01
Best overall pick
Lake Gregory Regional Park Swim Beach
Crestline, 15 Minutes Southwest Of Lake Arrowhead • Full-Service Lakeside Swim Beach With Park Amenities • Top Choice For A Classic Beach Day Close To Town
A managed swim beach with lifeguards, roped-off swimming, and plenty of space to spread out on sand and grass.
If you want a proper public beach near Lake Arrowhead, this is the easy, no-stress choice. There’s paid day-use parking, a sandy swim area with a gentle slope, lifeguards in season, and shady picnic spots just behind the shoreline. Expect families, coolers, and a laid-back lake-park vibe rather than a wild party scene.
02
Best if your rental includes lake rights
Tavern Bay Beach Club
North Shore Of Lake Arrowhead • Private Lake Club Beach • Relaxed Lakefront Lounging With Member Access
A broad lawn, sandy pocket beach, and calm water create a low-key place to swim and sun if you have access.
Tavern Bay is one of the nicest ways to actually enjoy Lake Arrowhead itself, but it’s reserved for Arrowhead Lake Association members and guests whose rentals include lake rights. When you do have a pass, you get a mellow grassy area for spreading out blankets, a small sandy shoreline, volleyball courts, and an easy-entry swim area. It’s especially appealing in the late afternoon when the crowds thin and the light drops over the pines.
03
Most convenient to the Village
Burnt Mill Beach Club
Just West Of Lake Arrowhead Village • Compact Family-Focused Beach Club • Best For Mixing Swimming With Village Shops And Dining
A cozy, active beach club close to the Village, with a sandy swim zone and easy access to restaurants and shopping.
Burnt Mill is the beach club you pick when you want to park once and make a whole day of the Village and the lake. Like Tavern Bay, it’s private, so you’ll need a membership or a rental that includes guest access. The sandy swim cove, small docks, and nearby snack options make it an easy win with kids, though parking fills up quickly on summer weekends.
04
Best warm-water lake alternative
Cleghorn Swim Beach, Silverwood Lake
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, About 30 Minutes North • Wide Reservoir Swim Beach With Open Views • Great For Hot Summer Afternoons And Longer Swims
A long, gently curving shoreline with warmer water, picnic tables, and plenty of room to spread out.
When summer really heats up, many locals drop down to Silverwood for a more traditional reservoir beach day. Cleghorn has a broad swim area, basic facilities, and a state park day-use fee that helps keep things organized. Shade is limited, so plan on a pop-up canopy or umbrella, and aim for an early arrival on peak weekends when the parking lots fill.
05
Best pairing with a Big Bear day trip
Meadow Park Swim Beach, Big Bear Lake
South Shore Of Big Bear Lake In Meadow Park • Grassy Neighborhood Park With A Roped-Off Swim Area • Ideal For Combining Playground Time, Picnics, And A Lake Swim
A mellow, family-oriented swim beach with a small sand strip, grassy lawns, and lifeguards in season.
If you’re already heading over Highway 18 to explore Big Bear, this is an easy place to stop for a swim. The beach itself is modest, but the grassy park, playground, and lakeside picnic tables make it feel like a local neighborhood hangout. It’s close enough to town that you can grab coffee or ice cream and be back on your towel in minutes.