Second homes & rentals
Big Bear investment properties and second homes.
Big Bear is one of Southern California's most beloved mountain escapes, and for many buyers it is also a smart place to own a second home or a vacation rental. Holly Gardner helps investors find properties that match their goals, and she is honest about the numbers, the rules, and the realities before you commit.
The big picture
Why people invest in Big Bear
Tourism is the engine of the Big Bear economy, and vacation rentals are a big part of how visitors stay. These figures give you a sense of the scale.
~7M
Visitors to Big Bear every year
Against a year-round population of roughly 6,000 residents
Source: Visit Big Bear
20%+
Of Big Bear housing units operate as vacation rentals
Of roughly 9,400 homes across the valley
Source: City of Big Bear Lake
$44.8K
Average gross annual revenue for an active STR
About 36% average occupancy and a ~$398 average daily rate, Sept 2026
Source: AirDNA
Figures are third-party estimates from public and market sources (Visit Big Bear, City of Big Bear Lake, AirDNA) as of 2026. Gross revenue is before management, utilities, cleaning, taxes, and maintenance, and every property performs differently. This page is information, not investment advice.
Rules to know
Vacation rentals come with real rules
The short-term rental market is regulated in Big Bear, and the rules shape which properties make sense as rentals. Holly keeps current on these requirements so you do not buy a cabin you cannot rent.
City Vacation Rental ProgramVacation rental license required
Homes leased for 28 or fewer consecutive days need a City of Big Bear Lake vacation rental license before they can be advertised or rented.
Two licenses per owner
One owner may hold at most two vacation rental licenses within the city.
Occupancy and parking rules
Occupancy is generally limited to two adults per bedroom plus two additional adults, with off-street parking to match.
Taxes and fees
Properties remit a 10% transient occupancy tax plus tourism district assessments, and pay an annual licensing fee (about $635 per year as of 2026).
Lake side vs. city side
Rules differ between the lake side (zip 92315, governed by the City) and outlying areas (such as zip 92314, governed by San Bernardino County). Know which zone a property is in.
A native's take
What makes a good Big Bear rental property
After a lifetime here and 20+ years in real estate, Holly has a clear sense of what rents well and what collects dust. Location, layout, parking, and winter access do more for a rental than almost anything else.
- Location near the lake, the resorts, or the village tends to drive demand
- A layout with separate bedrooms and parking appeals to the most renters
- Driveway and winter access matter as much as the view in a snow year
- Budget for property management, utilities, turnover cleaning, and maintenance on top of any rental income
Invest with local insight
Let's run the numbers together
Tell Holly what you are considering, a second home, a rental, or both, and she will help you find properties worth your time and money.
Investment consult
Ask about Big Bear investing
Share your budget and goals and get honest, local guidance on second homes and rentals.
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