There’s nothing quite like the feeling of flying high above the ground, surrounded by beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for an exhilarating way to take in views of the coast and mountains, then paragliding in California is the perfect choice for you.

Paragliding in the Golden State is a one-of-a-kind experience for novices and experts alike. The terrain of California makes it one of the greatest places to paraglide — with its lengthy coast and small but sharp drop-offs and cliffs, there are numerous possibilities to soar on the thermals.

If you are looking for the best places to paraglide in California, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will discuss 10 of the best spots in the Golden State for a thrilling paragliding experience. Soaring through the skies above some of California’s most beautiful landscapes is an adventure you will never forget. So read on and start planning your next paragliding excursion!

California Paragliding Best 10 Sights

Some people believe that California is all about beaches and surfboards but it has so much more to offer than that! One of the coolest things about this state is its diverse landscape which provides the perfect setting for all sorts of outdoor activities – including paragliding!

Not only are these locations beautiful vistas, but they’re also quite easy to get to. You won’t have to waste time driving or trekking to a nice location; many popular launching sites are near the coast. From Los Angeles to San Francisco, there are plenty of great spots for paragliding in California. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, be sure to check out our list of the best places to paraglide in California.

San Fransisco: Mussels Rock Park, Dunes Beach

The San Fransisco region of California State is one of the most popular places to paraglide in the world. With its stunning scenery and great locations, it’s no wonder that so many people flock to this area to take advantage of the great conditions for paragliding. From wonderful beaches to hearttaking slopes, there are plenty of great spots to launch a paraglider and enjoy the incredible views. The mild climate and consistent winds also make the San Fransisco region an ideal place to paraglide all year round.

Dunes Beach

Dunes Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located in Half Moon Bay State Beach, California. The state beach is perfect for long walks, sunbathing, and enjoying the stunning views. That aside, it is one of the most popular paragliding sites in San Fransisco. With its wide open space and sandy beaches, it’s the perfect place to take off and enjoy the views of the ocean. The nearby cliffs also provide a great backdrop for photos.

Mussels Rock Park

Mussel Rock is a great place to paraglide all year round with its gentle slopes and fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean. The formations of the rocks make it a unique place to fly, and there is always a steady breeze blowing offshore, making conditions ideal for paragliders. The park is also a popular spot for picnics and hiking, and there are several easy trails that wind through the area. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the San Francisco skyline from Mussel Rock Park.

San Diego: Palomar Park

Palomar Park is a beautiful mountain park located in San Diego, California. The park is well known for its hiking trails, scenic views, and wildlife. It’s also a popular destination for paragliders. With its elevation and open space, the park offers some of the best conditions for paragliding in San Diego. You can take off from any of the many lookouts and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The park is also home to a number of tandem paragliding schools, so it’s a great place to learn if you’re new to the sport.

Pacific Ocean Coast: Marina, Monterey, Big Sur, San Louis Obispo

These spots are all great places to paraglide. With their beautiful coastal views and mild weather conditions, they offer some of the best paragliding in California. You can launch from any number of cliffs or hillsides and enjoy views of the ocean as you glide along the coast.

Marina

The Marina is an excellent location for paragliding in California due to the continual gentle breezes and picturesque views of the ocean. The best time to go is early in the morning when the wind is at its calmest. You can launch from either Fort Ord Dunes State Park or from the beach at Lover’s Point. Once you’re up in the air, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Monterey Bay. Keep your eyes open while you’re on the water because you might spot a whale or two!

 

Monterey

Monterey is an excellent place for paragliding because of its mild climate and beautiful ocean views. There are a few different launch sites in Monterey, each offering its own unique views. You can paraglide over the city itself, or head out to sea for some incredible coastal views.

Big Sur

Big Sur is one of the most popular paragliding spots in California. This is an area of the Central Coast of California between Carmel and San Simeon that’s praised for its breathtaking scenery. It is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled coastlines in the world. It is home to some of the tallest sea cliffs in North America, pristine beaches, and old-growth redwood forests. There are a number of launch sites along the Big Sur coast, offering pilots stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, coastline, and surrounding mountains. The area is also popular with hang gliders and ultralight aircraft.

San Louis Obispo

This central coast city is a great destination for weekend getaways. It is nestled between Los Angeles and San Francisco and offers a variety of activities for visitors. One of the most popular activities in the city is paragliding. There are several launch sites near the city, and the take-off point is located on the hills above the city. From the take-off point, you can enjoy great views of the surrounding area.

Los Angeles: Elsinore, Soboda

The Elsinore and Soboda areas are both located within an hour’s drive of Los Angeles. These areas offer some of the best paragliding in the state. The Elsinore area offers great thermal flying conditions and spectacular views of Lake Elsinore. Soboda is also a great place to fly, with beautiful mountain scenery and excellent flying conditions. If you’re looking for a great place to fly, either of these areas would be a great choice.

Elsinore

The Elsinore area is home to several launch sites for paragliding, and the take-off point is located on a hill above the city. From the take-off point, you can enjoy great views of Lake Elsinore and the surrounding mountains. If you’re interested in paragliding here, there are a few things you should know. First, it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the evening, when the air is cooler and the wind is calmer. Second, be sure to dress warmly, as it can get chilly up in the air. And finally, if you’re tandem paragliding, make sure your instructor is experienced and certified.

Soboda

If you are interested in learning how to paraglide, Soboba is the perfect destination for you. The mountain is south-facing, which means that it gets a lot of suns. The sun helps to create thermals, which are columns of rising air. Thermals are what help pilots stay in the air for long periods of time. Soboba has flyable days 320+ days out of the year. That means that even beginner pilots can experience soaring flights for many hours. If you are looking for an incredible place to paraglide, Soboba is the place for you.

Eastern Sierra

paragliding in Eastern Sierra

The Eastern Sierra Nevada is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The region offers a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. In addition, the area is also popular with paragliders. There are several launch sites in the area, and the take-off point is located on the summit of Mammoth Mountain. From the take-off point, you can enjoy great views of the surrounding area. The launch site is situated at an elevation of 11,000 feet, and it is accessible by car or by hike. If you are planning to visit the Eastern Sierra Nevada, be sure to add paragliding to your list of activities!

Tandem Paragliding & Paragliding Schools in California

California is home to some of the best paragliding in the country. With its diverse terrain and climate, there is something for everyone. If you are new to the sport, there are several schools that offer tandem paragliding. Tandem paragliding is a great way to experience the thrill of flight without having to worry about the technical aspects of flying solo. There are also several clubs and organizations that offer paragliding instruction and trips.

 

Eagle Paragliding

Location: 93109 2650, Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Phone: 805-968-0980
Web: www.paragliding.com

Paragliding San Francisco, LLC

Location: 1455 39th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States 
Phone: 415-340-1999
Web: www.paraglidingsanfrancisco.com

Elite Paragliding

Location: 825 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States 
Phone: 650-735-2359
Web: eliteparagliding.com

Malibu Paragliding

Location: 22125 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States 
Phone: 805-285-2405
Web: www.malibuparagliding.com

Soboba Paragliding 

Location: 255 Soboba Rd, San Jacinto, CA 92583, United States 
Phone: 800-973-9073
Web: www.sobobaparagliding.com

FAQs About Paragliding in California

Where can I paraglide in California?

There are several great places to paraglide in California. Some of the best spots are the coastline of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

What is the best time of year to paraglide in California?

The best time of year to paraglide in California is typically from late spring through early fall. This is when the weather is usually the most stable and there is less wind. However, you can paraglide year-round in many parts of the state if you are willing to deal with some variability in conditions.

What do I need to know before I go paragliding in California?

Before you go paragliding in California, it is important to have a basic understanding of the sport. You should know how to launch, land, and control your glider. If you are new to paragliding, it is recommended that you take a lesson from a certified instructor. There are many great paragliding schools in California that can help you get started.

Is paragliding expensive in California?

Paragliding in California is quite expensive. The prices for tandem flying vary from around $100 to $200. If you want to buy your own gear, you can expect to spend around $2000 for a new setup.

Is paragliding legal in California?

Yes, paragliding is legal in California. However, there are some areas where you need a permit to fly. The best way to find out if you need a permit is to check with the local authorities.

Can you go paragliding in Los Angeles?

Yes, you can paraglide in Los Angeles. There are many great spots for paragliding in LA. Two of the best places to fly are Elsinore and Soboda.

What is the best time of year to go paragliding in California?

The best time of year to go paragliding in California is from late April to early October. This is when the weather is the most stable and there are fewer strong winds.

Where can I find more information about paragliding in California?

If you want more information about paragliding in California, you can check out the websites of the US Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association or the California Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association. You can also find lots of information on the internet, including forums and blogs about paragliding in California.

Is paragliding scary?

No, paragliding is not scary. In fact, it is a very peaceful and relaxing experience.

Can I bring my camera with me when I go paragliding?

Yes, you can bring your camera with you when you go paragliding. Just make sure that it is securely attached to your body so that it does not fall out during the flight.

What should I wear? 

We recommend comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Jeans or shorts are fine, but avoid skirts or dresses. And be sure to wear closed-toed shoes!

Do I need experience? 

No, you do not need the experience to paraglide. However, we do recommend taking a tandem flight with an experienced instructor before flying solo. This will give you a chance to see what it’s like and decide if paragliding is for you. 

Is there an age limit? 

Yes, all paragliders must be at least 18 years old. If you’re under 18, you can still come out and watch!

What is the weight limit? 

The weight limit for paragliding is usually 250 pounds. If you weigh more than 250 pounds, we recommend Hang Gliding instead.