Top Air Activities Spots in California

8.8
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California Region | USA - Rated 8.8
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1

Yosemite National Park rating icon 10

Yosemite National Park, California, United States copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 15 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 1 of 22
Popularity Worldwide: 76 of 29088
BASE Jumping
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Lisa April 23, 2025

Pack lunch and snacks—there are few options inside the park, and they can be pretty pricey. I spent a lot on sandwiches that weren't even that good!

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Tyler March 18, 2025

I highly recommend downloading the Yosemite app before you go. It’s super helpful for trail maps and getting real-time updates on conditions.

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Susan December 16, 2024

If you're interested in photography, the golden hour around sunset is a game-changer for capturing the park's beauty. Don't rush out of there too early!

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Richard October 27, 2024

Check out the lesser-known spots like Mariposa Grove instead of just the popular ones like El Capitan. They’re just as beautiful but way less crowded!

2

Torrey Pines Gliderport rating icon 9.3

2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 205 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 3 of 34
Popularity Worldwide: 1449 of 29088
Hang Gliding
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Brian December 17, 2024

Dress in layers! The weather can change pretty quickly up there. I was freezing in the morning but ended up too hot by noon, so something light but warm is perfect for switching up!

3

San Francisco Helicopters rating icon 7.5

242 Redwood Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1000 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 14 of 57
Popularity Worldwide: 7071 of 29088
Helicopter Sport
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John January 2, 2025

If you can, go for the Golden Gate Bridge tour. It was so worth it! I think it's the best way to see the city from above and get those epic pics.

4

Skydive Santa Barbara rating icon 7.3

1801 N H St Suite G, Lompoc, CA 93436, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1079 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 23 of 80
Popularity Worldwide: 7743 of 29088
Skydiving
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Maria November 16, 2024

I suggest booking your jump early in the day, like around 8 AM. This way, you beat the rush and have the best chance of clear skies! Plus, you'll have the rest of the day to explore Santa Barbara afterwards.

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Michael November 7, 2024

Bring a jacket! Even if it's sunny, it gets chilly at altitude. I brought my hoodie but wished I had something warmer. Also, don’t let the cold discourage you, the experience is totally worth it!

5

SkyThrills! rating icon 7

19300 Ike Jones Rd, Santa Ana, CA 92707, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1205 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 6 of 18
Popularity Worldwide: 8545 of 29088
Aerobatics
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James March 8, 2025

If you're thinking about doing the aerobatics, definitely book your flight in advance to snag better pricing. I saved a good chunk that way!

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Brandon February 15, 2025

I recommend going on a weekday instead of the weekend; it was way less crowded and I got to enjoy the experience without waiting forever.

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Tyler December 19, 2024

Don't forget to ask your pilot about all the maneuvers beforehand. It made my flight way more exciting because I knew what to expect!

6

Air Combat USA rating icon 7

3355 E Spring St Suite 212, Long Beach, CA 90806, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1203 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 7 of 18
Popularity Worldwide: 8476 of 29088
Aerobatics
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Susan April 7, 2025

Try to schedule your flight in the morning when it's usually less crowded. The wait was much shorter for us then.

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Jennifer December 19, 2024

If you're nervous about flying, I suggest talking to the staff beforehand. They're super accommodating and really help ease the nerves.

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Jack November 17, 2024

Lunch options are kinda limited nearby, so consider packing a snack. We ended up wasting time searching for a good place.

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Elijah October 18, 2024

Definitely splurge on the video option to capture your experience; it's totally worth it! You'll want to relive those adrenaline moments

7

Pacific Coast Skydiving rating icon 5.9

6810 Curran St, San Diego, CA 92154, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1702 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 34 of 80
Popularity Worldwide: 12066 of 29088
Skydiving
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Patrick March 12, 2025

Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. You'll be changing gear and you don’t want to be fumbling with flip-flops before you jump!

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Kevin December 1, 2024

The safety briefing can feel a bit long, but it's crucial. Pay close attention to it; I think it really helps ease the nerves right before you take the leap!

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Zachary October 23, 2024

Try to book your dive in the early morning around 8 AM; the weather is usually clearer and it's less crowded, meaning shorter waiting times

8

Windsports Hang Gliding rating icon 5.8

12623 Gridley St, Sylmar, CA 91342, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 1746 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 15 of 34
Popularity Worldwide: 12208 of 29088
Hang Gliding
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Steven April 20, 2025

Bring a light jacket! It can get chilly once you're up in the air, especially if you're flying in the late afternoon

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Richard December 9, 2024

Don't forget to take a GoPro or ask if they have a video package. I passed on it and regretted not capturing that incredible view from above.

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Benjamin October 23, 2024

If you're feeling a bit nervous about the flight, arrive at least 30 minutes early. It gives you time to relax, chat with the instructors, and soak in the amazing views beforehand.

9

San Diego Sky Tours rating icon 3.2

Executive Airpark, 3717 John J Montgomery Dr, San Diego, CA 92123, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 2778 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 13 of 19
Popularity Worldwide: 19798 of 29088
Scenic Flights
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Jane March 6, 2025

Book your flight during the sunset for the best views and stunning pictures – it's totally worth it! I did, and the colors were magical.

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Zachary December 9, 2024

Check if they have any promotional deals or combo packages online before booking; I saved some cash this way!

10

Fellow Feathers rating icon 0.9

820 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 3603 of 3727
Popularity in Category: 31 of 34
Popularity Worldwide: 27900 of 29088
Hang Gliding
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Jennifer March 15, 2025

Bring a jacket! It can get chilly up there even if the sun is shining. I learned this the hard way when I went in just a t-shirt.

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Christopher February 25, 2025

Definitely book your hang gliding session in advance, especially on weekends. I noticed that many people were turned away because they didn’t reserve ahead of time

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