Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Lake Elsinore, CA

  • Published 2022/09/01

For the adventure seekers, adrenaline junkies, and those looking for a relaxing vacation, going to Lake Elsinore is the best decision you’ll make.

You can try many water and adventure sports such as waterskiing, hang-gliding, skydiving, rock-climbing, and trekking in this most extensive freshwater lake in the southern part of California.

Apart from that, you will also see many stunning sceneries, natural landscapes and enjoy the relaxing moments in the park.

Take the opportunity to explore Lake Elsinore’s historic town district, shopping stores, and other cultural hubs.

Here are the 20 best things to do in Lake Elsinore:

Shop ‘Til You Drop in Outlets

Outside View at Outlets

TonelsonProductions / Shutterstock.com

If you want to go window shopping in an expansive shopping center, you must go to Outlets!

You can have a lot of great deals for known brands of clothing, equipment, appliances, and many more.

You can buy anything you want for yourself and your family.

Signage of Lake Elsinore Outlets

TonelsonProductions / Shutterstock.com

There is also free WiFi available in the area, so enjoy the convenience of the place.

The shopping center is open on Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm, and on Friday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, and on Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Spend Your Day in Canyon Hills Community Park

This well-maintained and expansive community park is for those looking for fun.

This 18-acre park has football and baseball fields, a basketball court, playgrounds for kids with specialized equipment, areas for dogs and jogging trails, concession buildings, and restroom facilities.

This community park also features the first splash pad wherein the kids can use the spraying gadgets and have fun with the sprinklers.

Spend your day relaxing in this park, and make sure to pack a picnic as there are a lot of tables and benches around the area.

Make sure you reserve picnic shelters if you’re going to have parties in the area.

This well-master-planned park is best for people of all ages.

You also don’t need to worry about the parking because there are plenty of spaces where you can stop and park.

Visit the Historic Downtown in District

Crescent Bath House at Downtown Lake Elsinore

Steve Rouhotas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you want to go to a place that will remind you of the past and old charm of the area, you must go to Lake Elsinore’s downtown district.

This historic downtown is about 125 years old, and you can see many old buildings that will take you back in time, such as the Masonic Lounge, City Hall and the City Park, the Grand Army of the Republic Armory Hall, and the Crescent Bath House.

It is more remarkable in the evening when the vintage street lamps are lit up, just like how it was decades ago, and you can feel the vibes of the old place with numerous historical sites.

You can also go to the novelty shops to check out antiques and some charms.

If you are in town over the weekend, you can go to Studio 395 to check the street art displayed outside the studio.

Go to the museums, and when you are hungry, there are many restaurants and dining establishments that you can go to, such as La Unica, Annie’s Cafe, or Main Street Kitchen & Tap.

For the people looking for a spooky experience, you can go to The Chimes, which people rumored to be haunted by ghosts, as a bathhouse turned into an antique store.

Check Out the Wine With a Twist in La Rebelde Winery and Sake’ Kura

There is another beautiful gem in Lake Elsinore dedicated to the artisanal winery.

Do you know what the major twist is in La Rebelde Winery and Sake’ Kura wines? It offers vegan wines that are guaranteed all-natural and free of any animal products.

This family-run winery produces state of quality wines free of chemicals, additives, and sulfites, which is the only kind of winery in the state.

If you are curious about its processes in making wine, sangria, mead, and sake, you can stop over to this place and drink some of their sample creations.

If you want to savor more of their wines, do not hesitate to order a wine flight while learning the winery’s history and the place.

Book Your Hot Air Balloon Ride in Adventure Flights

Hot Air Balloon in Lake Elsinore

Gerckens-Photo-Hamburg / Shutterstock.com

If you don’t want the extreme thrill of skydiving and soaring high in the sky, you can just have a relaxing moment in the hot air balloon ride and see the fantastic sceneries in Lake Elsinore.

The Adventure Flights offer hot air balloon rides with complete breakfast, tea or coffee, and champagne at the end to add to the unique experience you’ll have in the sky.

It is worth trying to see all the surrounding area if you are in a higher place as you can get a different perspective and view of the wonders of nature.

With almost half a century in the industry, Adventure Flights provides traditional and modern ballooning techniques to ensure passengers’ safety.

Try Your Luck in Lake Elsinore Casino

Have a different kind of fun night in Lake Elsinore Casino and play many table games like Blackjack, live-action Poker, Omaha, EZ Baccarat, and Spanish 21.

Take your time to play inside the twenty-two table card room and try your luck in the casino’s tournament.

You’ll love the staff dedicated to making sure that you will have a one-of-a-kind experience in the casino with exclusive promotions and exciting giveaways.

There is also a hotel nearby which have budget-friendly to luxurious suites, casino, and pools.

You can also go to the sports bar and lounge area to just chill and meet other people.

Do not hesitate to go anytime because the casino is open 24 hours per day a week.

Be Part of Different Events in Lake Elsinore Diamond-Storm Stadium

Baseball game in Diamond-Storm Stadium

Gateman1997 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Diamond-Storm Stadium will thrill you out as sports events such as baseball are held here.

The Storm Stadium can hold over 8,000 people, and it hosts Minor League Baseball games.

Other events take place throughout the year, such as concerts, music festivals, and private events.

This excellent baseball stadium features twelve luxury suites, a bar and restaurant, and other amenities, and it can accommodate special functions for birthdays, reunions, receptions, and special occasions.

You can purchase a ticket for the home games via their website, by phone, or if you want to avail it in person, and make sure you read their rules and policies so that you can go to the area quickly.

Taste Local Craft Beer at Craft Brewing Company

It’s a good day to have a beer and taste local drinks!

Grab a glass and drink the local beer in Craft Brewing Company at 530 Crane Street in Lake Elsinore.

This local place has been offering hand-crafted brews and beers in its tasting room ever since 2009.

Try to drink their Book of Haze, German Mäzen, Raven Stout, Diviner IPA, and Fallen Angel Blonde.

Craft Brewing Company, a family-owned and operated brewing company, also has random events, so make sure you check its websites and pages to see the scheduled event for the week.

Do Outdoor Activities in Elm Grove Beach

One of the public outdoor areas in Lake Elsinore is the park called Elm Grove Beach.

Stroll in the park in the morning and afternoon to see at least 140-bed species like Lesser Goldfinch, Rock Pigeon, white-crowned sparrow, and California Gulls.

Picnic tables, shade structures, and barbeque amenities are available, so if you want to relax and take a moment, you can use them.

You can also play sand volleyball on the beach courts.

In the evenings, you can have a bonfire and gather around to share stories of your life with your family and friends.

Aside from the free parking perks, dogs are also allowed on the beach, but make sure they are on a leash.

Reach the Heaven in Skydive Elsinore

Skydiving in Elsinore

seesaw1 / Shutterstock.com

It should be on your bucket list to try skydiving in Skydive Elsinore and see the beautiful areas of Southern California.

Skydiving is undoubtedly an unforgettable and thrilling experience for you to be in the sky above the city and see the fantastic views of Lake Elsinore, Ortega Mountains, Mount Palomar, Catalina Island, and even the Pacific Ocean.

Skydive Elsinore Skydiving School provides professionals and experienced skydivers that will teach you how to have safe, secure, and fun activities in the sky.

A skydiver at Lake Elsinore

seesaw1 / Shutterstock.com

If you are scared to try skydiving, and you’re still a newbie in this kind of thrilling adventure, maybe you can try the tandem jump? Wherein two people will jump out of the airplane together but strapped to one another.

You can add a video or photo package so that the skydivers can also capture this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and moment in your life.

Try Out Motocross in Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park

There are four premier motocross tracks in the area where you can try this sport from Friday to Saturday.

The motorsports park has a main track, quad and vet track, and peewee tracks with different distances from each other, but it can accommodate all levels.

So, if you want to train or if you’re going to improve your skill as a motorcycle driver, you can try it out.

But if you are just curious about what is happening to this multi-use sports facility, then this is your chance to go to this recreational park.

There are competitions for MX racing held regularly, and the tracks are appropriately maintained and secured so you can use them safely.

Read More Books in Lake Elsinore Library

If you want to find another escape through reading, you can go to Lake Elsinore Library.

As long as you have a free library card, you can get access to a large selection of books, video games, CDs and DVDs, Newspapers, and Magazines.

The library is open from Monday to Thursday from 3-8 pm, on Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Sunday from 12 noon to 5 pm.

Go Bowling at Pins ‘N Pockets

One of the favorite spots for entertainment in Lake Elsinore is the Pins ‘N Pockets, where there are a bowling alley, arcade, event venues, and laser tag area.

The unique experience you’ll have here is that VIP rooms and private rooms have 36 high-tech bowling lanes equipped with comfortable seatings, large screens, and automatic scoring.

Pins ‘N Pockets is the best place to hang out and connect with your family and friends.

There are also banquet rooms that can host a variety of occasions and events such as birthdays, wedding receptions, corporate meetings, and other special events.

If you want to savor delicious food, homemade pizza, and craft beers, you must go to their Tavern restaurant.

Snack after Playing a Round of Golf at the Links at Summerly

The Links at Summerly, a premier golf course, and smokehouse in Southern California, is situated in Lake Elsinore.

It is renowned for its quirky entertainment and real southern smokehouse.

Links at Summerly is the ideal destination for your special occasion because of the stunning majestic mountains and mouthwatering cuisine.

The Links at Summerly’s breathtaking par-72, a nearly 6,800-yard template, was created by prestigious golf course architect Cal Olson to blend seamlessly into the environment.

It features three miles of Scottish-style burns and mounding to replicate the appearance of classic links-style courses found in the British Isles.

Kidney-shaped obstacles are everywhere, and the course’s numerous curves and bends will test golfers of all ability levels to utilize every piece of equipment in their bag to maneuver this magnificent work of art.

Grab Breakfast at Annie’s Cafe

Annie’s Cafe is a well-known breakfast and lunch restaurant in Lake Elsinore that serves filling American-style breakfasts.

Their renowned freshly baked Coffee Cake, specialty coffees, fish and chips, bangers, and mash are all served in a welcoming environment for families.

Annie’s Cafe starts operating at seven in the morning daily until 1:30 p.m.

One of the popular customer-favorite items on their extensive breakfast menu, available all day, is “Annie’s Special,” which features eggs, any customer selection of bacon or sausage, potato, handmade biscuits, sauce, and juicy fruit.

If you visit there for lunch or supper, choose one of their certified Angus Hamburgers; the mushroom and cheddar cheese hamburger with roasted onions are guaranteed to satisfy.

Stroll around Lakepoint Park

Lakepoint Park is a lovely park with two softball areas, a soccer pitch, a tot lot, refreshment kiosks, and restrooms.

It is a public recreation facility with a playground for kids, trails, sports fields, and river views.

For visitors who want to stroll around, the park offers recreational routes that circle its perimeter and total about 0.36 miles.

Lakepoint is a pleasant strolling park that welcomes children of all ages.

Additionally, the park has barbecue pits, covered picnic spots, and stunning views of Lake Elsinore and the Ortega high mountains.

For park visitors, there is also plenty of off-street parking available.

Purchase Organic Items at Da Le Ranch

The Da Le Ranch is a modest, sustainably managed ranch in Lake Elsinore, California.

They showcase a ranch covering hundreds of acres that promotes environmental living and sustainable agriculture.

They work hard to assure their consumers of the best organic meats and eggs possible.

They use healthy growth practices while considering the welfare and health of the animals.

Food products are available for purchase, including beef, pig, lamb, turkey, chicken, sausages, and many more.

Enjoy Mexican Cuisines at Guadalajara Mexican Grill & Cantina

Guadalajara Mexican Grill & Cantina was established in 1986 by the Solano family in Lake Elsinore, California.

In Temecula, California, they launched their second site eleven years later, in 1997.

To guarantee that its Mexican food is of the highest caliber, the restaurant takes great care in using only the freshest ingredients.

Their tasty dishes include classic Mexican shrimp cocktails, chicken enchiladas covered in sauce, roasted burritos, and tacos with chipotle sauce.

They take pleasure in offering big amounts, a fun atmosphere, and the freshest ingredients.

The red snapper fillet and the giant shrimp packed with cheese coated in honey-cured bacon are both recommended for seafood lovers.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Hike in Walker Canyon Trail

Stunning View of Walker Canyon Trail

Sundry Photography / Shutterstock.com

The Walker Canyon Trail is near Lake Elsinore, and it is a nine-mile hiking trail that passes through stunning views and scenic areas.

The trail begins in Lake Street corner and the Walker Canyon Road, a moderately inclined track.

Beautiful wildflowers at Walker Canyon Trail

melissamn / Shutterstock.com

After a few minutes of hiking, the trail will be broken off into several directions, and you can choose what track you are going to follow next.

Do not worry about your path, as clearly defined trails will guide you to find your way.

Throughout your journey, you will see the lovely wildflowers and other flowers blooming and making you feel good.

Stunning View of Walker Canyon Trail

DunkelbuntStudios / Shutterstock.com

If you go here anytime from March to October, which is the bloom season, you will see the expansive land of wildflowers.

Feel free to spot any birds in the woods and any wildlife that will capture your interest.

People admiring the view at Walker Canyon Trail

Sheila Fitzgerald / Shutterstock.com

Swim in the Majestic Ortega Falls

On the outskirts of Lake Elsinore, you will see the refreshing falls.

One thing about Ortega falls is people can easily access the place even though it’s in Santa Ana Mountain, and the trail going to the waterfalls is easy to navigate.

There are no policies or rules about permit passes so that you can go to the place along with your pets.

Take a dip in the water, swim, and enjoy the beauty of the natural landscape.

It is best to go to the waterfalls during the spring when the falls are the most revitalizing, unlike other times when the falls dry up.

Ortegal falls is also a great destination to try the adventure sports such as hiking and rock climbing.

If you want to go hiking, make sure you have all the things you need and keep in mind that there’s no shade, so the place is quite hot in summer times.

Final Thoughts

Lake Elsinore is a perfect one-place vacation paradise with endless adventure and recreation time.

There is so much to see, visit, and explore in the area that one day is not enough to complete all the crazy, fun, and thrilling adventures you need to have.

Take the time to enjoy and visit each of the 15 best places in Lake Elsinore.

Enjoy the moment and have a quiet stroll near the lake.

Realize that there is so much wonder in the world that people need to explore.

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