Best Things to Do in Lake Arrowhead, California (From a Local’s Perspective)

Los Angeles is a place like no other: rich with arts and culture, close to beautiful beaches, national parks, and cozy mountain retreats. One of the easiest mountain escapes from L.A. is the quaint Lake Arrowhead, just about 80 miles from downtown L.A., sitting at an elevation of almost 6,000 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains. Lake Arrowhead is a beautiful mountain resort with good restaurants, pine‑covered hills, and plenty of things to do year‑round.

Can You Use Lake Arrowhead if You Are Not a Homeowner?

One of the first surprises for many visitors is that Lake Arrowhead is a private lake. You can’t just show up, spread a towel, and jump in the water the way you might at a public lake. Access is reserved mainly the homeowners in Arrowhead Woods, a tract of land that extends about 1 mile perimeter around the lake. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the lake at all.

If you are a guest of one of the property owners in Arrowhead Woods, you will be able to enjoy the lake as well. Or if you base yourself at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, you’ll have access to the lake from their small beach.

Things to Know Before You Visit Lake Arrowhead, California

Where is Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead is a small mountain resort community in Southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains, about 80 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles and roughly a two‑hour drive in normal traffic. It sits at an elevation of around 5,100–5,800 feet, which means cooler temperatures than the city and occasional snow in winter. The most common access route is Highway 18 (“Rim of the World Highway”) from San Bernardino, a winding mountain road with spectacular views that requires extra caution in bad weather.

Weather in Lake Arrowhead

Because of its high altitude location, Lake Arrowhead enjoys four distinct seasons which allow a great variety of activities year round. The climate up here is very different from the one in the valley. The summer temperature is about 20 degrees cooler while in winter it regularly drops below freezing.

Also, because of its high elevation, Lake Arrowhead sits above the clouds and fog that sometimes cover the Los Angeles Basin. So even when Los Angeles is gray and overcast, you may still find clear skies and sunshine in Lake Arrowhead.

Lake Arrowhead enjoys four distinct seasons which allow a great variety of activities year round. The climate up here is very different from the one in the valley. The summer temperature is about 20 degrees cooler while in winter it regularly drops below freezing.

The average snowfall is 80 inches a year. Snow may start as early as November and last till the end of March. This makes this mountain resort a great escape from the heat and smog of L.A. in summer and one of the most romantic getaways in California.

The beautiful San Bernardino Mountains are a countless resource of recreational activities. From hiking, biking, and horseback riding, to swimming, kayaking, and fishing, you can do just about anything in Lake Arrowhead in summer.

Best Things to Do in Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead may be a mostly private lake, but there are still plenty of attractions to enjoy this mountain resort town and its surroundings. From narrated boat tours and easy forest walks to family time in Lake Arrowhead Village, adventure parks, and nearby public lakes, you can easily fill a weekend (or more) with activities. Below are some of the best things to do in Lake Arrowhead, California, based on my own trips and favorite spots in the area.

1. Kayaking, Paddle Board, Swim, or Water Ski

If you’re staying at Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa, although you don’t have free public‑style access to the lake, but you can join guided kayak tours or charter a pontoon boat run by Arrowhead Lake Association–licensed staff. The lake waters are exceptionally clear and warm. The swimming season may start as early as June and sometimes extends well into the first two weeks of October.

In addition to kayak guided tours, the resort also offers a charter pontoon boat that allows you to go out on the water. The Spa of the Pines staff has several ALA licensed members who have been hired by the resort to take guests out on 45 minute to one hour excursions. 

Also, whether you are a professional or a first timer, McKenzie Water Ski School in the Village caters to all your waterskiing needs.

For independent swimming or paddling without lake‑rights, it’s better to head to nearby public lakes such as Lake Gregory or Green Valley Lake.

2. Take a Lake Arrowhead Boat Tour

One of the easiest ways to enjoy a mostly private lake is to get out on the water on a narrated boat tour. From the deck of the Arrowhead Queen you can take in views of the forested shoreline, cedar‑clad cabins, and the steep mountains rising around the lake, without worrying about lake rights or parking near the water. The commentary usually touches on local history, celebrity homes, and a few fun Arrowhead legends, so it’s as much a storytime as a sightseeing cruise.

I like these tours especially for first‑timers or short visits, because they give you a quick overview of the lake and the village in under an hour. It’s also a good option if you’re traveling with kids or with someone who isn’t keen on hiking at altitude. Dress in layers—the wind can feel surprisingly chilly on the open deck, even on a sunny day—and book ahead on busy summer weekends or holiday periods.

The boat sails daily every hour on the hour year round. Tickets are sold at Leroy’s Board Shop, in the Village area. The Arrowhead Queen is also available for private hire by calling (909) 336-6992.  

READ NEXT: Best Places to Eat on Maui Island

3. Stroll and shop in Lake Arrowhead Village

Lake Arrowhead Village is the main hub of life around the lake, and it’s where you’ll probably spend at least a few hours during your visit. The village wraps around a small harbor, with a mix of restaurants, cafés, tasting rooms, and shops that range from outdoor gear and home décor to the usual resort‑town souvenirs. Even if you’re not a big shopper, it’s a pleasant place to wander, grab a coffee, and simply watch the boats and ducks in the marina.

The atmosphere changes with the seasons: in summer you’ll find live music and outdoor patios buzzing with day‑trippers, while winter brings twinkling lights, occasional snow, and a more cozy, small‑town feel. This is also the most practical place to stock up on essentials, use the restrooms, and get your bearings before exploring the rest of the area. Just be patient with parking on weekends and holidays—arriving earlier in the day makes a big difference.

Lake Arrowhead is a dog friendly community and sometimes they have dog competitions in the Village. You can also stroll with your pooch along the water promenade in the Village area.

4. Attend One of the Summer or Fall Festivals in Lake Arrowhead

In summer the Village area hosts a series of jazz and classical music concerts, as well as art and wine festivals or different craft fairs.

The Summer Concert Series is free to the public.  Concerts usually begin at 6:30pm. The beer garden opens 30 minutes prior to the concert start time. For more information, call (909) 337-2533.

Octoberfest is another fun festival to attend in Lake Arrowhead. The festival takes place every weekend, during the month of October and features authentic German food and craft brews.

5. Watch the 4th of July Fireworks

The most popular event in town is the spectacular 4th of July fireworks show. Boats start gathering on the lake since early afternoon trying to get as close as possible to the platform from where the fireworks will be launched.

Live music is being played while hundreds of people bring their boats so close to each other that they almost touch. When the fireworks explode in a shower of lights that gets reflected in the water, the air fills up with ahhhs and ohhhs.

6. Go Fishing

Lake Arrowhead has excellent trout, bass, and carp fishing, but it’s reserved for homeowners with lake rights and their guests; there’s no public fishing access for casual visitors. However, if you are a guest of someone who has lake rights, or a guest of the Arrowhead resort & Spa, you may fish in the lake.

If you want to fish as a visitor, plan a side trip to Lake Gregory, Green Valley Lake, or Big Bear Lake instead, all of which are relatively close to Lake Arrowhead.

Every year at the beginning or April there is a fishing competition in Lake Arrowhead that takes place in the marina area which you can watch, if you like competitions of this sort.

7. Hike One of the Many Trails Around Lake Arrowhead

The best way to experience Lake Arrowhead is by hiking the beautiful trails around, which present different levels of difficulty. Most trails can be accessed year round. The scenery is spectacular, with a wide range of plants that vary from desert flowers to mountain pines.

When hiking in the San Bernardino you’ll have to remember that these are very wild and dangerous mountains. Before you start your hike, always read about the area, consider the length of the trail, your available time, and the weather conditions.

Also, always carry water with you. People often remain stranded in these mountains and die of dehydration, because they don’t come prepared.

8. Visit the SkyPark at Santa’s Village

SkyPark at Santa’s Village is a quirky mix of Christmas nostalgia and outdoor adventure park, set among tall pines just a short drive from Lake Arrowhead. The original Santa’s Village opened in the 1950s; today’s version blends that retro charm with modern activities like mountain biking, ziplining, rock climbing, and skating, all wrapped in a year‑round “holiday village” theme. It’s one of those places that sounds a bit kitschy on paper, but in person it works—especially if you lean into the fun.

Families love SkyPark because kids can ping‑pong between rides, playgrounds, character encounters, and easy forest trails without ever leaving the park. Adults get the bonus of craft coffee, beer, and decent food options, plus the chance to ride the bike park or simply sit in the shade and enjoy the cooler mountain air. Plan to spend at least half a day here, and check the schedule in advance. Special events, themed weekends, and seasonal decor can make the experience feel completely different from one visit to the next.

9. Hike around Heaps Peak Arboretum

If you want an easy, family‑friendly introduction to the local forest, Heaps Peak Arboretum is a perfect stop. It’s a small, managed area right off the highway with a short interpretive loop trail that shows off native plants, tall conifers, and a few surprisingly grand viewpoints for such a modest walk. Because the path is relatively flat and well‑marked, it works for almost anyone: kids, casual walkers, and visitors who aren’t used to the elevation.

What I like most about Heaps Peak is how accessible it feels. You can stretch your legs for 30–45 minutes, learn a bit about the ecosystem, and breathe in that pine‑needle scent without committing to a long hike or remote trailhead. It makes an easy add‑on to a day in Lake Arrowhead or a scenic stop on your way up or down the mountain. Just remember you’re still at altitude—take it slow if you’re coming straight from sea level, and bring water even for a short stroll.

10. Spend a day at Lake Gregory

If your idea of a mountain lake involves swimming, sandy shorelines, and floating water toys, Lake Gregory will likely make you happier than Lake Arrowhead. Located in nearby Crestline, this is a public lake with designated swimming areas, a small beach, and in summer an inflatable water park that is basically kid heaven. It’s the place to actually get in the water without worrying about private‑lake rules or homeowners’ associations.

A day at Lake Gregory pairs nicely with a stay in Lake Arrowhead: you get the quieter, more polished resort atmosphere in one place and the full “beach‑day at the lake” experience in the other. Pack swimsuits, towels, and plenty of sunscreen, and be prepared for a small entrance or parking fee, especially in high season. If you prefer a calmer vibe, go earlier in the day or outside peak weekends—by afternoon on a hot summer Saturday, this little lake can feel very popular in the best possible way.

11. Visit Wildhaven Ranch

Wildhaven Ranch is a small, non‑profit wildlife sanctuary tucked into the forested hills just a short drive from Lake Arrowhead Village. It focuses on rescued and non‑releasable native animals, like raptors, bears, and other mountain residents.Visits are usually by reservation only for small, guided programs. This makes it feel more intimate than a typical zoo: you’re walking through a quiet mountain setting, hearing individual animal stories, and learning about local conservation rather than racing between exhibits.

This is an excellent activity to do if you are visiting Lake Arrowhead with children or adults who enjoy slower, more educational experiences; you’ll spend most of your time listening to the keepers, asking questions, and watching the animals up close from safe viewing areas. It is also a nice way to support this local cause, because the sanctuary relies on donations and ticket sales only.

12. Skiing and Snowboarding

Winters are particularly beautiful in Lake Arrowhead. Especially if it snows. While there are no ski slopes in the resort, just 20 minutes away you can go skiing at Snow Valley. This peak almost always gets some snow and even if it doesn’t, they make artificial snow. 

If you are up for more serious skiing or snowboarding, you can drive a little farther to Big Bear Lake (just 50 minutes away) for the beautiful Snow Summit and Bear Mountain ski resorts.

Lake Arrowhead Weekend Itinerary (2 Days)

If you only have a weekend in Lake Arrowhead, here is a sample itinerary that you can follow. This itinerary doesn’t cover every single thing to do in Lake Arrowhead; it’s just one easy way to combine some of my favorite stops over a weekend. If you have more time, pick and choose from the full list of activities above.

Day 1: Village, boat tour and best views
Start your weekend in Lake Arrowhead Village with a walk around the marina, coffee, and a bit of shopping, then hop on a narrated boat tour to get your first real look at the lake and the forested shoreline. After the cruise, explore more of the Village, grab lunch with a view, and later in the afternoon drive or walk to one of the easy viewpoints, like the marina overlook or the North Shore Trail near the UCLA conference center, for classic lake‑and‑pine views before dinner.

Day 2: SkyPark, Heaps Peak and Lake Gregory
Dedicate your second day to a mix of forest and water. In the morning, head to SkyPark at Santa’s Village for biking, ziplining or just wandering the whimsical “holiday village” in the pines; it’s especially fun if you’re visiting with kids or teens. In the afternoon, stretch your legs on the short loop at Heaps Peak Arboretum for an easy forest walk, then drive down to nearby Lake Gregory for a few hours of public lake time—swimming, the inflatable water park in summer, or simply a relaxed stroll by the shore.

Best Views Around Lake Arrowhead

One of the easiest viewpoints around Lake Arrowhead is on Highway 173, right above the Peninsula Park, near the Arrowhead Lake Association (ALA) Marina Office. From here you get a classic panorama of the water framed by pines and cabins, with boats coming and going and the steep hills rising behind the lake.

Another lovely perspective is from the North Shore Trail, which starts near the UCLA conference center and gently winds through the trees until the marina comes into view from across the water.

It’s a simple walk, but the combination of forest, lake, and distant Village makes it feel more like a real mountain outing than just stopping at a roadside turnout.

A Brief History of the Lake Arrowhead

The history of this lake began in the 1890’s, when a group of entrepreneurs chose the Little Bear Gorge to built a reservoir that would supply water to the valley. When the dam was completed and the lake formed, they named it Little Bear Lake.

But the idea of diverting the water from the area did not sit well with the ranchers on the upper desert. People on this side of the mountain relied on that water for their own domestic use.

The State ruled in the favor of the ranches, so in 1920 Arrowhead Lake Company bought Little Bear Lake and the surrounding land and began developing the area into a resort community.

The name was changed into Lake Arrowhead, deriving from a rock formation in the shape of an arrowhead that sits on the face of the San Bernardino Mountains.

The developers build three hotels, a golf course and a club house. The land around the lake was subdivided and sold for private homes. Many Hollywood stars  purchased land here, building gorgeous estates around the north shore

Best Time to Visit Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead is beautiful year‑round, so no matter when you visit you’ll find plenty of fun things to do. Most activities center around the lake and the Village, with summer bringing warm days and cooler evenings, fall offering crisp air and changing foliage, winter bringing occasional snow and a cozy mountain feel, and spring delivering wildflowers and fewer crowds.

Weekends are particularly busy, especially in summer, but if you come during the week you’ll discover a quiet and peaceful oasis. That’s partly because around 60% of the properties here are vacation homes; of the 40% permanent residents, many are retirees, so midweek has a much slower pace.

Where to Stay in Lake Arrowhead

There are numerous inns, hotels and bed and breakfasts throughout this town. The most famous is Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, a 4-star accommodation ideally located right on the lakeshore.

Another nice place to stay is the Lake Arrowhead Challets, a complex of family sized condos with fully equipped kitchen, wood burning fireplace and deck with a BBQ.

In addition to the Challets, there are many vacation homes which are being rented by their owners through VRBO.

So if you happen to be in Southern California, don’t miss Lake Arrowhead. It’s one of the easiest and most relaxing weekend getaways from Los Angeles.

A Final Note

Lake Arrowhead may not be the classic “public beach” lake town many people imagine, but that’s exactly what makes it interesting. If you come for the cooler mountain air, forest walks, village atmosphere, and many other attractions, you’ll find it’s an easy, rewarding escape from Southern California’s cities.

If you’re still wondering whether Lake Arrowhead is the right fit for you, see the FAQ section below where I answer ‘Is Lake Arrowhead worth visiting?’ directly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Arrowhead

Pin this for later: