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Let me introduce you to one of my favorite Airbnb stays: the Sugar Drop Dome, a charming hideaway nestled in the pines of Big Bear, California. Whether you’re seeking a night of relaxation or a longer escape surrounded by nature, this listing is the perfect retreat. My boyfriend and I booked it for a quick weekend getaway, but by the end of our stay, we were already dreaming about our next visit.
Tip: If you’re searching for the best things to do in Big Bear, check out my full Big Bear weekend itinerary.
Jump to: Inside the Dome | Exploring Big Bear | FAQ
Quick Answer
The Sugar Drop Dome is a cozy, well-stocked dome Airbnb in Big Bear with a fire pit, a fully equipped kitchen, and a caring, attentive host. It’s about 20 minutes from Big Bear Village, making it easy to pair a relaxing stay with a day of shopping, lake views, and poké at Tropicali.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Big Bear, CA |
| Sleeps | 2 |
| Distance to Big Bear Village | About 20 minutes |
| Best For | Romantic getaway, solo retreat |
Booking the Sugar Drop Dome
We arrived late at night. The moment we pulled up, I knew I was going to love it. The front porch was glowing with soft fairy lights, and the dome looked like something out of a fairy tale. Despite the late hour, getting inside was simple. There was a keypad on the door, and the code was provided to us upon booking. The process was seamless.
Inside the Dome
Inside the dome, the space was bright, open, and impeccably tidy. Every inch was spotless, and the interior was carefully arranged. I could tell the host had put thought into every detail. From extra towels and backup toiletries to a fully stocked kitchen and clear, easy-to-follow instructions for everything you might wonder about, it was obvious she was prepared for any and every guest. It felt like staying at a five-star hotel, only cozier, more personal, and way cuter.
The dome was equipped with board games, movies, and even hot chocolate, so of course, my boyfriend and I were eager to enjoy a relaxing night in. But first, we spent some time on the back deck, sitting by the fire pit as we soaked in the peaceful quiet of the neighborhood. No city noises, no distractions, just the crackle of the fire and a sky full of stars.
The stillness of the area made it feel like time had slowed down.
When we got cold, we filled a pair of mugs with hot chocolate from the kitchen, cozied up in bed, and queued up a Marvel movie on the rolling TV. We used one of the provided streaming services for this, but there was also a huge DVD collection to choose from — a great option when you’re in the mood for something nostalgic.
Everything about our first night was perfect. We didn’t have to think about a thing. The host’s detailed instructions made our stay effortless, and everything we needed was already provided. Warm drinks, a cozy atmosphere, and plenty of fun activities to choose from.
One thing to keep in mind, though: the sliding door to the bathroom sticks out from the wall, so you’re left with a small gap even when it’s closed. It wasn’t an issue for us, but make sure you’re comfortable with whoever you’re staying with!
Exploring Big Bear Village
The next morning, as the skylights filled the room with a gentle glow, we flipped through the host’s homemade booklet of activity and food recommendations. While it would have been easy to relax in the dome all day, we did want to explore the area a bit. With Big Bear’s shopping district less than twenty minutes away, we decided to venture into town for lunch and some shopping.
My boyfriend found a restaurant called Tropicali with great reviews online, so we decided to give it a try. If you’re a fan of poke, you should definitely check it out (Yelp ranked it the #1 poke restaurant in America, so we’re clearly not the only fans). It was phenomenal, and we have high standards when it comes to poke! This place was next-level: fresh, flavorful, and easily some of the best poke bowls we’ve ever had.
After filling up on poke, we walked over to the village, which was only about a minute away. The sunny weather was perfect for some window shopping. We picked out a few souvenirs from a gift shop, then passed an ice cream place that smelled so good, we just had to go in for some sweets. We left with two big milkshakes and ended our outing at a small park beside Big Bear Lake, sipping on our drinks and watching the boats cruise by. It was a perfect way to unwind.
Woodland Interpretive Trail Hike
On our last day at the Sugar Drop Dome, my boyfriend and I went for a modest hike on the nearby Woodland Interpretive Trail. The path was well-marked and not too crowded, giving us some serene time in nature together. We stopped for a few scenic shots along the way and worked up an appetite for another round of Tropicali — yep, we loved it that much. It was the perfect way to wrap up a peaceful weekend.
Apart from the beauty and comfort of the dome, another reason this stay stood out to me was the kindness of our host, Bailey. From start to finish, she was friendly, responsive, and genuinely seemed to care about our experience and comfort. She made herself readily available throughout our stay and was truly one of the most exceptional hosts I’ve met through Airbnb.
Final Thoughts: Should You Book the Sugar Drop Dome?
Absolutely, yes. The Sugar Drop Dome is the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or a solo retreat, this studio is sure to deliver. Next time you’re heading to Big Bear and want to stay somewhere a little magical, a little unique, and a whole lot cozy, do yourself a favor and book a stay at the Sugar Drop Dome.
If you’re into unique stays like this one, I’ve also reviewed the Temple of the Toad and Mushroom cottage in La Jolla and the best Airbnb in Poipu, Kauai.
FAQ
About 20 minutes by car, close enough for an easy day trip into town for food and shopping.
Yes. It’s set up well for a romantic weekend getaway, with a fire pit, cozy interior, and a quiet, private location. It also works well as a solo retreat.
Big Bear Village is a short drive away for shopping, lake views, and food (Tropicali is a must for poke). The Woodland Interpretive Trail is nearby for an easy, scenic hike.
Yes, along with a large DVD collection if you’re in the mood for something more nostalgic than streaming.
For more great deals on accommodations in Big Bear, click here.
About the Author
Linds
Hi, I’m Linds! I’m a travel writer focused on honest hotel reviews, food guides, and travel itineraries. I share real travel experiences to help travelers make better trip decisions.
