Spread the love!

Crestline, California: The Best & Most Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit (And Why You Shouldn’t Miss Them!)

Crestline sits above the valley, and everything about a visit follows from that one fact. The drive up is part of the trip, so leave time for it and check the conditions in winter before you set off from home. Lake Gregory anchors it. The forest trails start where the streets end, which keeps the walking simple to organize. Book nothing except the restaurant, because the rest of it works on arrival.

Planning a trip to Crestline, California and wondering what to do? You are in luck. Crestline is a charming mountain community with fun and exciting activities for visitors of all ages. Outdoor adventures, delicious food or unusual shopping, Crestline covers all three.

Tickling Your Taste Buds in Crestline. Anyone who came to eat will do well with the dining options in Crestline. Classic American fare through to international cuisine, every palate is covered. Local favorites include The Grill at Antler’s Inn for their famous prime rib and Crestline Cafe for a hearty breakfast. For something more unusual, The Bear House Restaurant serves fondue and raclette dishes.

Outdoor Adventures in Crestline. Crestline is surrounded by forests, lakes and mountains, which makes it the destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike one of the many trails in the San Bernardino National Forest, or rent a boat and give the day to Lake Gregory. For more adrenaline, ziplining at Lake Arrowhead or a guided ATV tour through the mountains will do it.

Key Takeaways

• Crestline, California offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.
• Foodies will love the dining options in Crestline, including local favorites like The Grill at Antler’s Inn and Crestline Cafe.
• Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, boating, ziplining, and ATV tours in the surrounding forests and mountains.

Tickling Your Taste Buds in Crestline

For a culinary adventure, Crestline has plenty to satisfy your cravings. Hearty American fare through to authentic Mexican cuisine, the range here is wide. These are the places to eat in town:

The Bear House Family Restaurant

After a family-friendly spot with classic American dishes? The Bear House Family Restaurant is the answer. This cozy eatery serves everything from burgers and fries to hot dogs and fried chicken. And the famous prime rib runs on Friday and Saturday nights.

Bear Claw Saloon

For a more laid-back atmosphere, head to the Bear Claw Saloon. This local watering hole is known for its friendly staff and ice-cold beer. The pub grub holds up too, with crispy chicken wings and loaded nachos on the board.

Local Mexican Cuisine

For something spicy, check out one of Crestline’s many Mexican restaurants. Traditional tacos and burritos through to sizzling fajitas, the range covers most cravings. Try La Cocina de Tony for authentic dishes made with fresh ingredients.

Fine Dining Options

For a special occasion or a fancy night out, Crestline carries upscale dining options too. The Grill at Antlers Inn is known for its elegant atmosphere and its steak and lobster dishes. And for pizza, Pizzaville turns out the strongest pies in town.

Ice Cream and Cider Tasting

And no meal finishes without dessert. Stop by the Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery for sweet treats and cider tasting. Or head to the Lake Gregory Coffee Company for a scoop of ice cream in a waffle cone.

Whatever you are in the mood for, Crestline has plenty to tickle your taste buds. Grab a fork and dig in.

Outdoor Adventures in Crestline

Outdoor enthusiast after some adventure? Crestline, California has it covered. The country around the town carries outdoor activity of every sort, and the scale of it lands quickly. These are the outdoor adventures to have in Crestline.

Hiking Trails

Crestline is surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, which means the hiking trails never quite run out. The popular ones include the Heart Rock Trail and the Seeley Creek Trail. Both open onto the forest and lead to the famous Heart Rock, a heart-shaped formation carved into the rock by nature itself.

Boating and Kayaking on Lake Gregory

Lake Gregory is where a summer day goes. Rent a boat or a kayak and work the lake’s crystal-clear waters, or use the swimming area when the heat lands. Do not forget your sunscreen.

Fishing in Crestline

Fishing enthusiasts should head for Crestline. Lake Gregory is home to rainbow trout, which makes it a popular spot for anglers. Rent a boat or fish from the shore. Make sure the fishing license is valid first.

Mountain Biking

The San Bernardino Mountains carry some of the strongest mountain biking trails in Southern California. SkyPark at Santa’s Village is the one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure park behind a good share of them, with 200 acres of adventure-based outdoor activities built around wonder, thrill and camaraderie. Visitors get a network of professionally designed and maintained bike trails to take on.

Camping in the San Bernardino Mountains

Camping is among the strongest ways to take in the country around Crestline. The San Bernardino Mountains carry camping options of every sort, from primitive campsites to RV parks. The popular camping spots in Crestline include the North Shore Campground and the Dogwood Campground.

So what is the delay? Grab your hiking boots, fishing rod or mountain bike and head to Crestline for the outdoor adventure.

Getting Your Retail Therapy

After the hiking and the outdoor activities, retail therapy has its place. Crestline handles that too, from antique stores through to local boutiques.

Antique Shopping

Fans of vintage items are in luck. Crestline is home to several antique shops carrying unique and interesting items of every sort.

The Antlered Doe is among the popular antique stores in Crestline. This store is filled with vintage and antique items, furniture through to jewelry. What turns up changes constantly, which is exactly why it is worth stopping in for a look.

The Crestline Antiques and Collectibles store is the other option. This shop carries a large selection of antiques, furniture, glassware and vintage clothing included. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, so ask for their help finding the right item.

Local Stores and Boutiques

For something a bit more modern, Crestline also carries several local stores and boutiques. Their stock runs from clothing through to home decor.

The Lake House is among the popular local stores in Crestline. This store carries clothing, jewelry and home decor across a wide floor. The prices are reasonable and the staff are friendly and helpful.

The Crestline Village Store is the other option. This shop carries clothing, accessories and gifts, with prices that stay reasonable. The staff are always happy to help you find what you came for.

Whatever kind of shopping you are in the mood for, Crestline has a version of it. Go ahead and indulge in some retail therapy, because you have earned it.

Nothing here is far, though the ground goes up and down constantly. Heart Rock on the Seeley Creek Trail is a short walk and it gets genuinely slippery in places, which is the only real hazard anywhere on this list. Lake Gregory is flat and easy by comparison to that. Skypark and the Lake Arrowhead attractions both need a drive rather than a walk to reach. Judge by elevation, not distance.

Nightlife in Crestline

After some fun once the sun goes down? Crestline has it covered. Local bars through to wineries and bowling alleys, the evening fills itself.

Local Bars

For a cold one, head to one of Crestline’s local bars. The Bear Claw Saloon is the popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Great music, friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere make the evening easy, and the pizza is worth ordering alongside the drinks.

Wineries and Wine Tasting

For a more sophisticated night out, check out one of Crestline’s wineries. The Sycamore Ranch Vineyard and Winery runs tastings of their award-winning wines along with tours of the vineyard. It works equally well for a romantic date or a night out with friends.

Rim Bowling and Entertainment Center

For some friendly competition, head to Rim Bowling and Entertainment Center. With 24 lanes, an arcade and a sports bar, the evening runs itself. Cosmic bowling on Friday and Saturday nights is the version worth timing for.

Whatever a good time means to you, Crestline’s nightlife scene has a version of it. Grab some friends, head out on the town and make the evening count.

Local Attractions

After some fun and exciting things to do in Crestline, California? The local attractions are the answer. Hiking through to wine tasting, the range is wide. These are the attractions to check out:

Heart Rock on Seeley Creek Trail

Hike the Seeley Creek Trail and find the Heart Rock. This heart-shaped formation in the rock is a popular spot for photos and a good place to take in the mountainous landscape. Watch your footing, because the trail gets slippery in places.

Mozumdar Temple

For a unique cultural experience, visit the Mozumdar Temple. This temple is open to the public and holds a peaceful atmosphere for meditation and reflection. Dress modestly and remove your shoes before going in.

Lake Arrowhead Queen Boat Tour

Take a relaxing boat tour of Lake Arrowhead on the Lake Arrowhead Queen. This scenic tour opens onto the lake and the surrounding mountains. You can also rent a boat and work the lake yourself.

Sycamore Ranch Vineyard and Winery

Wine lovers should not miss the Sycamore Ranch Vineyard and Winery. This family-owned winery runs tastings of their award-winning wines with the vineyards in view. Try their signature red blend, the Heart of the Vine.

Skypark at Santa’s Village

For a fun-filled day with the family, head to Skypark at Santa’s Village. This amusement park carries rides and attractions of every sort, zip lining, mountain biking and ice skating included. You can even meet Santa and his elves.

Whatever your interests, Crestline, California has local attractions to match them. Pack your bags and get ready for the mountains.

Planning Your Visit

So you are planning a trip to Crestline, California. Good choice, my friend. The scenery, the charming small-town vibe and the endless outdoor activities make it a strong destination for your next vacation. Before you hit the road, though, a few things will make the trip smoother.

Travel by Car

The easiest way to reach Crestline is by car. From Southern California, take the 210 freeway east to the Waterman Ave exit, then head north on Waterman Ave until you reach Crestline. Coming from further away, put Crestline, CA into your GPS and let the magic happen.

Rideshare Options

Without a car, or without the appetite for driving, a few rideshare options run in the area. Uber and Lyft both operate in Crestline, so a ride is a phone away. Wait times run longer than in more urban areas, so plan accordingly.

Rental Car Services

Flying into LAX or another nearby airport, renting a car is the sensible move for reaching Crestline. Several rental car services operate at the airport, Enterprise, Hertz and Budget among them. Reserve in advance, because they sell out quickly during peak travel season.

Once you arrive in Crestline, parking is straightforward. Most of the local attractions carry their own parking lots, and several public lots sit around the town. Read the signs carefully, since some areas run time limits or require permits.

Now that the logistics are handled, the itinerary is the fun part. Check TripAdvisor for more ideas on things to do and places to visit in Crestline. Happy travels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the scoop on Lake Gregory Regional Park?

Lake Gregory is where a day in the sun belongs. Crystal-clear water, a sandy beach and mountain views explain why so many people head for this park. Rent a boat, go fishing, or simply relax on the beach. Picnic areas, playgrounds and hiking trails fill the rest. Bring sunscreen and plenty of water.

Can you recommend any fun winter activities at Lake Gregory?

Absolutely. Once winter arrives, Lake Gregory turns into a winter wonderland. Ice skating, sledding and a horse-drawn carriage ride are all on. For anyone feeling adventurous, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing will do it. Bundle up first.

What’s the Heart Rock trail like?

The Heart Rock trail is short and sweet, and it suits all skill levels. It is only about a mile long and finishes at a waterfall with a heart-shaped rock formation beside it. It is a good spot for taking photos or simply enjoying the scenery. Watch the slippery rocks.

What’s the best way to spend a day in Crestline?

There are plenty of fun things to do in Crestline. Start the day with a hike on one of the many trails, the Heart Rock trail or the Pacific Crest Trail among them. Then head over to Lake Gregory for boating, fishing or swimming. In the afternoon, work the local shops or grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants. And for anyone feeling adventurous, zip-lining or rock climbing are both available.

What’s Crestline known for besides its catchy name?

Crestline is known for its mountain scenery, its proximity to Lake Gregory and its charming small-town feel. The town is also home to the famous Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout Tower, which opens onto the surrounding mountains. And wine lovers should check out the Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery.

Any tips for exploring nearby San Bernardino?

To explore beyond Crestline, San Bernardino is where to start. The San Bernardino National Forest covers hiking, camping and fishing opportunities. The city also holds the California Theatre of Performing Arts, the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum and the Original McDonald’s Site and Museum. And for Mexican food, Mitla Cafe has been serving delicious food since 1937.

Frequently asked questions about Crestline, California

How do you fill a day at Lake Gregory Regional Park?

Water first, then the beach. Lake Gregory carries crystal-clear water, a sandy beach and mountain views, and you can rent a boat, fish it, or simply lie down on the sand. Picnic areas and playgrounds fill in all around the edges of it. Hiking trails run from the same park for anyone still moving at that point. Bring sunscreen and rather more drinking water than you think you will need.

What is the Heart Rock trail like?

Short, and genuinely worth it. The trail runs a short way through the forest and finishes at a waterfall with a heart-shaped formation carved into the rock right beside the water. Rocks along the way get slippery, so watch your footing on the descent. Every skill level manages the whole thing without any real trouble at all. Photographers tend to spend far longer at the end than they had planned.

Which vineyard can you visit near Crestline?

Sycamore Ranch, which is family-owned. The winery runs tastings of its award-winning wines alongside tours of the vineyard itself, which makes it the civilized half of an evening spent up here. Ask them for the signature red blend while you are there. Cider tasting and sweet things are available at the same place as well. Book it for the end of a day rather than the start of one.

Spread the love!