Lake Arrowhead, “The Alps of Southern California,” is known to many as a hidden gem, a best-kept secret. Lake Arrowhead inspires a sense of wonder in all who visit. It’s among the most beautiful places not just in California, or the United States, but the world. That’s why we wanted to take a step back and appreciate what makes Lake Arrowhead and our community so special. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, read on for the best of the best that this place has to offer.

Sitting in the San Bernardino mountains, no more than a half day’s drive from most destinations in Southern California, Lake Arrowhead is so close, for so many. But it can also feel far away, like an entirely different world.

That’s because Lake Arrowhead offers a truly unique set of attractions and experiences.

Not long ago, we detailed a bunch of winter activities in Lake Arrowhead, but there’s more to it than just this snowy season. One of the unique factors of Lake Arrowhead is that, unlike some other parts of Southern California, it features 4 distinct seasons. While Winter remains an excellent time to enjoy our community, the warmer months of Spring, Summer, and Fall also highlight what makes this place magical. Locals enjoy taking their boat out or relaxing by their Lake Arrowhead docks in these warmer months. Other outdoor attractions to enjoy during the warmer months include:

Nature and Outdoor Attractions

Lake Arrowhead has a mystical, fantasy-like quality to it. Sure, that breathtaking effect it creates might have something to do with the thinner air up here. But there’s no denying that the substance of this place–the contrasts of the mountainous views, the serene grace of the lake, the intertwining colors and textures of its foliage and architecture–is sublime.

So, naturally, some of the most awe-inspiring things you can do in Lake Arrowhead involve engaging with its natural beauty.

Hiking

In any mountain or mountain-adjacent community, hiking is more than a hobby. It’s a way of life. Lake Arrowhead offers a wide variety of hikes, from accessible nature walks (bring dogs and children!) to more adventurous trails.

Here are some of our local favorites, from shortest to longest:

  • Trail of the Phoenix at the Children’s Forest – This easy, short nature walk (.5 mile loop) is the perfect prep for the longer hikes available.
  • Heaps Peak Arboretum Trail – This is an easy, self-guided, educational tour (1-mile loop)  with interesting stops related to the area’s native plants.
  • Seeley Creek Trail – An accessible, relatively short hike (1 mile each way) culminating in the beautiful overlook “Heart Rock.”
  • The Pinnacles – For the bold, this moderately difficult and longer trail (3.5 miles each way) offers gorgeous views. Make sure to come prepared with adequate water, snacks, and a camera!
  • Pacific Crest Trail – Choose your own adventure! Our access point (#6) to the world-renowned PCT, which stretches from Mexico to Canada (2600+ miles), features the historic Splinters Cabin and Deep Creek Hot Springs.

Camping

There’s nothing quite like sleeping outside, under the stars, and the crisp air at a mile-high elevation only magnifies what we love about camping. Fishing, swimming, hiking, and having s’mores are all more fun when there’s no need to trek back home right afterward. Lake Arrowhead features a variety of camping experiences, from the more bare-bones to a more updated (not-quite-glamping) setup for individuals, families, and large groups.

Those looking for a rugged, low-tech, back-to-basics getaway from the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life should look into the Yellow Post Campsites or even remote camping in the National Forest.

If some more modern comforts (bathrooms) are preferable, you might consider checking out the Dogwood Campground or North Shore Campground. Aside from the access to outdoorsy activities like hiking and fishing, Dogwood offers RV connectivity, while North Shore features a water slide park. Large parties, such as church congregations or scout groups, can reserve time at Shady Cove, Tent Peg, or Fisherman’s Camp.

Lake Arrowhead Village

In addition to these outdoor lifestyle activities, Lake Arrowhead Village boasts a variety of cultural attractions, from world-class restaurants and lodging to concerts and car-shows. And, of course, the quintessential experience…

Lake Arrowhead Queen

What better way to take in the scenery, the history, the community, than from our namesake lake? The narrated boat tour aboard the famous Lake Arrowhead Queen is maybe the most essential activity for both newcomers and those of us who call this place home. Departing every hour, on the hour, it’s been a staple of the community and is sure to be for years to come.

You’re guaranteed to enjoy your time on the Lake Arrowhead Queen–whether it’s your first hour aboard or your fiftieth.

Other Attractions

Other attractions include, but are not limited to:

  • Mountain Arts Network Community Arts Center – an arts and arts education community dedicated to “inspiring visual arts in the mountain communities,” this incredible center features gallery spaces and workshops for consumption and education.
  • McKenzie Water Ski School – for anyone seeking a thrill, the instructors here are happy to help you. Learn how to water ski, or build on preexisting skills, right on the lake itself.
  • Play Mountain Indoor Playground – a safe, supervised environment for kids to do what kids do best: play! Featuring various play areas, toys, and activities for children.
  • Lollipop Park – fun for kids of all ages: this amusement park offers everything from bumper karts, to miniature golf, to rides, to a candy store.

Events

There’s always something exciting going on at Lake Arrowhead Village. Some of the events scheduled for the upcoming months, from Spring and Summer into Fall, include:

  • Easter Egg Hunt
  • Cinco de Mayo
  • Rotary Art & Wine Fest
  • Memorial Day Remembrance & Concerts
  • Antique & Classic Wooden Boat Show
  • Cruisin’ the Village Classic Car Show
  • Labor Day Concerts
  • Oktoberfest
  • Halloween Trick-Or-Treating

Restaurants, Venues

Even outside of special events, any given night can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Lake Arrowhead. That’s because our restaurants, bars, cafes, and venues are all inspired by the uniqueness and vibrancy of this community.

There are so many great establishments that it’d be a disservice to list out just a few of them here. The Chamber of Commerce has put together a great list that includes all our favorite spots (and then some!).

Finding the Sublime in “The Alps of Southern California”

We’re proud to call Lake Arrowhead home, for all of the attractions above and, most importantly, because of you, the people we’re lucky to share it with.

 

Sources: 

Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce. Camping Guide. https://www.lakearrowheadchamber.com/camping-guide/

Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce. Hiking Guide. https://www.lakearrowheadchamber.com/hiking-guide/

Lake Arrowhead Village. Attractions. https://thelakearrowheadvillage.com/attractions/

Lake Arrowhead Village. Events. https://thelakearrowheadvillage.com/events/