Lake Arrowhead Beaches
There is no public beach on Lake Arrowhead. The sandy beaches you see along the shoreline are private ALA beach clubs, open only to Arrowhead Lake Association members and their guests. If you're looking for a beach day near Lake Arrowhead, you want one of three public mountain-lake beaches nearby: Lake Gregory (~15 min), Green Valley Lake (~25 min), or Silverwood Lake (~30 min).
The facts
- Open to the public
- No public beach on Lake Arrowhead; public beaches are 15–30 min away
- Cost
- Public beaches: ~$17–$32/day depending on which
- Drive from Lake Arrowhead
- Nearest public beach ~15 min (Lake Gregory)
Getting there
Get directions →Why there's no public Lake Arrowhead beach
Lake Arrowhead is a private lake owned by the Arrowhead Lake Association. Every beach on its shoreline is a private ALA beach club — Tavern Bay Beach Club is the best known — and they're gated to members (Arrowhead Woods property owners with lake rights) and their registered guests. There is no public beach, no day-use beach pass, and no walk-up sand access to the lake for visitors. The Village waterfront is public, but it's boardwalk and shops, not a swimming beach.
This catches a lot of people off guard, because 'Lake Arrowhead beach' is a natural thing to search. The beaches here work like a private club rather than a county park.
The public sand beaches nearby
Three public mountain lakes with real sand swim beaches are a short drive away:
Lake Gregory (~15 min): the closest and most developed — sand beach, lifeguards, twin waterslides, and an inflatable aqua park. Best for families who want a full swim-park day.
Green Valley Lake (~25 min): small, quiet, high-elevation beach. Best if you want to escape the crowds.
Silverwood Lake (~30 min): a state recreation area with two large beaches and a boat launch — the overflow option and the one for bigger groups. Check the algae advisory before you go.
Not sure which? Our Lake Gregory vs Green Valley Lake comparison breaks down the two most popular.
Can I get on the lake at all as a visitor?
Yes — just not to a beach. The Lake Arrowhead Queen paddlewheel tour is the one public way onto the water: a 50-minute narrated cruise from the Village dock, open to anyone. And guests of the Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa get access to that hotel's private beach. Otherwise, plan your beach day around the public lakes above and use the Village for food, shopping, and the boat tour.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a public beach at Lake Arrowhead?
No. All beaches on Lake Arrowhead are private ALA beach clubs for members and their guests. The nearest public sand beach is Lake Gregory in Crestline, about 15 minutes away.
Can visitors use Tavern Bay Beach Club?
No — Tavern Bay and the other lakeside beach clubs are private, for Arrowhead Lake Association members and their registered guests only. There is no day pass for the general public.
Where is the closest beach to Lake Arrowhead you can actually use?
Lake Gregory Regional Park in Crestline, about 15 minutes away, with a public sand swim beach, lifeguards, and waterslides. Green Valley Lake and Silverwood Lake are the other public options.
Does any Lake Arrowhead hotel have beach access?
The Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa has a private beach for registered hotel guests. Confirm current access rules with the resort when you book.
Facts on this page last verified July 28, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.