Location: Torrey Pines (15 Miles / 20 Minutes North of Downtown San Diego)
Open Daily: 9AM – 5PM
Cost: $150
Features: Paraglide or Handglide above Oceanside Cliffs
Highlights for the Torrey Pines Glider Port: Soar above the magnificent seaside cliffs of La Jolla and the Torrey Pines Golf Course. Established in 1928, the Torrey Pines Gliderport was the first established site for sail planes, hang gliding and paragliding in the United States. Over the years, the Torrey Pines Gliderport became home to many aviation innovations. Probably the most famous glider to take advantage of the westerly winds blowing over the Torrey Pines Cliffs was Charles Lindbergh when he sailed off Mount Soledad on a flight to Del Mar. You can read more about the history of the Torrey Pines Gliderport from the National Park Service.
Even beginners can enjoy this thrill of a lifetime. Just show up for a brief ground-based lesson and then fly with an instructor for 20 minutes and enjoy the ride. Reservations are not taken. If there is a wait, it rarely lasts more than 45 minutes to an hour. You can call ahead to make sure wind conditions are favorable: (858) 452-9858. Visitors have two options:
- Paragliding – You are in a sitting position. Approximate Cost is $150. Rides are offered year-round.
- Handgliding – You are in a lying down position. Approximate Cost is $175. Rides are more dependent on stronger wind conditions, which occur during spring and summer.
Detailed information can be found at the Torrey Pines Gliderport web site. Note, a cash payment saves you $10 and those with a military I.D. get a $15 discount off the normal price.
If parasailing is a little too scary for you but you would love to enjoy the views, you can watch this paragliding video on YouTube. You’ll also get to see the backyards of some very nice homes along the La Jolla coast.
Information on Visiting the Torrey Pines Glider Port
Directions from Google Maps to 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive in La Jolla, CA 92037. (The dirt parking lot is at the end of Torrey Pines Scenic Drive. Keep an eye out for a few large potholes when you pull in.)
Traffic – Traffic is slow on Torrey Pines Road during evening rush hour leaving the Torrey Pines Glider Port. It is even slower on highway I-5 heading in both directions in the late afternoon. Traffic heading southbound on highway I-5 is also slow during summer weekends. Otherwise it is fairly easy getting in and out. (Learn how to get the latest traffic updates.)
Transit – Buses do drop passengers off along Torrey Pines Road. From here it is about a half mile walk to the Glider Port. (See San Diego Transit Information for bus schedules and information for the online Transit Planner.)
Related Themes: Aviation, Beaches / Surfing, La Jolla Area, Ocean & Bay Adventures, Scenic Vistas, Sky-High Adventures |
