Things to Do in Alpine

From two outposts on the shores of Mission Bay, Adventure Water Sports, LLC launches vessels and seafaring classes to introduce customers to the joy of cutting through veils of spray and sunshine. Both launching points are near the bay's full-speed zone, so captains hoping to tote skiers behind powerboats or do donuts on a scuba diver's lawn in waverunners don't waste valuable time idling through the no-wake zone. Kayaks, pedal boats, and paddleboards cut across the steel-blue mirror of the no-wake zone, an ideal stretch for learning and exploring.

Instructors from Adventure Water Sports impart nautical wisdom to youngsters in summer youth classes that focus on anything from waterskiing and wakeboarding to riding aqua cycles. The waterfront retailers also rent out single and tandem terrestrial bicycles for those looking to cruise the Mission Beach boardwalk or simply explain the motorcycle noises they are making with their mouths.

UltraStar Cinemas cossets moviegoers in cushy seating as they enjoy Hollywood hits alongside buttery servings of popcorn. Film buffs can peruse the current showtimes by location to handpick an action-packed flick, romantic comedy, or chilling thriller featuring inexplicably aggressive hamsters. The concession stand outfits moviegoers with snacks, drinks, and buckets filled with warm kernels, keeping stomach grumblings to a minimum during showings and providing crunchy projectiles in case of sudden younger-sibling attacks. UltraStar Play it Again Cinemas also offers a selection of Hollywood hits for patrons to enjoy in high-back reclining chairs alongside snacks from the concession stand.

Arcadian Ascents helps students to master the art of open-air rock climbing with guided excursions and onsite lessons for all experience levels. The maximum student-to-instructor ratio for each class is 4:1, and all guides and instructors have earned certifications as single pitch instructors from the American Mountain Guides Association and as wilderness first responders from the Wilderness Medicine Institute. Private and group courses cover material from basic rock movement to custom-designed courses on speed climbing, self-rescue, and advanced rope technique. Arcadian Ascents provides all equipment for most courses, including climbing shoes, helmets, ropes, and mountain-goat bribes.

Rock-ascending buffs can also expand their experience and strive for new personal achievements on guided trips to Mexico or Spain. Veteran climber and guide Josh Wieberg leads his charges with experience climbing from Canada to Italy and wields his BA in history and philosophy to teach in public schools when not scaling their brick walls.

At FunBelievable Play, British owners Lynne and Adriana introduce the San Diego area to “British-style” indoor play with playground equipment imported from the United Kingdom. Meeting all playground safety regulations, the 6,000-square-foot facility helps children use their imaginations while developing their physical and mental capabilities, and climbing structures and interactive games encourage social skills that come in handy when imaginary friends go off to college. A colorful three-level play structure hosts fun amenities such as tube slides, climbing walls, tiki-figure punching bags, and a ball shower, whereas the sports arena gives future athletes the chance to kick goals and shoot baskets. Wobbly walkers and toddlers enjoy more age-appropriate play in their own space, which scales down big-kid fun into an area littered with soft toys, a mini ball pit, and mini slides.

Parents can sip coffee in a lounge area and rest easy knowing their children are playing on equipment that's sanitized and inspected daily. The staffers are fully trained and have passed background checks, and many of them also are certified in first aid and CPR and boast an encyclopedic knowledge of cartoons.

Equinox Laser Tag is helmed by a team of laser-tag aficionados who have been playing since the sport's inception in the mid-80s. In their 7,000-square-foot indoor arena, they let visitors choose from a wide range of scenarios to play games of capture-the-flag, humans vs. zombies, or kittens vs. laser pointers among a variety of inflatable obstacles. Their facility also features outdoor battlefields where players can raid a mobile laser-tag trailer, equipped with enough barricades and infrared taggers to create a tactically challenging combat zone that suits up to 20 combatants.

Yelpers give Cottonwood Golf Club a 3.5-star average: