Grover Beach, CA Indoor Activities

The clatter of toppling pins resounds through the walls of the 89 locations of Bowling Centers of Southern California, which are scattered across Southern California, Nevada, and Hawaii. Each alley abounds with modern lanes and equipment, and many boast concession stands, lounges, and game rooms. The family-friendly centers host regular public bowling sessions and league tournaments. Many of the centers also host private birthday parties, which science has proven to be more fun than birthday parties covered by the paparazzi.

Instructors at Paragon Jiu Jitsu & Kickboxing channel personal sparring experience into Brazilian jiujitsu, kickboxing, and boxing classes. Jiujitsu classes ease exercisers into fitness and the ability to physically overpower unmanned fire-hydrant hoses with beginner, intermediate, and advanced tiers of Greco-Roman wrestling, judo, and submission wrestling maneuvers. Fists slam heavy bags and feet pummel targets in kickboxing, which fuses Western-style boxing and muay thai kickboxing for a blood-pumping workout that, when combined with jiujitsu, makes for an MMA-medal-winning brew. Tiny tendons spring into action in kids' classes and MMA summer camps, arming tykes with self-confidence and the ability to quickly take down invisible frenemies.

Cleaved between the Pacific Ocean and the foothills of Santa Ynez Mountain, Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is among the oldest polo facilities in the U.S. The Club was established in 1911 and quickly became a focal point of competition and social interaction. In fact, by the 1920s, spending Sunday at the club had already become a celebrated social event. Visitors would don the latest fashions and picnic at the fields, some even hiring helpers to assist with the noonday meal and deliver jokes during intermission.

Although some conventions have changed, the club retains its reputation as an elegant destination to enjoy the “Sport of Kings.” It features a trio of world-renowned polo fields, plus eight tennis courts, a fitness center, and a pool for recreational use. The club still draws some of society’s most noble figures, too—Prince William and Catherine visited during 2011, a trip that saw Prince William compete in a charitable match.

Dave’s Hobby Central proliferates the 65-year legacy of Atkins Hobby's with a stock of model airplanes, helicopters, rockets, and cars in both analog and radio-controlled styles. Armed with remote controls, racers pit vehicles against one other in bi-weekly open bouts, hoping to place in the top three to earn a coveted Dave's Hobby Central plaque. During and after races, an onsite repair team stands ready to revitalize damaged models. For more hardcore racing fanatics, the shop stocks a variety of detail paint, allowing owners to intimidate competitors with racing stripes or spot-on depictions of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.

All across California, Western Bowling Proprietors Association sends pins scattering at a network of bowling alleys, each with its own personality. In addition to open bowl on automatically scored lanes, many locations host special events that heighten the experience with enhancements such as vibrant lights, lively music, and laser systems that do double duty protecting the alleys' diamond collections. The alleys also house refreshment facilities, pro shops, and diversions that range from arcade games to billiards.

When The Yoga Underground's four passionate instructors aren't shopping for shoes, watching the sun rise while hiking up Mount Timp, or partaking in the great American pastime of wearing crazy socks, they're hitting the mat to teach students how to build physical strength and emotional wellness. Although they consider themselves students of the ancient practice of yoga, they aren't afraid to add some modern twists into the Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga traditions, such as incorporating core-bolstering moves from Pilates and, according to instructor Brittany, playing "really awesome music." They offer an octet of lighthearted, yet challenging classes, which includes two fast-paced kick-asana classes, a primary series, and a lunchtime yoga session that accommodates working yogis on the go.