Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

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 3 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 November
Estimated hotel price
$132
1 night at 3-star hotel
Lake Forest in November
Estimated hotel price
$132
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 10 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Lake Forest include American Airlines, Air Canada and Alaska Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Lake Forest departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 16m.

Car

Another option to get to Lake Forest is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 46 miles from Lake Forest. You’ll find branches of Priceless and Turo, among others, in Los Angeles.

Plane

When flying to Lake Forest, you’ll arrive at John Wayne Airport, OC (SNA), which is located 10 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Lake Forest include American Airlines, Air Canada and Alaska Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Lake Forest departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 16m.

Car

Another option to get to Lake Forest is to pick up a car rental from Los Angeles, which is about 46 miles from Lake Forest. You’ll find branches of Priceless and Turo, among others, in Los Angeles.

Airports near Lake Forest

LAXLos Angeles
ONTOntario
SNASanta Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Airlines serving Lake Forest

Lufthansa
Good (7,044 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,334 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,836 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,588 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,935 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,790 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,698 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,446 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (780 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,696 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,215 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,563 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,243 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,349 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (346 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,069 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,275 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,967 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,851 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,203 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Lake Forest

Where to stay in popular areas of Lake Forest

Most booked hotels in Lake Forest

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Staybridge Suites Irvine East/Lake Forest
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 362 reviews)
$144+
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Hyatt Regency Irvine
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 703 reviews)
$214+
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Hilton Garden Inn Irvine Spectrum Lake Forest
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 375 reviews)
$147+
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Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa Newport Beach
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, 986 reviews)
$153+
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Hampton Inn Irvine Spectrum Lake Forest
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 260 reviews)
$149+
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Sonesta Simply Suites Irvine East Foothill
2 stars
Excellent (8, 525 reviews)
$111+
View

Renting a car in Lake Forest

Renting a car in Lake Forest costs $53 per day, on average, or $160 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 7% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Lake Forest is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Kia Sportage or similar) are, on average, 61% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Lake Forest costs $53 per day, on average, or $160 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 7% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51. The most frequently booked car type in Lake Forest is Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Intermediate rental cars (Kia Sportage or similar) are, on average, 61% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Find car rentals in Lake Forest

Lake Forest Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Lake Forest city guide for the best Lake Forest travel tips. To help you organize your Lake Forest trip ideas, this Lake Forest visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.