Lake Elsinore is a city of about 68,000 people situated in Riverside County. The city is known for its pleasant weather year-round and for being home to the largest lake in Southern California.
This lake is situated in the centre of town and is a popular destination for people interested in a variety of activities, including adventure sports and water sports.
The city is also known for its stunning scenery such as the Ortega Mountains and the Elsinore Mountains.
The natural landscape, lake, and ideal weather conditions make it the perfect hub for many activities including boating, skydiving, hang-gliding, jet-skiing, waterskiing, fishing, bird watching, hiking, and biking.
In Lake Elsinore, there are various restaurants, cultural attractions, and shopping areas, including the historic downtown district, the Outlets at Lake Elsinore, and Lake Elsinore Town Square.
Many events and festivals take place in the city throughout the year, including the Dia de los Muertes Festival and the Harvest Festival.
Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Lake Elsinore, California.
1. Learn about Local History at the Lake Elsinore Historical Society
Source: SevenMaps / shutterstockThe main goal of the Lake Elsinore Historical Society is to acquire, preserve, and share items related to the history of the city and surrounding area.
Inside the museum, which is situated in downtown Elsinore, you’ll see artefacts, photos, and documents telling the story of the city’s history, culture, and people.
2. Get Outdoors at Canyon Hills Community Park
Source: Brian Karczewski / shutterstockWith more than 18 acres of green space featuring a variety of facilities, Canyon Hills Community Park is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon relaxing or participating in a range of outdoor activities.
You’ll find a water play area with a splash pad, sporting fields, a basketball court, two playgrounds, picnic areas, and a concession building.
3. Spend a Day on the Greens at The Links at Summerly Lake Elsinore
Source: The Links at Summerly / FacebookThe Links at Summerly Lake Elsinore provides golfers with an incredible experience that incorporates stunning scenery, a beautifully- designed golf course, and challenges to ensure your game is anything but boring.
Situated in the foothills of the Ortega Mountains, this par-72, 18-hole conventional links-style course is suitable for all levels. However, a sufficient amount of challenging features, including water hazards and sand traps, will keep you on your toes.
There’s a golf pro shop and practice facilities. The Summerly Wok and Grill is where you can satisfy your hunger and thirst after a long day on the course.
4. Grab a Bite to Eat at Jack’s Bar-B-Q Shack
Source: JACKS BBQ SHACK / FacebookJack’s Bar-B-Q Shack is a laid-back eatery situated along the banks of Lake Elsinore. Friendly service and big plates of delicious comfort food await inside.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, and everything on the menu is made with locally-sourced ingredients. You’ll find many items, including appetizers, wings, sandwiches, burgers and salads.
There’s even a full bar on-site and the option to eat outdoors on the patio.
5. Check out Ortega Falls
Source: Nora Connors Photography / shutterstockOrtega Falls, located in the Santa Ana Mountains on the outskirts of Lake Elsinore, is a great place for the whole family to spend a day. The 0.2-mile trail leading to the falls is fairly easy to navigate.
Upon arrival, admire the beauty of the waterfalls and surrounding natural area. If the weather allows, take a dip in the refreshing freshwater pool at the bottom of the waterfall. Rock climbing is also a popular activity.
6. Take to the Skies Above Lake Elsinore with Adventure Flights
Source: Jeff Schultes / shutterstockFor more than 40 years, Adventure Flights has been providing people of all ages with unforgettable experiences in the skies above Lake Elsinore. No, it’s not a plane or a helicopter that will take you on this adventure; it’s a hot air balloon.
The company combines traditional ballooning techniques with modern, aerostatic technology that ensures the safety of all onboard. As you soar high above the city, you’ll see stunning scenery, including the lake and surrounding mountains.
A complete breakfast with pastries, champagne, and tea or coffee is offered as part of the experience. Soft drinks are available for the kids.
7. Enjoy a Night Out at Lake Elsinore Casino
Source: Evgeny Kovalev spb / shutterstockAt Lake Elsinore Casino, you’ll enjoy an exciting night in a friendly, laid back atmosphere where and have the chance to try your luck at winning some cash. This casino never closes, so you can get in on the fun any time of the day or night.
Inside the 22-table card room, you’ll be able to play a wide variety of card games, including Three Card Poker, Texas Hold’em, Blackjack, and Spanish 21. Off-track betting is available in the lounge area, and a sports bar and restaurant are also on-site.
8. Sample Local Craft Beer at Craft Brewing Company
Source: Craft Brewing Company / FacebookSince 2009, Craft Brewing Company in Lake Elsinore has been brewing quality, local craft beer.
This family-run brewery offers a variety of their handcrafted brews on tap in their tasting room, including Raven Stout, Fallen Angel Blonde, Diviner IPA, and Book of Haze.
9. Participate in a Wide Range of Outdoor Activities at Lake Elsinore
Source: Kit Leong / shutterstockWhether you’re seeking a quiet stroll along the banks of Lake Elsinore or itching to participate in one of the many exciting outdoor activities popular at the lake, a day at Lake Elsinore is never dull.
This natural freshwater lake is a popular gathering place all year round. You can enjoy boating, waterskiing and swimming. Fishing is also popular, and you have the opportunity to reel in a variety of species, including bass, catfish, carp, and bluegill.
10. Take in an Event at the Lake Elsinore Diamond-Storm Stadium
Source: Brian Karczewski / shutterstockLake Elsinore Diamond-Storm Stadium is a grand and lavish baseball stadium that plays host to Minor League Baseball games and many other events throughout the year.
This stadium holds more than 8,000 spectators and features a variety of amenities, including a bar and restaurant. Some of the events that take place there include concerts, sporting events, and festival events.
11. Try Out Some Locally-made Wine at La Rebelde Winery and Sake’ Kura
Source: Milla Dukina / shutterstockLa Rebelde Winery and Sake’ Kura is a family-run winery in the Lake Elsinore area – but it isn’t just any winery; it’s the only one in the state that produces vegan wines and sake that are 100% free of animal products.
When you try one of their craft wines or sakes, you can also rest assured that they’re free of sulfites and additives.
Learn more about their unique processes while you sample some of their creations in the tasting room, such as wine, sake, mead, and sangria.
12. Go Skydiving with Skydive Elsinore
Source: seesaw1 / shutterstockYou don’t need to look far to find adventure in Lake Elsinore: Skydive Elsinore will provide you with an unforgettable experience in the skies above the city.
As one of the best skydiving facilities in the region, you’ll get a safe and fun experience delivered by experienced skydiving professionals.
Both inexperienced and experienced jumpers are welcome to participate in skydives, but if you’re new to the sport, it’s advised to do a tandem jump. During your jump, you’ll see some of the area’s most beautiful locations, including Lake Elsinore and the Ortega Mountains.
13. Explore the Historic Downtown District
Source: miheco / Flickr | CC BY-SAThe downtown district of Lake Elsinore is a must-see while in the city. The well-maintained area and quaint old-world charm make it a pleasant place to spend an afternoon taking in the sights or browsing the little shops.
Downtown Lake Elsinore also has a vibrant history going back to the late 1800s; many of the old buildings are still standing, including the Chimes Crescent Bath House, The Masonic Lounge, and City Hall.
Come evening, the streets are lit up with vintage lamps just as they were over 100 years ago.
14. Have a Pizza Night at Sports Pizza of Lake Elsinore
Source: Antonio Gravante / shutterstockSports Pizza of Lake Elsinore is a family eatery that specializes in traditional pizza made with fresh ingredients, but pizza is not all that’s available on the menu. You can also choose from a wide variety of delicious options, including appetizers, salads, subs, and pasta dishes.
15. Go Hiking in Walker Canyon
Source: Joseph Sohm / shutterstockThe Walker Canyon Trail is a moderate nine-mile hiking trail, in and out, situated near the lake.
This beautiful and enjoyable hike passes through many scenic areas, where you can admire stunning views of the natural landscape. As you make your way along, you’ll see many lovely wildflowers and species of birds.
