Lake Elsinore, California
Lake Elsinore, California, in Riverside county, is 15 miles NW of Temecula, California (center to center) and 20 miles South of Riverside, California. It’s surrounded by the beautiful Ortega Mountains. The city is popular with residents due to the variety of recreational activities available at the beautiful Lake Elsinore, the year-round mild climate and being close to Orange County, San Diego County, and Los Angeles. The bedroom community includes a large number of upper middle-class professionals. The restored downtown features vintage street lamps and attractive window canopies and has the charm of the 1920’s.
Lake Elsinore Communities – Homes For Sale (click on a community below):
Lake Elsinore History
During the 18th century the lake was utilized by Spanish ranchers and American trappers. Lake Elsinore became dry during the 1930’s and was refilled during the early 1960’s. Lake Elsinore was a popular location for numerous Hollywood celebrities during the first half of the 1900’s. In 1980 an extensive rain caused the lake to flood which destroyed nearby houses and businesses. After the major flood occurred, an expensive system was created to keep the water level at a consistent level which allowed houses to be constructed near the lake.
Lake Elsinore Attractions
- Lake Elsinore is the largest natural freshwater lake in Southern California with 3,000 surface acres and over 14 miles of shoreline.
- Lake Elsinore is ideal for motor boating, jet skiiing, waterskiing, wake boarding, kayaking and fishing.
- Lake Elsinore Diamond is the home of the Lake Elsinore STORM Baseball Team and a variety of special events, concerts and fireworks.
- Historic downtown antique district is a notable destination
- The Lake Elsinore Outlets is an outdoor mall with over 50 popular retailers and vendors.
- Lake Elsinore features a Resort/Casino.
- Golf at The Links at Summerly
- Extreme sports events and skydiving are popular at Lake Elsinore.
Lake Elsinore Activities
Lake Elsinore is popular most of the year for boating, wind surfing, swimming, fishing, water skiing and activities on the beach. The lake offers beautiful campgrounds. It’s a short drive to the scenic Cleveland National Forest. The Elsinore Valley is popular with skydiving enthusiasts due to the well known thermal winds. Excellent opportunities for hiking, bicycle riding and bird watching are available. The Trabuco Canyon Trail and the Chiquito Trail are popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
Castle Amusement Park, Pharaohs Lost Kingdom, Scandia Amusement Park and Boomers Family Fun Center are nearby. There are numerous golf courses in the area including Cherry Hills Golf Course, North Golf Course and Colony Country Club. Crystal Cove, Chino Hills, Palomar Mountain and Don Tiburcio Tapia state parks are situated in the area and are popular for a variety of outdoor activities.