Step back in time. Imagine Lakeside in 1886.
Lakeside began as 6600 acres around Lindo Lake. The El Cajon Valley Land Company bought it. They wanted to create a new town. The company built the Lakeside Hotel. This Victorian inn cost $50000. That is about $1220000 today.
In 1889 the railroad arrived. Small businesses opened. Lakeside became a busy place. John H. Gay bought the Lakeside Hotel in 1904. He fenced off the park around Lindo Lake. Gay built a racetrack for cars and horses. Barney Oldfield set a land speed record here in 1907. Millionaires and celebrities visited Lakeside. They came by train to watch the races. Gay had the inn and racetrack torn down in 1920.
Lakeside gained a reputation as a cowboy town. Ranches and horses were common. The Lakeside Rodeo Grounds is an 8-acre facility. The El Capitan Stadium Association runs it. Volunteers donate rental proceeds to local youth sports and education. The Lakeside Rodeo is part of the PRCA California circuit. It happens every April drawing 20000 people. The Lakeside Optimists host a Bulls Only Rodeo in July.
In the mid-20th century Lakeside had Native American, Spanish-speaking and Filipino populations. Many social groups are active here. These include Youth Venture Teen Centers, Kiwanis, and 4-H. The U.S. Navy has two large housing sites for military families. The Lakeside Historical Society works to save old buildings. They focus on Maine Avenue, the former downtown.
Lakeside was named for Lindo Lake. Now it has three large reservoirs. These are Lake Jennings, El Capitan Reservoir, and San Vicente Reservoir. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks them with fish. Locals enjoy fishing for bass, catfish, and trout. El Capitan Reservoir and San Vicente Reservoir allow water sports. You can wakeboard and jetski here.
Several parks offer trails. Hike, bike, or ride horses at River Park, Lindo Lake Park, and El Monte County Park. The trailhead for El Cajon Mountain is in Lakeside. Locals call it El Capitan. It looks like the Yosemite cliff. Barona Resort and Casino is nearby. It has a hotel, casino, and golf. Their gambling age is 18 which is lower than other casinos. Viejas Casino and Golden Acorn Casino are also close.
Lakeside sits in the Cuyamaca Mountains foothills. The total area is 7.3 square miles. Land covers 6.9 square miles. Water is 0.4 square miles. Lakeside has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate.
The 2020 census recorded 21152 people in Lakeside.
David Jeremiah’s Turning Point for God is based in Lakeside.
El Capitan High School opened in 1959. It is accredited.
Joan Embery is an animal advocate. She appeared on The Tonight Show. Doug Ingle founded the band Iron Butterfly. T.J. Leaf played basketball for UCLA. He grew up in Lakeside. Heather O’Rourke was a child actress. She lived in Lakeside when she died. Frederick W. Sturckow is a NASA astronaut. Jack Taylor holds an NCAA scoring record. Scott Wilson is a bodybuilder. Doug Goldstein managed Guns and Roses.
Lakeside offers a blend of history and outdoor fun. From its early days as a resort town to its current status as a residential community Lakeside maintains its unique charm. Its rodeos, lakes, and proximity to casinos make Lakeside a great place to visit.