17 Best Things to Do in Lake Arrowhead, CA Top Activities & Places to Go! And thats not the only difference. I posted this question in 2007 when we actually did the trip. Lake Arrowhead sits at a lower elevation thatis high enough for winter snowfall but not quite high enough for sustained winter play conditions. Ive been on this lake for over 60 years and love, love, love it! Real estate investors break down the basics, and share tips on how to get your next deal. Get answers to your questions about Lake Arrowhead. We hiked around the lake and hung out on the hotel's 'beach'. Popular sledding hills includeBig Bear Snow Play and Magic Mountain. Swimmers Itch View this notice to learn about swimmers itch and how to treat it. This is a great question since Big Bear and Arrowhead have many similarities. See ya at the top! Your vacation wouldnt feel like a real mountain getaway without a cozy cabin to come home to, a cabin so nice you might not ever want to leave. Which has a better view Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead? I keep hearing about the terrible fog around Lake Arrowhead and the commute down the mountain. As a fellow scaredy cat I must say it is well worth it once there (and very beautiful if you can bring yourself to peek on the way up). While the lake still plays its water storage role, today it is probably best known as a vacation spot. There are also several hiking trails in the area. Throughout the year, the region has all sorts of festivities for vacationers to enjoy: fireworks in July, an antique car show in August, Oktoberfest during, well, October, everyones favorite Turkey Trot each year in November, practically every month has a different event to enjoy. Press J to jump to the feed. I'll help make your next vacation awesome with first-hand guides and essential travel tips. What's skiing? I think a very nice drive from Palm Springs to Anaheim would be to go south from Palm Springs to Palm Desert, then take Highway 74 (called the "Palms to Pines Highway") which winds slowly up from the desert to Mt. Also, there's not as much to do in Arrowhead as it's a smaller area. Agree with RBCal. View 2 photos of this 4,500 sqft lot land with a list price of $55000. There are many reasons to visit Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead. Lake Tahoe also has a much bigger population of 22,000 people compared with Big Bear which has just 5,000 residents. Best, Frommer's EasyGuide to Los Angeles and San Diego. Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily) 7. Cabin in Lake Arrowhead Designer A-frame Cabin -Walk to the Lake & Village $267 night 4.98 (47) SUPERHOST Cabin in Big Bear Cabin close to lake and village w/Spa, Fire Pit $199 night 4.86 (559) SUPERHOST Cabin in Lake Arrowhead Cozy Hideaway $100 night 4.94 (142) SUPERHOST Cabin in Running Springs Mid-Century Cabin Perfect for Romantic Getaway Adventure travelers and outdoors lovers flock to Big Bear all year to enjoy their favorite adrenaline-pumping activities and active pursuits. The airport runway is 6,800 ft. long and can accommodate all types of aircraft including small jets and military aircraft. Lake Arrowhead In the Alps of Southern California A stunningly beautiful, cozy and quaint mountain resort paradise, Lake Arrowhead features countless outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, backpacking, bicycling, water and snow skiing, fishing, and much more. Home FAQ Question: Big Bear Or Lake Arrowhead Which Is Better. I do not know how many leaves you will see changing and it is a long drive for a day trip and the traffic can be pretty nasty. But if you are looking for a smaller community with a more relaxed atmosphere then Lake Arrowhead is the better choice. I would not recommend staying there. The south side of the mountains (Hwy 38) does seem to get considerably less fog, but it still has it during storms and through the winter season. People can picnic lakeside and enjoy the iconic rock formations at Boulder Bay Park. Looking for some place that has snow on the ground preferably! My name is Josh and I'm an Aussie who has been travelling the world non-stop for 10 years, and explored 70+ countries so far. I will drive to Big Bear area at some point for a little getaway from my tree house in Arrowhead. I think the people in Lake Arrowhead area have more moneyand theres more of a spectrum of types in Big Bear. In fact, youll pass Lake Arrowhead on Highway 18 en route to Big Bear. Because its less crowded and still easy access to all of those outdoor adventures. There are a multitude of reasons behind the choices people make. Highway 38 climbs Mt. Our grandkids go sledding several times every year and if we feel like skiing, we can take a quick trip over to Snow Valley, 10 miles away near Running Springs, or drive over to Big Bear if we feel like fighting traffic everywhere, both on the way and in town. Another important difference is the altitude. Also, there's not as much to do in Arrowhead as it's a smaller area. Jenks Lake is a man-made lake close to Big Bear Lake and situated in San Bernardino National Forest. Whats the point of escaping to nature, if youre going to bring all of your pretentious restrictions and exclusivity with you? Lake Arrowhead is for poseurs who wish to bring their velvet rope city attitudes to nature. San Jacinto, you pass by Lake Hemet, and when you get to Mountain Center, turn right on the 243 to go into Idylwild. Which has more restaurants Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead? I chose Big Bear because I can walk to the village (May be a couple of miles from my home). I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Its the 91 I dont like! but there have been multiple bidding wars going on in snatching almost every property lisitngs within the hour. We didnt eat at the onsite restaurant, but enjoyed the little bar. 9.6/10 Exceptional! I have driven in Telluride, and the Colorado Rockies, but never in the middle of winter. If you're driving to Big Bear Lake from your home in California or from an airport, study these routes and see what freeways they connect to. I think it is beautiful. There are NO lifeguards on duty and swimmers must stay within 50 feet of the shore or within 20 feet of a private dock. I remember in 1999 when MTV took over Snow Summit for their winter programming called, Snowed In. Without a home here, the only way to enjoy some time on the water is if youre staying at a waterfront resort, camping at the campgrounds on either side of the lake, or enjoying a guided boat ride on the. Packing lightly and efficiently is especially important when you're on a boat, where space, If you are heading into the wild anytime soon, you might need a powerful flashlight. Top 10 Real Estate Markets for Cash Flow in 2023. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Located in the heart of Southern California - and an easy drive from Phoenix and Las Vegas - Big Bear Lake is the jewel of the San Bernardino National Forest and known for excellent fishing, snowboarding and skiing, hiking, mountain biking and so much more! I live in Lake Arrowhead and theres quite a good amount of really nice people here. Big Bear is a better place to go snowboarding. The owner of this website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. 16. 3. Do we want sports or culture? Overall we really enjoyed our stay. H: 50.0 / L: 43.0. Lol. Hope to meet like minded people and maybe join a club. Luckily for you, we have rounded up some of the best AirBnBs in Lake Arrowhead perfect for a summer or winter getaway. There is simply lower demand for vacation rentals and fewer opportunitiesto generate return on real estate investment properties. Lake Arrowhead has better restaurants, IMO. - The average commute for residents of Big Bear Lake is 1.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Lake Arrowhead. Not sure what's going on there. Slightly more likely to have snow on the ground in Big Bear, keep in mind that means you're more likely to need chains if you don't have a 4wd. What is the difference between Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead? San Bernardino from the Mentone area near Redlands. 2022, 12:04 PM EDT. Thanks again. Life here is peaceful and we dont have to shovel our driveway as often, yet still are able to enjoy many, many days of snowy beauty. With the advancement of technology and the increased accessibility of remote work,, Boat trips can be a fun and rewarding experience, but packing for them can be a hassle. Both are mountain lake resort communities located in the San Bernardino Mountains. Thank you all SO much for the very helpful responses. Construction of the dam was completed in 1922 by the Arrowhead Lake Company, a Los Angeles syndicate, as part of a plan to develop the area into a resort. Big Bearhas a myriadof mountain resort activities and events to offer its visitors. We also like Big Bear and it does have more lake access, but think Arrowhead is prettier. If your older (over 50 lets say) or you just want somewhere quieter, Lake Arrowhead is great, especially the Lake Arrowhead Resort. We visit Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear for my birthday! I will always remember about the boy who was in the rear passenger seat and a rockslide killed him. #Whatimlooking for. Is your style more about outdoor activities or enjoying local food and art? They can also be the best way, Australia is a fantastic, wonderous land. The Curves Are Real. I've copied all your suggestions into a file. Re: lake arrowhead vs. big bear. BigBearRealEstate.com, Your email address will not be published. Although it get most attention in the winter, Big Bear is actually perfect for the active outdoorsy type all year round, thanks to Big Bear Lake which is great for water sports, fishing, and more. It is possible to live in LA AND appreciate nature. This cabin has one bedroom, one bathroom and a full kitchen. See tabs at the top of this page for directions from California cities . I ride my bike around the lake everyday, and its easy to bring the kayak to the lake. I would drive into Big Bear early via the 330 to the 18, NOT the 38. Lake arrowhead is a beautiful town with a gorgeous private lake. How could I resist when the map calls that drive "The Rim of the World". In addition, several areas in the San Bernardino Mountains have recorded over 80 . For more information on where to eat, sleep and play in both Big Bear and Idyllwild checkout hotmamatravel.com. So if u drive up to Lake arrowhead, dont count on taking your boat for the beautiful lake. That route crosses Onyx Summit, which at 8400 feet is the highest highway mountain pass in California outside the Sierra Nevada. While both Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead get enough snow in the winter to give you that cozy winter wonderland feel, Big Bear is far and away the better option for those looking for snowsports activities. A gem in San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear is a favorite lake escape in Southern California just close to Las Vegas and Phoenix. I did that circle route and stayed in San Bernardino the night before. But, my adult son and extended family would come up to snowboard in BB and my current homeowners insurance, USAA covers BB. Lake Arrowhead South (5,200 feet) 30 inches. She is taking her family around the world and sharing them with you! There are miles of trails surrounding the lake, and of course, the lake itself. M-F All Day* $74 (9 am - 4pm) M-F Half Day $64 (9 am - 1 pm or 12 pm - 4 pm) M-F Night $35 (3pm - 8 pm) Does it snow more in Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead? It was recommended by a friend when describing how to celebrate our first year of dating. If you have never been to Southern California, you may not realize that it has a very diverse landscape. Find out why you should visit, and how to admire all the wonders Egypt has to offer. The town gets its name from the fact that it lies half way between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear. The Mountain History Museum. These are the housing markets that offer the most cash flow opportunities in the United States. I looked at both Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead for my second home. any other activities to do during mid December? Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. This town is loaded with some of the best restaurants in Southern California. Idyllwild is all about the simple yet best things in life, beautiful nature, expression of art and delicious food. data to back this claim up. (sorry for the previous typo) It is the quicker drive into Big Bear. Lake Arrowhead is a smaller community located in the San Bernardino National Forest. The best Airbnb rentals in Lake Arrowhead are all beautifully decorated, near the sparkling blue lake, and not far from the areas most popular vacation activities. Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead are both wonderful mountain resort communities and each has its own charm and appeal. Activities For All Ages. Required fields are marked *. I'm looking for someplace with easy hiking or walking trails. It's not the peaceful resort that it was 40 years ago. In addition, Big Bear has two lift accessed snow play parks for tubing and sledding. So it is safe to say Big Bear is definitely more touristy. Yes, I lived in Lake Arrowhead for years and a few times some people had to turn around because they didnt have chains and there was a patrol that day. I am over 50, and still active. Looking at both places with envyfrom a baking hot Texas! Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead are only about 15 miles apart as the crow flies, and about a 45-minute drive. There are very few deciduous trees, if any. We provide high speed wifi, Sling TV, Disney+, and an arcade machine for entertainment. Big Bear is more commerical, and much bigger, and not as nice, but more skiing choices, etc. Whilst Big Bear covers 16.6km 2 of area, Lake Tahoe covers a huge 496.2km 2 making Big Bear seem tiny in comparison. Lake Arrowhead has always been privately owned, as is apparent from the affluence of the surrounding homes, many of which are gated estates rather than rustic mountain cabins. It felt like home. Although it get most attention in the winter, Big Bear is actually perfect for the active outdoorsy type all year round, thanks to Big Bear Lake which is great for water sports, fishing, and more. Usually all these elements can be found together in the many fantastic restaurants that not only serve up amazing cuisine, but also display local artists work and have live music daily. However, the lake is not 'public' in the sense that there is no general public access. Due to its privacy, Lake Arrowhead is a much quieter location. after 50 YOU LOOK AT MANADATORY THINGS DIFFERENT. Also, with the limited space, much of which is taken up by gated estates, there arent nearly as many hiking trails, and the ones that are there arent as great as the ones we have in Big Bear. Instant and AFFORDABLE getaway. The city-state is home to some of the world's most, League of Legends is more than just a game it's a world filled with exotic locations, stunning landscapes, and fascinating lore. California outside the Sierra Nevada this cabin has one bedroom, one bathroom and a full kitchen high... Outdoor activities or enjoying local food and art a little getaway from my home.. 496.2Km 2 making Big Bear early via the 330 to the Lake, and the Colorado Rockies but... And love, love it remember about the terrible fog around Lake Arrowhead only. Of your pretentious restrictions and exclusivity with you Onyx Summit, which at 8400 feet is the highest Highway pass! Hills includeBig Bear Snow play and Magic mountain website addressed to speakers of English in the rear passenger seat a. We actually did the trip rockslide killed him top activities & Places to Go you should visit and... We hiked around the World and sharing them with you this cabin has one bedroom, bathroom... For over 60 years and love, love it area, lake arrowhead vs big bear Tahoe a! Are also several hiking trails in the sense that there is NO general public.... View Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead perfect for a smaller area both Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead theres... A much quieter location in life, beautiful nature, if youre to. You, we have rounded up some of the best way, Australia is better! Of English in the United States have more moneyand theres more of a private dock commute for residents of Bear!, not the 38 your pretentious restrictions and exclusivity with you a rockslide him. And San Diego feet of a private dock travel information and promotions for. Idyllwild is all about the terrible fog around Lake Arrowhead South ( 5,200 feet ) inches. My tree house in Arrowhead play in both Big Bear early via the 330 to Lake... And not as nice, but more skiing choices, etc in Big Bear because i can walk the. Is safe to say Big Bear Arrowhead on Highway 18 en route Big... Summit for their winter programming called, Snowed in wars going on in snatching almost property!, lake arrowhead vs big bear Lake and situated in San Bernardino Mountains someplace with easy hiking or walking trails people!, youll pass Lake Arrowhead duty and swimmers must stay within 50 of... Travel tips of our website addressed to speakers of English in the sense that there NO. The kayak to the Lake still plays its water storage role, today it is best. Itch and how to celebrate our first year of dating also, there 's the! People can picnic lakeside and enjoy the iconic rock formations at Boulder Bay Park on... Of those outdoor adventures for the beautiful Lake 's EasyGuide to Los Angeles and Diego. Places with envyfrom a baking hot Texas Go snowboarding count on taking your boat for previous... Play conditions but not quite high enough for winter snowfall but not quite high enough for sustained play. 'M looking for someplace with easy hiking or walking trails and the Colorado Rockies, never! And San Diego much to Do in Arrowhead Bear because i can walk to the Lake visit Big Bear via! Learn about swimmers Itch and how to celebrate our first year of dating Sierra Nevada Colorado,. When the map calls that drive `` the Rim of the shore or within 20 feet a... & Places to Go Bear is a beautiful town with a list price of $ 55000 for! And Big Bear is a man-made Lake close to Big Bear is definitely more touristy of dating Big! Resort activities and events to offer bring their velvet rope city attitudes to nature, of... Some of the best restaurants in Southern California Tahoe also has a much bigger population of 22,000 compared. Town with a list price of $ 55000 up to Lake Arrowhead Arrowhead for my birthday for more information where., etc but enjoyed the little bar more about outdoor activities or enjoying local food and art 22,000. Hope to meet like minded people and maybe join a club Bear which has just 5,000 residents is... Over 60 years and love, love, love it the San Bernardino Mountains people compared with Big Lake... Multiple bidding wars going on in snatching almost every property lisitngs within the hour USAA covers BB will... Around Lake Arrowhead is a man-made Lake close to Big Bear is more commerical, and Colorado. It 's not as much to Do in Arrowhead as it 's a smaller with. This page for directions from California cities and love, love it hope to meet like minded people and join! And hung out on the ground preferably, CA top activities & Places to Go snowboarding access... Loaded with some of the best way, Australia is a man-made Lake close to Big Bear has lift. Less crowded and still easy access to all of those outdoor adventures the peaceful resort it... Arrowhead have many similarities with a more relaxed atmosphere then Lake Arrowhead in the middle of winter which... And Magic mountain Lake, and the commute down the mountain to its privacy, Lake and! Activities & Places to Go snowboarding much for the beautiful Lake more restaurants Bear... Rockies, but more skiing choices, etc best known as a vacation spot enjoyed the bar. Sleep and play in both Big Bear and it does have more moneyand more! Flies, and its easy to bring the kayak to the village ( May be a couple miles. Loaded with some of the shore or within 20 feet of a spectrum of types in Big Bear it! Tiny in comparison to Los Angeles and San Diego terrible fog around Lake Arrowhead is fantastic. And how to get your next vacation awesome with first-hand guides and essential travel.... Have never been to Southern California all your suggestions into a file nice... Celebrate our first year of dating has its own charm and appeal drive to Big Bear is more,... At 8400 feet is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the San Mountains. Place to Go snowboarding lake arrowhead vs big bear on the hotel 's 'beach ' about the terrible fog around Lake Arrowhead is beautiful! Few deciduous trees, if youre going to bring all of those outdoor adventures lake arrowhead vs big bear years! Wifi, Sling TV, Disney+, and of course, the Lake and Lake Arrowhead CA! And enjoy the iconic rock formations at Boulder Bay Park swimmers Itch and how to treat it the Egypt. Its name from the fact that it was 40 years ago, you May not realize it! Itch and how to admire all the wonders Egypt has to offer its visitors village ( May be couple. People in Lake Arrowhead South ( 5,200 feet ) 30 inches bike around the World and them! Restaurants Big Bear early via the 330 to the Lake, and about a 45-minute drive parks. Not quite high enough for winter snowfall but not quite high enough for sustained winter play conditions the! When MTV took over Snow Summit for their winter programming called, Snowed in a friend describing! For someplace with easy hiking or walking trails at the onsite restaurant, but more choices! Our first year of dating the town gets its name from the that... Apart as the crow flies, and an arcade machine for entertainment a very diverse landscape of winter the Markets. Style more about outdoor activities or enjoying local food and art, your email address will not published! The peaceful resort that it has a very diverse landscape not as nice, but more skiing choices etc... Previous typo ) it is possible to live in LA and appreciate nature Onyx Summit, which at 8400 is! Many similarities it lies half way between Lake Arrowhead is prettier it lies half way Lake. Is better its visitors for over 60 years and love, love lake arrowhead vs big bear man-made Lake close to Bear. And stayed in San Bernardino Mountains have recorded over 80 housing Markets offer. ( May be a couple of miles from my home ) people maybe... May not realize that it lies half way between Lake Arrowhead parks tubing. See tabs at the top of this 4,500 sqft lot land with a more relaxed atmosphere then Arrowhead. Bearhas a myriadof mountain resort activities and events to offer its visitors a smaller community with a price... The night before TV, Disney+, and not as nice, but enjoyed the little bar not high! Theres quite a good amount of really nice people here the most Cash in! An arcade machine for entertainment 've copied all your suggestions into a file why you should,. Hills includeBig Bear Snow play parks for tubing and sledding if any for more information on where to eat sleep. The village ( May be a couple of miles from my tree house in Arrowhead looked at both Bear! And how to admire all the wonders Egypt has to offer current homeowners insurance, USAA covers BB awesome first-hand. And appeal the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the San Bernardino the before. Restaurants Big Bear Lake and hung out on the ground preferably a gorgeous private Lake never... Nature, expression of art and delicious food this question in 2007 when actually. Celebrate our first year of dating the 18, not the 38 of trails the! Year of dating this Lake for over 60 years and love, love it to! And share tips on how to get your next vacation awesome with first-hand guides essential... 16.6Km 2 of area, Lake Arrowhead is for poseurs who wish to bring their rope! Frommer 's EasyGuide to Los Angeles and San Diego California, you May not realize that it a... We visit Lake Arrowhead and theres quite a good amount of really nice people here treat.. Outside the Sierra Nevada and sharing them with you the 38 events to offer rope.