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Santee is a city of about 60,000 people in East County San Diego, about 18 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, set in a valley along the San Diego River with mountains rising on every side. Long a ranching and dairy area, it incorporated as a city in 1980 and has grown into a family-oriented suburb with plenty of outdoor space.
The city's best-known attraction is Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, a chain of lakes created with recycled water, where visitors fish, paddle, picnic and camp. The San Diego River runs through town, lined with trails and preserves such as Walker Preserve and Mast Park, which are good for walking, cycling and bird watching.
Santee Town Center Community Park hosts summer concerts and sports, and Santee Trolley Square, at the end of the San Diego Trolley's Green Line, has shops and restaurants. The historic Santee Drive-In still shows movies under the stars, and the wild trails of Mission Trails Regional Park begin just across the city's western edge.
A chain of seven lakes created with recycled water, surrounded by lawns, playgrounds and walking paths, with fishing, paddle boat and kayak rentals, a campground and floating cabins. Ducks, herons and pelicans gather on the water. Day-use and fishing fees apply, and weekends are busy in spring and summer.
A city park beside the San Diego River with picnic areas, a playground, open lawns and trails that connect to the river corridor and Walker Preserve. It is a quiet spot for a family outing or a walk among willows and cottonwoods along the water. Bring water and sun protection, as summer afternoons can be hot.
A natural area along the San Diego River in Santee with a wide multi-use trail running through restored riverside habitat, popular for walking, running, cycling and horseback riding. It is a good place to spot birds and enjoy mountain views. The trail is mostly flat but offers little shade, so go early on summer days.
Santee's main community park, with sports fields, an aquatic center and a performance stage that hosts the city's free summer concert series and community events. It sits next to Santee Trolley Square, so it is easy to combine a show with dinner. Bring a blanket or low chair for evening concerts.
One of the last remaining drive-in theaters in the San Diego area, open since the late 1950s and still showing double features on its big outdoor screens. Families bring blankets and snacks and tune in through car radios. Arrive early on weekends for a good spot, and check the website for showtimes and weekend swap meets.
An outdoor shopping center at the end of the San Diego Trolley Green Line, with stores, restaurants and a movie theater around walkable plazas. It is convenient for visitors arriving by trolley and close to Town Center Community Park and the San Diego River trails. Parking is free and plentiful.
A campground and small lake at the eastern end of Mission Trails Regional Park, just west of Santee, near the historic Old Mission Dam on the San Diego River. Visitors can camp, fish, watch birds and hike trails into the hills. Camping is popular on weekends, so reserve ahead, and carry water on the trails.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
Photo: Somewikistuff, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Devindad, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Devindad, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Richard Leneau, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Richard Leneau, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Devindad, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Devindad, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Devindad, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Devindad, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Devindad, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Devindad, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0