Lake Forest travel guide

Lake Forest Tourism | Lake Forest Guide

You're Going to Love Lake Forest

With a population of 77.264, Lake Forest is a must-see destination in California, United States. We recommend you stay at least 4 days in order to fully appreciate everything Lake Forest has to offer.

Where to Eat in Lake Forest

If you’re looking for affordable options, Bru Grill and Market (23730 El Toro Rd) and AQUA Restaurant and Lounge - Lake Forest (23131 Lake Center Dr) are great picks.

When to visit Lake Forest

Lake Forest in March
Estimated hotel price
$129
1 night at 3-star hotel
Lake Forest in March
Estimated hotel price
$129
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Lake Forest

Plane

When flying to Lake Forest, you’ll arrive at John Wayne Airport, OC (SNA), which is located 17 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Lake Forest include Air Canada, Alaska Airlines and Emirates. The shortest domestic flight to Lake Forest departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 02m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Lake Forest. The train journey from Lake Forest to Burbank takes 0h 27m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about $14 for a 0h 39m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Lake Forest is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 73 km from Lake Forest. You’ll find branches of Ace and Kyte, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Lake Forest, including Bus, FlixBus and Busbud. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to Lake Forest takes 193 km and will cost you around $64. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about $35 for a journey of 201 km.

Plane

When flying to Lake Forest, you’ll arrive at John Wayne Airport, OC (SNA), which is located 17 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Lake Forest include Air Canada, Alaska Airlines and Emirates. The shortest domestic flight to Lake Forest departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 02m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Lake Forest. The train journey from Lake Forest to Burbank takes 0h 27m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about $14 for a 0h 39m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Lake Forest is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 73 km from Lake Forest. You’ll find branches of Ace and Kyte, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Lake Forest, including Bus, FlixBus and Busbud. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to Lake Forest takes 193 km and will cost you around $64. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about $35 for a journey of 201 km.

Airports near Lake Forest

Airlines serving Lake Forest

Lufthansa
Good (4,636 reviews)
KLM
Good (849 reviews)
SWISS
Good (926 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,467 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,601 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,299 reviews)
Air France
Good (982 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,554 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,936 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,123 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,483 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,756 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (876 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (834 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,166 reviews)
LOT
Good (682 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (913 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Lake Forest

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Forest, An IHG Hotel and Best Western Plus Irvine Spectrum Hotel.

Where to stay in popular areas of Lake Forest

Most booked hotels in Lake Forest

Staybridge Suites Irvine East/Lake Forest
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 232 reviews)
$162+
Hampton Inn by Hilton Irvine Spectrum/Lake Forest
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 361 reviews)
$149+
Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa Newport Beach
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 548 reviews)
$184+
Hilton Garden Inn Irvine Spectrum Lake Forest
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 426 reviews)
$149+
Holiday Inn Santa Ana Orange County Airport, An IHG Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 425 reviews)
$120+
Sonesta Simply Suites Irvine East Foothill
2 stars
Excellent (8, 395 reviews)
$112+

Renting a car in Lake Forest

Renting a car in Lake Forest costs $53 per day, on average, or $212 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 8% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in Lake Forest (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in Lake Forest is Mini (Dodge Grand Caravan or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar) are, on average, 59% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Lake Forest costs $53 per day, on average, or $212 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 8% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in Lake Forest (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in Lake Forest is Mini (Dodge Grand Caravan or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Mitsubishi Mirage or similar) are, on average, 59% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.