20 Things To Do In Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead is around 80 miles (128 km) from Los Angeles making it the perfect weekend getaway and a fantastic destination for outdoor pursuits, shopping, dining and just relaxing in the Californian sun. If you are searching for the best things to do in Lake Arrowhead then you have come to the right place. These 20 Lake Arrowhead activities will help you plan your trip to this amazing community.

Lake Arrowhead, California

20 Things To Do In Lake Arrowhead

1- Visit Lake Arrowhead Village

Lake Arrowhead Village is the main part of town and an array buzzing with shopping, entertainment and dining.

You can’t miss out on taking a stroll around Lake Arrowhead Village as there’s plenty to see and the village is also where many special events take place.

There are experiences and activities for the whole family like the chocolate factory, art shops, and top-notch food.

Lake Arrowhead Village is at 28200 CA-189, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352.

Recommended tours:

• Lively Lake Arrowhead Scavenger Hunt
• Private Big Bear Lake Jeep Tour with Light Lunch

2- See The Stars At The Mountain Skies Astronomical Society

Away from the bright lights of Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead offers a wonderful place for stargazing and there’s no place better than the Mountain Skies Astronomical Society Astronomy Village.

You can check out their free public astronomy viewing nights at the Astronomy Village.

The village has several large high-powered telescopes which will provide you with excellent insight to the incredible solar system.

If you are a stargazing novice then the Astronomical Society offers presentations on planets and constellations.

Mountain Skies Astronomical Society is at 2001 Observatory Way, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352.

3- Hang Out At Lollipop Park

The charmingly named Lollipop Park is within Lake Arrowhead Village.

It’s a great place for kids and families, with train rides, a carousel, bumper cars and even a pirate ship.

There are also fun and confusing distorted mirrors and a mini golf.

There’s also a wonderful candy store.

Lollipop Park is at 28200 CA-189, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352.

4- Take Boat Cruise

You can’t head to Lake Arrowhead without taking a cruise on the water.

The Lake Arrowhead Queen is a historic white paddle-wheel boat that offers visitors hour-long cruises.

While aboard the boat you will learn about the history of the lake as well as the movies (Parent Trap and The American President) that were filmed there.

Purchase tickets for your cruise at LeRoy’s Boardshop in Lake Arrowhead Village.

They offer weekday tours four times a day as well as more frequent weekend trips.

LeRoy’s is at 28200 CA-189 c100, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352.

5- Learn Something New At The Mountain History Museum

The Mountain History Museum is small but packed with plenty of fun things to see.

At the museum you can learn more about Native American heritage while learning how early settlers built their homes.

The area was also known for logging and as the home of the rich and famous.

You can learn all about Lake Arrowheads history at this museum.

Visiting this museum is also one of the best free things to do in Lake Arrowhead.

The Mountain History Museum is at 27176 Peninsula Dr, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352.

6- Enjoy Water Activities on Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead is an excellent place to visit for all those who love water sports.

There are a plethora of water sports to try like boating, fishing and sailing.

You can also take out water-skis, wakeboards and kneeboards.

There are kayaking rentals and guided tours in single or tandem kayaks and you can also swim in designated swimming areas.

7- Drive The Rim of the World Scenic Byway

California is well known for Highway 1 but Southern California is also home to the beautiful San Bernardino County Rim of the World Scenic Drive.

This scenic byway starts at Cajon Pass on State Highway 138 and is situated between the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains.

Though you may not drive the whole route you can definitely take some pitstops along the way and appreciate the endless vantage points and valley scenery.

8- Enjoy Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is just a short drive from Lake Arrowhead and it is well worth visiting.

Big Bear Lake is actually a small city on the banks of the lake by the same name.

It is a popular winter destination and Bear Mountain is an excellent ski destination with learner slopes and terrain parks.

After seeing the lake or hitting the slopes check out the many gift shops, cafes and restaurants that can be found in Big Bear Lake Village.

9- See Wildlife At Wild Haven Ranch

Wild Haven Ranch is a non-profit organization just outside of Lake Arrowhead in Cedar Glen

The ranch has a wildlife sanctuary and an education and visitation center and they protect endangered and indigenous animals.

This is an excellent Lake Arrowhead attraction, especially for kids.

You can expect to see black bears, racoons, coyotes, golden eagles, bald eagles, vultures, deer and bobcats.

View these beautiful creatures and learn more about them at Wild Haven.

Wild Haven Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is at 29453 Pineridge Dr, Cedar Glen, CA 92321.

10- See The Tudor House

In 1928 Benjamin Siegel opened Tudor House as a speakeasy and casino.

The main activities that happened at the Tudor House are somewhat mysterious with not many people knowing exactly what went on behind closed doors.

Today the venue is no longer a casino or mobster house, instead it’s home to a restaurant and hosts many events.

It’s a good idea to check out the event calendar for the Tudor House ahead of your visit to Lake Arrowhead.

Tudor House is at 800 Arrowhead Villa Rd, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352.

11- Have Fun At SkyPark at Santa’s Village

For more family fun be sure to check out SkyPark at Santa’s Village.

Whether you visit in summer or winter there are plenty of things to see and do at Santa’s Village.

Despite it being a year-round destination, you just beat visiting SkyPark during the festive period.

Between November and January this place comes to life with festive joy.

Winter activities include ice skating at Silver Bells Arena, visiting Santa at his grotto, craft and cookie decorating with Santa’s elves.

SkyPark at Santa’s Village is at 28950 CA-18, Skyforest, CA 92385.

12- Hike The Heart Rock Trail

If you are looking for hiking opportunities in Lake Arrowhead then how about hitting the 1.3-mile Heart Rock loop trail.

The trail is named because of the heart-shaped rock formations.

The hike is relatively short but it’s beautiful and scenic.

The heart rock formation is at the end of the trail and there’s also a 25-foot (7 m) waterfall to see too.

The waterfall is however, usually visible during the spring when there has been rainfall.

The Heart Rock Trail starts on the Forest Service Road 2NO3 around ¼ mile (0.4km) south of the entrance to Camp Seeley on Highway 138.

13- Visit McKay Recreational Park

McKay Recreational Park is a wonderful place to relax with family and friends.

McKay Park is the only public park in Lake Arrowhead.

There’s a fantastic deck in the park where you can take in the views of the village as well as Papoose Lake.

Take a gentle meandering stroll along the pathways or picnic on the grassy areas.

There’s a large gazebo and a place for barbecuing if you fancy too.

Kids will love the playground as there’s a mini climbing wall, a zip line, swings and a jungle gym.

There’s also volleyball and basketball too.

McKay Recreational Park is at 321 Rouse Ranch Rd, San Bernardino, CA 92402.

14- Unleash Your Creativity At The Mountain Arts Network and Gallery

The Mountain Arts Network is a local co-op gallery and it’s well worth a visit.

The network hosts a number of workshops and events for the public in order to embrace art and allow people to learn more about different mediums.

You can try things like acting, painting and crafting as well as view some excellent locally made pieces in the gallery.

Mountain Arts Network and Gallery is at 28200 CA-189, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352.

15- Visit Heaps Peak Arboretum And Hike The Sequoia Trail

Heaps Peak Arboretum is around 10 minutes’ drive outside of Lake Arrowhead and it’s an excellent place to visit.

There are a wonderful variety of plants and trees that are native to the San Bernardino Mountains of California.

There are also some non-native species like blue spruce and buddleia.

The Sequoia Trail is a one-mile (1.6 km) trail that provides visitors with an excellent and easy route to see beautiful trees and vistas.

Heaps Peak Arboretum is at 29358 Rim of the World Hwy #18, Skyforest, CA 92385.

16- Enjoy Summer Concerts in Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead is a beautiful setting for many of Southern California’s outdoor music events.

The Lake Arrowhead Concert Series is a free musical series that runs between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend.

The concert is usually held at the Lake Arrowhead Village and people of all ages can enjoy the music on offer.

From Fleetwood Mac and Elton John tributes to real rock and roll bands there’s something for every music lover out there.

Plan ahead and book your tickets in advance as shows can sell out fast.

There are always a variety of ticketing options from standard tickets to VIP.

17- Taste Craft Beer At Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company

After a day of exploring Lake Arrowhead why not head to their very own brewing company.

The Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company is the area’s very first craft brewery.

A little off the beaten path, this brew company is in a scenic lakeside destination inside a converted warehouse.

You can head to their tasting room seven days a week to sample some awesome beverages and some top-notch fresh food.

Their tap beers change regularly as well as featuring local permanent favourites.

They have plenty of their own craft beers as well as some other American ales.

Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company is at 329 Villa, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352.

18- Go Mountain Biking

Lake Arrowhead and the surrounding area is a fab place for mountain biking.

The Rim Nordic Ski Area (in summer) is a wonderful area for bikers and it’s around 20 minute’s drive from Lake Arrowhead.

The trail system at Rim Nordic Ski Area is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and they also offer rentals there.

Closer to home there is SkyPark where there are a myriad of trails for beginners to advanced riders.

You can also rent bikes here or indeed bring your own.

19- Discover Jurassic Fossils

Jurassic Fossils is a wonderful place for budding geologists and collectors to visit.

This fossil shop has plenty of exciting dinosaur related items as well as gemstones.

There’s a dedicated crystal room that’s brimming with positive energy.

There are artifacts from all over the world.

Owners Kelly and Robert are palaeontologists themselves so they are super helpful and able to answer any questions you may have.

Though it is undoubtedly a fossil shop it’s more like a museum with so many fascinating things to see.

But remember to keep your hands to yourself you can only touch once you’ve bought!

Jurassic Fossils is at 28200 CA-189, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352.

20- Go Skiing and Snowboarding At Snow Valley Mountain Resort

The Snow Valley Mountain Resort is just a 25-minute drive outside of Lake Arrowhead.

If you are visiting Lake Arrowhead in winter be sure to add a couple of days onto your trip for some awesome skiing and snowboarding.

Snow Valley is southern California’s oldest continually operating ski resort.

It is one of four resorts in the area and stands at 6,000 feet (1828 m) above sea level.

If you are a beginner skier or snowboarder you will be right at home on the slopes of Snow Valley.

They also offer ski and snowboarding lessons for both adults and kids.

There is also a sledding area that can be accessed via a chairlift.

The sledding area finds children and adults having a ton of joyous fun hurtling down the white powder.

Snow Valley Mountain Resort is at 35100 CA-18 Suite A, Running Springs, CA 92382.

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