Escape to the mountains to this absolute gem of a town. Get the skinny on things to to in Pinecrest, California!
Last weekend we headed up to Pinecrest Lake, one of our favorite hangouts in Northern California!
This magical California mountain town neighbors Strawberry, and the two together are a perfect getaway to the Sierra Nevadas.
There’s plenty to do whether it’s winter or summer, so read on for the best things to do in Pinecrest, California.
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Things to Do in Pinecrest California
Our family has been hanging out in these hills since my dad’s youth, and we definitely have some favorites.
My recommendations shift depending on the season, so let’s break it down.
Summer in Pinecrest California
I’m not a big skier so I actually prefer summer in the mountains. There’s so much to do!
Pinecrest Lake. You can fill plenty of days at the lake at Pinecrest Lake Resort!
Get there early to stake out a spot near the water and the food/bathroom area. Lots of folks bring pop-up tents to provide shade throughout the day.
I recommend bringing sand toys and floating devices if you have young kids. It’s great for them to dig around the shore or float on a raft inside the buoys.
You can also rent a small party boat or a paddle boat and go out on the water.
We always bring our inflatable paddle boards and paddle out to explore the far shores of the lake. These boards have lasted years for us.
While you’re at the lake, I recommend ordering lunch from the snack shack or the burger truck. And you have to have a soft serve cone to finish out the day!
Hiking. There are lots of trails around the Pinecrest and Strawberry area, but one of my favorite hikes is actually the loop trail that goes around Pinecrest Lake.
We’ve hiked it with our six and eight year olds and they made it around. It takes us approximately 2.5 hours with kids (this includes a snack break), but you could do it faster without stops and with adults. It’s just shy of four miles around.
You can find some other great hikes in Pinecrest, California here.
Stanislaus River. A river runs through Strawberry, and it’s so fun to go down to the riverbed to look for fish, skip stones, or just take a book and read.
Shops. The Strawberry General Store and Pinecrest Lake General Store are fun stops to get local merch, beach toys, a quick coffee, or camping supplies.
Winter in Pinecrest California
Winter is equally fun, and if you love winter sports this is the spot for you!
Skiing. Dodge Ridge is one of the most popular ski resorts in California, just a couple of minutes outside Pinecrest. You can rent gear there or bring your own.
Snow Play. There are so many great meadows or roadside spots to bring your toboggan, sled, or snow toys to play in the snow.
Ice Skating. There’s a charming ice skating rink in Long Barn, a few minutes down the mountain.
Also, insider tip: if there’s no snow to play in, walk behind the ice rink building. There’s usually a pile of snow pushed outside by the Zamboni as it refreshes the ice rink between sessions.
Where to Eat in Pinecrest, California
I’ll admit: the spots to eat are few and far between. But if you’re in the know, there are plenty of places to find great food!
Mia’s. A great pizza/sandwich place with good beer and a fun atmosphere. Be prepared for a long wait, as service is sometimes slow. We always bring a game to play while we wait for our food.
The Steam Donkey. This is the “nice” restaurant in the Pinecrest Lake Resort. It’s very small and sometimes tough to get a table but you can order everything from fish to steak to burgers, and the owners are incredibly kind.
The Strawberry Inn. A great place to go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s very relaxed and the inn backs up to the river, so grab your food and eat outside if you like.
The Snack Shack. If you’re at the lake, take advantage of the nostalgic feel of a basket of nachos, fries, or a great burger.
I hope you use some of these recommendations on your next trip to the California mountains! Be sure to bookmark our guides to some of our other favorite California desitnations. xoxo
