Lake Arrowhead, CA Travel Guide
As you rise above the desert of San Bernardino, and head up the curvy mountain road of Route 18, you start to feel as though you are ascending into another world. You rise above the SoCal smog and are greeted by pines and fir trees thick along the the mountainside. After twisting and turning your way through the evergreens, you end up at the most beautiful lakeside village of Lake Arrowhead. Lake Arrowhead is a beautiful escape from the bustle and heat of the desert below, and there are so many things to do, it makes the perfect little weekend getaway!
While the town boasts coffee shops, restaurants, antique stores, a ferry tour, and more…there is a slight catch to this beautiful place for visitors - the lake is private. The lake is only accessible for residents of the town, which means visitors can’t swim, or kayak, or canoe, or fish, or anything there. The town is a great spot to roam around and spend an afternoon, but if you are looking for water fun, it’s not really the spot.
But FEAR NOT! Only 15 minutes away is Lake Gregory, a tiny lake that is wide open to the public with a beach, a floating obstacle course, a water slide, fishing, paddle boarding, and more! So the Lake Arrowhead/Lake Gregory area combined makes the perfect lake weekend getaway!
WHERE TO EAT
There are eating spots everywhere around, so you will have a lot of great options! Here are a few favorites.
The Lakefront Tap Room Bar and Kitchen
This is the spot to go for amazing gourmet bar food. Order the pretzel with cheese sauce and ask no questions. Also, don’t forget to look at the newspaper clippings the appetizers sit on…read some articles…call a few numbers…it might be fun!
Belgian Waffle Works
Breakfast, lunch, or dessert, it doesn’t really matter at this place. You have a beautiful view of the harbor while chowing down on breakfast waffles, savory waffle sandwiches, or even waffle ice cream sandwiches! All the options at this spot are delicious!
Goodwin’s Market
Goodwin’s Market in Crestline, just across the street from Lake Gregory beach is a gem. You wouldn’t think it walking in, because it is a grocery store…but if you wander till you get to the frozen aisle, you will find said gem. The cutest little soda fountain with delicious drinks and ice cream awaits you there. Pull up a bar stool and sip away on milkshakes, soda pop, or ice cream floats, your choice!
WHERE TO STAY
Airbnb
Airbnb or VRBO are great options for finding a place to stay around Lake Arrowhead. The hotels can be expensive, and you can probably find a whole house or condo for the same price as a good hotel up there. Something to consider.
Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa
For those looking for a more pampered experience than a whole house rental, try our the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa. The hotel is right on the water, and will be a relaxing stay!
WHAT TO DO
Lake Gregory
For $10 dollars a person you have beach access at Lake Gregory, OR for $20 a person, you have access to the beach, the floating obstacle course, and the water slide! It’s a pretty fun deal, especially if you take the day to spend there.
At Lake Gregory there is fishing, kayak rentals, paddle board rentals, boat rentals…so much to do!
Lake Arrowhead Village
A great spot to spend the afternoon! You can shop, eat, stroll along the water, or buy a ticket for the ferry that takes you around on a tour of the lake. Don’t forget to check out the ducks and giant fish swimming just off Village Way.
Hiking
There are lots of good hiking trails in the area. A few easy trials include the Will Abell Memorial Trail with views of Lake Arrowhead, or the Rim of the World Lookout, with views of the mountains.
So there you have it! The perfect recipe for a good weekend up in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California! Be sure and stop by next time you are in the area!
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