Lindo Lake County Park is the reason Lakeside is called Lakeside. When the El Cajon Valley Land Company mapped the area as a townsite back in 1886, they named it after this lake. A hundred and forty years later, the lake is still here, the park is still the center of town, and the community still gathers around it.
The Park
Lindo Lake County Park covers roughly 60 acres of green space in the heart of downtown Lakeside. The walking and jogging trail that circles the lake is flat, paved, and popular with families, dog walkers, and morning joggers. It''s not a workout hike. It''s a pleasant loop with good views of the water and the surrounding trees.
A fishing dock extends into the lake, and you can catch bass and bluegill with a valid California fishing license. Playgrounds are scattered around the park''s perimeter. Picnic areas with tables and barbecue grills handle weekend gatherings. And the open fields are big enough for soccer, football, or just letting kids run.
Community Events
The park anchors several of Lakeside''s biggest annual events. The Western Days Parade, one of the largest community parades in East County, lines the streets around Lindo Lake every year with marching bands, equestrian groups, and vintage cars. The Lakeside Chamber of Commerce runs events at the park throughout the year, including the Spirit of Christmas celebration and Touch-a-Truck, which lets kids climb on fire trucks, police cars, and construction equipment.
The park also serves as the informal town square for Lakeside''s downtown. Mary''s Donuts & Coffee is a short walk from the park on Maine Avenue. Eastbound Bar & Grill is nearby. And Sarais Taco Shop, The Parks Cafe, and Caffeine Queens are all within a few minutes'' drive.
Getting There
Lindo Lake County Park is on Maine Avenue and Lakeshore Drive in downtown Lakeside. Free parking is available around the park perimeter. From I-8, take the Lake Jennings Park Road or Highway 67 exits and head north toward Maine Avenue. The park is impossible to miss once you''re on the right road.
If you want to make a day of it, combine a morning walk at Lindo Lake with breakfast at Mary''s Donuts, then drive east to Lake Jennings for hiking, or north to Barona for golf or the casino. Check the full Lakeside entertainment directory for more options.
