22 Best Things to Do in Lake Arrowhead

👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Sites & Attractions | Outdoor Adventures | Food & Drink | Winter Activities

With so many fun things to do in Lake Arrowhead, you’ll want to book a cozy cabin and stay a while. Lake Arrowhead is one of my favorite day trip destinations due to its selection of hiking trails, breweries and bars, and fun outdoor summer concerts.

As a Southern California local who only lives an hour from Lake Arrowhead, I’ve made countless trips to the mountain town throughout the years. It may be a private lake, but there is still plenty for guests to do.

If you’re visiting from out of town, be sure to check out our guide to where to stay in Lake Arrowhead. Now let’s jump in!

22 Best Things to Do in Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead Queen

Boat around Lake Arrowhead with a guided tour, the only way to do so on a residents-only lake.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 336-6992 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: $34.95 adults, $32.95 senior (65+), $24.95 child ages 2-11, free under 2 

Lake Arrowhead may be a private lake reserved for residents, but you can still have some lake fun! Take a boat tour with the Lake Arrowhead Queen to explore the ins and outs of the lake and learn about Lake Arrowhead real estate.

This is the perfect afternoon activity for the whole family, especially in the summer when the cool lake wind hits just right. Big parties can even reserve a private charter for special events and can host both dance parties and dinner parties.

Lake Arrowhead Village

Shop from local boutiques right on the Lake Arrowhead waterfront.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 337-2533 | Website | Entrance: Free

The German-style architecture of Lake Arrowhead Village is reason enough to visit the quaint mountain town.

Lake Arrowhead is one of the most popular California mountain towns, thanks to its exciting array of restaurants and boutiques.

You can catch fun seasonal events in the Village, like the Oktoberfest celebrations and an annual village bonfire each December.

My favorite restaurants in Lake Arrowhead Village include Papagayos Mexican Food and Lake Arrowhead Pizza — both of which I always conclude with some sweets from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

👉Local Tip: Can’t find affordable accommodation in Lake Arrowhead? Check out these other places to stay in the Inland Empire, and make your lake day just a day trip.

Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail

While most other trails in the area are a walk in the park, the Pinnacles Trail is sure to give you a good workout.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free 

No trip to the mountains is complete without hitting the hiking trails. However, because Arrowhead Pinnacles Trail is 4.6 miles round-trip and has nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain, this trail isn’t for the faint of heart.

Technically located just outside Lake Arrowhead, this trail is the perfect alternative to switch up a lazy mountain retreat. Be sure to download an offline map, however, as the trail can be difficult to follow at times. I use either Gaia or All Trails.

Downtown Concerts

Catch your favorite classic rock cover band on the Lake Arrowhead outdoor stage, one of the highlights of summer here.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 337-2533 | Website | Entrance: prices vary per event

Summer is my favorite time to visit Lake Arrowhead for the concert series alone. The great thing about this outdoor venue is that you can hear the music from just about anywhere in the village!

The concert series specializes in classic rock tribute bands. I’ve personally seen Led Zeppelin and Neil Young cover bands perform at the Arrowhead stage. Other past performers have included Tom Petty, Bruno Mars, Johnny Cash, and Foo Fighters cover bands.

Rim of the World Scenic Byway Drive

Don’t forget to look out the window as you drive up the Rim of the World Scenic Byway.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 382-2790 | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free

The Rim of the World Scenic Drive is one of the most picturesque roads in the area and one of my favorite things to do in San Bernardino County. Drive slow, and stop often for pictures!

I recommend eating at Hortencias on the way up. This Mexican food restaurant has one of the best views around, right on the edge of a scenic cliff overlook.

Sites & Attractions

Mountain History Museum

Learn more about the history of the area, including fun facts about the local flora and fauna and information on the first settlers in the area.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 744-8625 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 4 pm Fri; 10:30 am – 4:30 pm Sat & Sun | Entrance: Free

The Mountain History Museum is one of Lake Arrowhead’s best free things to do. Learn about the local history of the area, including information on the Lake Arrowhead Dam, the building of the village, and the Native people and early settlers of the area. 

You can also venture into the trenches of the underworld with a Lake Arrowhead Tunnel Tour from the Mountain History Museum. A $35 annual membership fee is required for this experience, however. 

Tudor House

Dine while being wildly entertained at this dinner theater that hosts open karaoke, jazz quartets, and other theater performances.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 336-5000 | Website | Hours: Dinner service: 5:30 – 9 pm | Entrance: Free

Visit the Tudor House dinner theater for a fun night out in Lake Arrowhead. This is one of my favorite things to do in the Inland Empire, on account of the fun array of live entertainment.

The Tudor House typically opens its doors for dinner shows, but you’ll have to check the calendar to see what’s on. Past events at the Tudor House have included a champagne buffet brunch, speakeasy jazz nights, karaoke nights, and a “Dracula!” live performance.

The Tudor House is only 6 minutes from Lake Arrowhead Village, but you may want to order a rideshare so you can enjoy the full bar experience.

Lake Arrowhead Country Club

Try your luck at the 18-hole championship golf course at Lake Arrowhead Country Club – you don’t even have to be a member.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 337-2441 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 3 pm Mon-Wed; 11 am – 7 pm Thu; 11 am – 7:30 pm Fri; 9 am – 7:30 pm Sat; 9 am – 3 pm Sun | Entrance: Prices vary

Hitting the 18-hole championship golf course is the best way to experience Lake Arrowhead Country Club. Unlike many country clubs, this golf course isn’t reserved for members only — there are a few public tee times available.

Golfing on the scenic forest course is one of the best outdoor activities to do in the area, but book an early tee time to avoid backed-up weekend crowds.

Mountain Arts Gallery

Browse local mountain art and support local artists at this quaint gallery.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (575) 257-9748 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free 

Support local artists at the Mountain Arts Gallery! This art store & museum is a great stop for both art collectors and appreciators alike. The establishment is housed in a lakefront location in Lake Arrowhead Village and hosts a wide variety of work from local artists.

Lake Arrowhead Resort

Stay at this all-inclusive resort right on the water and gain non-local beach access.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 336-1511 | Website | Entrance: Prices start at $130 per night

The Lake Arrowhead Resort has a lakefront location and offers an all-inclusive experience to its resort guests. Guests also have access to a private Lake Arrowhead beach, a deciding factor when visiting the otherwise private lake. 

You can still receive spa treatment even if you aren’t staying at the Lake Arrowhead Resort. Pop in and inquire about couples’ massages, mani-pedis, and more!

🛌Can’t pay to stay? Luckily, Lake Arrowhead is an easy day trip from Los Angeles.

Wildhaven Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

A wildlife refuge that nurses native San Bernardino Mountain fauna and engages the public in informative events.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 337-7389 | Website | Hours: 12:45 – 3 pm Saturdays only | Entrance: prices vary per event

The Wildhaven Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a non-profit organization in Lake Arrowhead. This wildlife sanctuary is an educational rehabilitation center for endangered animals of the San Bernardino Mountains. 

Visitors can drop in on Saturdays, but a reservation is required to visit any time outside of their open hours. The sanctuary is also open for special events like Bear Watch & Eagle Talk, Paws ‘N Claws, or a custom Wildlife Private Tour.

Outdoor Adventures

Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout

No hike is required to reach incredible heights at this lookout tower. You can even see the Mojave Desert from the top!

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 382-2790 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free

The small town of Twin Peaks, to the west of Lake Arrowhead, is home to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout. You can drive right up to this lookout, which offers some of the best views of the San Bernardino Valley and neighboring desert areas.

Visitors can opt to climb three stories of stairs to have a high, clear view of the San Bernardino Mountains. You can even see nearby Mount Baldy, one of the best hikes in Southern California.

Lake Gregory Regional Park

Once you’ve had your fun on Lake Arrowhead, experience the fun of other alpine lakes in the area like Crestline’s Lake Gregory.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 338-2233 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $15 for a GA beach pass

After you’ve explored Lake Arrowhead via the Lake Arrowhead Queen, take a short, 15-20-minute drive over to Lake Gregory Regional Park in Crestline. 

Rent an E-bike and tour around the perimeter of the lake or shimmy into your bathing suit and go for a dip. Boat tours, water slides, and water toys also await at Lake Gregory, making this outing a fun destination for all. 

🛎️ Looking for a Place to Stay? Crestline has some affordable house rentals just outside Lake Arrowhead. Browse these cool Crestline rentals and save big time on accommodation!

Mountain Biking at Skypark

Put your mountain biking skills to the test on the tracks and ramps of the mountain biking park.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 4 – 9 pm Fri; 10 am – 6 pm Sat; 10 am – 5 pm Sun | Entrance: $49 park entrance fee

The Bike Park at SkyPark is the coolest place for mountain bikers in the Lake Arrowhead area. Here, two-wheelers can “hero dirt with epic views” on the man-made ramps underneath a canopy of pines. 

A ton of single-track mountain biking trails also line the park. Additionally, mountain biking novices are invited to take part in bike demos and bike lessons on any day of the week. Who says having single-track fun is only for professionals?

Sawmill Road Loop Trail

This quick trail is the perfect hike to complete with pets or small children.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours | Entrance: Free 

The Sawmill Road Loop Trail is a 2.8-mile hike in San Bernardino National Forest. I love hitting this trail in the early morning with my dogs because I can start and finish it before meeting friends at Lake Arrowhead Village for lunch.

Keep in mind that an Adventure Pass is required to park at most Lake Arrowhead trails. You can purchase these for a low fee of $5 from the visitor center if you don’t already have an annual Forest Service pass. National Park passes (America the Beautiful) typically work, but I’d double-check with a ranger just in case.

Heaps Peak Arboretum

Explore protected local flora at this peaceful oasis.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 7 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: $5 per day, $30 annual pass 

Heaps Peak Arboretum is a haven for native trees, shrubs, flowers, and wildlife of the San Bernardino Mountains. What started out as a reforestation project after a wildfire in 1922 has since blossomed into one of the most abundant arboretums in the Southern California mountain region.

The 30-acre site includes many accessible-friendly walking paths. It’s the perfect place to unwind for a while with a good book and a picnic. 

Big Bear Lake

Arrowhead’s neighboring mountain town has it all, from a downtown shopping area to hiking trails to beautiful beaches.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 424-4232 | Website | Entrance: Free

Big Bear Lake is tied with Lake Arrowhead for the most popular Southern California mountain town. The two destinations are just 45 minutes from each other, making Big Bear an ideal day trip destination.

There are tons of things to do in Big Bear, so you can easily fill a whole day walking around the lake, doing water sports, or swimming! This lake is open to the public, after all.

Additionally, Big Bear has fun mountain hikes like the Pine Knot Trail and Castle Rock Trail, both of which are dog-friendly and have been tested out (and approved) by my hiking pups.

👉 Read Next: Big Bear vs Lake Arrowhead Compared

Food & Drink

Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company

Get to know the local flavors of Lake Arrowhead with a trip to this lakeside brewery.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 744-8322 | Website | Hours: 12 – 8 pm Mon-Fri; 11 am-8 pm Sat; 11 am-7 pm Sun | Entrance: Free 

Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company is one of my favorite places to hang out with friends over 21. Not only is this one of the best places to meet locals and taste local mountain hops, but the brewery also has fun in-house games and events, like Brewfest.

The brewery welcomes families and dogs, allows outside food, and even has occasional food pop-ups. I typically order the Flatlander Blonde, but the Mile High IPA and Blueberry Lemonade sour beers are other top choices.

Dogwood Tavern

Eat delicious food, order your favorite drink, and challenge your friends to fun bar games at this local hole-in-the-wall tavern.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 744-9841 | Website | Hours: 3 pm – 12 am Mon-Wed; 3 pm – 2 am Thu-Sat; 10 am – 12 am Sun | Entrance: Free

The Dogwood Tavern is another favorite local hangout in Lake Arrowhead. Order your beer from the wooden bar then head over to the game section for pool tables, Pac-Man, or the punching bag arcade game.

Dogwood Tavern is located in Blue Jay, only 5 minutes from the village. The rustic cabin tavern offers quite a variety of bar food and drinks on tap. I like to order the Crispy Dill Pickle Chips and the Dogwood Veggie Burger, but there are plenty of carnivorous options as well.

Sycamore Ranch Winery

Delve into the local flavors of the surrounding mountains at the only winery around town.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 338-1725 | Website | Hours: 1 – 5 pm Fri; 11 am – 5 pm Sat & Sun 

Take a day trip to the neighboring mountain town of Crestline to go wine tasting on a sunny afternoon among the pines. Book a session in the tasting room at Sycamore Ranch Winery to try local flavors with a view! 

My favorite selections are the Sycamore Ranch cabernets, but the white wines are also a fan favorite. Not a fan of wine? Don’t worry, this winery also offers ciders!

Winter Activities

Santa’s Village

Christmas magic is best experienced at Santa’s Village, complete with live holiday shows, charismatic characters, and an ice skating rink.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (909) 744-9373 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 9 pm Fri; 10 am-6 pm Sat; 10 am-5 pm Sun | Entrance: prices vary per day 

Lake Arrowhead transforms into a winter wonderland in the winter months. The lake sits at an impressive 5,000 feet above sea level and regularly sees winter snow, making the experience at Santa’s Village even more magical.

Your little ones will love the Northwoods Express train ride and Santa’s Workshop and Post Office, where they can send their very own letters to the North Pole. In addition, the whole family can enjoy the wintertime ice skating rink at the Lake Arrowhead Village, the interactive Christmas characters, and live entertainment.

Big Bear Mountain Resort

This well-known ski resort is only a 45-minute drive from Lake Arrowhead. 

📍Google Maps | Phone: (844) 462-2327 | Website | Entrance: Lift tickets start at $89

Neighboring Big Bear Lake is home to one of the best ski resorts in California — Big Bear Mountain Resort! Just 45 minutes from Lake Arrowhead, this is a great winter activity for those who are willing to drive a little further. 

Bear Mountain has plenty of runs for skiers, snowboarders, and sledders alike. It has a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain. 

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Thanks for reading my guide to the top things to do in Lake Arrowhead! For more fun in the Golden State, check out my article on the best places to visit in California.