Labor Day weekend in Southern California means making a tough choice: do you head for the mountains or the coast? With summer winding down, now’s the time to make your plans. Whether you’re itching to ride the trails at Snow Summit or skate along the sunny San Diego boardwalks, here’s a quick guide to help you wrap up summer in style.
Option 1: The Mountain Escape (Big Bear Lake)
If you’d rather be surrounded by pine trees than palm trees, Big Bear is the perfect spot for a long weekend getaway.
- The Vibe: High altitude, cooler temperatures, and gravity-fed adrenaline.
- Main Attraction: Downhill mountain biking at Snow Summit Bike Park. The park is open every day through Labor Day, so you can explore a wide range of lift-served downhill and cross-country trails.
- The Strategy: Get to the lift early to beat the holiday lines. Snow Summit offers trails for all skill levels, from flowing green cruisers to technical black diamond descents.
- Gear Up Locally: Before you hit the chairlift, stop by Blauer Board Shop at 41177 Big Bear Blvd. While we are known for our snowboard setups, we stock plenty of summer mountain essentials. Grab a fresh pair of Smith Optics or Suncloud sunglasses, a Dakine backpack for your trail water and tools, or a new GoPro mount to record your run.
Option 2: The Coastal Cruise (San Diego)
If you love the smell of the ocean and enjoy people-watching, head south to San Diego.
- What to expect: a relaxed coastal vibe, cool ocean breezes, and miles of smooth, paved paths.
- Main Attraction: Skating along the Mission Beach-Pacific Beach Boardwalk, also known as the Oceanfront Boardwalk. This long, smooth path is perfect for roller skates or inline blades.
- Pro tip: The boardwalk has an 8 mph speed limit, so it’s a great place for a relaxed cruise, not a race. Start at Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach and skate south to Belmont Park for the best ocean views.
- Pack wisely: The sun by the coast can be intense. Even if you’re not heading to Big Bear, stop by our shop or browse online for sunglasses, waist packs, and lightweight clothes that keep you comfortable while you skate.
The Verdict: Where Are You Heading?
Both spots are great choices for your holiday weekend. Here’s a quick comparison to help you pick:
|
Feature
|
Snow Summit (Mountains)
|
San Diego Boardwalk (Coast)
|
|
Pace
|
Fast and adrenaline-fueled | Relaxed and scenic |
|
Terrain
|
Dirt trails, wooden berms, technical jumps | Flat, smooth concrete |
|
Equipment
|
Mountain bike, full-face helmet, pads | Quad skates or inline blades |
|
Post-Ride
|
Lakefront dining in Big Bear | Tacos and beach sunsets |
Whichever adventure you choose, make sure your gear is ready. Visit Blauer Board Shop this weekend. We’re open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and our team will help you get set for your Labor Day plans!