Location: Alpine
Top Things to do in Alpine
10 Things to Do in Alpine That You Shouldn't Miss
Alpine is a census-designated place (CDP) in the Cuyamaca Mountains of San Diego County, California. Alpine had a population of 14,236 at the 2010 census, up from 13,143 at the 2000 census. The town is largely surrounded by the Cleveland National Forest and borders two reservations of the Kumeyaay Nation, Viejas and Sycuan, and the rural unincorporated areas of the city of El Cajon.
Restaurants in Alpine
1. Lions, Tigers & Bears
Overall Ratings
5 based on 321 reviews
Reviewed By rsbooth53 - San Diego, California
Lions, Tigers and Bears was the best animal adventure I have had in years. Get great view of Lion, Tigers, Bears, other cats, and a few other animals. See San Diego back country. Guides were very organized, responsive, and educational. Got up close, feeding a Tiger was an event to remember. The animals have a great, safe life. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. Great for all groups. Best staff. Bring donations.
2. Summers Past Farms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By Melissa M - El Cajon, California
What a wonderful place to get away from the "town" feeling and enter the country. Beautiful barns with gift shops and homemade soaps plus anything you could want! To sit out on the patio with the birds singing, the beautiful view and such friendly people makes this place perfect. Good for children or for some "couple time" to walk around and enjoy the day! It is wonderful! Enjoy!
3. Sky Falconry
Overall Ratings
5 based on 59 reviews
Free fly a trained bird of prey! Sky Falconry, located in the beautiful San Diego mountains just 30 miles from the coast, offers a full range of falconry classes and services. We invite you to experience having a trained bird of prey come to your glove and learn about one of the world's oldest hunting traditions, raptor biology and conservation. A bucket list must!
Reviewed By MVSanDiego_Traveler - Culver City, CA
My husband and I visited Sky Falconry last Sunday, where we were greeted at the ranch gate by co-owner Denise Disharoon. Set in the rugged San Diego backcountry near Alpine, the ranch provided stunning views for our basic falconry lesson. I was the participant, while Vic was in charge of photographing the experience. It began with Denise and co-owner Kirk Sellinger introducing us to the birds. They had on display three Harris's Hawks (Hayduke, a male, his sister Steam, and Shanti, another female, and the largest of the three) and one Lanner Falcon (Ali Baba). Denise and Kirk began our orientation by discussing the species of raptors used in falconry, the history of the sport, and the importance of conservation, and answered various questions from the attendees. One of Sky Falconry's primary missions is education; they must meet many stringent Government requirements as a falconry center working with various raptors, which are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We were then given our gloves and instructions, and stood in a circle for our free-flying demonstration featuring Hayduke. With tidbits (a falconry term, we learned) of quail as a reward, we each called Hayduke, who flew gracefully to each participant's glove. Each participant also was given a chick foot to toss in the air. On the count of three, Hayduke snatched the treat mid-air with his formidable talons. What a wonderful sight to see this graceful bird in action! He is a very well-trained and beautiful raptor. We had a photo opportunity where we each posed with Hayduke, who was then called by Kirk for a chance to photograph him flying off the glove over the audience. A simulated hunt with Kirk tossing a lure for Hayduke to pounce on was the grand finale. We had a wonderful time, and found our appetites whetted for the more advanced Hawk Walks with our friendly, highly knowledgeable falconry experts and their magnificent birds.
4. Viejas Casino
Overall Ratings
4 based on 199 reviews
Located only 25 miles east of San Diego on an Indian Reservation, Vejas Casino & Resort is a Forbes Travel Guide 4-Star hotel and recipient of the AAA Four Diamond award since 2013. At Viejas Casino & Resort, guests enjoy the gold standard in Vegas-style gaming with thousands of slot machines, exciting table games that include Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow, a modern and elegant bingo room, and an off-track betting facility. The epitome of a world-class destination, Viejas Hotel provides elevated guest service and features 203 luxury rooms and 34 VIP suites, including a lush, spacious pool and lounge area, and nine indoor-outdoor meeting spaces, including the magnificent Oak Ballroom, ideal for hosting weddings and special group events. Guests will love our modern amenities, streamlined design and handcrafted, boutique feel. Viejas Casino & Resort also features a variety of restaurants including the AAA Four Diamond Grove Steakhouse, The Buffet, and The Café. The beautiful Viejas Outlets, located across the street from the casino, offers visitors a unique shopping experience with highly acclaimed stores, numerous eateries, Viejas Bowl, and Southern California’s largest outdoor ice rink.
Reviewed By gregf33alpine - Alpine, California
Viejas has been a fantastic place to visit locally versus travelling all the way to Las Vegas for a little gaming fun, great food and entertainment. Viejas has had a fantastic Summer line up of entertainment from Martina McBride to the upcoming Jim Gaffigan who will entertain those lucky enough to be in attendance. The food at Viejas is wonderful in the Buffet with your assortment of specialty dishes, carving stations and the unbelievable desert bar. For fine dining at a realistic cost, my wife and I enjoy eating at The Grove. The atmoshpere within this restaurant is refined and worthy of a date night. The steak and fish dishes are cooked perfectly or they will take it back and bring you something you are happy with. Lastly, the pool area is similar to the experience you will find in Las Vegas including the pool side bar with specialty drinks like the Jalapeno Margarita. Did I mention on the opposite side of the street from the Casino Resort is an outlet mall with a Nike store, Vans, Wilson Leather, Polo, Coach, Eddie Baurer, and many more to wet your shopping needs. There is a brand new tower being built on the West side of Viejas Casino so expect a little noise during the day from this upcoming addition to this fantastic Casino. Good luck!
5. Sycuan Casino
Overall Ratings
4 based on 174 reviews
A 24-hour casino and entertainment complex that features favorite games like Slots, Blackjack, Poker, Off-Track Betting and Bingo.
Reviewed By William L
Sycuan Casino features different musical groups in its dedicated theater. It recently featured "Under the Streetlamp", a great quartet that sings Oldies but Goodies from the 1950s-1970s. So one can do more than "gaming" (aka gambling) at the casino. Its Wachena restaurant features a wide variety of cuisine including American, Thai, Filipino, and Chinese. The waiters and waitresses are friendly, and their wine glasses for white wine come nicely chilled. Check out the Casino for its music offerings and food variety!
6. Viejas Outlet Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 83 reviews
Enjoy 30% to 70% off dozens of America's most popular names in apparel, accessories, footwear, housewares, and much more at Viejas Outlets. Whether you're enjoying a stay at our luxurious hotel or some gaming fun at the casino, Viejas Outlets offers a change of pace in more ways than one. Take your time ambling about beautifully landscaped garden paths amid soothing cascades and artisan-crafted sculptures, all set in a family-friendly environment that's sure to relax. Kids of all ages can enjoy our interactive fountain and multi-media performances in the ShowCourt or spend the day skating around on our outdoor ice rink! Viejas Bowl With 12 lanes, great all-American menu, multiple HDTVs, and Galactic Bowl on Friday and Saturday nights, Viejas Bowl is the ideal place for beginners and experienced bowlers! Fun Zone Arcade Filled with your favorite arcade games of yesterday and today, the Fun Zone Arcade is a great place for families to test their game-playing skills and win hot prizes! Enticing Eateries! Take a seat at a table by the fountain, set down your shopping, and relax and enjoy a meal or snack. From classic handcrafted pizza and antipasto to fresh Mexican fish tacos, hot pretzels, and comfort food fried chicken, there's a choice to satisfy everyone's taste! Southern California's largest outdoor ice rink! (The ice skating rink will be open every evening and select daytime hours, weather permitting, through January 1)
Reviewed By KayB16 - San Bernardino, California
This center has what you would expect of an outlets shopping experience. The layout is less industrial and more outdoor mall, so there are spots to stop and sit or enjoy a snack. The seating up front near the fountain is especially relaxing and desirable.
7. Cleveland National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Although near major metropolitan centers, this national forest is a well-preserved expanse of scenic beauty.
Reviewed By SoCalAdventureSeeker - San Diego, California
Cleveland National Forest is AMAZING. I hike in it often and am awed each time. Headquartered in Alpine, the forest actually spans from Palomar Mountain to Anza Borrego Desert, down to Descanso to Ramona. Some of the more known trails include multiple legs of the Pacific Crest Tail. TIPS: bring binoculars for wildlife spotting, wear good hiking shoes, and bring ample water and snacks. Typically you'll need a day-use pass (Adventure Pass) which can range from $5-8.
8. Wright's Field in Alpine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By tim s - Alpine, California
Wright field is a small (230 acre) grassland area behind alpine. Not many people come here because even most alpine residents don't know it's there. It's protected by a small group of volunteers called the Back Country Land Trust, who have maintained it as one of the few native californai grasslands left. Best times to visit are in the early morning or evening when the birds are chirping and active. You can wander on any of the numerous paths and just enjoy the peace and tranquility away from the noise of the city. There's no bathrooms, kiosks or signs....just sagebrush, oaks, chaparral and quiet. I have wandered through these field many times and just enjoyed being by myself with my thoughts. If it sounds good to you, visit and enjoy. By the way the back country land trust could always use a donation. Check their website
9. Alpine Beer Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By tim s - Alpine, California
The new alpine beer company pub is now open. Located in a mall at the intersection of Alpine Blvd and Tavern road it's a great new place to enjoy the award winning beers and decent pub grub. They completely redid the old bread basket restaurant They now have a large outdoor patio to compliment the indoor seating and the long waits to get in are over. It is new and they have a lot of new staff so they are having a few growing pains that you expect with any new restaurant. Since its no longer a tasting room there is also a pretty good list of guest beers to pick from to go along with the award winning Alpine beer company regulars. The drive from San Diego isn't that long so visit this place soon!
10. Viejas Bowl
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
At Viejas Bowl, our visitors and guests always have a great time! Located within the Viejas Outlets, just across the street from our Viejas Casino & Resort, we offer 12 lanes, unbeatable specials, and Galactic Bowl on Friday and Saturday nights. Viejas Bowl provides the perfect atmosphere for beginners and serious bowlers alike! Plus, our a great all-American menu, a wide selection of beer and sodas, and multiple HDTVs make Viejas Bowl the go-to venue for watching sports or just hanging out with family and friends! So come shop and play and stay at Viejas!
Reviewed By 1baggo - Alpine, California
We went there for a birthday party and had a great time. It is inexpensive and offers lots for the whole family. The drinks come in a plastic bowling pin cups. Very cool for small kids. They have a place you can eat or while bowling (at least we did). Clean and well organized. Sometimes it gets very crowed so plan ahead.
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