Several major highways lead to the Southern California city of Lake Elsinore. But as a longtime SoCal resident, my favorite route is Ortega Highway, aka State Route 74, which runs from west to east through the boulder-studded peaks of the Cleveland National Forest. After miles of winding asphalt and switchbacks, you emerge onto the eastern slopes of the Santa Ana Mountains, with improbable views of a 3,000-acre freshwater lake—the region’s largest—glittering against the desert floor below.
While most people come to boat, fish, or both at the lake, there’s plenty worth doing on land, too. Lake Elsinore boasts a historic Main Street lined with independent shops and restaurants, plus facilities for a variety of other adventure sports. Californians might also know Lake Elsinore for its famous poppy blooms, a seasonal, spring phenomenon in which brilliant orange blossoms carpet the surrounding hills after wet winter weather.
Though visitors are now barred from walking through the flower fields (blame ill-mannered tourists trampling the delicate blooms), you can still admire the poppies from afar as you make your way around the town and the lake. And even when the poppies aren’t in season, you’ll find much more to Lake Elsinore than meets the eye.
Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Lake Elsinore, California.
Best Things to Do
Naturally, any visit to Lake Elsinore should start at the namesake lake. You can rent boats and jet skis from outfits like JT’s Rentals or Xtreme Boat Rentals, then get out on the water at the public boat ramp, Launch Pointe. The center of the lake has a speed limit of 150 miles per hour during weekdays and non-holidays; anyone manning a slower watercraft, such as a kayak or paddleboard, can still enjoy the lake but will have to stick closer to shore.
If you’re in the mood for a sport even more extreme than speeding across the lake on a motorboat, book a skydiving adventure with Skydive Elsinore. The company takes participants on jumps of up to 14,000 feet (led by experienced guides, of course), giving you views of the entire Elsinore Valley and an adrenaline rush you won’t forget anytime soon.
As for experiences on foot, nature-lovers have the entire Cleveland National Forest to explore. Though much of the forest is closed for wildfire recovery at the time of writing, hikes like the relaxed Ortega Falls trail and the longer trek to Chiquito Falls (one of my personal favorites) culminate in some stunning seasonal waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll pass native California flora and, potentially, fauna—keep an eye out for elusive bobcats.
Back in the town of Lake Elsinore itself, unique shopping awaits in the historic downtown. Here, you can peruse antique shops like Off Main St. Vintage Shop, as well as one-of-a-kind boutiques like Papillon, a clothing store that stocks unusual outfits and accessories.
Wrap up your day in town with a night of live entertainment. Close to the waterfront, O’Hara’s Lake Elsinore puts on live music performances and Friday-night karaoke during the summer. Also in the summer, you can head to the Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium to watch the city’s minor league team, the Lake Elsinore Storm, play ball.
Where to Eat and Drink
Lake Elsinore’s dining scene comprises both hopping downtown eateries and refined waterfront restaurants. In the former category, there’s Les Rendez-Vous Cafe, a French Creole spot that serves down-South dishes like fried chicken po’ boys and breaded popcorn shrimp. Also downtown, Main Street Kitchen & Tap is a charming gastropub with more than two dozen beers on tap, plus sandwiches and salads.
When it comes to lakeside dining, Bobber on the Lake won’t disappoint. The menu here centers on barbecued meats: pulled pork, chicken, ribs, and a decadent brisket that spends 18 hours in the smoker. Order a pint of SoCal-brewed beer to go with your meal and get comfortable at a table on the outdoor patio.
Lake Elsinore also has a few more standout restaurants that don’t quite fit into the downtown or lakeside categories, and Lao Esan Kitchen is one of them. Tucked into an unassuming strip mall on the edge of town, it’s a can’t-miss stop for delicious Thai and Lao food, like crab fried rice and spicy drunken noodles.
Where to Stay
If you want to sleep right on the shores of Lake Elsinore, you can choose from several campgrounds. Lake Park RV Resort and Lodge and Lake Elsinore Marina & RV Resort both rent out tent sites and RV pads, and Launch Pointe, an RV park, also has yurts and vintage trailers available to book.
Several chain hotels, including the Best Western Plus Lake Elsinore Inn & Suites and a Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Elsinore, are situated within city limits along Interstate 15. You’ll find further lodging options just 20 minutes down the road in Temecula, where well-appointed accommodations like Ponte Vineyard Inn and The Vine House Bed & Breakfast allow guests to stay at peaceful vineyards.