Renowned for its namesake lake located only 90 miles east of Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead is an all-season recreational paradise where the great outdoors take center stage. While summer is always the most exciting time along its shimmering shores, endless opportunities for adventure are waiting for you on the nearby ski slopes when snow begins to blanket the area.

Since Lake Arrowhead rests within the San Bernardino National Forest, you just know that fresh mountain air and outdoor pursuits are going to abound along its terrain. During the warm California summer, the lake becomes an inviting safe haven for vacationers looking to escape not only the stress of daily life but the congestion and overwhelming city atmosphere of Los Angeles. From its cozy and quaint beaches to the depths of the water, there is no better place to kick back and surround yourself with pristine natural beauty than in Lake Arrowhead.

While you could certainly sit out on your deck all day and simply soak in the spectacular views out over the water, Lake Arrowhead is a place for action and water-filled adventures. Out on the man-made lake, water sports such as swimming, water skiing, wake boarding, and boating are always on the menu. However, one attraction that should be at the top of every itinerary is an excursion with Lake Arrowhead Queen Boat Tours. Offering a scenic ride aboard an enclosed paddle boat, visitors can learn more about the history of the area as they relax and enjoy the picture-perfect landscapes and homes around the lake.

Throughout your summer stay, be sure to explore the areas away from the water to truly appreciate the expansive beauty that reigns in the Lake Arrowhead region. The San Bernardino National Forest is the perfect jumping off point for any outdoor-oriented adventure you can imagine, including nature hiking, mountain biking, fishing, sightseeing, horseback riding, and hunting. While the Arrowhead Ranger Station is the best place to find information about hiking conditions and degrees of difficulty, a couple of tried and true options are the short Woodland Trail and the longer Pacific Crest Trail, which leads visitors through the mountains and above Big Bear and Arrowhead lakes.

While convenience to summer activities is a large part of Lake Arrowhead’s appeal, its proximity to various ski hills makes it an ideal resting point for winter sports enthusiasts. In nearby Big Bear Lake, visitors can hit the slopes at either of the Big Bear Mountain Resorts, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, for an always exciting downhill ride. At Snow Summit, 240 skiable acres and 31 trails are serviced by 14 lifts to ensure that you spend more time on the mountain and less time waiting in line. And when you consider the diverse degrees of difficulty on the runs, the two halfpipes, and the five snowboard and terrain parks, it is easy to see why skiers and snowboarders of all levels and abilities appreciate the excitement of Snow Summit.

If you need a little more variety during your time in Big Bear Lake, head over to Bear Mountain for 31 more trails that are divided 15 percent first-time beginner, 15 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate, and 30 percent advanced. There are also 150 jumps, 80 jibs, a half pipe, and Southern California’s only Superpipe to entertain the thrill seeker in any family. Another option that is closer to Lake Arrowhead, the Snow Valley Mountain Resort in nearby Running Springs is the perfect place to work on your form with its 35 challenging and invigorating trails.

Lake Arrowhead is certainly an appealing vacation destination whether you simply want to getaway for the weekend or escape for a week of pure serenity and solitude. However, one thing that you need to keep in mind is that the lake is private, meaning that Lake Arrowhead vacation rentals are the best option for gaining access to the lake, beaches, and private docks along the shore. While other accommodations leave you on the outside looking in, Lake Arrowhead rentals offer a backstage pass to all of the scenery, adventures, and excitement in and round the water so you can experience the vacation you imagined.