Road Tripping from Big Bear Lake to Newport Beach: Taking in the Scenery

As the summer months start to heat up, many Californians are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and head towards the coast for some much-needed sea breeze and relaxation. In this article, we will take you through various routes from Big Bear Lake to Newport Beach to help you plan your perfect summer road trip.

Big Bear Lake to Newport Beach: Driving the Distance

The distance between Big Bear Lake and Newport Beach is approximately 85 miles. However, the roads that you take could impact the time and distance on your journey.

Scenic Route

If you have the time for a leisurely drive where you can take in the views, we recommend taking the scenic route. Start by taking CA-18 N out of Big Bear Lake and passing through San Bernardino National Forest. Continue on towards the city of Redland, and merge onto I-10 W towards Los Angeles. You will then take the CA-57 S, and follow it all the way to your final destination in Newport Beach.

This route navigates you through some beautiful scenery in the San Bernardino National Forest and can take around 2 hours in driving time. However, the journey time might be extended with stops for photos or food.

The Freeway Route

If you prefer to cut down the time, the freeway route is the best option. Take the CA-330 N out of Big Bear Lake. This will merge onto CA-210 W towards Los Angeles. After taking the CA-57 S, continue on towards Newport Beach. Our estimate for this route is between 1.5 to 2 hours.

This route could be best if you are running short on time but still want a couple of excellent photo opportunities. Along the freeway, you will be able to catch some views of the San Bernardino Mountains.

The Alternative Route

Are you feeling adventurous? How about taking the scenic route first and then the highway on the route back? Leaving Newport Beach, take the I-405 N, merge onto I-605 N, and then make your way towards CA-60 E. Along the way, you will pass through the towns of Placentia, Chino, and finally head back into San Bernardino National Forest.

This route is less crowded in comparison to I-10W and can offer a quieter drive. Depending on traffic, you can arrive back in Big Bear Lake within 2-3 hours.

Pit Stops Along the Way

Depending on which route you take, there are some great stopping points to catch a break or take in the scenery. As you make your way towards Newport Beach, we recommend stopping by the famous Rodeo Drive shopping district or taking in the sights at the Huntington State Beach.

If you are on the way back to Big Bear Lake and taking the alternative route, visit the world-famous Joshua Tree National Park. The park is a 90 minute drive from Newport Beach and worth the additional drive time.

Final Thoughts

Your road trip to Newport Beach from Big Bear Lake can be as thrilling or sedate as you prefer, depending on the route that you take. Make sure to choose the route that suits you, whether that is the scenic route, the freeway route, or the alternative route. When on the road, keep to a safe speed, regular stops and enjoy the Californian sunshine.