This is a huge beautiful green park along the banks of the San Diego River with many shade trees, a large playground with slides and swings, and paved/unpaved bike, hiking, and horse trails that extend deep into the canyon.
It's a great park for a nice walk, a picnic, or to bring the kids to the playground.
There is a good sized picnic pavilion which can be reserved for parties. To the side of the picnic area is a stylish basketball court.
The front of the park has plenty of free parking, handicap and RV parking as well.
Dogs must be leashed, unless in the large dog off-leash zone, which is open dawn until 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. until dusk (map).
Beer and wine consumption is permitted on the weekend, but Monday through Friday only with a City-issued permit. Liquor is not permitted in any Santee park.
No smoking allowed within the boundaries of the playgrounds or tot lots, and within 20 feet of main entrances and exits.
Santee Lakes Recreation Reserve is an exceptional park that consists of seven lakes aligned along a two mile path. Known simply as "Santee Lakes" to locals, the list of amenities and activities at this park is impressive, and includes a popular 5-K walk, boat rentals, cabins on a lake, a gift shop, various camping areas, and seven playgrounds.
Parking and public transportation at Santee Lakes
Parking within the park is ample, and includes room for RVs and campgrounds. Just outside the park, street parking maybe available if you don't mind walking an extra few hundred feet. To bring your vehicle into Santee Lakes requires a small fee depending on when you're visiting. The fees are $3 per vehicle on weekdays, and $5 per vehicle on weekends.
Best and worst time to go to Santee Lakes
Hours of Santee Lakes are seasonal, and also vary depending on the day. To see a summary of the hours at Santee Lakes, click here to visit their official website.
Admission to Santee Lakes
For those who choose to park on their premises, there is a small charge per vehicle depending when you visit, and for kids who want to use their Sprayground, a water-spraying play area for kids, each participant will need a bracelet for $2. The positive aspect of the fees is that the park is very well maintained and clean considering how widely-used it is.
Must see and do at Santee Lakes
- Walk the scenic 5-k path around all seven lakes or explore at your own pace.
- Try to catch catfish and rainbow trout in lakes 1-5. Permits are available in the park.
- Have an overnight outdoors experience with camping available in RV's, tents, or cabins.
Other places to visit near Santee Lakes
Sab-E-Lee
If you want to celebrate your walk around Santee Lakes with a spicy lunch, Sab-E-Lee is a highly-reviewed, local Thai restaurant that's close to the park.
Phil's BBQ
One of the greatest BBQ restaurants around San Diego, Phil's BBQ is a unique and popular restaurant with tempting menu options and phenomenal BBQ.
Santee Coffee Corner
Featuring comfortable couches and a menu of coffee creations, pastries, and more, the Santee Coffee Corner is the quintessential neighborhood café.
Insider tip for visitors to Santee Lakes
A lot of people use Santee Lakes for getting in a walk or jog, and it's a great location because regardless of your skill level, there are dozens of ways to customize your hike and still end up back at your car. If you have a digital fitness device that counts your steps, Santee Lakes is perfect for getting the exact amount of walking or jogging that you need for meeting your fitness goals.
Author's bio: After a seven year career in the US Navy, Nicholas Napier completed his MBA and settled in California. He's published over 40 articles as the San Diego Fitness Trends Examiner, and regularly contributes as a freelance writer to various companies.