Where is Lake Elsinore, California Located in the United States? - Lake Elsinore is a city located in the Riverside County in California, United States. Lake Elsinore lies between 33.6681 Degrees North latitudes and -117.3273 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Lake Elsinore, Riverside, California
About Map: The map shows the location of Lake Elsinore in Riverside County, in the U.S. state of California.
Lake Elsinore Map, California, USA
About Lake Elsinore Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About Lake Elsinore, Riverside County, California
Lake Elsinore is located in Riverside County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southern part of the state in the state of the United States within the Inland Empire region along the shores of its namesake natural lake. The city was incorporated in 1888 and was named after the Danish city of Elsinore, and it developed as a resort destination before expanding into a residential and recreational community.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Lake Elsinore is 70,265 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 1,700 people per square mile.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Lake Elsinore covers a total area of approximately 41.7 square miles (about 108.0 square kilometers), including about 36.0 square miles (93.2 square kilometers) of land and 5.7 square miles (14.8 square kilometers) of water.
Location and Surroundings
Lake Elsinore is situated south of Wildomar and north of Canyon Lake, positioned along the western shore of Lake Elsinore and surrounded by rolling hills and mountain ranges. The city features lakeside neighborhoods, open space areas, and scenic desert-influenced terrain. Interstate 15 runs just east of the city, providing a major transportation route connecting Lake Elsinore to Riverside, San Diego, and other Southern California destinations.
Top Attractions
Lake Elsinore offers water recreation, parks, and outdoor attractions that support tourism and community activities. Popular destinations include Lake Elsinore itself, the Lake Elsinore Diamond baseball stadium, and Ortega Falls nearby. The city hosts boating events, fishing activities, and seasonal festivals that reflect its lakeside character and recreational focus.
Transportation
Lake Elsinore is served by Interstate 15 and State Route 74, offering convenient highway access throughout the Inland Empire and Southern California. Public transportation includes regional bus services connecting the city to neighboring communities. The nearest major airport is Ontario International Airport, located approximately 40 miles to the north.
Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Lake Elsinore City Website.
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Lake Elsinore City Facts
| City | Lake Elsinore |
| State | California |
| County | Riverside County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Inland Empire |
| Incorporated | November 9, 1888 |
| Founded | 1883 |
| Total Area | Approximately 41.7 sq mi (108.0 km2) |
| Land Area | Approximately 38.8 sq mi (100.5 km2) |
| Water Area | Approximately 2.9 sq mi (7.5 km2) |
| Elevation | Approximately 1,263 ft (385 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 70,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 70,265 |
| Population Density | Approximately 1,800 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 92530, 92531, 92532 |
| Area Code | 951 |
| Major Highways | Interstate 15, State Route 74 |
| Public Transit | Riverside Transit Agency Bus |
| Major Attractions | Lake Elsinore, Skydive Elsinore, Lake Elsinore Storm Stadium |
| Official Website | https://www.lake-elsinore.org/ |
Distance from Lake Elsinore City, CA to Nearby Cities
- Wildomar, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
- Menifee, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
- Murrieta, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
- Temecula, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
- Perris, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Corona, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Riverside, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Hemet, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
- San Jacinto, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Moreno Valley, CA – 22 miles (35 km)
- Beaumont, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
- Banning, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
- Fontana, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
- Ontario, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
- Rancho Cucamonga, CA – 42 miles (68 km)
- Irvine, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Santa Ana, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
- Anaheim, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
- Los Angeles, CA – 70 miles (113 km)
- San Diego, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
Transportation and Connectivity in Lake Elsinore
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Nearest Airport | Ontario International Airport |
| IATA Code | ONT |
| Major Highways | Interstate 15, California State Route 74 |
| Public Transit | Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) |
| Nearest Rail Service | Metrolink (Corona–North Main Station) |
| Regional Access | Convenient access to Riverside, Corona, Temecula, Murrieta, and San Diego County |
- Interstate 15: Serves as the city's primary transportation corridor, connecting Lake Elsinore with Southern California's major metropolitan areas.
- State Route 74: Links the city with Perris, Hemet, and Orange County via the Ortega Highway.
- Ontario International Airport: Located about 45 miles north, providing extensive domestic and international air service.
- Riverside Transit Agency: Operates regional bus routes connecting Lake Elsinore with neighboring cities throughout Riverside County.
Top Places to Visit in Lake Elsinore, California
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Lake Elsinore | Natural Lake |
| Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium | Baseball Stadium |
| Launch Pointe Recreation Destination | Recreation Area |
| Ortega Falls | Natural Attraction |
| Skydive Elsinore | Adventure Sports |
| Elm Grove Beach | Beach |
| Walker Canyon | Nature Preserve |
| Levee Trail | Hiking & Cycling Trail |
| McVicker Canyon Park | Community Park |
| Lakepoint Park | Waterfront Park |
Driving Distances from Lake Elsinore, California to Nearby Cities
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildomar | California | 6 | 10 minutes |
| Murrieta | California | 13 | 20 minutes |
| Menifee | California | 14 | 20 minutes |
| Temecula | California | 18 | 25 minutes |
| Canyon Lake | California | 7 | 15 minutes |
| Perris | California | 16 | 20 minutes |
| Corona | California | 23 | 30 minutes |
| Riverside | California | 30 | 40 minutes |
| San Bernardino | California | 42 | 50 minutes |
| San Diego | California | 74 | 1 hour 20 minutes |
Colleges and Universities near Lake Elsinore, California
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. San Jacinto College – Menifee Valley Campus | Public | Community College | Transfer programs, nursing, business, and career education |
| California Baptist University | Private | University | Engineering, nursing, aviation, business, and education |
| University of California, Riverside | Public | Research University | Engineering, agriculture, business, medicine, and environmental sciences |
| California State University, San Marcos | Public | University | Business, education, nursing, and liberal arts |
| Chapman University – Temecula Campus | Private | Graduate University | Graduate education, organizational leadership, and healthcare programs |
Waterbodies in Lake Elsinore, California
Lake Elsinore, San Jacinto River, Levee Channel, Canyon Lake (nearby), Railroad Canyon Reservoir, Temescal Creek, Diamond Valley Lake (regional), Santa Ana River (regional)
Stadiums in Lake Elsinore
Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium, Elsinore High School Stadium, Temescal Canyon High School Stadium, Lakeside High School Stadium, Perris Auto Speedway (nearby)
Lake Elsinore, California — Key Historical Facts
- Lake Elsinore was established in the late nineteenth century and was originally known as Elsinore, named after the Danish city featured in Shakespeare's Hamlet.
- The city developed as a popular Southern California resort destination because of its natural freshwater lake, mineral springs, and recreational opportunities.
- Lake Elsinore officially incorporated as a city on November 9, 1888, making it one of Riverside County's oldest incorporated municipalities.
- Throughout the twentieth century, the community expanded from a resort town into a growing residential city while maintaining its strong recreational identity.
- Today, Lake Elsinore is recognized for boating, fishing, motorsports, skydiving, outdoor recreation, and continued residential and commercial growth within the Inland Empire.
References
- City of Lake Elsinore
- County of Riverside
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Mt. San Jacinto College
- Visit Greater Palm Springs
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