It's only 80 miles east from Los Angeles. And, I know it sounds cliché, it's really a world apart.
Lake Arrowhead is also a few miles before the more popular and congested Big Bear. The reason why Lake Arrowhead, located in the San Bernardino Mountains, rarely becomes too overcrowded is because most of it is private. You need to be a resident, or have access to the lake through a rental or a hotel room, to enjoy all what it has to offer.
And yes, there are things to do. But, and I say this as a compliment, there's really no need to do that much either. The main reason to visit Lake Arrowhead is just to... relax.
It's the easiest, and why not, one of the cheapest ways to disconnect from Los Angeles or wherever you live in the state, and enjoy beautiful views, hike all around its magnificent mountains, fish Trout, Catfish or Bass (if you have the right permits,) camping at one of its four campgrounds, play golf, and, if you want a bit more action, practice snow and water skiing, among many other sports, both in the summer and winter seasons. For a list of full activities visit the official Lake Arrowhead website here.
When it's time to choose where to stay, the options are endless. Apart from camping, if you prefer to spend a few days at one of its hotels and inns, you can't go wrong with, for instance, the Lake Arrowhead Hotel and Spa (pictured below) or the Saddleback Inn.
But we are living in a shared economy world, so a quick search on AirBNB or VRBO, gave me excellent housing options, really close to the lake, for $125 a night or less (I highly recommend not to stay too far away from the water: being walking distance from it is one of the many assets of the area.)
If you need some energy around you, well, Lake Arrowhead ain't Palm Springs. But Lake Arrowhead Village will offer you some shopping choices, although don't expect Zara to open a store there anytime soon, as well as bars, restaurants, and a grocery store. In a way, entering Lake Arrowhead Village is like going back in time a few years (or maybe decades,) so immerse yourself in the small town feeling it provides.
When it's time to eat, if you fancy some special meal, you can choose between the Stone Creek Bistro in Blue Jay (try the Duck Fat Fries, a must,) the Lake Arrowhead Sports Grill also in Blue Jay, if you are more of a pizza/burger kind of person, or The Grill at Antler's Inn in Twin Peaks, with its sushi bar menu.
And it would be unfair, even a crime, to end this brief guide through Lake Arrowhead, if I didn't mention the big news: the reopening this November of Santa's Village in Skyforest, after almost 20 years of being closed.
Built in 1955, same year as Disneyland, the park, 2 miles south of Lake Arrowhead, will include Santa's House & North Pole, the Good Witch's Bakery, the Polar Express train ride, ice skating, archery range, and rock climbing, among other attractions. The only ride missing will be the Monorail ride, that will come back next year.
Text and photos: www.TravelWithJosep.com 2016