The Big Bear Queen (tel. 909/866-3218; www.bigbearmarina.com), a small version of a Mississippi-style paddle-wheeler, cruises Big Bear Lake on 90-minute tours daily from late April to the end of November. The boat departs from Big Bear Marina (at the end of Paine Ave.). Tours are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors 65 and older, $12 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for kids under 3. Call for reservations and information on the special Sunday brunch, champagne sunset, and dinner cruises.

Fifty-minute tours of Lake Arrowhead are available year-round on the Arrowhead Queen (tel. 909/336-6992), a sister ship that departs hourly each day between 10am and 6pm from Lake Arrowhead Village. Tours are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, $10 for children 3 to 12, and free for kids under 3. It's about the only way to really see this alpine jewel, unless you know a resident with a boat. Highlights include celebrity homes -- past and present -- famous film locations, and the occasional bald eagle or two.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.