Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Cleveland National Forest, Santee's chaparral-covered hillsides are bisected by the San Diego River. Santee is also convenient to San Diego Christian College, San Diego State University, and Grossmont Community College. Close to beaches and hikes through the sandy hill country, Santee, California, offers an affordable and convenient Southern California experience with a taste of small-town life.
The Santee town center is full of life, from the yellow poppies that spring up in Town Center Community Park each spring to the bustle of commerce, dining, and activity taking place in Santee's downtown each day. Over 58,000 people call Santee home, and it's easy to see why. The community enjoys a family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of entertainment options, from summer concert series to hiking and sports. When you visit Santee, California, you too can taste the Southern California good life.
When should you visit Santee, CA?
Santee, California, enjoys an incredibly temperate climate year-round. Winters top out in the mid-70s, though it can be rainy. Summers heat up to the mid and upper 80s, with clear skies as far as the eye can see. Summertime also heralds the summer concert and festival season in Santee, ushering in nights and days of live music, classic car shows, food trucks, craft brews, and other family-friendly activities. Nearly every week, the town gathers for live, themed music, from jazz nights to bluegrass and musical throwbacks to the hippie summer of love.
The community loves the outdoor life, hitting the trails with a furry friend to keep you company. If you don't have a dog yet, be sure to visit Santee for the annual Fido Fest each June, a fun event helping dog lovers find and adopt a new pet. Current pet lovers can stop in for pet vaccines. Everyone can participate in the silent auction, enjoy the live music, and shop from exhibitors. It's a lively experience for a great cause, benefiting the non-profit organization Dogs on Deployment.
Santee event highlights each year include the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival in late May, with tastings from the many local breweries. Then comes the Bluegrass Festival in September, and the year closes out with a Holiday Lighting in mid-November at Trolley Square. During this festive time, kids get the chance to meet Santa and engage in holiday crafts. Children can slide down a man-made snowy slope or take a ride in a horse-drawn trolley or mini express train. Caroling, face painting, and a tree lighting ceremony make this event a highlight of the holiday season.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Santee, CA:
Santee by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Santee, CA. You can use these charts to calculate the cheapest dates to make a reservation in Santee for your upcoming travels.
Where are the luxury hotels around Santee, CA?
4 Star Average Prices: $235.92
The Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego, Carmel Valley, is a luxurious hotel option just under 15 miles from Santee. This 5-star luxury hotel and resort is convenient to the beaches of San Diego (by hotel shuttle), as well as the San Diego Polo Fields. The Mediterranean-style hotel welcomes guests with brick drives, tinkling fountains, and formal gardens.
Guests don't have to go far to enjoy the sun, as the Fairmont Grand Del Mar boasts four outdoor pools and spas with free cabana access. Pampering remains this hotel's top priority, from the on-site spa to its 24-hour room service and in-room espresso makers. Accommodation options span from luxurious guest rooms to decadent Presidential Suites. Guests staying at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar can enjoy oysters, champagne, and other decadent dinners and desserts at the on-site French restaurant, Addison. Sipping a cocktail at one of the outdoor bars is another favorite activity, allowing unparalleled views of the lush grounds.
For even closer access to the beach, check out luxury waterfront property L'Auberge Del Mar - Destination Hotels and Resorts. This luxury property also happens to be dog-friendly (and kid-friendly, too). Guests love the outdoor tennis courts and beach access, as well as uncommonly cozy beds, with pillowtop mattresses and Egyptian cotton sheets.
What are the most affordable hotels in Santee, California?
3 Star Average Prices: $131.24
If you're looking for an accessible place to stay that's also affordable, consider Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego East / El Cajon. The Days Inn's rates offer tremendous value, especially when you consider the amenities you'll enjoy during your stay. The hotel's property includes an outdoor pool and spa, and guests can partake of a free daily breakfast. Guests rave about this Days Inn's cleanliness and attentive, bilingual staff.
You can also enjoy an affordable night's stay at Motel 6 San Diego - El Cajon. This roadside motel welcomes guests with rooms arrayed around a shady, grassy courtyard and an outdoor pool. Your stay will include cable programming, and WiFi service can be yours for a small additional fee.