LAKE ELSINORE, CA — With May Gray at the coast, now is the perfect time of year to explore and visit Southwest Riverside County. Visit Temecula Valley has launched its newest campaign, “10Lake Valley,” a campaign focusing on eight communities and 214 square miles of lakes, rivers, cities, mountain peaks, and fertile valleys of Temecula Valley Wine Country.

Visit Temecula Valley CEO Scott Wilson discussed the push to showcase the SoCal wildlands.

“To me, the 10 Lake Valley idea is that this is the ultimate outdoor playground in our area. You get out there in your own backyard,” Wilson said. “My favorite is hiking around Lake Skinner, and Diamond Valley Lake is massive. It’s beautiful and picturesque for fishing and boating. More, to create core memories with your family.”

Area residents regularly hike, bike, fish, boat, or hot-air balloon over much of our slice of Riverside County.

Jogging trails around Diamond Valley Lake, hiking trails along the Santa Rosa Plateau, and camping at Lake Hemet are only some of the area’s hidden gems.

“For the people who play on the edges and carve their own paths, who never leave a scenic route untaken, or a vista unviewed, the combined efforts of the initiative shows the varied regions that Southwest Riverside County has for residents and visitors to enjoy.

One of the top and most recognizable destinations is Temecula Valley Wine Country, spanning over 2,460 acres of vineyards with nearly 50 wineries. But there is much more to the area than that.

Where are the 10 Lakes Of Southwest Riverside County?

Within Southwest Riverside County, there are ten lakes, all distinct for their beauty, water sports, and fishing. They mirror the surrounding communities of Canyon Lake, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, San Jacinto, Temecula, and Wildomar:

“These enchanting waters nourish our spirits, flourish our lands, and cultivate a refreshing sense of serenity and connection. So whether you’re here for thrills and watersports or chilling out on the water in the sun, these 10 lakes will stir your soul,” according to the website.

1. Canyon Lake: Welcome to the paradise of this close-knit lakeside community. When you visit,enjoy the hiking, pubs, and clubs and the sprawl of lakes and beaches.
2. Diamond Valley Lake: Surrounded by mountains, come to enjoy the stunning vistas. Home of “monster-sized” fish, you can rent boats or e-bikes at the marina, or walk the 22.7 mile trails around the lake.
3. Heritage Lake: A 1.3 mile walking trail surrounds this 25-acre lake. Come to use outdoor exercise equipment, sports equipment and children’s play areas.
4. Lake Elsinore: Ideal for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, skydiving, hang-glide, wingsuit or boat, jet ski, and windsurfing.
5. Lake Hemet: Fishing and camping lovers, the mountain lake of Lake Hemet offers glamping and lakefront cabins, boat rentals and a swim zone. Seasonally stocked with rainbow and lightning trout, and fish year-round for blue gill, crappie, bass and catfish.
6. Lake Perris: Birdwatchers paradise, this lake is ideal for hiking, biking, scuba diving, water sports, nature walks, horseback riding and fishing.
7. Lake Skinner: Camping, picnicking, splash pad, hiking, horseback, riding, sailing, fishing and non-body contact boating. Day use available. The location of the annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival.
8. Menifee Lakes: Surrounded by two 18-hole golf courses, this lake stretches over 36 acres of waterways this lake is an idyllic backdrop of golfers, casual walkers and hikers.
9. Mystic Lake: Another birdwatcher’s paradise, Mystic lake sees 200 identified species of birds annually and sits adjacent to a 9,000 San Jacinto Wildlife area.
10. Vail Lake: Visit the KOA campground and check out the lake for bass fishing, bike park, a world-class bike park with 25-miles of trails, obstacles, flow track and races for mountain biking and BMX.

While Lake Skinner is a reservoir, with no body contact but fishing and boating allowed, lakes like Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Hemet, and Lake Elsinore attract visitors interested in water sports like fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, boating, water skiing, and jet skiing.

The project was in keeping with the statewide initiative to get tourism on track. To do that, extensive research was conducted, deciding on the locally known but not often shared outdoor activities around our many lakes. The result was the 10Lake Valley website and ad campaign, built to educate those who wish to come, stay, and play here. Financing for the project was bolstered by 2022 ARPA funds, according to Wilson.

Chuck Washington, Riverside County’s Third District Supervisor, discussed the project to expand local tourism beyond the valley.

“What many people don’t know about Southwest Riverside County is that there are many unique areas waiting to be discovered, and that’s what 10Lake Valley is all about,” Washington said. “I am immensely proud of this initiative, which showcases the incredible beauty of our region and creates new opportunities for exploration and adventure for our visitors.”

Learn more by exploring online at 10lakevalley.com.

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Temecula: Celebrate in wine country at the Restaurant at Leoness Cellars, rated the top winery restaurant by USA Today’s readers. The 100% from scratch menu items are designed specifically to pair with the winery’s top bottles. Gourmands should book a table at the new Small Barn in Old Town Temecula, which showcase ingredients from the region, or Cork/Fire Kitchen with farm-to-table sharable plates. Enjoy working off the food on the miles of hiking trails, or soar over vineyards in a hot air balloon. Safe lodging options include Carter Estate and the Temecula Creek Inn.

Murrieta: Food and good times go hand-in-hand in Murrieta. Listen to live music or catch a game in the trendy DownTown Public House gastropub or in the traditional Shamrock Irish Pub or The Mill. Escape into nature at the 9,000-acre Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve featuring 50 different plants and animals and a network of family-friendly trails. The local Marriott and Hampton Inn offer COVID safe accommodations.

Lake Elsinore: The city is home to the largest natural freshwater lake in California. The 3,000-acre lake gives outdoors lovers the chance to sail, fish, jet ski, water ski, paddle board, kayak or simply swim and sunbathe. When you’re done playing, dine at local haunts like Jack’s BBQ or lakeside at the casual The Bobber restaurant. Safe lodging can be found at the Holiday Inn Express.

San Jacinto: Work up an appetite on the Deer Springs Trail, which runs along the famous Pacific Crest Trail for a stretch, before heading for a hearty breakfast at The Good Egg Restaurant. Located in the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains, the Soboba Springs Golf Course offers great golf with jaw-dropping views. After hitting the links visit the Canyons Steakhouse to relax before spending the night at the Soboba Casino Resort.

Idyllwild: Idylwild is quietly becoming an epicurean hotspot in Riverside County with something for everyone. Take your taste buds to Italy at Ferro, dine creekside at Idyology, sip your favorite local brew at Idylwild Brewpub or enjoy classic gourmet fare at The Gastrognome. When you’re not eating your way through town, enjoy the San Jacinto Mountains and Idyllwild Regional Park. Spend the night in the mountains at the Grand Idyllwild Lodge, featuring 10 suites and one villa.

Hemet: Stop by Hemet’s Downtown Deli, rated the best sandwich shop in the Inland Empire by the Press Enterprise to pick up the perfect picnic fare to enjoy during a day at Diamond Valley Lake or Lake Hemet. Spend the night at the Quality Inn and start the following day with fresh baked pastries from the Harvard Street Bakery.

Canyon Lake: While Canyon Lake is a private gated community, foodies can enjoy the setting at one of several local restaurants open to the public. Practice your game at the public driving range before enjoying lunch or dinner at the Country Club Bar & Grill overlooking the course. If lake views are more to your liking head for the Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar. In downtown, The Canyon Cowboy and The Urban Craft Eatery are local favorites.

Visit Temecula Valley is the region’s official tourism marketing organization and resource for visitors. The Visitors Center is located in Old Town Temecula. For visitor information and assistance, please call (888) 363-2852 or go to VisitTemeculaValley.com. Visit Temecula Valley is a contracted partner with Riverside County for the implantation of the Riverside County Tourism Recovery Campaign for the Third and First District.

Media Contact Michelle Rodriguez, 360viewPR, 213-320-7704, info@360viewpr.com

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With another stay-at-home order in place in California, stir crazy residents are looking for safe and fun outdoor activities and the towns of Riverside County provide a plethora of compliant outdoor adventures. As State guidelines suggest staying close to home, now is the best time to wander local and explore some unexpected outdoor experiences within the region. Businesses in Riverside County have adjusted to meet and exceed all CDC and State requirements to ensure everyone’s health and safety.

Temecula: Throughout wine country, miles of trails beckon hikers, cyclists and horseback riders to explore the rolling hills and vineyards that the city is famous for. Pack a picnic or grab take out from one of the town’s top tables to enjoy al fresco. The area is well known as one of California’s top hot air ballooning sites, making a gift card for a future sunrise or sunset flight perfect to have on hand when things reopen.

Murrieta: The 9,000-acre Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is a treasure trove for nature lovers. There are 50 different plants and animals that call the reserve home and a network of family-friendly trails affords the chance to see wildlife, rocky terrain and the 150-foot Tenaja Falls. The Moreno and Machado Adobes, the two oldest structures in the Reserve, have the perfect outdoor picnic spot. The town also boasts the best golf practice facility in Southern California. Buy a gift card for lessons to get your game back on track in the future.

Lake Elsinore: The city is home to the largest natural freshwater lake in California. The 3,000-acre lake gives outdoors lovers the chance to sail, fish, jet ski, water ski, paddle board, kayak or simply swim and sunbathe. If you’re more of a landlubber head for Walker Canyon Trail or one of the city’s skate or dog parks. Adrenaline seekers can purchase a gift card for a future jump at Lake Elsinore’s world-class skydiving center.

San Jacinto: Known for its natural hot springs, San Jacinto also boasts scenic hikes like Massacre Canyon. Unlike its name it’s a quiet spot with a pretty waterfall as the highlight. On Thursdays and Sundays head to the city’s farmers market for a fresh breakfast and culinary inspiration for next week’s meals. Pair a majestic view with a day on the greens at the Soboba Springs Golf Course. Located in the foothills of the San Jacinto mountain, with jaw-dropping views, Soboba offers a safe and fun way to get a golf game in.

Idyllwild: If you like the fresh mountain air but want to avoid the crowds at other popular spots, Idyllwild is your new mountain playground. Located in the San Jacinto Mountains, hike to Suicide Rock or Tahquitz Peak for great views. For an easier hike, walk along Lake Fulmor or grab a rod and reel and fish for rainbow trout. Idyllwild Regional Park offers five trails, a challenging rock climbing course, and perfect picnic spots in its 200 acres.

Lake Hemet: Lake Hemet is all about outdoor recreation, making it one of the state’s top spots for camping and fishing. Take a boat out on Diamond Valley Lake or Lake Hemet, cycle through Simpson Park or take the kids to Gibbel and Mary Henley Parks.

Canyon Lake: Take the opportunity to get a glimpse into the private, gated community of Canyon Lake by ironing out your golf game at its public driving range. The practice facility includes a large turf driving range, putting green, pitching area and sand bunker to work on every facet of your game.

Visit Temecula Valley is the region’s official tourism marketing organization and resource for visitors. The Visitors Center is located in Old Town Temecula. For visitor information and assistance, please call (888) 363-2852 or go to VisitTemeculaValley.com. Visit Temecula Valley is a contracted partner with Riverside County for the implantation of the Riverside County Tourism Recovery Campaign for the Third and First District.

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