Lake Arrowhead Village
Lake Arrowhead, CA
Free to visit; boat tours ~$20
By Simir Shah
★★★★★4.6(10,018 Google reviews)
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
A lakeside strip of shops and restaurants with ducks to feed and boat tours. Reviewers say it is more touristy than wild, the waterfront is privately owned and there is little hiking from the village itself. Pack a sweater; mornings and evenings run much cooler than down the hill.
Lakeside shopping village that serves as the area's main commercial hub, with factory outlets, boutiques, and restaurants alongside sweet shops and a small arcade. It hosts a busy events calendar year-round, including a free summer concert series and the county's largest free Oktoberfest.
Plan your visit to Lake Arrowhead Village
Researched from the venue and public sources, not a first-hand visit. How we write these
- Best time to go
- Weekdays and mornings are calmest; weekends are busy, and on holiday weekends like the Fourth of July and Labor Day the lots can fill by mid-morning. In snow season, Highways 18 and 189 get heavy weekend traffic from snow-play day-trippers. Oktoberfest runs on fall weekends.
- Parking & getting there
- Free parking is at the village entrance, and the village is compact enough to cover on foot once parked.
- Best ages
- Younger kids gravitate to the sweet shops (Village Ice Cream & Sweet Shoppe, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, The Poppery) and the arcade at Lake Arrowhead Pizza Deli & Arcade. The narrated Arrowhead Queen boat tour, which leaves from the village, works for all ages.
- Food
- Dining in the village includes Belgian Waffle Works, Papagayos, Sunsets Island Bar and Grill, The Lakefront Taproom Bar & Kitchen, Jetties, Tiki Republik, Lake Arrowhead Pizza Deli & Arcade, McDonald's and Tea & Coffee Exchange.
- What to bring
- In winter, carry snow chains, since mountain road conditions can change day to day and chain controls are common. Bring layers year-round for cooler mountain temperatures.
- Rain or heat plan
- On a cold or rainy day, the 50-plus shops, restaurants and the arcade keep families indoors without leaving the village.
Common questions
Can you swim or boat on Lake Arrowhead?
Not on your own. Lake Arrowhead is a private lake reserved for local property owners, so day visitors get on the water through the Arrowhead Queen boat tour that departs from the village.
Is parking free at Lake Arrowhead Village?
Yes, there is free parking at the village entrance, though it fills up on busy holiday weekends.
Do you need snow chains to drive to Lake Arrowhead Village?
In winter, plan to carry chains. Caltrans chain controls are common on mountain highways, and buying chains at the turnouts on the way up costs more.
Can dogs go on the Arrowhead Queen?
Yes, leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome on the Arrowhead Queen tour boat.
Good for
- Ages 10+
- Food on-site
Happening near here
- San Bernardino Certified Farmers MarketSan Bernardino · 11 mi · 8am–1pmFree
- Redlands Downtown Morning MarketRedlands · 13 mi · 8am–1pmFree
- Redlands Market NightRedlands · 13 mi · 6pm–9pmFree
28200 CA-189, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352, USA
Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.
Map
What visitors say
- Helen Mai★★★★★
Less than 2 hours drive from L.A, Lake Arrowhead Village is the perfect summer escape! 🌲💙 If you're looking to trade the city heat for fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery, this is the place to be. Stroll by the lake, browse the charming outlet stores, watching fish 🐟🐠, and have fun to feed the ducks. Must take a board tour if you can. It's peaceful, relaxing, family friendly and perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. We had such an amazing time and already can't wait to come back! 😍 Check the weather before you go and pack a hoodie or sweater. It can get much cooler than in L.A, especially in early morning and the evening.
2 months ago
- Angella Raisian★★★★★
It was nice, but a lot more touristy than I ever expected. I was hoping for wilderness, water access, and some good hiking trails, but all of the Waterfront is privately owned.
4 months ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps