It’s one of the prettiest places in Southern California.
Getting to Crestline, California isn’t exactly a cakewalk.
Starting from the network of major freeways near the city of San Bernardino, most visitors elect to drive the Rim of the World Scenic Byway, a cliff-hugging route that switchbacks up nearly 3,500 feet in elevation before reaching Crestline and continuing through the mountains. But the journey amply rewards drivers dedicated enough to make the trip to one of Southern California’s most picturesque communities.
To start, Crestline ticks all the boxes for a quintessential mountain getaway. The accommodations mainly consist of rental cabins and rustic lodges; the restaurants serve sizable, hiker-approved meals; and there are outdoor activities galore. Plus, where else could you have a mountainside wine tasting at more than 4,500 feet above sea level?
In other words, visitors can enjoy plenty of well-deserved rest and relaxation, but will never get bored. “Crestline is a quaint mountain town that has a lot going for it,” says Crestline Chamber of Commerce director Dirk Rinker. “We’ve got fresh mountain air, miles of easy hiking trails within short range of most Southern California counties, a great lake that’s perfect for canoeing, stand-up paddleboards, swimming, and fishing, and easily accessible downtown areas with hometown charm that’s hard to find anywhere else in SoCal.”
That charm is thanks in no small part to Crestline’s 11,000-some residents.
“Beyond the scenery, the biggest reason to visit is the community,” says Raeann Idle, a Crestline resident of more than 20 years and the office manager for the Crestline Chamber of Commerce. “My biggest advice is to slow down and explore. Don’t just drive through Crestline on your way somewhere else. Park the car, walk around, talk to the locals, support a small business, grab a coffee, and see what you find. That’s when you really get to experience Crestline.”
Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Crestline, California.