We are trying to find a place for a family gathering this summer. There will be 3 couples, a baby and a dog or two. We'd prefer someplace within 5 hours of LA. Our plan would be to rent a house somewhere for a week. Several of us live along the coast so we're thinking we'd prefer something on a lake or in the mountains (or both). We're considering Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead and Yosemite but would welcome other suggestions. We all enjoy hiking and boating and sightseeing.
I've been doing some research on vacation home rentals in the areas and it seems Big Bear has the largest selection.
Thanks.

Have you spent any time in Big Bear? I have been up a few times in the summer months - we were there for a few nights each time and that was plenty. We went bowling, hiking, out on the lake, kayaking, boating, there is also horseback riding, off roading, we went ziplining (that was a hoot) if GREAT food is a need, look else where... We stayed in a rental home but not sure if it is pet friendly...(not pet friendly). Would be "okay" for 3 couples, one of the bedrooms was really for kids...
http://www.allseasonsbigbear.com/units/96.html

more photos here
http://www.allseasonsbigbear.com/units/60.html

Yosemite would be terrific -- but it is definitely more than 5 hours from most parts of the LA basin. Count on 6 to 8+ hours depending on your starting point and time of day.

But if you want to go that far -- then check out the places at Yosemite West. Privately owned homes and condos w/i the park boundaries and more convenient to Yosemite Valley than any other rentals.

http://www.yosemitewest.com/homes.html

I would vote Yosemite over Big Bear....

Me too

Mostly depends on how far they are willing to drive though.

Yosemite would probably work for us. The couple flying in could fly into SFO and we could pick them up there.
We'll need to find a vacation rental that is big enough and will also take dogs. If we can't find something in the park, what would be considered a good alternate location?

Check over the link I posted -- they are inside the park but private property. If any of them allow pets, that would be your best bet.

Otherwise look for places in/near Foresta (which is also just inside the park boundaries), Mariposa, and Groveland which are longer drives.

Yosemite is fairly dog-friendly - but do read over the pet rules on the park website. http://www.yosemitepark.com/pets-in-yosemite.aspx

Besides flying into SF - other good options would be San Jose, Oakland and Fresno, depending on flight schedules and fares.

Thanks for the info. On the link provided by janisj it says "no pets" but I've found a few properties on other sites which do allow pets. Our dog is a seasoned traveler, we took him on an around the country driving trip this past spring.

You'll need to book YESTERDAY if you want to find availability in Yosemite for this coming summer, especially something that will allow pets and sleep 7 persons.

If you are going to pick up the other couple in SFO, you may as well go to Lake Tahoe for the week. It is wonderful. We have spent at least a week up in the Tahoe/Truckee area for the last 25 years. Plenty of options at both north and south shore and Donner Lake.

MY

How about Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra?

http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-mammoth6apr06

http://www.visitmammoth.com/what-to-do/

excellent suggestion Michelle.