Where to Stay in Lake Arrowhead (Best Areas & Places)

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Lake Arrowhead | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ

I’m a California local and in this guide, I overview the best places to stay in Lake Arrowhead, one of my favorite mountain towns.

First-time visitors should stay in Lake Arrowhead Village to be close to the best entertainment and restaurants. Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa is my top hotel recommendation in this area since it’s family-friendly, a short walk to the village, and has great lake views.

However, there are other beautiful nearby areas for those looking to be away from the hustle and bustle of town. I’ll overview all of these spots, along with their pros and cons, so you can make the right choice.

First, here’s a quick summary of the best hotels.

Best Places to Stay in Lake Arrowhead

Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Lake Arrowhead? Here are my top picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa
• 📍 Best Location – Lake House Cabin
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel –UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge
• 👪 Best for Families – Arrowhead Lake Inn
• 💻 Best for Business – Saddleback Inn at Lake Arrowhead
• 🔔 Best Boutique – Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins
• 🏘️ Best Near Lake Arrowhead – Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa
• 🏡 Best Cabin Rental – Sprocket Hollow Treetop Cabin
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Arrowhead Tree Top Lodge

Click here to see all top Lake Arrowhead hotels or here for apartments.

Ok, let’s do a deep dive of the best areas and neighborhoods in Lake Arrowhead: 

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Lake Arrowhead

Non-locals usually picture Lake Arrowhead Village when they think of a Lake Arrowhead vacation. But Lake Arrowhead also comprises smaller surrounding mountain communities.

Lake Arrowhead Village and the Lake Arrowhead North neighborhood are the most well-known areas in town. They have a bulk of the tourist attractions and the most popular hotels.

Cedar Glen, Twin Peaks, and Blue Jay are smaller towns that are also considered districts of the Lake Arrowhead community. They’re lesser-known, but hidden gems.

Lake Arrowhead Village

👉 Best Area For Entertainment | ✨ Best Lake Arrowhead Village Hotels: Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa • Arrowhead Lake Inn • Arrowhead Tree Top Lodge • Saddleback Inn at Lake Arrowhead 

The Lake Arrowhead Village is this destination’s best place to stay, especially for first-time visitors. You’ll find top attractions and restaurants, along with several great hotels in the village. 

Munch on delicious shrimp fettuccine at Saddleback Grill or sip some beer on the shady patio at Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company.  Visit in summer to listen to the summer concert series which takes place in the heart of the village. You can buy a seated ticket or hear the rockin’ cover bands from just about anywhere.

Christmas comes alive with festive holiday cheer. Visitors can board the Northwoods Express train ride at Santa’s Village, or opt to test their ice skating skills at the Silver Bells Arena. 

Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa is one of the top accommodations in the area. It sits right on the crystalline lake and offers mountain luxury with modern architecture and a cozy ambiance. Or you could book Arrowhead Tree Top Lodge, which is my favorite Lake Arrowhead hotel. It’s also one of the most affordable in the area.

Pros of Staying in Lake Arrowhead Village:

• Close to main Lake Arrowhead activities 
• Near the top restaurants in the area
• Good accommodation options

Cons of Staying in Lake Arrowhead Village:

• It can be crowded during peak seasons
• Accommodation prices can double in the wintertime 
• It may be hard to find parking

Twin Peaks

👉 Best Area For Tranquility | ✨ Best Twin Peaks Hotels: Forest of Peace • Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins

Twin Peaks is less than 10 minutes from Lake Arrowhead. One blink and you’ll miss this tiny neighboring town nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains. Single-family homes and rental cabins take precedence along Highway 189, a windy mountain road.

Twin Peaks is the perfect option for vacationers looking for a quiet retreat away from society. Forest of Peace is the ideal rental cabin for guests who want a balcony with mountain views or have kids who will love the game room. The Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins are ideal for groups. All of the cabins are charming, and the pool is a hit in the summertime.

The pocket-sized mountain town lacks activity but makes up for it with tranquility. You won’t find much entertainment in Twin Peaks, but it’s close enough to Lake Arrowhead Village. It’s easy to get a taste of Lake Arrowhead’s bustling atmosphere before returning to your cozy cabin among the trees.

Pros of Staying in Twin Peaks:

• Guests are guaranteed a quiet night’s rest
• Little to no traffic
• Affordable prices

Cons of Staying in Twin Peaks:

• Farther from the main attractions
• Few restaurants and hotels to choose from
• Not many entertainment options

Cedar Glen

👉 Best Area For Hiking and OHV Trails | ✨ Best Cedar Glen Hotels: Lake House Cabin • Sprocket Hollow Treetop Cabin • Retro Cabin

Cedar Glen is only 10 minutes from Lake Arrowhead. Its residents are a mixture of local artists and outdoorsy mountain folk. 

This historic community was established in the 1800s. But today, Cedar Glen is known as the gateway to top hiking trails in the San Bernardino National Forest. Hop on the Pacific Crest Trail, one of the top hiking trails in California that runs throughout the whole state.  

Cedar Glen is also a hotspot for off-roading adventurers. Coxey OHV Road is a 16.4-mile road that’s perfect for truck, Jeep, and ATV owners. Pack your essentials and stay overnight on Coxey Road for an immersive mountain experience.

Lake House Cabin has one of the best views in the greater Lake Arrowhead area. It’s within driving distance of other top points of interest if camping isn’t your thing. This Retro Cabin is perfect for guests who want to lean into the woodsy and rustic feel of the area.

Pros of Staying in Cedar Glen:

• Historic mountain town
• Cozy cabin rentals
• Away from the tourist crowds

Cons of Staying in Cedar Glen:

• Farther from the Lake Arrowhead Village
• Not many kid-friendly activities in the area
• Few luxurious accommodations

Lake Arrowhead North

👉 Best Area For Luxury Accommodation | ✨ Best Lake Arrowhead North Hotels: Lake Arrowhead Mountain View • UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge • Scout’s Lakehouse Retreat

Lake Arrowhead North is a lakeside community that’s great for couples who need a romantic getaway. Stay here to enjoy the fresh air, lakeside walking trails, and lowkey atmosphere. This affluent area doesn’t have a ton of hotel options because it’s largely residential. However, it does have one of the most highly-rated options.

The most luxurious hotel in the area is UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge. The regal UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge is reminiscent of an English countryside manor. Guests can enjoy its tennis courts, yoga, fine dining restaurant, and a beach volleyball court.

Pros of Staying in Lake Arrowhead North:

• Farther from the tourist crowds of Lake Arrowhead Village
• Within driving distance of top attractions
• Has the best luxury accommodations

Cons of Staying in Lake Arrowhead North:

• Not many kid-friendly attractions
• Accommodation is expensive
• Only one hotel and restaurant in the area

Blue Jay

👉 Best Area For Family-Friendly Events | ✨ Best Blue Jay Hotels: Blue Jay Lake House • Contemporary Classic Cabin

Blue Jay is only 5 minutes west of Lake Arrowhead on Highway 189. It’s in the San Bernardino National Forest and close to some of the top hiking trails in the area.

Blue Jay is known as one of the more entertaining subsects of Lake Arrowhead, even though it only has around 2,300 residents. Bring the whole family to enjoy the shopping center, restaurants, and independent boutiques in the small town.

Blue Jay also has a variety of fun seasonal events like the Lake Arrowhead Film Festival each May and the Blue Jay Jazz Festival in August. People who love holiday festivities won’t want to miss the Blue Jay Christmas Parade.

Blue Jay is heavy on rental properties. Check out the Contemporary Classic Cabin, which is clean, cozy, and has plenty of space for large families!

Pros of Staying in Blue Jay:

• Fun seasonal events
• Close to the main Lake Arrowhead attractions
• Quieter than surrounding Arrowhead communities

Cons of Staying in Blue Jay:

• No hotels to choose from, only rental cabins
• Lean on the restaurant choices
• Right along the highway

Tips for Staying in Lake Arrowhead

Reserve Lake Arrowhead Hotels Months in Advance

Last-minute Lake Arrowhead accommodations are usually double the price. Reserve your hotel or rental months in advance for a more budget-friendly price.

Know When to Go

I recommend visiting Lake Arrowhead during the non-winter months unless you’re prepared for heavy snow. Arrowhead snow usually doesn’t thaw until late spring. Visit in summer or fall for more manageable weather.

Hit the Hiking Trails

Some of the coolest hikes in California are in the San Bernardino Mountains. Luckily, they’re easily accessible from Lake Arrowhead. Make sure to pack the hiking essentials and hit the trails.

FAQs About Where to Stay in Lake Arrowhead

Which area of Lake Arrowhead is best?

Lake Arrowhead Village is the best area to visit. It’s close to all the top attractions. Cedar Glen and Blue Jay are smaller nearby neighborhoods that are ideal places for mountain solitude.

Is it better to stay in Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead?

It is better to stay in Big Bear if you want to hit the ski slopes in winter. Lake Arrowhead is a great option for escaping the bustle of city life for a quiet retreat.

Is Lake Arrowhead worth visiting?

Lake Arrowhead is worth visiting. It’s a top California mountain town that’s not overcrowded and has plenty of fun things to do year-round.

What is the best month to go to Lake Arrowhead?

June through September are the best months to go to Lake Arrowhead for warm weather. December through March are the best times to visit Lake Arrowhead for a cozy winter experience.

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These are the best places to stay in Lake Arrowhead. I’m certain you’ll have a perfect getaway whether you choose one of the hotels in Lake Arrowhead or opt for a cabin rental. 

Want other ideas for staying in the San Bernardino area? Check out my guide on where to stay in Big Bear, a neighboring California mountain town.