Location: Santee
Top Things to do in Santee
10 Things to Do in Santee That You Shouldn't Miss
Santee is a suburban city in San Diego County, California, with a population of 53,413 at the 2010 census. Although it is a part of the East County region, Santee is located just 18 miles (29 km) from the Pacific Ocean. The city is connected to the coastline by State Route 52, a six-lane freeway that runs from Interstate 5 in La Jolla to State Route 67 in El Cajon. The city is bisected by the San Diego River, a linear greenbelt that includes parks, trails and more than 1,100 acres (450 ha) of natural riparian habitat.
Restaurants in Santee
1. Santee Lakes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By sydney47 - Longmont, Colorado
literally, these lakes have something for everyone. Camping, fishing, playgrounds, volleyball, family get- togethers,geocaching, birding, pedal boats and the list goes on and on. we will definitely be back overall grade B+
2. Lake Murray
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By jeepers13192016 - Spring Valley, California
The lake is a reservoir tucked in between residential neighborhoods. The lake offers fishing and kayak rentals. Most people go to the lake to walk, bike, or jog the paved path. The path does not go all the way around the lake. The path ends at a chain link fence. At that point you turn around and return the way you came. There is a lot of parking available at several different parking lots. This is a very popular location on weekends. There are picnic tables under the many eucalyptus trees.
3. Barona Resort & Casino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Barona Casino has a long history of creating extraordinary moments — from Barona's luxury resort and spa to award-winning golf course, casino restaurants, and of course, gaming. - Award-winning guest service and phenomenal hospitality - Casually elegant 400-room hotel - Resort amenities around every corner, including luxury spa - Award-winning San Diego golf and dining - Some of the most thrilling gaming in the world
Reviewed By fdl1948 - San Diego, California
This review is intended to focus on the restaurant, Italian Cucina, which is on the lower level inside the casino. We have been going to the casino for many years and have utilized all the restaurants. Always viewed the Italian restaurant as somewhat above a 3.
Recently they have made improvements that change the rating to a 4+. Our server was a lady named Manifer. I single her out because she seemed to embody the establishments focus on the customer. We asked for modifications to the menu items and all were perfectly communicated to the kitchen which did an outstanding job preparing a very high quality set of meals
One in particular, "Baby lamb chops", were offered as an appetizer, however, were converted to an main course. Being somewhat a "snob" when it comes to lamb chops, I was "blown away" by the preparation and quality of the meal. In commenting to our server about the change in quality and presentation, the head chef, Christian, came to our table. I'll shorten the story by offering that I would come back to the Casino just to come for another meal here. Clearly the changes are positive and worth your time to give them a try.
4. Hilliker's Ranch Fresh Eggs
Overall Ratings
5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Bradnvicki - El Cajon, California
Neat place to get quality eggs at closer to wholesale pricing, back behind the main building. I try to go there when i can to get more farm fresh eggs
5. Creation and Earth History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
The Creation and Earth History Museum is dedicated to the biblical account of science and history. The facility includes a 10,000 sq. ft. showcase for a literal six-day creation and young earth, with an ever-growing emphasis on God's design in creation. Newest attractions include the Human Anatomy Exhibit, the Tabernacle Theater, The Age of the Earth Cave and the Dinosaur Soft Tissue Exhibit. It is nestled 20 minutes outside downtown San Diego in Santee, CA and admission is $7 Adults ages 13-59, $5 Seniors ages 60+, $3 Kids ages 5-12 and free for Members and kids ages 4 and under.
Reviewed By Betsy423
What a great family friendly exhibit which explores the Biblical record of creation. For a nominal fee,on this self walking tour,one can spend hours watching videos and reading the information provided at the vivid numerous displays show casing creation science. Topics such as the planets, geology- including info about the Grand Canyon and Mt. St Helens, and dinosaurs are explored. We collected about 50 free educational leaflets which are supplied for those who don't have a lot of time to spend- for further Insight about the displays and topics relating to earth science. As an added bonus, explore a fascinating walk-thru of the human body. A delight for the children is the butterfly /reptile display and the dinosaur garden. The gift shop has a large variety of science related books and merchandise. Definitely worth a visit!
6. Mount Helix Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By Caps M
Beautiful gem in the greater San Diego, definitely worth the short drive up Mount Helix, cruising between wonderful and huge sports players’ and show biz celebs’ houses, up til the breathtaking nature theatre, a “havre de paix”, where nature and the 360 view on all San Diego, mountains and ocean views, are there to shut you up for a while ;)
7. Old Poway Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By HPotter8 - Los Angeles, California
We just stumbled onto this little gem of a park and old town in Poway on our way to the neighboring Wholly Crepes breakfast joint. It is a delightful way to spend a leisurely hour and some time just wandering around the beautiful small park, gazebo, and the restored old buildings associated with the train station. On the weekends, you can also purchase tickets for quick train rides around the park.
Don't forget to bring a decent camera since the park provides a nice setting for family pictures and portraits.
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend the Hamburger Factory restaurant- cute western decor sadly does not make up for the below average food.
8. Lindo Lake County Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By nashline - Lakeside, California
Lindo Lake has two or three lakes, lots of walking paths, many beautiful trees, several large areas made for picnic gatherings. Exercise for adults and children, playground equipment.........great trees with lots of birds, squirrels, etc. Haven't fished there but we see people fishing around the two lake areas. We've seen weddings being held in the park facilities and out on the extended island covered pavilion. Very nice neighborhood park, has a skateboard/bike separate area for mid-age kids. We've had several family reunions there over the last ten years...............
9. Iron Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Cecilia S - San Francisco, California
Distance round trip: ~ 6 miles
Time: (Night hike) ~ 3.5 hours with 30 minute break at the top (~7:30-11pm)
Difficulty: Moderately easy if you are a hiker. Rocky.
This was one of our "training for Mt. Whitney" hikes. I had about 35-38 lbs on my back. Started our hike right around sunset at 7:30pm-ish. Purpose of our hike was a trial run of hiking at night.
The beginning is pretty easy and very scenic with the sun setting behind us. The terrain is quite rocky in the middle, but if you have sturdy hiking shoes, it shouldn't be a problem. The mountain really doesn't look super high, but there are lot of switch backs, so it feels a lot longer. I have not done this hike in the day time, but at night, the view is simply beautiful. When you get to the top, there are a couple of picnic tables for you to sit, recharge, and enjoy the view. You can see the city lights light up, Coronado bridge (I think), and the surrounding mountains.
Even if you're not training for anything, doing a night hike at Iron Mountain is wonderful and definitely something I would love to do again. There's only one main path up and down, so it's really hard to get lost. There were several times where we just stopped, turned off all our lights, and watched the stars light up the sky.
If I do this night hike again, I would bring a bandana or scarf to wrap around my face/mouth because there were tons of little moths that were attracted to my headlamp. I'm sure I swallowed a bunch of little flies. Other things we saw on the hike: little rodents, a baby garden snake, lots of centipedes and spiders, and stink bugs.
Temperature wise, I think it gets quite hot in the day time. Even when we started our hike at 7:30pm, it was about 75 degrees in May. It got a tad bit cooler once it was dark, but it stayed a comfortable temperature.
Parking is easy and free. The restrooms are relatively clean. Dog friendly!
10. BNS Brewing and Distilling Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Ryano724
This micro-brewery is really neat. The decor is really cool, kind of old western. Very large inside and an open atmosphere. There is an outside area that is done up pretty nice, fountains, tables, etc. Also kid friendly as they can play outside. Located really close to the Santee Drive-in as well.
They don't serve food here but don't worry, they schedule gourmet food trucks to be there every day. The food on these trucks is amazing! Not what you'd think at all. Check out their Facebook page to get an idea of the food selections that they usually have on the trucks.
Ok so the beer is always subject to opinion right? I loved it. I'm not a heavy drinker or anything but I really liked the taste and I tried several. Put it this way, a certain type of person goes to micro-breweries. I guarantee there is at least a few beers here you'd think were amazing. I'll leave it at that.
We will be back for sure and I'd recommend you try it...
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