Running Springs(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Running Springs, California, the top choice for families is Highland Hot Springs Resort, nestled within the scenic San Bernardino National Forest. This resort features natural hot spring pools, spacious family suites, and kid-friendly amenities like a playground and outdoor fire pits. Guests enjoy easy access to hiking trails leading to cascading waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.

Unique Experiences: Stargazing at high elevation offers breathtaking views of the Milky Way—perfect for night sky enthusiasts. In spring, the town blooms with California cherry blossoms along tree-lined streets, creating a picturesque atmosphere. Don’t miss the annual Mountain Music Festival held every July, celebrating local artists and vibrant community spirit.

The best area to stay in Running Springs is the downtown vicinity, where most hotels, shops, and attractions are concentrated. Properties like Mountaintop Lodge and Sunset Mountain Inn offer convenient access to the Oak Valley Shopping Center, dining spots, and local museums.

This area also lies just minutes from the entrance to the San Bernardino National Forest, making it ideal for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers exploring scenic trails like the Waterfall Trail and High Elevation Pathways. With cool summer temperatures and frequent winter snowfall, the downtown zone provides both comfort and adventure year-round. Opt for rooms with fireplaces or private decks to fully embrace the mountain ambiance.

Visitors to Running Springs can experience the annual Mountain Music Festival every July, featuring live performances by local folk, blues, and country musicians in a rustic, mountain-vibe setting. The town also preserves its pioneer heritage through the Old Town Historical Museum, which showcases artifacts from 19th-century miners and farmers.

Another highlight is the Spring Cherry Blossom Festival, when residents line streets with California cherry trees, creating a stunning pink canopy perfect for photography. During winter, locals host snow tubing and snowmobile excursions, offering thrilling outdoor adventures. These events reflect the community’s deep connection to nature and tradition, providing authentic cultural immersion beyond typical tourism.

Yes, many hotels in Running Springs are ideal for winter ski travelers. Properties like Mountaintop Lodge and Cedar Ridge Inn offer ski gear rental, guided snow tours, heated rooms, and cozy fireplaces. Both are less than 30 minutes from Big Bear Mountain Ski Resort, making them perfect base camps.

During winter, the town hosts snow sculpture contests and bonfire gatherings, adding festive charm. Some rooms feature private balconies with panoramic views of snow-covered forests. HopeGoo in advance is recommended due to high demand during peak season. Many hotels also provide free shuttle services to the ski resort, saving guests time and energy for enjoying the slopes and mountain scenery.

Running Springs offers exceptional photo opportunities. The Waterfall Trail features cascading streams and dense old-growth forest—ideal for capturing morning mist and dramatic lighting. The High Elevation Overlook provides sweeping views of the San Bernardino Mountains and vast pine forests, perfect for long-exposure night shots and sunrise photography.

In spring, the California Cherry Blossom Avenue bursts into soft pink blooms, creating a dreamy backdrop. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, perfect for ethereal white landscapes. Don’t miss the Old Town Historical Museum, with its vintage farm tools and wooden cabins—great for candid cultural photography. Bring a tripod and polarizing filter to enhance light control and reduce glare for stunning results.

Hot spring hotels in Running Springs, such as Highland Hot Springs Resort, feature unique amenities: naturally mineral-rich thermal pools available both indoors and outdoors, some equipped with hydrotherapy jets and meditation nooks for enhanced relaxation.

The resort includes a sauna room, wellness spa offering aromatherapy and body treatments, and an outdoor pool with a starlit canopy, allowing guests to soak under the night sky. All guest rooms come with private balconies overlooking forested hills and steaming pools. Many rooms also feature fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows, creating intimate, serene retreats. These thoughtful touches blend nature and luxury for a truly immersive mountain escape.

Yes, many hotels in Running Springs actively support outdoor adventures. Mountaintop Lodge, for example, offers free hiking maps, bicycle rentals, and camping gear. They partner with local guides to provide organized waterfall expeditions and mountain biking routes.

In winter, guests can book snowmobile tours and tobogganing lessons led by certified instructors. Some properties feature outdoor fire pits and grilling stations for group gatherings. Most rooms include luggage lockers and gear storage cabinets for convenient post-adventure organization. Whether hiking, biking, or snow sports, local hotels ensure safety, convenience, and rich experiential value.