1. Carlton Oaks Country Club
City: Santee, CA
Category: Golf
Telephone: (619) 448-4242
Address: 9200 Inwood Drive
Description: Carlton Oaks Country Club has a challenging 6,140-yard course designed by Pete Dye. This is the course where Curtis Strange hit a 1-iron to the 18th and made eagle to win the NCAA individual title and assure Wake Forest of the team title.There are tinkling creeks, clusters of tall trees, and a strategically undulating peninsula fairway. Carlton Oaks greens fees Monday through Friday are $70; weekends and holidays, $90. Cart is included. There are package deals that include lodging, breakfast, and dinner with prices that could entice you; call for information.The signature hole here is the 12th, a par 3 that’s partially surrounded by water. (Take extra balls if you play like we do!) Be aware that the driving range closes about four hours before sunset on Wednesday and opens only between 10:00 a.m. and noon on Thursday.
2. Santee Lakes Regional Park
City: Santee, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (619) 596-3141
Address: 9040 Carlton Oaks Drive
Description: Popular Santee Lakes Regional Park offers a profusion of picnicking, jogging, lounging, boating, and fishing opportunities around a chain of seven lakes. The backdrop of this urban campground and lake is dry hills; there’s definitely not a “forest” feel to it. There’s a developed campground with 300 sites with RV hookups, a general store, a swimming pool, and a rec center along with a laundry room. To add to the fun, there are horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and a large playground. Tent campers may use the RV sites but pay full hookup price. Campers have access to the pool and other facilities. Dogs are not permitted in the day-use area.
3. Pinnacle Peak Steak House
City: Santee, CA
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (619) 448-8882
Address: 7927 Mission Gorge Road
Description: Let’s say you’re in East County, maybe visiting Summers Past Farms or the casinos (see our Shopping and Attractions chapters). It hits you. You’re hungry for a steak, and not just any steak will do. You want a cowboy-size portion with beans and bread and barbecue sauce that’s rich and red. The answer to your need to feed is the Pinnacle Peak, a cowboy eatery where the staff, if necessary, will forcibly take your tie and suit jacket. All the beef (and chicken) choices are grilled to perfection over an open mesquite fire. Once you see the size of the steaks and burgers, you’ll agree that they don’t mess around with huge appetites. The restaurant is a fun experience, a great place for families, and a favorite among residents from all over the county. Pinnacle Peak is open for dinner every day.
4. Conceptions
City: Santee, CA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (619) 596-2229
Address: 10438 Mission Gorge Road
Description: Conceptions offers resale accessories and clothing for babies and children and maternity clothes for mothers to be. They purchase gently used clothing, furniture, toys, strollers, and other baby accessories.