Things To Do
in Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is a picturesque mountain resort community located in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. The area is known for its stunning alpine scenery, pristine lake, and charming village atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and skiing, making it a popular destination year-round.
With cozy cabins, luxury estates, and a variety of shops and restaurants, Lake Arrowhead offers a relaxing escape from city life.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $150 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $70 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a peaceful hike along the scenic trails at Lake Arrowhead. Breathe in the fresh mountain air while enjoying stunning views of the lake.
Visit the Lake Arrowhead Village for some shopping and lunch at a lakeside restaurant. Take a leisurely stroll by the waterfront and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Wrap up your day with a sunset boat tour on the lake. Watch the sky change colors while relaxing on the water.
Kick off your morning with a bike ride around the lake. The trails offer a mix of challenge and breathtaking scenery.
Head to the Arrowhead Resort for some outdoor activities like paddle boarding and kayaking. Spend time soaking up the sun and enjoying the water.
Dine at one of the local restaurants, savoring mountain cuisine and enjoying the cozy ambiance. Consider ending the night with a bonfire at your cabin.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery and stunning lake views.
- Year-round outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, boating, and skiing nearby.
- Tranquil and peaceful environment, ideal for relaxation.
- Variety of local shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
- Rich in wildlife and opportunities for nature observation.
- Limited access to major urban amenities and services.
- Higher cost of living compared to nearby areas.
- Seasonal tourism can lead to crowded conditions during peak times.
- Remote location can result in limited job opportunities.
- Potential for harsh weather in winter months affecting accessibility.
Best Activities in Lake Arrowhead
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic trails around Lake Arrowhead that offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Popular hikes include the Heart Rock Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.
Enjoy a day on the water by renting a boat, kayak, or paddleboard to explore Lake Arrowhead. Fishing and swimming are also popular activities in the lake.
Ride through the picturesque surroundings of Lake Arrowhead. There are various trails suitable for mountain biking and leisurely rides.
Lake Arrowhead is stocked with fish, making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts. Spend a relaxing day casting your line from a boat or the shore.
Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic at one of the many lakeside parks or designated picnic areas. The beautiful scenery provides a perfect backdrop.
Take a leisurely walk or hike and keep an eye out for local wildlife such as deer, squirrels, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
Experience the great outdoors by camping at one of the nearby campgrounds. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature under the stars.
During the winter months, nearby ski resorts offer skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Tours
Uncover the best of Lake Arrowhead with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Lake Arrowhead
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque spot with shopping, dining, and stunning views of the lake. Perfect for capturing the beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains.
This natural area offers scenic hikes with beautiful vistas of the San Bernardino Mountains and Lake Arrowhead, ideal for nature photography.
Features breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Arrowhead and the forested areas surrounding it, perfect for sunset photography.
A charming restaurant with a lakeside view, providing excellent opportunities for capturing both dining experiences and the stunning lake scenery.
A family-friendly park that offers beautiful views of the lake along with bright and colorful playground structures, great for capturing fun and vibrant moments.
A beautiful park featuring unique rock formations and scenic vistas of Lake Arrowhead, ideal for nature shots and family photography.
A cozy cabin area surrounded by trees and nestled against the mountain, offering serene views and photo ops year-round.
A hiking trail that leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Lake Arrowhead and the surrounding landscape, perfect for adventurous photography.
Food in Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A delicious pie made with locally foraged wild berries, a must-try dessert in Lake Arrowhead. Available at The Lakefront Tap Room Bar & Kitchen.
Must-Try!
Freshly caught trout served with toasted almonds, a classic dish highlighting the local freshwater fish. Best enjoyed at The Grapevine Restaurant with a stunning lake view.
Indulge in these delightful treats made with locally pressed apple cider. Find them at Belgium Waffle Works, a popular spot for breakfast and sweet treats.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Lake Arrowhead better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held every Friday, this market offers a wide selection of fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and tasty street food options. A great place to mingle with locals and immerse yourself in the food culture of the area.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Lake Arrowhead is known for its beautiful natural surroundings. It is important to respect the environment by following local guidelines, not littering, and preserving the wildlife.
The community in Lake Arrowhead values friendliness and neighborly behavior. It is customary to greet residents and visitors with a smile and to be polite in interactions.
Whether you are hiking, boating, or participating in other outdoor activities, be aware of and adhere to local regulations and guidelines to ensure safety and enjoyment for everyone.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Lake Arrowhead with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Lake Arrowhead
Ensure a smooth experience
In Lake Arrowhead, tipping practices are generally consistent with those in other parts of the United States. Customers typically tip around 15-20% for service in restaurants, depending on the quality of service. In addition, tipping is common in various service industries, including hospitality, where tips for hotel staff, bellhops, and housekeeping are appreciated. For recreational activities, such as guided tours or rentals, a tip of 10-15% is often welcomed.
Payment practices in Lake Arrowhead include a wide range of options. Most establishments accept credit and debit cards, in addition to cash. Mobile payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly common. Many restaurants and businesses may include a service charge for large parties, and it's advisable for customers to check their bills before adding tips. Additionally, there may be differences in payment preferences based on the type of service, with outdoor and recreational activities often requiring advance reservation payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Lake Arrowhead.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) in Lake Arrowhead is mild and beautiful, with temperatures ranging from the upper 40s to mid 70s°F. Expect blooming wildflowers, lush greenery, and opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities. This is an excellent time for those who enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Summer (June to August) is warm to hot, with temperatures averaging between the mid 50s to mid 80s°F. It is the peak tourist season, great for water activities, boating, and fishing on Lake Arrowhead. Expect lively events, festivals, and a vibrant atmosphere but also larger crowds.
Fall (September to November) offers cooler temperatures ranging from the upper 30s to low 70s°F, with stunning fall foliage. This season is perfect for hiking, photography, and enjoying cooler weather. Crowds begin to thin out, making it a tranquil time to visit.
Winter (December to February) is cold, with temperatures often dropping to the 20s and 30s°F. Snowfall can create a winter wonderland, attracting snow sports enthusiasts for skiing, snowboarding, and winter hiking. The holiday season brings festive activities and a cozy atmosphere.
Lake Arrowhead at Night
Hiking in Lake Arrowhead
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful spot featuring various hiking trails with panoramic views of the San Bernardino Mountains and the surrounding forest. The trails range from easy to moderate difficulty.
This trail is a popular hiking route that offers stunning views of the Lake Arrowhead area and runs through a picturesque forest. It's approximately 4.5 miles round trip and is suitable for most hikers.
A short and scenic trail that leads to a unique rock formation shaped like a heart. The trail is about 1.5 miles round trip and is perfect for families and those looking for a leisurely hike.
This trail takes hikers to a high vantage point with breathtaking views of Lake Arrowhead and the surrounding mountains. The trail is about 3 miles round trip and is considered moderate in difficulty.
A more challenging hike that follows the Deep Creek through the San Bernardino National Forest. The trail offers beautiful scenery and opportunities for enjoying a refreshing swim in the creek.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Lake Arrowhead through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Lake Arrowhead by plane.
The primary airport serving Los Angeles, located approximately 75 miles southwest of Lake Arrowhead.
An airport in Ontario, California, about 40 miles from Lake Arrowhead, serving both domestic and limited international flights.
Located about 85 miles southeast of Lake Arrowhead, this airport serves the Palm Springs area with domestic and some international flights.
Located about 90 miles southwest of Lake Arrowhead, serving Orange County with a range of domestic and international flights.
Also known as Hollywood Burbank Airport, located approximately 80 miles west of Lake Arrowhead, primarily serving domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Caucasian population, making up the majority of residents.
A significant minority group contributing to the diversity of the area.
A smaller demographic group present in the community.
Represents a minority population, includes individuals of various Asian descent.
Includes individuals of indigenous heritage in the region.
Comprises individuals who identify with multiple racial backgrounds.
The Soul of Lake Arrowhead
Discover the essence of Lake Arrowhead through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Lake Arrowhead offers numerous trails for hiking, allowing visitors to explore its beautiful mountainous landscapes and enjoy breathtaking views.
The lake is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, offering various fish species and scenic spots to cast a line.
There are several mountain biking trails in the area that cater to different skill levels, making it a popular activity among outdoor adventurers.
Boating is a favored recreational activity on Lake Arrowhead, with options for kayaking, paddleboarding, and motorboating.
During the winter months, nearby ski resorts offer skiing and snowboarding, attracting winter sports enthusiasts.
Camping around the lake and participating in various campground activities, such as campfires and outdoor games, are popular among visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lake Arrowhead.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most eateries in Lake Arrowhead offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, with fresh salads, vegetable-based entrees, and plant-based alternatives readily available.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities will find options such as gluten-free waffles, freshly-made salads, and seafood dishes that cater to their dietary needs.