Top Rated Parks to Visit in Santee

"One of San Diego’s gems, Balboa Park, is teeming with free things to do in San Diego. There are over 65 miles of walking trails at Balboa Park, the largest urban cultural park in America. In addition, there are gorgeous gardens, botanical gardens and spectacular Spanish Colonial Revival architecture to see."

"A post shared by Daniel Deming (@grubyoface619) on May 10, 2016 at 9:44pm PDT. Wander through the attractions in Balboa Park before you make your way to The Prado. This full-service restaurant is perfect for a relaxing dinner where you can spend quality time together."

"Amusement parks can be kitschy, indulgent, and a little cheesy—and at Belmont Park, we embrace it. The ocean-adjacent mini amusement park is hard to miss as you drive west on Mission Bay Drive, thanks to the towering Giant Dipper, a 2,600-foot-long roller coaster that soars above the park and offers ocean views. If you're ready for more, have a go on other classics like the Tilt-a-Whirl, zipline, or bumper cars."

"With a gigantic wooden roller coaster that winds around the San Diego coastline, it’s the kind of destination that will stop you right in your tracks. The roller coaster is just the beginning. For high-octane fun, you’ll have your choice of slides, carousels, ziplines, tilt-a-whirls, vertical plunges and bumper cars."

"A wooden roller coaster, a carousel and a 175-foot long indoor swimming pool are part of this Oceanside amusement park’s allure. The Big Dipper, built in 1925 and now a California Historic Monument, is known for turbulent twists and g-forces."

"Looking for historic places to visit in San Diego with kids?. Old Town is one of the top San Diego points of interest. San Diego County is not just about the amazing beaches and delicious food."

"Just fifteen minutes’ drive west of downtown San Diego, you can find a stunning stretch of coastline known as the Sunset Cliffs. Now protected as a natural park, the area is named for its steep coastal cliffs that look out over the ocean and is a very popular place to watch the sun set over the Pacific. Tumbling their way down to the ocean, the sheer cliffs and craggy coastal bluffs certainly make for a dramatic sight with hidden coves, tidal pools, and beaches lying at their foot."

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park encompasses 68-acres of resource-based land that is situated along the western edge of Point Loma. Here you will find sea caves, arches, and coastal bluffs, and you’ll be privy to stunning ocean views. From the cliffs (be careful), you might be lucky enough to catch the California seasonal whale migrations and dolphins but be sure to see the sunsets."

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park has been offering visitors gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and the western edge of Point Loma since 1983, making it a staple in lists featuring the most famous things to see in San Diego."

"You’ll find there’s something for everyone at Ferry Landing on Coronado. Whether you’re just relaxing while you wait for the ferry or spending an afternoon sightseeing, there’s no shortage of fun here!. Take a peaceful beachside stroll along the bike path and delight in the white sand and peaceful waves while taking in the skyline of downtown San Diego in the distance."

"This whopping 5,800-acre natural preserve is inside San Diego’s city limits to the northeast, and is the sixth-largest municipal park in the United States. Snaking off into this rugged wilderness of scrubby hills and canyons are 60 miles of marked hiking, cycling and horse riding trails. One route will take you to the summit of Cowles Mountain, the highest point in San Diego at 486 metres and with a panorama of San Diego County that merits the climb."

"A hike in Mission Trails Regional Park is one of the best things to do in California. The whole preserve spans more than 7,000 acres, and depending on where you enter, you can see everything from bare, rocky cliffs to green fields bursting with life. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the wide range of activities offered at the park."

"Mission Trails Regional Park is a 7200-acre open space preserve comprised mostly of rugged canyons and hills with some developed areas mixed in. Go to walk, run, or bike the trails. Spot birds, native plants, and other wildlife."

"At 8 acres (3ha), Heritage Park is smaller than some of San Diego’s vast wilderness reserves. But, this green grassland features six Victorian homes, all of which have been restored and moved here especially for public viewing. The park also contains San Diego’s first synagogue, Temple Beth Israel."

"Voted "Best Seafood." Come in and get hooked on the best in fresh, sustainable seafood. Waterfront patio in a historic site, full bar, happy hour, a hyper-local menu and private event rooms. Happy Hour Sunday-Thursday: 3-6pm."

"Reservations are recommended at this decades-old power lunch spot in the Gaslamp, famed for it’s continental flair and welcoming ambiance. In addition to the eatery's signature mussel bisque you can also fill up on gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads for around $8-$14. Larger entrées include wild mushroom risotto and a petite filet mignon."

"956 Broadway Cir, San Diego, CA(619) 231-6771Reserve a Table at Dobson’s Here$$$ | Historic | Reservations Recommended. Dobson’s Bar and Restaurant is an institution. Right in the heart of downtown, next to Horton Plaza, Dobson’s has been open since the early 80s."

"One of the most historic dining spots in San Diego, Dobson's is a prime spot downtown for some cheap local eats. Around the corner from the famous Balboa Theater, this colorful and..."

"With immersive art studios, interactive art installations, and workshops and camps, The New Children’s Museum strives to stimulate creativity, imagination, and critical thinking through engaging experiences and contemporary art. The museum itself is housed in a dynamic space and is one of the first fully green museums in San Diego. It commissions artworks from local artists with which children can interact and engage and, as a result, always has something new to offer visitors."

"The NCM blends contemporary art with unstructured play to create an environment that appeals to children as well as adults. The 50,000-square…"

"It’s a rare phenomenon for such a sunny place, but it does happen, and it doesn’t have to be a vacation ruiner. Just visit somewhere like the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD). MCASD houses many different types of art, including paintings, sculptures, scrolls and 3D art installations that jut out from the walls and dangle from invisible strings."

"This museum has a few different exhibits rotating throughout the year and they make plenty of appearances on instagram. These exhibits have already left, but see the ones they have now here."

"Founded in 1978 by San Diego State University professor of art Martha Longenecker, Mingei International Museum collects, conserves and exhibits items of daily use, such as ceramics. With a collection of 17,500 objects from 141 countries, the museum contains folk art from the third century BC to the present day. Longenecker studied pottery-making under the tutelage of the founders of the Mingei Association of Japan, which inspired her to bring the vision of mingei to America."

"lunch at this European-style bistro, bakery and wine shop comprises sophisticated Gallic delicacies like soupe a l’oignon gratinée and house specialty pâté sampler. There’s the obligatory salade Niçoise, plus lunch entrees ranging from steak pommes frites and seafood crêpes to a Mediterranean Cornish game hen."

"Brunch at The French Gourmet, a Pacific Beach restaurant, wine bar and French bakery in one, combines separate a la carte breakfast and lunch menus, both available daily from 8 a.m..."

"It comes complete with cupcakes, frosting, sprinkles, spatulas and decorations for you to decorate your own unique cupcake treats at home."