Big Bear City is an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County, California, United States along the east shore of Big Bear Lake and surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest.

For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Big Bear City as a census-designated place (CDP).

Big Bear City is mostly residential, with smaller houses and cabins laid out in typical square block fashion.

[4] Standard Air Lines of Los Angeles began a regular airline service to the community in the summer of 1929.

Its post office was founded as Van Duesen in 1927 but changed its name to Big Bear City six months later.

Villages were often located by rivers and lakes, however, mountain hunting camps were also established on higher elevations.

Besides hunting, they also consumed pinyon nuts, mesquite beans, screw-beans, juniper berries and seeds.

[11] Settling here because of the region's many natural resources, they harvested acorns and herbs, but also hunted deer, rabbits, and other wildlife.

[14] The earliest known contact with European settlers in Big Bear occurred when Spanish Father Francisco Garcés arrived during his 1774-1776 expedition.

[16] For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Big Bear City as a census-designated place (CDP).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 32.0 square miles (83 km2), 99.95% of it land, and 0.05% of it water.

Sugarloaf is a large residential area that lies to the south of Big Bear City.

According to the 2010 United States Census, Big Bear City had a median household income of $42,957, with 20.9% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

[38] Mammals such as squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, coyotes and skunks are commonly sighted, while black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, gray foxes and mule deer are more rarely observed.

[39][40] Potentially dangerous animals include mountain lions, black bears and coyotes.

A mountain lion responsible for eating a dog was killed by the sheriff in Big Bear City in 2010.