Road Trip Weekend: San Diego to Lake Arrowhead

Author Marty Rubin once said, “Travel doesn’t become an adventure until you leave yourself behind.” Lake Arrowhead, California is just the place to do that. Often referred to as the Alps of as though we entered a resorts. Resort and Spa. Guests have direct access to the private lake, stunning views, a private beach area, an facility. wood accents and stunning views of the San Bernardino National Forest landscape and Lake Arrowhead. Slumber comes easy here in this quiet lakeside paradise.

Nestled in the majestic mountains of the San BIN 189, the onsite restaurant serves contemporary Bernardino National Forest, the quaint haven of American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Lake Arrowhead, with its incredible scenery and with both indoor and outdoor seating sporting natural beauty, is an outdoor lover's nirvana and one scenic lake views. Aromas Café is perfect for of California’s best-kept secrets. grabbing a coffee, quick sandwich, or healthy Southern California, Lake Where to Play on the Lake Arrowhead offers activities and attractions for every season of the Travel doesn’t Nature is the star of the show here, and there are so many ways year. Though it's only a 3-hourdrive from San Diego, getting become an to explore and drink in the majesty of this mile-high outdoor paradise there is half the fun. Thank goodness for the many turn-offs adventure with an elevation of 5,200-feet. on the route as our “honey, stop the car" moments provided one until you leave Just steps from the resort, the Swiss-chalet inspired, easily picture-perfect mountain vista after the other. yourself walkable Lake Arrowhead Village sports numerous specialty shops, Once in Lake Arrowhead, we felt behind. art galleries, fine dining and entertainment. completely different world. It’s deep crystalline azure-mountain ~ Marty Rubin A trip to the lake isn’t complete without a view from the water, and lake, verdant landscapes, fresh there’s no more leisurely way to alpine air, and slower pace are a experience the lake, explore its welcome respite from a busier hectic lifestyle. fascinating scenery and stunningly beautiful homes Where to Stay in Lake Arrowhead charming paddle-wheeler is a must-do and their 60Visitors coming to the area have several choices of minute, live narrated tour is informative and accommodations ranging from campgrounds and entertaining. Great news for dog-lovers as our furry rustic cabins to private villas, inns, and lakeside friends are more than welcome aboard. Because of its ideal location and awesome amenities, enthusiasts, but other year-round activities here our favorite place to stay is the Lake Arrowhead include dock fishing, charter fishing, and guided outdoor pool, hot tubs, and state-of-the-art fitness smoothie. than onboard the Lake Arrowhead Queen. This Summer on the lake brings out the water-skiing Photos (opposite): Roadtrip Views to Lake Arrowhead; Lake The quintessential mountain retreat is the ideal Arrowhead Resort view from our room; Lake Arrowhead views; blend of rustic elegance and modern comfort. Guest Boating on Lake Arrowhead; (this page): Hiking Near Lake rooms feature mountain-themed decor with natural Arrowhead; Lake Arrowhead Queen; Deep Creek Hot Springs

San Bernardino Mountains outside of Lake Arrowhead

kayaking, and paddleboard tours. I have to say that as lake kayaking goes, this is one of mine and my family’s favorite places to paddle.

Where to Hike in the Mountains

There’s nothing like a rejuvenating early morning stroll around portions of the lake’s well-maintained paths and walkways. Hikers like us also the area’s many other opportunities like Heart Rock Trail, an easy 1.7-mile loop that features a natural water slide just below scenic Seeley Creek Falls, the area is sonamed for the perfectly carved geologic anomaly-a natural heart-shaped hole in the granite wall alongside the waterfall.

If time allows, the more challenging 6-mile, 2-hour there-and-back Deep Creek Hot Springs/Goat Trail is well worth it. The thermal hot springs located here are magnificent. Of note: visitors to any of the San Bernardino National Forest locations for recreation purposes are required to display a National Forest Adventure Pass in their vehicle. These daily or annual passes can be purchased at any of the area’s ranger stations or online.

Where to Bike in the Mountains

There are several places for mountain biking, but Skypark Bike Park is in a league of its own. The trail network here winds through a thick canopy of pine trees in an alpine forest with several well marked, directional mountain bike trails for both beginners and advanced riders.

Other Must-See Outdoor Attractions

For non-hikers, one of the best views is from the San Bernardino Valley Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout Tower. A two-mile paved-drive off the main highway gets you to the base of the tower. Climbing the stairs of the 80-foot tower leads to awe-inspiring panoramas of the mountains and communities below. And sunset here is awe-inspiring.

Wildhaven Ranch is an educational visitor center and wildlife sanctuary for endangered and indigenous animals. Operated by the San Bernardino Mountains Wildlife Society, the center has free admission but reservations must be made in advance. Beautiful sanctuary animal ambassadors include injured and orphaned black bears, coyotes, silver fox, bald eagles, bobcat, mule deer, and a great horned owl, among others. Private and group tours are available for an additional fee.

Winter brings the snow, and for down-hill and crosscountry skiers, snow boarders, and snow-shoers, the area boast three magnificent areas to take to the slopes. Our favorite is Snow Summit Ski Resort—the perfect place for beginners or novice skiers.

Heart Rock Trail Sunset View from Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout

Where to Wine and Dine at Lake Arrowhead

For a small town, there is no shortage of places to dine. Thanks to a local recommendation, we fell in love with The Grill at Antler’s Inn, located in nearby Twin Peaks. Housed in a 100-year-old log building, the rustic fine-dining restaurant fits the region to perfection. Reservations are necessary as it’s always busy—and for good reason.

While the menu features many different entrees, The Grill is renowned for its steak and burgers. I will note however, that the dish I lust for here is the Pumpkin Pesto Tortellini, made with chicken, andouille sausage, currants, shallots, and a chili pesto cream sauce.

Overlooking the crystalline waters of the lake, The Grapevine is a fun, vibrant place in the village for good wine, craft beer and tasty treats. Offerings range from creative bar bites and charcuterie plates to salads, sandwiches, sliders and flatbreads.

The trip to and from Lake Arrowhead was a delightful winding journey through spectacular mountain scenery. What made this road trip so special however is that our lakeside destination was equally magical.