Weekend getaway to Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear, California

Located in the San Bernardino Mountains, Lake Arrowhead is called the “Alps of Southern California”. It’s a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the cities into a pine paradise. The waterbody looks serene with the incredible architecture by the shore and the mountains behind as backdrops.

We started early from Irvine and drove to Lake Arrowhead Village. We did get to experience almost zero visibility while driving so made a few stops because of fog and finally reached the location at around 9 in the morning.

After We parked in the village we made our way to the waterfront. There we got to know about Arrowhead Queen Tour Boat, so we bought the tickets from one of the shops located on the waterfront. After that, we strolled around for a while and made our way to the boat.

It was such an amazingly calm experience, to know so much about the area from the captain. And, most importantly the architecture of residential buildings was just spectacular. The captain of the boat narrated the history of most of the buildings in a beautiful manner. Definitely worth the boat tour, if you are around the area.

Later, after the boat ride was over we started our hunt for food, the first place we went was Lake arrowhead pizza and arcade to have a quick bite, and I must say the garlic bread was amazing. Afterward, we went to Belgian Waffle Works and tried the waffles and they tasted heavenly. If anything, we would love to visit those places again just for food.

We were so stuffed with those delights we decided to walk around and explore the area. After spending a significant amount of time we finally made our way to the next and final destination of the day- Big Bear.

After we had checked into the hotel in the evening we decided to walk around the downtown area. There were lights on the trees which felt very lively. It was a time for cherry blossoms during our visit which added more beauty overall. There were many people enjoying the cold surrounded by bonfires at different spots throughout the town, just so magical to be able to spend time that way.

After having dinner at a local restaurant we walked back to our hotel. The next morning, we again went to explore and have breakfast at a local coffee shop.

We did spot some amazing bear statues which were installed throughout the town. They looked so cute at the same time very real!

Some of the bear statues were giant and unique.

Later, we walked to the Big Bear Lake and did spend some time around, and finally made our way back through pine knot avenue to the hotel. After we had checked out we went to Boulder Bay Park, it’s a small park to stroll around and it even offers spaces to have a small picnic.