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 American Airlines, Air Canada and Alaska Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Lake Forest departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 16m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Lake Forest. The train journey from Lake Forest to Burbank takes 0h 29m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about $17 for a 1h 15m 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 $36. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about $16 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 American Airlines, Air Canada and Alaska Airlines. The shortest domestic flight to Lake Forest departs from Las Vegas and takes around 1h 16m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Lake Forest. The train journey from Lake Forest to Burbank takes 0h 29m and costs around $11 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fullerton, expect to pay about $17 for a 1h 15m 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 $36. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about $16 for a journey of 201 km.

Airports near Lake Forest

Airlines serving Lake Forest

Lufthansa
Good (4,650 reviews)
KLM
Good (852 reviews)
SWISS
Good (923 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,478 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,599 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,300 reviews)
Air France
Good (979 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,555 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,938 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,125 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,479 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,775 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (229 reviews)
Finnair
Good (878 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (834 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,164 reviews)
LOT
Good (682 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (915 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (834 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, 231 reviews)
$165+
Hampton Inn by Hilton Irvine Spectrum/Lake Forest
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 360 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)
$119+
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 Intermediate (Class Intermediate SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Premium rental cars (Dodge Charger or similar) are, on average, 23% 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 Intermediate (Class Intermediate SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Premium rental cars (Dodge Charger or similar) are, on average, 23% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.