Things to do
Things to do in Santee
River park trails, the eastern end of the trolley, and a downtown plan that has been in motion for a decade.
Things to do
Santee Lakes Recreation PreservePark
A 190-acre preserve with seven lakes filled with recycled water from the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, offering fishing, campsites, cabins, playgrounds and paddle boats. It runs on user fees rather than taxpayer or ratepayer subsidies.
9310 Fanita Pkwy, Santee, CA 92071
Mission Trails Regional ParkTrail
One of the largest urban parks in the country sits on Santee's western edge, with trails along the San Diego River and access from the Mast Boulevard side.
Cowles MountainTrail
The highest point in the City of San Diego rises just southwest of Santee and is among the county's most-hiked summits.
San Diego River Trail and Walker PreserveTrail
A multi-use path and nature preserve following the river through the middle of the city, part of Santee's 1,100-plus acres of river habitat.
Mast ParkPark
A riverside community park with trail connections along the San Diego River.
Town Center Community ParkSports
Santee's main sports complex and the site of the city's Fourth of July celebration.
Edgemoor Barn - Santee Historical Society MuseumMuseum
A historical society museum in a barn tied to the former Edgemoor dairy farm, covering Santee's agricultural past.
Santee Boulders (Mickey Mouse Mountain)Landmark
A granite boulder field on the city's hills known to local climbers and hikers.
Carlton Oaks Golf CourseSports
An 18-hole championship course designed by Pete Dye along the river in the Carlton Oaks neighborhood.
Santee Trolley SquareShopping
The shopping center at the Green Line terminus, the center of Santee's retail district.
Eat & drink
Janet's CafeBreakfast cafe
A local breakfast institution that tops Santee restaurant rankings.
Marieta'sMexican restaurant
A family Mexican restaurant with a strong following in Santee and Alpine.
Okawa Steak House & SushiTeppanyaki and sushi
The go-to spot for birthday dinners at the grill.
Filippi's Pizza GrottoItalian
A Santee branch of the San Diego Italian deli-and-pizza chain that began in Little Italy.
Jimmy's of SanteeDiner
A longtime coffee shop and diner that serves the city's working and retired crowd.
Pho Ca DaoVietnamese
A reliable pho house in a city with few Vietnamese options.
Annual events
Santee SalutesJuly 4
The city's Independence Day celebration at Town Center Community Park East, ending with fireworks.
Brews and BitesOctober
A city food and craft beer event.
Santee Holiday LightingNovember
The city's tree lighting to open the holiday season.
Movies in the ParkSeptember
An outdoor movie night paired with a pancake breakfast event.