Lake Arrowhead Park
A picturesque mountain escape with a charming village, scenic lake views, and family fun at SkyPark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, stunning foliage
Lake Arrowhead Park
Best Time
Crisp air, stunning foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque mountain escape with a charming village, scenic lake views, and family fun at SkyPark.
"Beautiful lake with amazing Mountain View’s. The beach is closed for people and dogs due to algae blooms but you can kayak and fish."
🚗 Scenic Drive is Key
The drive to Lake Arrowhead is beautiful, especially from LA. Enjoy the winding roads!
🍕 Pizza Perfection
Don't miss Lou Eddie's Pizza! It's a local favorite and highly recommended for its delicious pies.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Arrowhead Village
Lakeside
Charming shops, eateries, and scenic lake views. Perfect for a leisurely stroll and ice cream.
SkyPark at Santa's Village
Near Lake Arrowhead
A magical theme park with rides, shows, and holiday cheer year-round. Great for families!
Lou Eddie's Pizza
Skyforest
Highly-rated pizza spot with delicious pies and cozy mountain vibes. A must-try!
Hiking Trails
San Bernardino National Forest
Explore scenic paths with mountain and forest views. Trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead Access & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Scenic Drive is Key
The drive to Lake Arrowhead is beautiful, especially from LA. Enjoy the winding roads!
🍕 Pizza Perfection
Don't miss Lou Eddie's Pizza! It's a local favorite and highly recommended for its delicious pies.
👨👩👧 Family Fun at SkyPark
SkyPark at Santa's Village offers year-round activities for all ages, including ice skating and shows.
🎣 Fishing & Boating Passes
Purchase affordable yearly passes for fishing and boating if you plan to visit often.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Scenic Drive is Key
The drive to Lake Arrowhead is beautiful, especially from LA. Enjoy the winding roads!
🍕 Pizza Perfection
Don't miss Lou Eddie's Pizza! It's a local favorite and highly recommended for its delicious pies.
👨👩👧 Family Fun at SkyPark
SkyPark at Santa's Village offers year-round activities for all ages, including ice skating and shows.
🎣 Fishing & Boating Passes
Purchase affordable yearly passes for fishing and boating if you plan to visit often.
🚶♀️ Lakeside Strolls
Enjoy a walk around the lake on the well-maintained trails, about 1.7 miles long and shady.
☕ Cozy Coffee Stops
Discover charming local coffee shops like Lulu Belles for a warm drink and a cozy atmosphere.
🏕️ Camping Options
Several campgrounds like Dogwood and Green Valley offer great camping experiences in the surrounding forest.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lake Arrowhead for its beautiful mountain scenery, charming village, and family-friendly attractions like SkyPark. The affordable fishing and boating passes are a great value. However, some note that the lake is private and swimming is restricted, and restroom facilities could be improved.
"Nice park near Luray. People can walk, sit and have lunches and also fish. Restroom does not have water faucet and soap; it would be great to have water to wash hand after using the restroom. We didn't use it since there was no water. 4 stars for that, otherwise, it would be 5 stars."
R K
"Beautiful lake with amazing Mountain View’s. The beach is closed for people and dogs due to algae blooms but you can kayak and fish"
Awesome Pursuit
"Nice charming spot!
During our trip to Luray Caverns, we visited this park. With Shenandoah Mountains in the backdrop, we strolled along the lake's natural trail. This park also provides recreational options like fishing, swimming, little beach area with a place to launch canoes and kayaks. When visiting Luray, your itinerary can have this natural landscape."
Debashri Manna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Arrowhead is about a 1.5-hour scenic drive from Los Angeles. The drive itself is beautiful, with winding roads through the mountains.
Public transport options to Lake Arrowhead are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the area.
The most direct route typically involves taking the I-10 E to CA-210 E, then transitioning to CA-330 N towards Running Springs, and finally following signs for Lake Arrowhead.
Parking is available in Lake Arrowhead Village and at various trailheads and parks. Arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended to secure a spot.
The roads can be winding and steep. During winter, check road conditions and be prepared for potential snow or ice, especially if traveling to higher elevations. An Adventure Pass may be required for parking in some forest areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lake Arrowhead Park itself is generally free to enter for general recreation. However, specific attractions like SkyPark at Santa's Village require tickets for entry and activities.
You can purchase a yearly fishing pass for a very affordable price, around $7, which is a great deal if you plan to fish often.
While the lake is private, public access points like Peninsula Park offer beach access and recreational activities. There might be parking fees at some locations.
SkyPark at Santa's Village has varied hours depending on the season and day of the week. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
An Adventure Pass may be required for parking at certain trailheads and recreational areas within the San Bernardino National Forest.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking on scenic trails, fishing, kayaking, and visiting the charming Lake Arrowhead Village with its shops and restaurants. SkyPark at Santa's Village offers theme park fun.
The lake is private, and swimming is generally not permitted for the public. However, some public access points like Peninsula Park have beach areas where you can relax by the water.
Yes, the San Bernardino National Forest surrounding Lake Arrowhead offers numerous hiking trails for all skill levels, providing beautiful mountain and forest views.
While some areas might allow dogs on leashes, it's important to check specific park regulations. Algae blooms can sometimes restrict access for pets.
Kayaking or fishing are great ways to enjoy the lake. The walking path around the lake offers lovely views and a pleasant stroll.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Lake Arrowhead Village offers various dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants. Lou Eddie's Pizza is a highly recommended spot for delicious pizza.
Yes, you can find cozy local coffee shops like Lulu Belles, offering unique drinks and a charming atmosphere.
Many restaurants in Lake Arrowhead Village cater to families. Lou Eddie's Pizza and places offering ice cream in the village are popular choices.
Picnic areas are available in various parks, such as MacKay Park, which offers beautiful views and barbeque facilities.
Given the mountain setting, comfort food like pizza and hearty meals are popular. Local cafes also offer lighter fare and coffee.
📸 📸 Photography
The Lake Arrowhead Village, scenic overlooks of the lake, and the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest offer stunning photographic opportunities. MacKay Park provides great views.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Fall foliage also provides vibrant colors.
SkyPark at Santa's Village, especially during the holiday season, offers whimsical and festive photo opportunities. The 'Twilight vibes' wedding venue can also be photogenic.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for landscapes and village shots. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the mountains, and a telephoto can be good for wildlife.
Yes, you can take photos of the lake from public access points and viewpoints around the village. Remember that the lake itself is private property.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏕️ Budget Travelers & Campers
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring SkyPark at Santa's Village
The park is meticulously themed, creating an immersive atmosphere that transports visitors into a winter wonderland. From the festive decorations to the engaging shows and character meet-and-greets, every detail is crafted to enhance the magical experience. It's a place where children can write letters to Santa, watch elves at work, and enjoy the thrill of holiday-themed attractions. The combination of entertainment and natural beauty makes it a standout destination in the Lake Arrowhead area.
Camping and Outdoor Adventures
Beyond traditional camping, the area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails abound, catering to various fitness levels, from leisurely strolls to more challenging treks. Kayaking and fishing are popular activities on the lake, with affordable yearly passes available for frequent visitors. The scenic beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains provides a stunning backdrop for all these adventures, making Lake Arrowhead a prime destination for anyone seeking an escape into the great outdoors.
Dining Delights in Lake Arrowhead
The Lake Arrowhead Village is a hub for dining, featuring a variety of restaurants and sweet shops. Visitors can enjoy ice cream at places like Village Ice Cream Sweet Shoppe or find diverse meal options to suit any palate. Many of these establishments offer picturesque views, enhancing the dining experience. For a more casual outing, picnic areas are available in parks like MacKay Park, equipped with barbeques for a delightful outdoor meal.
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