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 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 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 Oakland and takes around 1h 28m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Lake Forest. The train journey from Lake Forest to Fullerton takes 0h 39m and costs around $14 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Anaheim, expect to pay about $16 for a 0h 44m trip.

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 Kyte and Sixt, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Lake Forest, including Bus, FlixBus and Greyhound. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to Lake Forest takes 120 miles and will cost you around $65. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about $18 for a journey of 125 miles.

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 Oakland and takes around 1h 28m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Lake Forest. The train journey from Lake Forest to Fullerton takes 0h 39m and costs around $14 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Anaheim, expect to pay about $16 for a 0h 44m trip.

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 Kyte and Sixt, among others, in Los Angeles.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Lake Forest, including Bus, FlixBus and Greyhound. From Santa Barbara, the bus ride to Lake Forest takes 120 miles and will cost you around $65. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about $18 for a journey of 125 miles.

Airports near Lake Forest

Airlines serving Lake Forest

Lufthansa
Good (4,688 reviews)
KLM
Good (846 reviews)
SWISS
Good (951 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,573 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,608 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,280 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (488 reviews)
Air France
Good (979 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,597 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,113 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,953 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,441 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,925 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (226 reviews)
Finnair
Good (864 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,175 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (815 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,711 reviews)
Show more

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, 227 reviews)
$192+
Hampton Inn by Hilton Irvine Spectrum/Lake Forest
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 357 reviews)
$149+
Ayres Hotel Costa Mesa Newport Beach
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 550 reviews)
$165+
Hilton Garden Inn Irvine Spectrum Lake Forest
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 424 reviews)
$148+
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, 390 reviews)
$118+

Renting a car in Lake Forest

Renting a car in Lake Forest costs $54 per day, on average, or $163 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, 16% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. 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, 24% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Lake Forest costs $54 per day, on average, or $163 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, 16% more expensive than at Los Angeles.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. 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, 24% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.