The temperature is dropping, and Lake Arrowhead is a cozy winter retreat for those looking to experience a winter away from the city. Simply imagine sipping warm hot chocolate by a warm fire in a cozy cabin surrounded by family and friends only steps away from picturesque views of the San Bernardino Forest and Lake Arrowhead itself.

Check out the list below of our favorite Lake Arrowhead spots for your winter trip to the mountains!

Winter Weekend in Lake Arrowhead

Stay

Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa adds a bit of luxury to your mountain stay. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the lakeside hotel is a full-service resort surrounded by lush trees with lodge-style rooms and suites with wood furnishings and patterned bed skirts echoing the outdoor mountain landscape. Did we mention you receive complimentary internet during your stay? The award-winning AAA Four Diamond destination allows you to indulge in a mountain retreat with panoramic mountain and lake views.

Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa
Photo Credit: Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa

Cozy up for a stay at Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins. Tucked away in the scenic San Bernardino National Forest, the authentic cabin resort with 20 unique cabin rentals fully equipped to fulfill any of your needs during a mountain stay. The charm of the forest seeps into every room giving off a warm woodsy vibe as each cabin is individually themed creating a unique log-cabin retreat.

Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins
Photo Credit: Arrowhead Pine Rose Cabins

Eat

Right along the lakeside, Belgian Waffle Works serves a delightful spread of savory and sweet entrees. The family owned restaurant pride themselves on the golden crisp Belgian-style waffle. Each batch is made from their signature recipe and topped with a variety of confections like chocolate, bananas, strawberries, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and more. Dine in for breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, espressos, cappuccinos and desserts.

Belgian Waffle Works
Photo Credit: Belgian Waffle Works

Located inside of the Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa, Bin 189 Restaurant offers upscale breakfast, lunch and dinner for both visitors and guests. Decorated to match the beauty of mountains with serene views of Lake Arrowhead, diners can enjoy live performances paired with a specialty cocktail, local wine or craft beer and indulge in one of the chef’s creative tapas-style sharing plates.

 Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa
Photo Credit: Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa

Just a few miles from Lake Arrowhead, The Grill at Antler Inn creates a warm fine dining experience in the mountains. With a diverse selection of appetizers, entrees and dessert, the restaurant cultivates a eclectic mix of global flavors for a sophisticated dining experiences.

The Grill at Antler Inn
Photo Credit: The Grill at Antler Inn

Do

Surrounding Lake Arrowhead, the Lake Arrowhead Village is the heart of the mountain destination. While taking in the mountain views, visitors can enjoy a day of shopping, eating and learning about Lake Arrowhead. Hop on the Arrowhead Queen Boat Tour for a guided tour of the lake filled with history, while sailing on an a classic steam boat.

Lake Arrowhead Village
Photo Credit: Lake Arrowhead Village

Play

Known as a beloved icon since the 1950s, Santa’s Village in Lake Arrowhead’s Skyforest recently reopened as Skypark at Santa’s Village. The North Pole-themed outdoor adventure park now offers attractions, restaurants and shops nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest. During the holiday season, the holiday-themed park is decorated in lights and festive decor and home to enchanting experiences with elves, Santa’s Christmas Village, carolers and holiday treats.During the spring and summer months the holiday-themed park turns into an adventure park with exciting outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, fishing, archery, zip lining and climbing in the Northwoods.

Skypark at Santa’s Village
Photo Credit: Skypark at Santa’s Village

To find out more things to do this season, click here.