Lake Arrowhead, California

Lake Arrowhead, two and a half hours northeast of San Diego, is situated in the San Bernardino Mountains’ Angeles National Forest. The community of Lake Arrowhead and surrounding areas offer welcome respite from the summer heat.

With plenty of areas for camping, the prettiest campground in Southern California is Dogwood Campground, near the little town of Blue Jay. At 28104 Hwy 18, Dogwood has 93 campsites, some of which are wheelchair-accessible. There are sites for both tent camping and RVs with electric hookups. Public restrooms are equipped with showers. Campsites range from $24-48 per day.

The town of Blue Jay hosts a Jazz Festival every Thursday night in August. Tickets are $20, and kids under 16 are free; for info go to bluejayjazz.com.

Also, don’t miss lunch at the Cedar Glen Malt Shop, 29125 Hook Creek Road in the town of Cedar Glen. It features the best burgers, fries and malts around. And after shopping in Lake Arrowhead Village, the best views of the lake can be found on the deck of the Lake Arrowhead Queen. (Tours are $10-16.)