Torrey Pines Gliderport is a specialised airport offering hang gliding, paragliding, remote-controlled, and human-carrying sailplane experiences with tandem flights, lessons, and private experiences to those who own their own gliders. The airport is a designated San Diego Historical Landmark and offers breathtaking experiences in unpowered flights.
The facility bills itself as America's premier paragliding flight school, and if you've never participated before, you can take full lessons or go on a tandem flight with an experienced instructor. It's a destination for flight enthusiasts from all over the world and is sure to offer you an adventure you'll never forget.
Torrey Pines Gliderport - one of the highlights of 10 Best Things to Do in San Diego for Couples (Read all about San Diego here)
Highlights and Story of Torrey Pines Gliderport
The Torrey Pines Gliderport is a historic aviation site covering almost a century of flight history. It's played an important role in the aviation history of Southern California since the 1920s when sailplanes were first seen over the La Jolla bluffs. Charles Lindbergh had his maiden voyage here, and the region has seen such notables as Woody Brown and Hawley Bowlus fly here.
The Gliderport helped to see the birth of new technologies that have been essential in revolutionizing the science of flight. In the 1960s, the first R/C aircraft were designed and flown here, and in the 1970s, the first hang gliders launched from Torrey Pines.
What to Know About Torrey Pines Gliderport
Inexperienced pilots cannot simply rent a glider and go. All pilots have to undergo a strict check-in procedure in which they offer their current USHPA or AMA memberships, provide logbooks, complete waiver paperwork, and complete other important safety procedures.
Visitors looking for a flight experience can sign up for flight school to learn how to fly a paraglider or take a tandem flight with an experienced, expert instructor. Experienced fliers can take part in more than 40 advanced clinics every year. The Cliff Hanger Café on-site offers snacks and light fare.
Torrey Pines Gliderport
Location: 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 858-452-9858
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