Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Lake Elsinore is a city in southwestern Riverside County, built around the lake of the same name at the foot of the Santa Ana Mountains, about 70 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Southern California, and its warm mineral springs drew settlers in the 1880s. The town was laid out in 1883 and incorporated in 1888, and in the early 1900s it became a resort where Hollywood stars and Los Angeles visitors came to soak, boat and fish.
The lake's level has risen and fallen dramatically over the past century, from dry lakebed in some droughts to floods in wet years, but today it is managed for boating, fishing and water sports. The city has grown quickly into a community of around 70,000 people, with new neighborhoods climbing the hills while the historic Main Street keeps restaurants, antique shops and buildings from its resort era.
For visitors, Lake Elsinore is an outdoor playground. Jet skiers, wakeboarders and anglers share the water, skydivers land at one of the country's best-known drop zones, and the Ortega Highway winds up into the mountains to a lookout with sweeping views over the lake. In wet springs, Walker Canyon's hillsides turn orange with California poppies, and in summer the Lake Elsinore Storm play minor league baseball at the lakeside Diamond Stadium.
Lake Elsinore is the largest natural freshwater lake in Southern California, surrounded by mountains of the Cleveland National Forest. Visitors come for boating, jet skiing, kayaking, fishing and lakeside picnics. Water levels and algae conditions vary, so check the city's lake status page before swimming.
Walker Canyon, off Interstate 15 at the north end of Lake Elsinore, became famous for its orange poppy superblooms after wet winters. In normal years it is a dry hillside trail with valley views. During blooms the city often limits access and parking, so check official updates and stay on the trail.
La Laguna Resort and Boat Launch is the city-run lakeside park on the northwest shore of Lake Elsinore, with boat ramps, a campground, RV sites, picnic areas and a fishing area. It is the main access point for boaters. Day-use and launch fees apply, and summer weekends are very busy, so arrive early.
Lakepoint Park is a lakeside city park on the east side of Lake Elsinore, with sports fields, a playground, shaded picnic areas and paths along the water. It is a quiet spot to watch sunsets over the lake and mountains. Parking is free, and the park hosts community events on some weekends.
The Ortega Highway Lookout is a roadside viewpoint on Highway 74 above Lake Elsinore, with a sweeping view over the lake and valley from the mountain switchbacks. It is popular with motorcyclists and photographers at sunset. The highway is winding and busy, so pull fully off the road and drive carefully.
Historic Main Street in Lake Elsinore runs from the lake toward the hills, with older storefronts holding antique shops, cafes, local restaurants and bars. The town grew in the 1880s as a resort, and some buildings date from that era. Visit during a street event or car show to see it at its liveliest.
The Crescent Bath House on Graham Avenue was built in 1887, when Lake Elsinore was a popular hot springs resort. The brick building is one of the oldest surviving structures in town and a reminder of its spa history. It is best seen from outside while walking through the historic downtown area.
Skydive Elsinore is a well-known skydiving center near the lake, offering tandem jumps for first-timers and training for licensed jumpers, with views over the lake and mountains. Spectators can watch landings from the drop zone. Book ahead, plan for a half day, and expect wind delays on some days.
Lake Elsinore Diamond is the baseball stadium of the Lake Elsinore Storm, a minor league team, set against mountain views near the lake. Games are affordable family outings with fireworks nights and promotions. Check the season schedule, and bring a hat, since afternoon and early evening sun can be strong.
The Lake Elsinore Outlets is an open-air outlet center beside Interstate 15, with brand-name clothing, shoe, sporting goods and home stores plus a few places to eat. It is an easy stop on drives between San Diego and the Inland Empire. Parking is free, and weekday mornings are quietest.
No reviews yet. Been to Lake Elsinore? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Lake Elsinore? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photos
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Sejelsinore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: peter boy12qq12, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: peter boy12qq12, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: beglib, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Steve Rouhotas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Sejelsinore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Z3lvs, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Don Ramey Logan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Dirk Hansen, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Steve Riggins, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Jeremy Thompson from Los Angeles, California, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Jeremy Thompson from Los Angeles, California, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Jeremy Thompson from Los Angeles, California, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Jeremy Thompson from Los Angeles, California, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Jeremy Thompson from Los Angeles, California, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Gateman1997 (talk), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0