Woodglen Vista Park and Skate & BMX Park features a skate/BMX park, two jungle gyms, a swing set, a large multi-use field and a baseball field.
More than a dozen barbecue grills, a shaded picnic table pavilion, a clean restroom and plenty of shade trees make for a comfortable picnic park.
Unleashed dogs are permitted at certain times:
Off-leash pet areas: (Baseball field, August 16 through December 31 and multipurpose field, January 1 through August 15):
Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun, dawn to 9am and 3pm to dusk
Elbow pads, knee pads and helmet are required. The skatepark offers free workshops and occasional competitions.
Beer and wine are permitted in the park, but liquor is not permitted in any Santee park.
No smoking is allowed within the boundaries of the playgrounds or tot lots or within 20 feet of the main entrances and exits.
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.
Situated between Chet F. Harritt Elementary School and Mission Trails Park, this park features two separate jungle gyms for different age groups and a swing set, all on woodchip flooring. Open for free use are two tennis courts, a sand volleyball area and a basketball court. A clean restroom, two shaded picnic table areas, barbecue grills and shade trees offer comfort throughout the park. Beer and wine are permitted in the park, but liquor and glass bottles are not permitted in any Santee park. No smoking is allowed within the boundaries of the playgrounds or tot lots or within 20 feet of the main entrances and exits. Rollerblading, skating and skateboarding are prohibited.
Sportsplex contains several sports fields, including baseball/softball/kickball fields, indoor soccer fields, batting cages and a 3600 square foot sports restaurant. Sports leagues are offered for men's, women's and coed teams of all playing abilities 7 days a week.
The Town Center Community Park surrounds and includes the Sportsplex, which is located directly across from a shopping center where soccer moms can get a pedicure or go grocery shopping and pick up a pizza after the big game. The park is even connected to the shopping center by a foot bridge that goes right over the traffic. It is also located adjacent to a YMCA and centered around a junior high school. All the fields, buildings, and bathrooms at Sportsplex are clean and new.
Softball Playing Conditions
619-334-1000 x (*)814
Soccer Playing Conditions
619-334-1000 x (*)825
This park is directly adjacent to West Hills High School and has entrances off of Mast Boulevard and Serres Drive.
The park is dominated by four baseball and softball fields and offset with a concession stand only open during games. The park also features picnic tables, viewing benches and even some batting cages.
A volleyball court is set up with a net, situated near two jungle gyms –– one for older and one for younger kids –– and swing sets.
There are also picnic benches and a covered pavilion near the playground. Two communal grills can be found near the pavilion.
Ample parking is available for ball games, including six handicap parking spots in the front of the park.
Two restrooms can be found on the premises, with one near the ball fields and another near the playground.
Dogs must be leashed and are not allowed on the ball fields, and rollerblading, skating and skateboarding are prohibited.
Beer and wine are permitted in the park, but liquor is not permitted in any Santee park.
No smoking is allowed within the boundaries of the playgrounds or tot lots or within 20 feet of the main entrances and exits.
