Our Weekend Getaway to Lake Arrowhead Resort

A few weekends ago I finally got the opportunity to show Brennan a place that is so near and dear to my heart – Lake Arrowhead!

Growing up in the Inland Empire, Lake Arrowhead was one of the closest mountain resorts we had access to. My family and I made it a tradition to visit every year for either Thanksgiving or during Christmas break. It goes without saying that I have countless childhood memories that make Lake Arrowhead a place I will always cherish.

Since Brennan and I have been together, I’ve always mentioned taking a trip up there but it just never worked out during the winter months.

Being a creature of habit, I never even considered taking him up there during the summer, so with each winter season that passed I always thought to myself “maybe next year!”

Well, as fate would have it, we got the opportunity to stay at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa (my family’s go-to hotel) for a night. You can only imagine how ecstatic I was at the thought of finally showing Brennan around, and the idea of an entirely new vacation experience for myself being that it would be WARM for once!

The drive from LA to Lake Arrowhead is easy – just a few freeways and a drive up the mountain and in under 2 hours you’re sitting lakeside with a beverage in hand. And that’s just what we did! We set out in the morning around 8:45 AM and by 11:30 we were sipping on ice cold beer at The Lakefront Tap Room Bar & Kitchen as we waited to check in and get settled.

After a few yummy appetizers and excellent hospitality, we headed to the resort to see our home for the night. We had a STUNNING lake view room that could have kept us content for the rest of the evening, but we had other plans that set my 7 year old soul on fire just thinking about.

If you’ve never heard of it, Santa’s Village is just how it sounds – a Christmas village that is worthy of the residence of Santa himself. It shut down when I was in 1st grade (to my extreme dismay) and I always thought it would remain a distant, fond memory.

That was until yet another twist of fate lead to it being reopened for business about 2 years ago.

I had been dying to get back up there to see it in all its glory, and let me tell you – it did not disappoint.

Not only is it Christmas heaven, but during the warm months it’s also an adventure park! Because well sure, who wants to be sipping on hot cocoa in 95 degree weather?

KEY TIP: WEAR CLOSE TOED SHOES AND SOCKS; we showed up in sandals because of how lovely the sunshine felt, so we were only able to practice our archery skills (still worth it), but a well-prepared visitor can partake in the endless activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, and zip-lining just to name a few. Check out more info on their website!

After we had our share of adventure at SkyPark, we headed back to the hotel to take advantage of the private beach on the resort grounds.

This was SO fun because all my life I’ve only looked at that very same beach from a distance, longingly, as I see my warm breaths in front of me in the near-freezing temps.

To be able to lay on the sand, take in the sunshine, and actually get IN the lake was SO much fun.

Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, we finished the evening with a dinner at the resort’s restaurant BIN 189 with some incredible dishes and equally as delectable red wine and dessert.

If you haven’t been to Lake Arrowhead, you need to plan a trip ASAP. It’s the perfect way to get out of the city for the weekend without having to travel too far, and it’s a small enough town that you feel secluded and able to unwind and disconnect from reality for a bit.

And what’s better than coffee lakeside?

As always, Lake Arrowhead did not disappoint, and I’m already plotting my trip back.