Skydiving is one of the most thrilling extreme sports you can experience. The rush of freefalling from thousands of feet above the earth, combined with stunning views, makes it an unforgettable adventure. California, with its diverse landscapes, is one of the best places in the world to go skydiving. From the stunning coastlines to the vast deserts and rolling hills, skydiving in California offers something for everyone, whether you’re a first-time jumper or an experienced skydiver.
If you’re considering skydiving in California, there are many options to choose from. This article will explore some of the best places to skydive in California, what you can expect at each location, and what factors may influence your decision on where to go.
Why California Is The Ideal Place for Skydiving
California’s diverse geography makes it an ideal location for skydiving. Whether you want to jump over the ocean, through the mountains, or above expansive farmland, California has it all. With year-round good weather, especially in the southern parts of the state, skydiving is available almost every day of the year.
The state is home to numerous skydiving centers, each offering unique experiences. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned skydiver, California offers a variety of options suited to all levels of experience.
From breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean to thrilling descents over beautiful national parks, California’s skydiving opportunities are endless.
Best Places to Go Skydiving in California
1. Skydive Perris – Perris, CA
Perris is one of the most popular skydiving destinations in California, known for its stunning desert views and excellent facilities. Located in Southern California, about 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles, Skydive Perris offers one of the most advanced skydiving centers in the region.
Whether you’re doing a tandem skydive for the first time or pursuing your skydiving license, Skydive Perris has everything you need.
Tandem Jumps: If you’re new to skydiving, a tandem jump at Skydive Perris is the way to go. You’ll be harnessed to an experienced instructor who will guide you through the entire process. The center offers incredible views of the surrounding desert, mountains, and valleys.
Experience and Facilities: Skydive Perris is well-known for its world-class facilities, including a large hangar, a pool for after-jump relaxation, and a café for meals and refreshments. It’s also known for its professional staff and instructors, which makes it a safe and enjoyable experience for beginners and experienced jumpers alike.
Price Range: Tandem jumps typically start around $200 to $250, depending on the season and special offers.
2. Skydive California – Lodi, CA
Located in the beautiful town of Lodi, Skydive California offers some of the most scenic views in the state. Situated in the Central Valley, it’s famous for its clear skies, calm weather, and incredible vistas of the San Joaquin Valley. If you want to see miles of farmland and distant mountains while freefalling, Skydive California should be on your list.
Scenic Views: From up high, you’ll see the Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance, the vast farmland below, and a clear view of the Central Valley’s agricultural landscape. It’s a breathtaking location for a skydive.
Tandem Jumps and More: Whether you’re doing your first jump or you’re an experienced skydiver, Skydive California offers a variety of options, including tandem jumps, accelerated freefall (AFF) courses, and solo jumps for licensed skydivers.
Price Range: Tandem jumps at Skydive California cost between $200 and $250. The facility also offers video and photo packages to capture your experience for an additional fee.
3. Skydive Santa Barbara – Santa Barbara, CA
If you’ve ever dreamed of skydiving over the Pacific Ocean, Skydive Santa Barbara offers one of the most scenic and unique experiences in California. Located on the coast, this skydiving center gives you the opportunity to jump over the beautiful beaches of Santa Barbara and enjoy spectacular views of the coastline, the ocean, and the Channel Islands.
Ocean Views: One of the highlights of jumping at Skydive Santa Barbara is the view of the Pacific Ocean as you freefall.
You’ll be able to see the stunning coastline, the Channel Islands, and on clear days, even the Santa Ynez mountains.
Tandem Jumps: Skydive Santa Barbara specializes in tandem jumps for first-timers. Their experienced instructors ensure a safe and exciting experience, with the added bonus of unforgettable views.
Price Range: A tandem jump at Skydive Santa Barbara typically costs between $220 and $280, depending on the season and whether you opt for photos or videos of your jump.
4. Skydive Monterey Bay – Watsonville, CA
Another stunning location for skydiving in California is Skydive Monterey Bay, located in Watsonville, just south of San Francisco. The facility offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, with views of Monterey Bay, the rugged coastline, and the famous Big Sur region.
Coastal Views: As you descend, you’ll experience some of the most beautiful ocean views in the state. The skydiving experience here gives you the chance to see the coastline, forests, and the Pacific Ocean from a perspective that few get to enjoy.
Tandem and Solo Jumps: Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced skydiver, Skydive Monterey Bay offers tandem jumps, solo jumps, and AFF courses. Their expert instructors will make sure your jump is a safe and thrilling adventure.
Price Range: Tandem jumps here generally cost between $250 and $300. The price includes all necessary equipment, as well as an instructor. Additional costs for video and photo packages are also available.
5. Skydive Lake Tahoe – Minden, NV
While technically located just outside of California, Skydive Lake Tahoe in Minden, Nevada, is a fantastic option for those in Northern California. It’s about an hour away from Reno, and the views here are unmatched. Lake Tahoe, with its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountains, provides a dramatic backdrop for your skydive.
Mountain and Lake Views: You’ll be treated to a bird’s-eye view of the famous Lake Tahoe, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, forests, and the expansive desert below. The scenery during your freefall is absolutely breathtaking.
Tandem Jumps and More: Skydive Lake Tahoe offers tandem jumps for beginners as well as more advanced skydiving courses for those looking to get licensed.
Price Range: Tandem jumps at Skydive Lake Tahoe typically start at $250 to $300, with additional charges for video packages or special services.
6. Skydive Elsinore – Lake Elsinore, CA
Located in Southern California, Skydive Elsinore is known for its scenic jumps and friendly atmosphere. Lake Elsinore, a natural volcanic crater, offers amazing views, and the drop zone is situated near the beautiful Temescal Canyon. The area offers great weather conditions, which means skydiving is available almost year-round.
Scenic Views: Skydive Elsinore offers views of the lake and surrounding hills. The jump is smooth, and the landscape is gorgeous, making it one of the most picturesque locations for a skydive.
Tandem Jumps and Solo Options: Like most skydiving centers, Skydive Elsinore offers tandem jumps for beginners and solo skydiving for more experienced jumpers. They also offer AFF programs for those looking to get their skydiving license.
Price Range: Tandem skydives here generally cost between $200 and $250. Video and photo packages are available for an additional fee.
7. Skydive Skydive San Diego – Jamul, CA
Located just east of San Diego, Skydive San Diego is another fantastic location for skydiving in California. With year-round sunny weather, it’s a great destination for those who want to take to the skies in a beautiful and scenic location.
Scenic Views: Skydive San Diego offers beautiful views of the Pacific coastline, the city of San Diego, and the surrounding desert landscape. It’s one of the best places to skydive for both ocean and desert views.
Tandem Jumps and Solo Options: Whether you’re new to skydiving or experienced, Skydive San Diego offers a variety of options, from tandem jumps to AFF training for those looking to pursue skydiving as a hobby.
Price Range: Tandem jumps at Skydive San Diego cost between $200 and $250.
Conclusion
California offers some of the best skydiving experiences in the world, with a variety of locations that provide incredible views, excellent weather conditions, and professional instructors. Whether you want to jump over the Pacific Ocean, soar over beautiful mountains, or experience the rolling hills of the Central Valley, California has a skydiving destination for you.
The price of skydiving typically ranges from $200 to $300, depending on the location and the type of jump you’re doing.
With so many excellent options to choose from, it’s easy to see why California is one of the most popular places to skydive in the United States.
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