Manzanita Stuart Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Manzanita Stuart Park is a popular recreational destination in the state of California, located in the town of Santee.
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Summary
This 64-acre park offers visitors an array of activities and attractions, making it an ideal place for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
One of the primary reasons to visit Manzanita Stuart Park is its beautiful natural setting. The park is home to a variety of native plant and animal species, including a large grove of manzanita trees. Visitors can explore the park's many hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, or enjoy a game of soccer or basketball on the sports fields.
Another key attraction at Manzanita Stuart Park is the San Diego County Farm Bureau's agritourism operation, which offers visitors the chance to learn about and interact with local farmers and their crops. The farm features a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as a petting zoo and other educational exhibits.
Interesting facts about the park include its history as a former landfill site, which has been transformed into a beautiful natural oasis. Additionally, the park is home to a unique "Fossil Trail," which displays fossils and other geological specimens found on site.
The best time of year to visit Manzanita Stuart Park depends on personal preference, as the park is open year-round and offers different activities and events throughout the seasons. However, visitors are advised to check the park's website for seasonal updates and special events.
Overall, Manzanita Stuart Park is a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and outdoor activities of Southern California.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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