Santee

Santee is a city in San Diego County that stretches along both sides of the San Diego River, containing over 1,100 acres of natural habitat with parks and trails woven throughout. The landscape is shaped by river corridors that cut through the city and connect different recreational areas.

The Kumeyaay people established their village Sinyeweche at what is now Santee, situated along the San Diego River's banks. This location served as a gathering place for the region's indigenous population long before later settlement arrived.

Summer concerts run from June through August, drawing residents together for outdoor music performances held across different community spaces. These gatherings shape the rhythm of local life and create meeting points for neighbors.

The Walker Preserve Trail runs 1.3 miles (2 km) along the San Diego River with access points and viewsites featuring a granite walking path. Visiting early in the day offers a quieter experience and better opportunities to observe wildlife and river scenery.

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve maintains seven recycled water lakes across 190 acres with fishing, camping, and bird watching opportunities. These human-made lakes originated from water management practices and have become a key recreational destination for the region.

Location: San Diego County

Inception: 1980

Elevation above the sea: 107 m

Website: http://ci.santee.ca.us

GPS coordinates: 32.86972,-116.97111

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:46