It’s crazy how many amazing places within driving distance I have yet to experience in California. Just last year, at the beginning of the pandemic, I retreated to a gorgeous cliffside A-frame home tucked in the pines with a breathtaking view of Lake Arrowhead. With everything shut down, there was no exploring the restaurants and shops that make up the many small businesses of the area, and so I familiarized myself with the natural surroundings instead. This time was different. Things are very much open, and I was pleasantly surprised by the thriving scene in town. Here’s where to eat, play, and stay in Lake Arrowhead. 

STAY

Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa: Travis and I checked into Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa for a two-day getaway that was very much needed. The great thing about a hotel stay is that there is so much to offer in one space: restaurants, a spa, pools, etc. We had a massive suite complete with a fireplace, wet bar, and large dining area. The room overlooked the lake, and the quaint balcony allowed us to get some fresh air and enjoy the sounds of nature.

play

Get to the beach! While the lake is private, staying at hotels or rentals with membership access is the way to go. Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa has its own private beach right on the lake. There are other beach access locations that are accessible with a membership as well. But your best bet for getting up close and personal with the lake is getting on it. The resort had a boat tour, allowing us to hop on a pontoon with our own personal boat captain and take in the views and history of the area. 

If you have access to the lake, a walk around it is absolutely beautiful. The morning fog on our visit was so perfectly moody. Otherwise, surrounding hikes are plentiful. The famous Pacific Crest trail runs through the town, and is accessed by Hook Creek Road in Cedar Glen.

Lake Arrowhead Village is minutes from the resort we stayed at, and a quick walk on foot brought us to a lively town center filled with restaurants and shops — most offering lake views. 

SkyPark: Adventure for the whole family can be found at SkyPark. A forested park in the mountains, there’s biking trails, zip lining, a bouldering room, climbing tower, ax throwing station, and so much more. 

Eat + Drink

Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company: I was incredibly impressed by the food and drink offerings in Lake Arrowhead. Right next to our resort, there’s the fairly new Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company. The brewery is as much about the scenery as it is about its award-winning beer. Located in a converted warehouse, the brewery offers stunning views of the lake from the seating areas within, while the backyard setup is a frenzy of tables and games beneath the pines. 

The Grapevine: This is THE place for good vibes, good views, and good eats. An unassuming frontage smack dab in the village, The Grapevine is at first sight a retail wine shop that opens up into a full blown restaurant and bar. Move past the bustling tables and the outdoor deck entices with views of the sparkling blue lake. Brunch, lunch, beers on tap and ridiculously fun wine tasting towers brought to your table make you stay (and drink) for longer than you planned. Take it all in. It’s worth it. 

Stonecreek Bistro: Just outside Lake Arrowhead proper, in a quaint town called Blue Jay, Stonecreek Bistro is one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to. Yes, you heard that right. I’ve been to the fanciest, the quaintest, the off-the-beaten-path types, and everything in between, and Stonecreek is UP THERE. It’s a tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant that looks like nothing special from the outside, yet once you walk in you’ve been transformed into a European delight with moody lighting, rustic decor, and specialties written on a chalkboard. Get the seared scallops. Thank me later. 

Have you been to Lake Arrowhead? I’d love to here your recommendations. Comment below.

Exploring life's many facets one glass of wine, pair of heels, and yoga class at a time.

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