Heritage Hill Historical Park should rank at the top of your list of things to do here. It's a tiny village with four separate historic buildings that contain exhibits and artifacts dating back hundreds of years. It's open from Wednesday through Sunday, and if you'd like a guided tour, consider making a reservation in advance.
Then you have Arden: The Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens. It's a gorgeous place to visit, whether you're there for the history or the beautiful gardens. Actress Helena Modjeska originally owned the house, but it now belongs to the city. You can take self-guided or guided tours of both the gardens and the house to learn how the actress lived and worked in her own home as well as enjoying the landscaping she so lovingly cultivated.
Now that you've whetted your appetite for a Lake Forest vacation, it's time to choose your hotel and book your reservations. Fortunately, this city offers many to choose from regardless of your budget or preferences.
Best Time to Visit Lake Forest, CA
Located just outside Irvine in southern California, Lake Forest enjoys beautiful weather all year long. Summers bring more heat and tourists, so if you prefer a more relaxed environment, you might want to wait for another season. However, the Lake Forest community hosts more festivals and events between May and August, so if you're interested in those types of entertainment options, consider a summer vacation.
In the winter, lows can dip into the 40s or below, so you won't want to spend much time on the water. However, daily highs remain tolerable, so you can save on hotel prices and avoid tourist crowds if you select this time of year for your Lake Forest vacation. Alternatively, you can choose the more moderate shoulder seasons. Fall gets a little more rainfall than spring, though southern California is notorious for its low precipitation rates. Hotel prices start to fall in September and don't pick back up again until April or May.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Lake Forest, CA:
Lake Forest, CA: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Lake Forest, CA. Browse these line graphs to evaluate the cheapest time period to book a room in Lake Forest for your upcoming travels.
Best Luxury Hotel Options in Lake Forest, CA
4 Star Average Prices: $143.10
When you're searching for luxury in Lake Forest, you might have to step out of town a few miles to get the best amenities. The Fairfield Inn Mission Viejo Orange County is located in Mission Viejo, California, which is fewer than 5 miles south of Lake Forest. This upscale hotel offers numerous perks, including a complimentary shuttle service that will take you anywhere within a 5-mile radius of the establishment. Of course, the luxury doesn't stop there.
There's a huge fitness center at the Fairfield Inn Mission Viejo Orange County that includes numerous machines and free weights to help you stay fit even while you're on vacation. There's an outdoor swimming pool and spa for relaxation and fitness, and you get a free hot breakfast every morning. Plus, the beautifully styled guest rooms come with flat-screen televisions that serve DirecTV with HBO as well as other modern conveniences.
You'll also find luxurious accommodations at the Quality Inn & Suites Irvine Spectrum. Every room and suite comes with a balcony, so you don't have to leave your lodgings to breathe fresh California air. You'll get a free hot breakfast every morning before you start your sightseeing adventures as well as a daily newspaper and free wireless internet throughout the hotel. Use the guest laundry services to refresh your wardrobe and take a dip in the outdoor pool.
Best Affordable Hotel Options in Lake Forest, CA
3 Star Average Prices: $145.17
A vacation doesn't have to mean depleting your savings. If you stay at the Best Western Plus Irvine Spectrum Hotel, for instance, you'll get great rates without having to sacrifice cleanliness or comfort. This branded hotel features modern decor and design, which will appeal to many travelers, and its outdoor pool allows guests to cool off during brutal Lake Forest summers.
There's a fitness center and a business center as well as a friendly reception staff. The guest rooms are minimalist, which makes them feel more spacious, and you'll enjoy watching cable channels on your flat-screen hotel from either a king or queen bed. The bathrooms are on the small side, but you'll get plenty of toiletries and fluffy towels.
Alternatively, save a buck or two at The Prominence Hotel and Suites. It's an interesting choice because of its great nightly rates, but you can also splurge on add-ons if you wish. For instance, you can choose a room with a Blu-ray player and a computer if you wish, or upgrade to a suite that comes with a separate seating area. However, if you're on a budget, even the most basic rooms offer comfortable beds, spacious baths, and flat-screen televisions.
You can take a swim in the outdoor pool, avail yourself of the free premium coffee the hotel serves in the lobby, or work in some exercise at the on-site gym. This hotel is also ideal for corporate travelers, offering free hotel shuttles for select customers and other perks.
