Weekend Getaway Guide: LAke Arrowhead, CA

Lake Arrowhead is a beautiful town set in the mountains around the San Bernardino Forest in Southern California. It's the perfect vacation spot, any time of the year. If the mountains and trees on freshwater lakes are your vacation scene, then here's a Weekend Getaway Guide for Lake Arrowhead, to help you plan your next trip. These are my family and I's favorites, along with the best rated eats and stays around Lake Arrowhead, for any budget.

Entertainment: 

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Boat Rentals
Lake Arrowhead is a gorgeous, freshwater lake with clear, blue waters. The Lake Arrowhead Queen gives boat tours all year round, and is rentable for private charter tours. If touring isn't your thing, you can rent a boat, kayak, canoe, or paddle boards from Captain John's Fawn Harbor Marina. 

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Events and Festivals
If you're heading to Arrowhead for a trip, be sure to check the calendar before you go to make sure you don't miss any of the events. There's always something going on. In the summer, at the Lake Arrowhead Village, there's a concert series, farmers' markets, Gold Rush Days, Memorial Day weekend events, and a water ski school for kids. In the fall, my family always tries to make it for Oktoberfest. There's live music, food and beverages, booths and vendors, and a pumpkin patch. Around Christmas, you can check the calendar for the many holiday events like their craft fairs and Santa meet and greets. The Blue Jay Village, which is not far away from the Lake Arrowhead Village, has an annual Quilt Walk, Spirit of the Bluejay Wine Event, the Lake Arrowhead Brewfest, and according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the world's smallest Christmas parade. 

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The events at the Village are so fun, but if you're looking for entertainment that's more budget friendly, just walk the Lake Arrowhead Village. It's the cutest town. It sits right on the edge of the lake, and there's so much to do. You can walk the shops, visit the art galleries, feed the ducks [almost every store will sell you bird food], and sit by the lake. If you have kids, you can take them over to the merry-go-round, bumper cars, and arcade. 
My fam's favorite: Heart’s Desire Christian book store [Suite C-140]. 

Hotels:

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Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa
The Lake Arrowhead Resort and spa offers very high quality services and activities like their bar and lounge, downhill skiing, the fitness center, the business center, room service, the pool, their restaurant, and of course, the spa.
250 North 9th Street, Colton, CA

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Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, San Bernardino,CA
The Country Inn has very high guest ratings, a heated pool, wifi, complimentary breakfast, and suites, but it books quickly, so make reservations well in advance to your trip.
1650 Industrial Park Avenue, Redlands, CA

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Dogwood Campground
The Dogwood campground is a small but beautiful campground, very close to Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Forest area. The campground has electrical hook-ups, fire rings, water, indoor facilities and showers, trailer pads, and an amphitheater.
Dogwood Campground, Rimforest, CA 92378

Dining:

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The Lakefront Taproom, Bar, and Kitchen
The Lakefront is a tasteful restaurant with a classy meny that can please any foodie. Check their websites for their special events and promotions.
​28200 State Hwy 189 Suite E-200, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352

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Papagayos Mexican Restaurant & Cantina 
Papagayos has classic Mexican favorites, the best fried ice cream, and a fun outdoor bar area, overlooking the lake.
28200 Highway 189 Building P-100 Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352

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Tea & Coffee Exchange
The Tea and Coffee Exchange is a great place to grab a latte, buy some loose tea or coffee beans, and get a light-bite. 
28200 Highway 189 Suite S-250 ​​Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352