinavian treetop cabin, $360
Book this Scandinavian treetop cabin starting from $360 per night
This Scandinavian-style cabin in Airbnb's Plus category is for guests who want a Big Bear getaway without the traditional cabin vibe. The color scheme is primarily bright white, with dark accents that pop in this attractive home with soaring, 22-foot ceilings.
The fully stocked kitchen has white cabinetry and ample space for cooking. Unwind in the hammock out back, enjoy fresh air relaxing on the deck off the bedroom, or curl up by the fire. There's room for up to four guests using the sleeper sofa, though there's just one main bedroom.
This home has plenty of open dates over the next few months.
Rating: 4.97
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.
Treehouse-like cabin, $375
Book this tree house cabin starting at $375 per night
This is the home I chose for my family's isolated getaway, and it really delivered for us. The treehouse-like cabin literally opens up to a forest in the backyard, with miles of trails for hiking and areas to explore for snow play in relative isolation.
It has room for five guests and includes a Queen bedroom including forest views, a loft sleeping area with a Double bed, and a sleeper sofa downstairs in the soaring main space. The charmingly decorated space is curated with midcentury modern and retro furnishings and accessories, plus an abundance of games and activities for analog fun. There's a cozy, wood-burning fireplace for winter and a propane barbecue for summer. The kitchen and bathroom are low frills, but an overhead rain shower adds a dose of comfort.
Rating: 4.94
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts. It gets a 4.8 cleanliness score.
Read our full review of this Airbnb here
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Alesandra Dubin Freelance Reporter, Insider Reviews Alesandra Dubin is a news and lifestyle editor and writer based in Los Angeles. A veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, events, fashion and beauty, entertainment, home, parenting, and viral content for more than 15 years, for both consumer and business audiences. Her work has appeared in Town & Country, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Parents, E!, BravoTV.com, BuzzFeed, TODAY.com, and countless other online and print outlets. Alesandra has a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley. An avid traveler, she trots the globe with her husband and twins. Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read lessAxel Springer, Insider Inc.'s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.
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