Things to Do at Lake Arrowhead: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Lake Arrowhead is a pine-ringed mountain lake about two hours from Los Angeles, at around 5,100 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains. The lake itself is private, but a lakeside village, boat tours and forest trails let visitors enjoy its calm water and cool air.
This guide covers the best things to do at Lake Arrowhead, 3, 5 and 7-day plans with Lake Gregory, Big Bear and the Rim of the World Highway, plus what to eat and where to stay.
Top things to see at Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead Village
Shops and restaurants on the water.
Lake Arrowhead Queen
Paddlewheel boat tour.
Heaps Peak Arboretum
Short forest loop among giant sequoias.
Lake Gregory
Public beach and boating.
SkyPark at Santa's Village
Bike park and zip lines.
Rim of the World Highway
Scenic mountain road.
Strawberry Peak
Lookout views.
Big Bear Lake
A larger resort lake nearby.
Lake Arrowhead in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Village and the lake
Start in Lake Arrowhead Village with coffee by the water, then board the Lake Arrowhead Queen for a narrated cruise past historic lakefront mansions. Have lunch on a waterside terrace. In the afternoon browse the village shops and walk the lakeside path. End with dinner and the sunset over the pines.
2Day 2 · Forest trails
Walk the Heaps Peak Arboretum loop among sequoias and ferns, then hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail or the Lake Arrowhead area trails. Have a picnic in the forest. In the afternoon drive the Rim of the World Highway to viewpoints over the valleys below, and return for a cozy dinner.
3Day 3 · Lake Gregory and Crestline
Spend the morning at Lake Gregory, where the public can swim, rent kayaks and fish. Have lunch in Crestline. In the afternoon go mountain biking or ride the zip lines at SkyPark at Santa's Village, then relax with a hot drink in the village.
Lake Arrowhead in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Big Bear Lake
Drive along the Rim of the World Highway to Big Bear Lake for its village, boat rentals and the alpine slide or ski slopes in winter. Have lunch in Big Bear Village and return in the late afternoon.
5Day 5 · Hiking and views
Hike to the fire lookout on Strawberry Peak or the Cedar Glen trails, with wide views of the mountains. Picnic on the trail and relax at your cabin or a spa in the afternoon.
Lake Arrowhead in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Winter or summer fun
In winter, go sledding and snow tubing at Snow Valley; in summer, rent a boat through a member-guest program or join a guided kayak tour. Have lunch by the water and enjoy a last sunset.
7Day 7 · Last day
Have breakfast in the village, buy local crafts and baked goods, and enjoy a farewell lunch by the lake. Ontario International Airport is about an hour away, and Los Angeles about two hours.
What to do at Lake Arrowhead on a weekend
For a weekend at Lake Arrowhead, combine the village, the Queen boat tour and the arboretum.
Add Big Bear with a third day.
What to do at Lake Arrowhead in the evening
Evenings mean lakeside dinners, firepits at the cabin, starry skies and summer concerts in the village.
Nights are cool even in summer.
Lake Arrowhead for couples
Couples will enjoy a cabin with a fireplace, a sunset cruise and a hike to a mountain lookout.
Lake Arrowhead with kids
With kids, try SkyPark, Lake Gregory's beach, sledding in winter and the boat tour.
What to eat at Lake Arrowhead
Pancakes
Mountain breakfast classic.
Fudge
From village candy shops.
Burgers
At lakeside grills.
Apple pie
From the nearby Oak Glen orchards.
Hot chocolate
For cold evenings.
Where to stay at Lake Arrowhead: best areas
Lake Arrowhead Village
Resort hotels.
Cabins
Among the pines.
Blue Jay
Close to the ice rink.
Crestline
Near Lake Gregory.
What to do at Lake Arrowhead when it rains
On rainy or snowy days, visit the village shops, a spa, the Mountain History Museum or the indoor ice rink in Blue Jay.
How much does a trip to Lake Arrowhead cost?
Expect $200–400 per night, $15–30 for lunch and about $25 for the boat tour.
Practical tips for Lake Arrowhead
Best time to visit
May to October, or December to March for snow.
Getting around
By car; the mountain roads wind.
Our practical tips
- Carry snow chains in winter.
- Book cabins early.
- Take the boat tour to see the lake.
- Bring layers.
- Check fire restrictions.
- Drive mountain roads carefully.
Mistakes to avoid
- Expecting public access to the lake.
- Driving in snow without chains.
- Weekend traffic from Los Angeles.
- Lighting fires in dry season.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do at Lake Arrowhead?
Ride the Queen boat, explore the village and hike the forest.
How many days do you need?
Two days, a week with Big Bear.
Can you swim in Lake Arrowhead?
Only members can; Lake Gregory is public.
How far is Los Angeles?
About two hours by car.