Lake Arrowhead

The drive from San Bernardino to Lake Arrowhead is a quick one—just 23 miles. But as you twist and climb from the busy valley and into the San Bernardino Mountains, then arrive at this picturesque town set on a deep-blue mountain lake, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a different world. 

What to Do at Lake Arrowhead

This lake has long been the favored escape for those seeking exclusive alpine luxury, and the lake and much of its shoreline are privately owned—with gated lakeside vacation homes to prove it.

But you don’t have to have the keys to a gated estate to visit. In summer, pitch a tent at Dogwood Campground, in the hills above Lake Arrowhead, where shaded sites, picnic tables, and direct trail access make it easy to hike, bike, or connect to the Pacific Crest Trail. Nearby North Shore Campground, tucked along Highway 173, offers quieter forest campsites close to lakeside strolls and scenic drives. Crab Flats Campground, about 15 miles away, is popular for cooler temperatures, wildflower-filled meadows, and access to high-country trails.

Relax in a rustic rental cabin—there are many of them, and some include dock and lake privileges—along with fireplaces, wraparound decks, and wooded views. Options range from cozy A-frames to multi-bedroom lodges, many within walking distance of village dining, seasonal events, and trailheads around Lake Arrowhead.

Water Fun in Lake Arrowhead

Board the Lake Arrowhead Queen paddlewheel boat for a guided tour and an exclusive peek at lakefront homes, many owned by Hollywood figures past and present. Beyond sightseeing tours, visitors can enjoy calm-water kayaking and canoeing; fishing is another popular pastime, with the lake stocked with rainbow trout and other species during the season. While public swimming access is limited, lakeside docks and rental properties with lake rights allow for refreshing dips and paddle sessions. 

Where to Shop and Eat in Lake Arrowhead

Stop in at shops in relaxed Lake Arrowhead Village, where visitors can browse Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, LeRoy’s Board Shop, Dorothy’s at the Lake Gift Shop, and Jurassic Fossils, all set along lakeside walkways. When hunger strikes, pay a visit to Belgian Waffle Works—a cozy spot situated in a Tudor Revival–style chalet overlooking Lake Arrowhead—for one of their sweet or savory house specialties. Other options include a pair of bars that serve food, Cadillac Cowboy and Lakefront Tap Room, as well as a few fast-food spots. 

Lake Arrowhead’s Wildhaven Ranch

Kids will enjoy a chance to visit with wildlife at Wildhaven Ranch, a sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of endangered and indigenous species. Book a private guided tour to meet owls, foxes, bobcats, and other native animals while learning the importance of conservation and habitat protection.

Lake Arrowhead as a Winter Getaway

Winter often means snow at Lake Arrowhead, making it an ideal season for a cozy mountain escape here. Spend afternoons snowshoeing forest trails and in the evenings, enjoy fireside dining and lakeside views, especially with a stay at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa. Treat yourself to a massage or facial at the Spa of the Pines, then settle in with hot cocoa as snowfall turns the lake into a winter postcard.