Santee is located in one of the world’s finest and most varied sport fishing and recreation areas, the Santee-Cooper Lakes region. Santee offers plenty of southern charm yet a suprising amount of family activity year round.
Places to Stay
The heart of commercial activity in Santee is right at I-95, exit 98. There are over 15 motels located within 1 mile of this exit. Several of the major chains ( Best Western, Comfort Inn, Days Inn, Ramada, and Super 8 ) as well as a number of locally owned establishments can be found.
If you’re a camper, there are plenty of public and private camping and RV parks here too! Santee Lakes Campground (I-95, exit 102), Lake Marion Resort and Santee State Park (i-95, exit 98) are close by.
Places to Eat
Over two dozen restaurants are located right off I-95, exit 98. Besides the fast-food chains there are a number of fine local restaurants. Jake’s Steaks & Ribs and Randazzo’s Italian & Seafood Restaurant a just two. I recommend Clark’s Family Restaurant (located at Clark’s Inn). They have excellent meals at very reasonable prices!
Places to Go
If you love fishing or recreational boating, you’ll be in heaven in Santee. But if that’s not your thing there’s still plenty to see and do here. For the golfer there’s Santee-Cooper Resort, Chapel Creek Plantation, Lake Marion Golf Club, and Santee-Cooper Country Club accessible from I-95, exit 98.
How about Outlet Shopping? The Santee Factory Stores (exit 98) is home to dozens of famous name outlets. If a slower pace is more your style, visit The Santee National Wildlife Refuge (I-95, exit 102). It has a foot trail and observation tower as well as a Visitor’s Center offering information and interpretive exhibits.
Fort Watson (3 miles north of Santee on US 301) is a great place to get a panoramic view of Santee-Cooper and the countryside.
Getting Around
Getting around is pretty simple. I-95 runs north-south and exits 102, 98, 97, and 93 will get you to Santee. Exit 98, however is the main one. The lakes are located both east and west of I-95.
