Los Angeles is known for its glamorous lifestyle, iconic landmarks, and sunny skies, but there’s another exhilarating way to experience the City of Angels—from above. Skydiving in Los Angeles is not just a sport; it’s an adventure that takes your breath away and gives you a whole new perspective on this vibrant city. Whether you're a first-timer looking for a thrill or a seasoned adrenaline junkie, LA offers some of the best skydiving opportunities in the country.
Why Skydiving in Los Angeles Is Unlike Anywhere Else
What makes skydiving in Los Angeles so unique is the perfect blend of scenery, weather, and accessibility. In fact, skydiving los angeles offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, snow-capped mountains, and the sprawling cityscape—all in one jump. It’s rare to find a place where you can witness so many contrasting landscapes during a single freefall, making it a top destination for both local and visiting skydivers.
What makes skydiving in Los Angeles so unique is the perfect blend of scenery, weather, and accessibility. In fact, skydiving los angeles offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, snow-capped mountains, and the sprawling cityscape—all in one jump. It’s rare to find a place where you can witness so many contrasting landscapes during a single freefall, making it a top destination for both local and visiting skydivers.
Best Skydiving Locations Near Los Angeles
Los Angeles is surrounded by excellent drop zones that cater to beginners and professionals alike. Here are the top-rated locations:
1. Skydive Perris
Located just 90 minutes from LA, Skydive Perris is one of the largest skydiving centers in the United States. This facility boasts a professional team, on-site wind tunnel for training, and tandem jumps for first-timers. The views of rolling hills and distant cityscapes make this a favorite.
Located just 90 minutes from LA, Skydive Perris is one of the largest skydiving centers in the United States. This facility boasts a professional team, on-site wind tunnel for training, and tandem jumps for first-timers. The views of rolling hills and distant cityscapes make this a favorite.
2. Skydive Elsinore
Situated near Lake Elsinore, this drop zone provides breathtaking water views and a peaceful rural atmosphere. Skydive Elsinore is renowned for its friendly staff and high safety standards, making it ideal for beginners.
Situated near Lake Elsinore, this drop zone provides breathtaking water views and a peaceful rural atmosphere. Skydive Elsinore is renowned for its friendly staff and high safety standards, making it ideal for beginners.
3. Skydive Coastal California (formerly Skydive Camarillo)
This location offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a beachside skydiving experience. Located in Ventura County, jumpers can feast their eyes on ocean views, coastal cliffs, and the Channel Islands.
This location offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a beachside skydiving experience. Located in Ventura County, jumpers can feast their eyes on ocean views, coastal cliffs, and the Channel Islands.
4. iFLY Indoor Skydiving – Hollywood
For those who want the skydiving experience without actually jumping out of a plane, iFLY offers indoor wind tunnels where you can simulate freefall. It's a great way to build confidence before a real jump.
For those who want the skydiving experience without actually jumping out of a plane, iFLY offers indoor wind tunnels where you can simulate freefall. It's a great way to build confidence before a real jump.
Skydiving Packages and Best Deals
Skydiving prices in Los Angeles vary depending on location, altitude, and extras like photo and video packages. On average:
Skydiving prices in Los Angeles vary depending on location, altitude, and extras like photo and video packages. On average:
Tandem skydiving: $180–$250
Video/photo combo packages: $80–$120
Repeat jumps: Often discounted for returning customers
Group bookings: Discounts for groups of 4 or more
Many centers also offer weekday specials or student/military discounts. Booking in advance online usually secures the best rates.
Safety First: Regulations and Training
Before taking the plunge, it’s crucial to understand the safety protocols and requirements involved in skydiving in Los Angeles. All reputable skydiving centers are regulated by the United States Parachute Association (USPA) and require:
Before taking the plunge, it’s crucial to understand the safety protocols and requirements involved in skydiving in Los Angeles. All reputable skydiving centers are regulated by the United States Parachute Association (USPA) and require:
Age: Minimum 18 years old
Weight limits: Usually 230 lbs (varies slightly by center)
Health: No major heart or respiratory issues
Training: A 30–60 minute safety and procedure briefing before tandem jumps
For solo jumps, more extensive training and certification are required through the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) program.
What to Expect on Jump Day
Nervous about your first jump? Here’s how a typical day might look:
Nervous about your first jump? Here’s how a typical day might look:
1. Check-in and Registration
Arrive early to complete waivers and paperwork. Staff will walk you through the day’s schedule.
Arrive early to complete waivers and paperwork. Staff will walk you through the day’s schedule.
2. Training and Safety Briefing
You’ll be briefed on jump posture, parachute deployment, landing techniques, and communication signals.
You’ll be briefed on jump posture, parachute deployment, landing techniques, and communication signals.
3. Gear Up
Your instructor will help you suit up in a harness, goggles, and jumpsuit. For tandem jumps, you’re strapped to a licensed instructor.
Your instructor will help you suit up in a harness, goggles, and jumpsuit. For tandem jumps, you’re strapped to a licensed instructor.
4. The Ascent
The climb to altitude (usually 10,000–15,000 feet) takes about 15–20 minutes. This is your chance to soak in the view and calm your nerves.
The climb to altitude (usually 10,000–15,000 feet) takes about 15–20 minutes. This is your chance to soak in the view and calm your nerves.
5. The Jump
Expect 45–60 seconds of freefall followed by 5–7 minutes of canopy gliding to the landing zone. Your instructor handles the technical work while you enjoy the ride.
Expect 45–60 seconds of freefall followed by 5–7 minutes of canopy gliding to the landing zone. Your instructor handles the technical work while you enjoy the ride.
6. Landing and Debrief
You’ll land softly in the designated area, remove your gear, and receive a certificate of completion. Many centers also offer immediate access to your jump video.
You’ll land softly in the designated area, remove your gear, and receive a certificate of completion. Many centers also offer immediate access to your jump video.
When Is the Best Time to Skydive in LA?
Southern California’s climate makes skydiving a year-round activity. However, the best months are from April to October when skies are clearest and temperatures are mild. Early morning slots usually provide the calmest wind conditions and shortest wait times.
Southern California’s climate makes skydiving a year-round activity. However, the best months are from April to October when skies are clearest and temperatures are mild. Early morning slots usually provide the calmest wind conditions and shortest wait times.
What to Wear and Bring
Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes
Light jacket or hoodie for higher altitudes
Government-issued ID
Snacks and water (some wait times can be long)
GoPro (only if permitted—most centers offer their own video services)
Who Should and Shouldn’t Skydive?
Skydiving is thrilling, but it’s not for everyone. Consider skipping the jump if you:
Skydiving is thrilling, but it’s not for everyone. Consider skipping the jump if you:
Have a serious heart condition
Are pregnant
Experience intense motion sickness
Have recently undergone major surgery
If in doubt, consult a medical professional before booking your jump.
Tandem vs. Solo Skydiving
Tandem jumps are perfect for beginners, requiring minimal training and placing you in the care of an expert instructor. Solo skydiving requires progression through USPA’s AFF program, involving hours of training and multiple supervised jumps before certification.
Tandem jumps are perfect for beginners, requiring minimal training and placing you in the care of an expert instructor. Solo skydiving requires progression through USPA’s AFF program, involving hours of training and multiple supervised jumps before certification.
Making the Most of Your Skydiving Experience
Book early, especially during peak months
Choose the video package—you’ll want to relive the moment
Invite friends to watch from the ground and cheer you on
Use the adrenaline rush to check off more items on your bucket list
Skydiving Los Angeles – A Thrill Like No Other
Skydiving over Los Angeles is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that blends the rush of freefall with views of one of the most iconic cities in the world. Whether you're a native Angeleno or just passing through, this high-flying adventure will give you memories (and selfies) to last a lifetime. The combination of professional facilities, unmatched scenery, and reliable weather makes skydiving Los Angeles one of the top experiences in California.
Skydiving over Los Angeles is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that blends the rush of freefall with views of one of the most iconic cities in the world. Whether you're a native Angeleno or just passing through, this high-flying adventure will give you memories (and selfies) to last a lifetime. The combination of professional facilities, unmatched scenery, and reliable weather makes skydiving Los Angeles one of the top experiences in California.