Whether you are swapping cool mountain breezes for the heat of Los Angeles, or you are hoping for a quiet escape from city life, Crestline, California is a great SoCal destination that works with even tight budgets. Here is our guide for exciting things to do and places to eat.
From Los Angeles, the trip takes approximately 90 minutes, though, as usual, that depends on traffic. Daytime temps are in the upper 70s to lower 80s in October, but the nights are already plunging into the high 50s. In other words, you can still comfortably run around exploring during the day and then light your cabin’s fireplace at night.
Where to Stay
Crestline is filled with cabins, lodges, inns and VRBO options even before the snow flies and the skiers come to town. If you are looking for privacy with a homey feel, try the Sleepy Hollow Cabins & Hotel. Right off of Lake Drive, it’s less than two blocks from Lake Gregory, close to restaurants and the grocery store and surprisingly quiet for being so close to the road. We chose a one bedroom cabin that had a living room, kitchen and bath. It was surprisingly spacious, and we loved not only having a courtyard with a picnic table in front, but a comfortable back porch to lounge on. And yes, it did have a fireplace (it also had a/c and heat throughout the cabin).
Where to Eat
Lake Drive is full of casual restaurants that run the gamut of tastes (and many give discounts if you show your Sleepy Hollow key). The Crestline Cafe is a great spot for breakfast. The portions are very large (unless you are sharing or have a huge appetite, opt for the half ham portion), and tasty. And if you go in October, you will get to enjoy their festive Halloween decorations (in fact, the whole town was pretty Halloween ready).
Where to Have a Date Night Dinner
While you have a ton of options in Crestline, for something special, you may want to drive a few miles up the mountain to Twin Peaks (yes, really). The Grill at Antler’s Inn has a wonderfully romantic ambiance complete with fireplace and outside twinkle lights. It offers numerous mid-range entrees and some house specials that are worth trying. Their range of “by the glass” wines is limited, but the “by the bottle” list is extensive.
What to Do
The trail around Lake Gregory is approximately 2.5 miles. Because of the drought, there are actually multiple trails, including one right along the water line (which won’t be there once the waters rise). They even have exercise equipment at certain points along the main trail should you want to enhance your regime. There is a water park and swimming portion (open seasonally), along with an area that welcomes boaters, tubers and paddle boats (nothing gas powered), as well as fishermen. Crestline has lovely boutiques for shoppers, and numerous mountain trails for adventurers. Of course, you are also just a short drive up to Lake Arrowhead Village and Big Bear Lake is only 33 miles up from Lake Arrowhead, should you want to go exploring (and the roads are open).
Crestline is a terrific spot to just enjoy being away from the hassles of city life, and it is less crowded on the weekends than a spot like Big Bear. It’s the perfect place to breathe, relax and explore.