Rising 6,000 miles above Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead is a refreshing mountain resort town that earns comparisons with the Alps for its breathtaking scenery. With the lake as its centerpiece, the area has long been a favorite place to come in search of fresh mountain air, shimmering lake views, and earthy Californian charm. Catch up on well-deserved rest and relaxation at a rental cabin in Lake Arrowhead, surrounded by striking forest scenery. Spend your days luxuriating by the lake, perusing vintage stores, or sipping Grenache at a local vineyard. Locals have put a lot of love into their town, opening independent shops that sell everything from handcrafted candles to antiques and artisanal snacks. More of a thrill seeker? There’s plenty to get your heart pumping such as zip-lining, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

Unlike its neighbors in the valley below, Lake Arrowhead experiences a full four seasons. From November through March, the town is usually blanketed under snow, and becomes a popular destination for those who enjoy skiing in the nearby mountains. The town turns into a festive winter wonderland, with ice skating, sledding, and Christmas décor everywhere. In the summer, residents boat on the lake. As a tourist you can try your hand at waterskiing or book a boat tour. Summer is the busiest season, but it’s also the best time to enjoy the lake and outdoor summer concerts. For hiking and mountain biking, the autumn colors add that little bit of extra magic to the scenery, and the cooler temperatures are better for long days outdoors.

Lake Arrowhead boat tour

Many of Los Angeles’ most notable residents have secondary homes here, which are really just as beautiful to see as the lake itself. The boat tour gets you out on the water and will point out all the sights worth seeing, of both the real estate and nature varieties. Note that the lake is private-access only, so this is one of the only ways for visitors to get out on the water.

Crestline

The neighboring town of Crestline is the go-to destination for antiques and vintage wares. Head to the historic heart of the town for a smattering of independent shops, and continue along Lake Drive and towards Skyforest to make it a veritable antiquing road trip.

Skiing, two ways

The local water ski school will have you gliding on the water’s surface in no time, and it’s one of the few opportunities for visitors to get out on Lake Arrowhead. They’re open from Memorial Day until mid-September, and have excursions for all levels. In the winter, head to the surrounding mountains to ski and snowboard on some of SoCal’s best winter terrain.