Up in the San Beernandino Mountains is one of the best places to spend a day trip or weekend getaway when visiting Southern California, Lake Arrowhead. It’s funny, but a lot of people drive right by Lake Arrowhead on their way to Big Bear not realizing all the fun things to do in Lake Arrowhead. With tons of entertainment, delectable restaurants, and a gorgeous lakefront, the destination offers fun for the entire family.
If you’re looking for a few ways to enjoy your time in Lake Arrowhead, check out our list below of 10 affordable and fun things to do in Lake Arrowhead!
Where to Stay in Lake Arrowhead
Quickly, before we get started on all the activities. If you are staying in Lake Arrowhead, check out this Airbnb we stayed in. It was completely remodeled, so it’s basically brand new and rates are super affordable. Check out some of our other favorite Lake Arrowhead Airbnbs here!
Go On A Hike
Hiking is one of our favorite things to do in Lake Arrowhead! There are several great hiking spots, though one of our absolute favorites is Strawberry Peak. This peak is one of the most iconic in the San Gabriel Mountains and the highest one in the region at 6,614 feet. You also might get to see tons of strawberries around the peak, which is where it gets its name. If Strawberry Peak is too strenuous for you, you might also consider a hike to Aztec Falls.
Visit Skypark at Santa’s Village
This might seems like a winter activity, but Skypark at Sant’a Village has so much to offer. You can enjoy mountain biking, shops and dining all in this village. It is one of the highlights of visiting Lake Arrowhead in my opinion. They even have bike lessons for those wanting to learn to mountain bike. Check out all the details here.
Swim In Lake Gregory
Lake Gregory is a wonderful alternative to Lake Arrowhead, which is a private lake. You can take a dip in Lake Gregory and swim/play all day. To get there, you’ll need to head to the town of Crestline, which is about 20 minutes from Lake Arrowhead. Once there, you can purchase a day pass for lake use, as well as admission to the blow-up waterpark or one of the many water rentals, such as boats, aqua cycles, or kayaks.
Enjoy an ATV Ride
One of the coolest ways to enjoy the mountain by far is with an ATV ride. We took our first ATV ride on an excursion in Jamaica and since then the kids were dying to go again. Enjoy The Mountain is a company that is there to ensure that people enjoy the area responsibly, which is why they have set up fantastic ATV rental tours. You’ll be able to take in a view of Lake Arrowhead that you would find difficulty in trying to explore on your own.
Go Mountain Biking
We are not huge mountain bikers, but friends of ours absolutely love it and love the trails in Lake Arrowhead. There are plenty of cool spots to go mountain biking in Lake Arrowhead if you visit during the summer. Plenty of cross-country skiing trails open up for mountain biking. One of the best places to try out your luck with mountain biking is the Rim Nordic Ski Area. Tourists often flock here because of the epic views and one-of-a-kind trails.
Explore Heaps Peak Arboretum
For $5 you can enjoy a day exploring some amazing trees, amazing plants and flowers and just a wonderful relaxing day. The Heaps Peak Arboretum is a great way to enjoy nature and see all the native plants from the Lake Arrowhead area. (Find out more here)
Explore Lake Arrowhead Village
Lake Arrowhead Village is the central point of the town. Here you’ll find unique dining, exciting shopping, and wonderful entertainment. The restaurants here are to die for, one of our favorites being Papagyos, which has a gorgeous outdoor patio for summer enjoyment. In the winter, we recommend checking out The Jetties, which offers warm comfort food. We also love, Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company, Lulubelle’s Bakery, and Dogwood Tavern.
Regardless of the time of year, you’ll find a variety of events taking place, including summer concerts, Oktoberfest, and the Wooden Boat Show.
Rent a Boat
If you decide to spend the day in Lake Gregory, we highly recommend renting a boat. Boats are fun for the whole family. You can bring drinks, snacks, games, music, and tubes and enjoy a relaxing day on the water. There is also plenty of trout available in the lake, perfect for those who want to try their hand at fishing. There are so many awesome things to do in Lake Arrowhead when it comes to water activities!
Tour The Tudor House
Once owned by Bugsy Siegal, the Tuorr House was once a destination for the rich and famous to take part in drinking and illegal gambling. Nowadays, you can enjoy a delicious meal, get a couple of drinks, and catch a show. There are plenty of special events that take place at the Tudor House, too, including the dinner theater, brunch, and band showcases. See the days and times that they are open for business on their event page.
Visit Wildhaven Ranch
Wildhaven Ranch is one of the biggest animal sanctuaries and wildlife rehabilitation centers in San Bernardino. The Ranch sponsors various events throughout the year, helping to educate visitors on protecting and taking care of wildlife. You can tour the facility on the weekends as well. We highly recommend taking the private tours for an up-close and personal experience.
Enjoy A Jeep Tour
While there are many ways that Enjoy The Mountain helps people get in touch with their wild sides while visiting Lake Arrowhead, one of the most exciting ways they do so is through the Jeep Tour. You can book a private tour with the whole family and enjoy scenic views and offroad trails throughout the Lake Arrowhead region.
Go for a boat tour on the Lake Arrowhead Queen
Since Lake Arrowhead is a private lake, the easiest way to sail on the lake is visiting the Lake Arrowhead Queen. Tickets run $26.95 for the boat and historical tour along the lake.
Learn to Water Ski
One of the more fun things to do in Lake Arrowhead is water ski on the beautiful lake. McKenzie Water Ski School offers lessons all summer long and since the lake is not busy, it is the perfect place to learn to water ski. Lessons range from $50 and up depending on the type of lesson you need.
If you enjoyed our list of things to do in Lake Arrowhead, check out more fun things to do and places to visit in Southern California below!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Arrowhead
What is Better Lake Arrowhead or Big Bear
Personally, I love Lake Arrowhead. There is so much to do and the people are incredibly friendly. Big Bear does have skiing and snowboarding but is often overcrowded.
Is Lake Arrowhead worth visiting
Yes! Yes! Yes! Lake Arrowhead is one of those little finds that once you find about it, you almost don’t want to let other people know about it because it is one of Southern California’s best kept secrets
Where do you stay in Lake Arrowhead
Airbnb’s are the typical way to go. Our favorite is this cabin which is perfect for families.
If you need a ride call A+ Mountain ride service’s for a taxi to anywhere on or off the Mountain 1-909-500-2994