Lake Arrowhead is one of the best vacation spots in the San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California—a stunning mountain range that is often referred to as the “Alps of Southern California.” At only an hour to an hour-and-a-half drive from Los Angeles, it’s an easy road trip to escape the city and get into the mountains.
Lake Arrowhead is home to a variety of outdoor activities. From taking a boat tour on the lake to hiking through the San Bernardino National Forest, a long weekend in Lake Arrowhead is perfect for families or even a romantic weekend getaway.
1. Lake Arrowhead Village
As one of the central attractions at Lake Arrowhead, Lake Arrowhead Village is on the southern shore of the lake. As you stroll the village, you get to take in the breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.
Lake Arrowhead Village is a bustling downtown area filled with restaurants, shops, and live music. The village is home to the Arrowhead Center Stage Concert Hall which hosts the famous Lake Arrowhead Village Summer Concert Series.
Whatever season you visit, this town center is host to a variety of fun things to do all year-round! Our vacation rental, Lone Pine, offers quick access to the village and is the perfect place to stay if you don’t want to miss all the action.
2. Skypark at Santa’s Village
Despite its name, Skypark at Santa’s Village is a year-round adventure theme park. Just three miles from Lake Arrowhead, this facility has a long history of making many childhood memories. Since 1955 it has opened and closed its doors many times but in 2016 it reopened and is operating better than ever before.
Today, this theme park is home to a variety of outdoor activities like axe throwing, rock climbing, mountain biking, archery, and ziplining. Tickets are general admission and include available activities, rides, and entertainment.
While Skypark at Santa’s Village is open year-round, wintertime is the best time to visit. The village turns into a winter wonderland and features seasonal attractions like Ice skating. The park also glows with thousands of Christmas lights during the winter season.
3. McKenzie’s WaterSki School
McKenzie’s Water Ski School is one of the best ways to hit the water and learn something new! If you ever wanted to learn how to water ski, wakeboard, or kneeboard, your getaway to Lake Arrowhead is the perfect place! Don’t worry if you’re new to these sports—the instructors at the school are highly trained and have the experience needed to teach you how to get up and ski on your own in no time.
4. Rim of the World Scenic Byway
Lake Arrowhead is one of the many stops along the Rim of the World Scenic Byway. This 110-mile route follows the rim of the San Bernardino Mountains starting from Cahon Pass and winding all the way to the San Gorgonio Mountain.
There are a variety of noticeable stops along the highway including Silverwood Lake, Big Bear Lake, and The Mountain History Museum. Big Bear is a popular winter destination as it is home to Big Bear Mountain Resort which offers some of the best skiing in Southern California.
The Mountain History Museum is home to the entire history of the mountainous region. This museum is a great stop along the drive to stretch your legs and enjoy the history of Southern California.
5. Lollipop Park
Lollipop Park is a lakefront amusement park that features a plethora of attractions for all ages. The top attractions here are the carousel, go-kart track, food concessions, spinning teacups, a candy store, and a mini golf course. This is the perfect place to visit for the whole family!
6. The Tudor House
The Tudor House is one of the many historical locations in Lake Arrowhead. Its history dates back to the 1920s, before the Great Depression. It is mostly known for its prohibition-era entertainment and rumored mobster management.
Since the 1950s, The Tudor House has been a legal source of entertainment and a popular performance space. It is host to a variety of live music events throughout the year ranging in every genre.
It is also host to a variety of events such as Sunday Brunch and a monthly Mystery Dinner Theatre. The property is also available to be reserved for private special events including workshops and retreats.
7. Heaps Peak Arboretum
Heaps Peak Arboretum is a beautiful day adventure within the San Bernardino National Forest. The Sequoia Trail circles the arboretum and offers a variety of interpretive information about the surrounding flora and fauna along the trail. With about 30 acres to adventure, this is the perfect adventure for your family to reconnect with nature.
8. Wildhaven Ranch
Wildhaven Ranch is a wildlife sanctuary home to a number of endangered and indigenous species. At this ranch, you can meet various animals, go on guided tours, participate in fun programs, and do a variety of other things. They are committed to preserving the wildlife indigenous to the San Bernardino Mountains. This is not a zoo and does require reservations in order to visit.
9. Lake Gregory Regional Park
Lake Gregory Regional Park is just a 10-minute drive from Lake Arrowhead. This park offers a variety of entertainment and adventure that is perfect for the whole family. Lake Gregory in Crestline, California is the best place for all kinds of outdoor activities. You can fish, go boating or kayaking, or even hike if you don’t want to hit the water. If you don’t want to bring your boat or water equipment into the mountains, Lake Gregory has lake equipment rentals available.
Looking to stay near Lake Gregory? Our modern, industrial charm vacation rental, The Matterhorn Manor, is just a short drive from Lake Gregory and all its popular attractions.
10. Snow Valley Mountain Resort
Winter season is the best time to visit the Snow Valley Mountain Resort for skiing and snowboarding. They have something for everyone! From long intermediate trails to the best beginner terrain to the sledding area, the whole family will find something to do. Even if you are just starting to learn how to ski or snowboard or want to improve your skills, Snow Valley has an award-winning learning center that offers lessons for all skill levels and ages.
The resort is open during the summer months for mountain biking, hiking, and other special events.
11. Lake Arrowhead Queen Boat Tour
See all the beauty Lake Arrowhead has to offer on the Lake Arrowhead Queen Boat Tour. This charming tour departs daily from Lake Arrowhead Village and is an hour-long tour. As you cruise along the shoreline, take in the beautiful views of the lakefront mansions while you learn about the geologic history of the lake and the native cultures that call the lake home.
You can purchase tickets at Leroy’s Boardshop across from the boat landing dock. Tours happen throughout the day but the best times to go are early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
12. Strawberry Peak
Strawberry Peak is one of the most iconic peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains in Southern California. If you want to spend the day on the hiking trails and enjoy the mountains, driving the 2 hours from Lake Arrowhead makes it the perfect day trip.
The Strawberry Peak stands 6,164 feet high and gets its name from the number of strawberries that grow around the peak. This hike may be difficult for beginners or young children but the views make it worth it once you get to the top.
Looking for the Perfect Lake Arrowhead Cabin?
Book one of our cabin rentals in Lake Arrowhead. Take in stunning lake and mountain views from our 4-bedroom Lake Point home. Experience modern mountain living at our lakeside rental, Howlite. No matter where you would like to stay on the lake, you will find some of the most relaxing and stunning views.
Start Planning Your Next Lake Arrowhead Getaway
Are you ready to embark on your next Southern California mountain adventure? With so many outdoor activities during the summer and winter, Lake Arrowhead is the perfect year-round destination. It is the perfect weekend escape from large cities like Los Angeles. Get away from all the hustle and bustle and start booking your stay in Lake Arrowhead.