For me, life is all about celebrating milestones—whether big or small. When my husband’s 35th birthday was approaching, I knew we had to make it big. I wanted him to feel cherished. At first, my husband considered a birthday party. But as the date got closer, he changed his mind and said he’d prefer a trip. So, I did what any wife would do: I planned both! A small, intimate gathering at Top Golf with our family and closest friends, and then a quick, budget-friendly getaway to Big Bear.

Why Big Bear?

We wanted a destination that would allow us to make the most of my husband’s football bye week while giving us an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But we also wanted something affordable that wouldn’t break the bank. After tossing around a few ideas in SoCal, Big Bear seemed like the perfect option. It’s only a two-hour drive from home and the ideal mountain escape.

Neither of us had ever been to Big Bear before. We were drawn to its cozy cabins, outdoor activities, and the slower pace of life we’d get to enjoy. With a plan for three days and two nights, we packed up the car and hit the road, ready for a little getaway.

Day 1: The Start of Our Journey

For the first day, I planned a few stops to make the drive more enjoyable. One thing to know about my husband: he looooves seafood. So, for lunch, we made a stop at King's Fish House in Rancho Cucamonga. It was the perfect spot to fuel up before the rest of our journey. After lunch, we headed to Lake Gregory, a serene spot where we planned to enjoy some lake activities. Unfortunately, we arrived too late to rent any equipment, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the views.

We took a peaceful 3-mile nature walk around the lake, soaking in the beautiful views and breathing in the crisp mountain air. My husband spent time picking up pine cones and birdwatching while I did a little earthing (because connecting with nature always helps me feel grounded). It was such a beautiful moment, and we both enjoyed that time in nature.

By late afternoon, we made our way to our cozy cabin in Running Springs (just a few minutes from Big Bear). We kept things low-key that night, snacking on some treats we brought along and binging episodes of Love is Blind on Netflix. After all, we were on vacation—why not indulge a little?

Day 2: Hiking, Souvenirs, and Quality Time

We slept in on day two, which is something we rarely get to do during football season. It was so refreshing not to have an alarm set or be on anyone else’s schedule. After a slow, lazy morning, we headed to The Copper Q for breakfast. This spot in Big Bear Village quickly became a favorite—the owner was incredibly kind, and the coffee and tea were amazing. I had the perfect chai latte to start the day, while my husband enjoyed his morning iced coffee.

While we were there, we took some time to explore the village and do a little shopping. We found a few souvenirs for my family, and it was fun to experience the small-town charm of Big Bear.

Later in the day, we were ready for a little adventure. So we headed to Cougar Crest Trail for a hike. Hiking is something we always try to do when we travel. It’s our way of staying active and connecting with nature in each unique setting, and this hike didn’t disappoint. We hiked about five miles, enjoying the moderate difficulty and the stunning views along the way. We met a few friendly fellow hikers, took some photos, and had meaningful conversations as we walked the trail. It was exactly the kind of experience we were hoping for.

After the hike, we were tired but in the best way possible. We cleaned up and went out for a casual lakeside dinner at another seafood spot (can you tell my husband loves seafood?!). The night ended with more snacks and the last few episodes of Love is Blind back at our cabin. It was a simple but perfect day, filled with everything we love—nature, good food, and time spent together.

Day 3: Back to Reality

Our final morning in Big Bear was bittersweet. We packed up our things, cleaned out the cabin, and hit the road back home. We both knew that football practice was calling my husband, but we left feeling recharged and grateful for the time we spent together. Even though it was a quick trip, it was the perfect way to celebrate both his birthday and our anniversary.

Why We Love Big Bear (and You Will Too)

What made this trip so special was the slower pace of life that Big Bear offers. We didn’t have to be anywhere at a specific time because we weren’t tied to meetings, practices, or answering emails. It was just the two of us, enjoying each other’s company and the peace brought by the mountains. The trip gave us the chance to share our goals and dreams for the rest of the year. We had deep, meaningful conversations, shared our wishes for the immediate future, and really connected in a way that’s hard to do with the distractions of daily life.

If you’re looking for a similar escape, I highly recommend visiting Big Bear. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway, whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just need a break. And after our trip, I’d say winter and summer are the ideal times to visit. In the winter, you can enjoy snow-covered mountains, and in the summer, you can take advantage of all the lake activities.

Tips for a Relaxing Big Bear Getaway

1. Stay in a secluded cabin. If you’re going for a quiet escape, opt for a cabin that’s a bit off the beaten path. It adds to the cozy, peaceful vibe.

2. Visit Big Bear Village. The village is charming and has plenty of great spots for shopping and grabbing a bite to eat.

3. Plan some outdoor activities. Whether it’s hiking, nature walks, or just spending time by the lake, make sure to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Final Thoughts: The Power of a Quick Escape

This trip was a reminder of how important it is to carve out time for your partner, especially during busy seasons. It’s easy to get caught up in work, parenting, and the daily grind. But having quality time together, and prioritizing that time, is essential. And with quality time being my love language, getting away for a few days was exactly what we needed to reconnect and recharge.

I’m already thinking about when we can go back to Big Bear—maybe next time we’ll visit during the winter to experience the snow. Until then, I’ll be holding on to the memories of this beautiful escape.

Have you been to Big Bear? Or do you have another California getaway you love? Share your favorite spots with me in the comments!