Location: Lake Arrowhead
Top Things to do in Lake Arrowhead
Top Restaurants in Lake Arrowhead
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Lake Arrowhead, United States
Perfectly located in the San Bernadino National Forest, Lake Arrowhead, known as “The Alps of Southern California,” offers many recreational activities every season of the year. Located nearby you’ll find all things skiing: lessons, rentals and a wide range of slopes greet you at Snow Valley, Snow Summit and Mountain High. At the community of Blue Jay at Lake Arrowhead, try out the popular Ice Castle ice skating rink. If it’s summer, go for a hike along any of the miles of trails surrounding the lake or take a dip in the lake itself. Take a tour on the Lake Arrowhead Queen Paddleboat or rent a bicycle to go mountain biking. The community also boasts a private yacht club, 18-hole golf course at the Lake Arrowhead Country Club and a four-screen movie theater.
Restaurants in Lake Arrowhead
1. San Bernardino National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
This region encompasses 660,000 acres of the San Bernadino Mountains with elevations ranging from 1,000 feet to the highest at Mount San Gorgonio at 11,502 feet.
Reviewed By Theresa K - San Bernardino, California
Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear are all worth the trip. All have beautiful mountain views and fun things to do. Lake Gregory for picnics and swimming. Lake Arrowhead for dining and unique shopping. Big Bear for snow boarding/skiing, plus a quaint village with shops and many good restaurants/diners. Take your camera and if you are into hiking, there's lots of good, save trails. Also, plenty of lodging in this forest.
2. Lake Gregory Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 162 reviews
Lake Gregory stands amid a cool cedar and pine forest in the San Bernardino Mountains. But don’t let the pastoral setting fool you - the park teems with activity throughout the year as nature lovers converge for a wide range of recreational activities.People flock to Lake Gregory to enjoy its cool 84-acres of surface area for swimming and water sports. Each August, a 2,500-year-old Chinese tradition comes alive at Lake Gregory in the form of Dragon Boat Races. The elongated canoes seat 12 to 20 people, and a drummer beats a cadence to set a pace for the paddlers.Other activities include a fitness trail with exercise stations, picnic areas with barbecue grills, fishing, a skate park and model boat area. Four-legged friends are welcome at Lake Gregory’s dog park.The park lodge is available for events ranging from weddings to company parties.
Reviewed By DiannaS514 - Los Angeles, California
We used to love going here,but this time we did not even go in.The lake looked like it's dried up a lot on the side near the street.They have added big rafts,slides and blow up stuff so now they call it a water park.But in doing so raised the prices since we came .we used to go for a few hours and rent the paddle boats but for $10 a head and $10 to park,and then the rentals,it no long ER seemed worth it to us.If your going for a full day I guess it might.Sad we really loved it there years ago,but Times and things change.
3. Lake Arrowhead Queen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By Linda L - Vancouver, Canada
We bought our tickets 10 minutes before the 11:00 sailing and there were only 10 of us on the paddlewheeler, so it was almost like a personal tour. Captain Craig kept us entertained, regaling us with historical facts about the area, pointing out celebrities' homes, and telling us some pretty corny jokes - and sometimes breaking into song, too! It was a perfect day to be out on the water and the time went by quickly. This is definitely worthwhile doing, and the price is reasonable too.
4. Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By LUCKYME72 - CALIFORNIA
We took our young grandkids to visit the fire lookout and they had a great time. Wonderful views, and nice volunteers to answer questions. The lookout is not the sturdiest structure so they recommend not more than 5 visitors at a time. Definitely worth the visit.
5. SkyPark at Santa's Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
We are an adventure theme park located at the iconic Santa's Village near Lake Arrowhead, CA. The Village has been meticulously restored for new generations of guests for years to come! Our attractions are all designed for families and friends to get outside and use their bodies in the fresh mountain air: world-class mountain bike trails, ziplines, ice or roller skating, rock climbing and bouldering, archery, bungee-trampolines, pedal cars, and the North Pole Train. We also have a delightful and etertaining cast of characters from the Northwoods including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Celwyn Claus, Princess SugarPlum, Princess Evergreen, Arrow, and many more. Our Tunes in the Trees brings together great local bands and music lovers in our beautiful forest setting. We also have 2 restaurants, pub, coffee shop, bakery, and candy and ice cream shop. Our gift stores have unique and wonderful wares. Our Adventure Center has bike rentals and all you need to experience your next adventure.
Reviewed By PCfan - Idyllwild, California
This facility is very clean and looks great. The employees were all very enthusiastic and seemed to be enjoying their jobs. Santa was a really, really good looking Mr. Claus. We were there with out two granddaughters, ages 4 and nearly 3. They thoroughly enjoyed the day which began at 10 a.m. and lasted until about 4. There was plenty for them to do. I doubt, however, that older children would be as enthralled. I think the trick is to go mid-week before maybe December 20. We were there on Dec. 15 and it wasn't overly crowded (whew!).
6. Lake Arrowhead Village
Overall Ratings
4 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By RNRVTravler - Crestview, Florida
This is a great little village nestled in the mountains. We thoroughly enjoyed the ride up the Rim of the World Highway.
In the village are outlet shops and restaurants as well as kiddie rides and mini golf. There are public restrooms placed conveniently throughout the shopping areas of the village.
Parking is free but it can be a nightmare when it starts to get busy. There were several long waits for people who came later in the morning. Good advice would be to arrive early.
This is a very dog friendly village with water dishes outside of many shops. There is a grassy dog walk area with clean-up bags near the carousel.
7. Heaps Peak Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By mlangh0lz - Brightwaters, New York
This was a level, short walk with 25 interpretive signs that help you understand the flora of this mountain area. Very enjoyable.
8. Heart Rock Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Bruce W - San Diego, California
Nice hike, nice path, some minor ups and downs, runs along pretty stream most of the way, ending at a nice waterfall with view of the water carved stone outline of a heart.
9. Rim of the World Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
A popular alpine drive route, 101 miles long, running from San Bernardino to Big Bear Lake.
Reviewed By BobandMargie G - Long Beach, California
For southern California Rim of the World is an amazing drive. it gives scenic views with every turn in the road. From the 210 freeway up Waterman Hwy to the Crestline off ramp the 4 lane hwy has recently, 2016, has had a center divider safety divider installed to make it a safer drive. At the Crestline turnoff it becomes a 2 lane road. You will have numerous turnoff to stop and take pictures and gaze at the city below. the first point of interest you will come too is the narrows, notice the landslide barrier wall that tries to mimic the local landscape...it doesn't, you will pass restaurants with a view and then thru Rim Forest, on to the local High School and pass several roadside parks where you can park. To use these area you will need an adventure pass unless you have a SR National Park pass. Travel on thru Skyforest a small community with shops and restaurants. Passing on you may want to stop at the local Arboretum which has a nice trail through the woods. Next comes Running Springs with it's various restaurants and stores. A few miles on is the turn off for Keller Peak Lookout with spectacular views. Next you pass Snow Valley ski area then the arctic circle and the new bypass bridge that takes you into Big Bear.
10. My Favorite Things
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
A florist and fine gift boutique that provides an unforgettable level of customer service.
Reviewed By happygirl123 - California
My folks have a house in Lake Arrowhead. Last time we went to visit we stopped by My Favorite Things. What a gorgeous shop!They have all kinds of one-of-a-kind and high end gifts and they are a full-service florist. My mom and I must have spent 2 hours there. I have been to Lake Arrowhead many times and had never been in this store!When we come back again this summer, I will definitely be stopping in to see what new items they have. I would highly recommend anyone visiting the area to put a visit to this shop on their to-do list. They are located in Blue Jay (5 minutes from Lake Arrowhead) in the Rite Aid shopping center.Tierney
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