A Weekend Trip to Lake Arrowhead
By: Amanda Huntsman
Like many people in Southern California, we have often driven right past Lake Arrowhead on the way to Big Bear. We were completely unaware of how incredible of a place it is to visit. We have some tips if you want a great day trip with the family or a weekend getaway. Located less than 90 minutes from Newport Beach, the short drive makes the transition from beach life to lake life easy. It's a quaint mountain resort town offering everything from hiking, bicycling, fishing, jet skiing, boating, and shopping, to great places to eat and enjoy music. Most activities revolve around Lake Arrowhead itself. We learned that you need to be with a resident to access the water on the Lake. We enlisted local real estate agent Gavin Bialecki for insight and insider tips. He took us out on the lake, where my family and I enjoyed a day of boating and fishing, followed by a tour of Lake Arrowhead Village. The village was built in the 1920s and has been a hub for locals, celebrities, and tourists alike. It offers a mix of over 50 shops, including specialty and outlets, as well as dining and lodging options. After spending a day exploring with Gavin, we felt "almost" like locals.
No need to fret if you do not have a local tour guide to take you out on the lake; the Village is open to all; additionally, you can take a short 10-minute drive to Lake Gregory, where the public is welcome. Lake Gregory is a smaller man-made lake in Crestline. It has a quiet, safe trail around the lake, perfect for all fitness levels. You can also rent Duffy & paddle boats, enjoy a quick dip in the lake, or take a try at its inflatable obstacle course. Fishing and waterslides are among other activities available at the lake as well. For more information, visit https://www.lakegregory.com/. All that said, here are some tips from a local to make your Lake Arrowhead trip enjoyable:
5 Insider Tips from Local Real Estate Agent Gavin Bialecki
The July 4th fireworks are arguably the best in SoCal. Seen by boat from the middle of the lake with fireworks exploding overhead is spectacular.
Locals and visitors are jazzed when groovin’ at the Blue Jay Jazz Festival happening at Waters Edge in Tavern Bay each year in late August.
Hiking trails abound on the mountain, with breathtaking views awaiting. Most unusual: Strawberry Peak Lookout Tower. Most accessible: Will Abell Memorial Trail at Arrowhead Ridge. Most strenuous and rewarding: Pinnacles off Hwy 173.
You must go to Lake Arrowhead’s first and only brewery, The Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company. Situated lakeside at Burnt Mill with activities for the whole family, dog friendly, and has award-winning craft beers!
If you’re looking to buy a home in Lake Arrowhead and want to experience the lake like a local, make sure you use a local real estate agent, like me, to ensure the home you intend to buy has lake rights.
We hope this entices you to make your next stop in the San Bernardino Mountains at Lake Arrowhead! For more information. you can visit: www.thelakearrowheadvillage.com
