Best Hang Gliding Locations In California

California is one of the best states in the country for any outdoor activity or aerial sport. Here are the best places to go hang gliding in California.

If you’re ready to see some of the best hang gliding spots in the country, then it’s time to head to the West Coast and visit the Golden State of California. If I had to list my top five favorite places to go hang gliding in the US, California would be right there at the top. I’m sure it would top your list too, especially if you know the best spots! So what are the best hang gliding locations in California?

The best hang gliding locations in California are the Big Sur Coastline, Los Angeles, Owens Valley, La Jolla, the Lake Tahoe area, Mussel Rock Park, Mount Diablo, the San Francisco Bay area, Yosemite National Park, Pilot Peak, and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

California is one of the go-to places in the United States. Not only is it the most populous state in the country by far, but it's also the most visited. People come from all over the country (and even all over the world) to soak up the sun, experience perfect weather, and be surrounded by beauty in all directions. This all comes together to make California the perfect place to go hang gliding. Here are the best locations to do it.

Flight Notch isn’t just your run-of-the-mill hang gliding site. We’re just like you — enthusiasts who are passionate about all things gliding. Since that’s the case, we want to focus on providing you with only the best content. To ensure this, we take input and opinions from other enthusiasts and hang gliding experts and combine that with our own knowledge and experience. This way, you get the full picture every time.

‍Is California A Good Place To Go Hang Gliding?

Whether you’re from the United States like me or you’re reading this from overseas and planning on making a trip here soon, California is the dream destination for people all over the world. It’s a gorgeous state complete with amazing weather, a diverse culture, and beautiful landscapes and cityscapes in just about every direction.

In short, California is absolutely perfect for hang gliding. If you haven’t had the chance to glide over California yet, you need to book a trip as soon as possible. Don’t get me wrong, the US is chock-full of great places to go hang gliding, but Cali should be at the very top of your list. It really is that good!

Best Places To Go Hang Gliding In California

Now that you know how great California is for hang gliding, let’s get into the good stuff. After all, let’s be honest, it’s a big state. You could hang glide in different spots in California every single weekend and never run out of great views. But we’ll save you the trouble of finding the best ones on your own. Here are the top ten hang gliding locations in California.

Big Sur Coastline

The Big Sur coastline is one of the most iconic and beautiful coastlines in all of California. The views from the hang glider are nothing short of spectacular, with rocky cliffs plunging into the ocean below and a seemingly never-ending view in either direction.

The weather is usually great for hang gliding here, with warm temperatures and generally light winds. However, it's important to check the forecast before heading out, as coastal fog can sometimes make things too dangerous. No matter where you’re flying, checking the weather should always be at the top of your pre-flight checklist!

When you get done hang gliding, there are also plenty of other things to do in the area. The towns of Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea are both great places to explore, and there are lots of hiking trails in the area if you want to get some exercise.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles isn't just a place for the rich and famous. You can also hang glide in the area and take it all in from above. This unique experience will give you a bird's eye view of all the action of the bustling city. You'll be able to see everything from the Hollywood Hills to Catalina Island. The best time to go is in the morning when there's less traffic and you can see unencumbered for miles.

LA also enjoys some of the best weather in California. The average high temperature in the spring is 71 degrees Fahrenheit, and it only gets up to 79 degrees in the summer. The fall sees averages in the mid-60s, and winter brings highs in the 50s. This means that you can go hang gliding almost any time of year and have a great experience.

When you're in LA, you'll never run out of things to do. There are world-famous attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios, as well as beaches and mountains that offer plenty of outdoor activities. You can catch a Lakers Dodgers, or Rams game, or even just check out Hollywood Boulevard.

Owens Valley

The Owens Valley is located in the eastern part of California, and it's one of the most popular hang gliding destinations in the state. The views from up in the sky are absolutely amazing - you'll get to see the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Death Valley National Park.

It's also a great spot for flying because there's usually good weather here during spring and summer, and it's not as crowded as some of the other locations on this list. It’s almost like Owens Valley was handmade for great hang gliding!

There are plenty of things to do in Owens Valley if you're looking for a place to stay or just want to spend some time exploring. You can check out Bishop, Lone Pine, or Mammoth Lakes; all three towns are within driving distance of Owens Valley

La Jolla

One of the most popular tourist destinations in California is La Jolla. This beautiful city is located in San Diego and offers visitors a chance to see some amazing views. The city is also home to a large number of hang gliding businesses, which makes it one of the best places to go hang gliding in California.

The weather in La Jolla is perfect for hang gliding all year round, but the spring and summer months are especially ideal. During these months, you can expect temperatures in the mid-70s and low 80s with very little humidity. The views from up high are incredible, as you'll be able to see all of downtown La Jolla, the Pacific Ocean, and even Mexico on a clear day.

When you've had your fill of hang gliding for the day,  there are plenty of other things to do in La Jolla. You can go shopping at one of the many boutique stores, enjoy a meal at a world-renowned restaurant, or even take a dip in the ocean.

Lake Tahoe Area

One of the best places to go hang gliding in California is around Lake Tahoe. With high peaks towering above crystal clear waters, the views are nothing short of spectacular. When you're up there soaring through the skies,  you'll be able to take in the beauty of the lake and the mountains all around you.

The area is also known for its great weather, with warm temperatures in the spring and summer that make it perfect for hang gliding. However, be warned - the fall and winter can get quite cold here. The best time to come if you're looking to avoid the cold weather is from June to September.

The Lake Tahoe area is also a great place to visit if you're looking for other things to do. In the summer, you can go swimming, hiking, and biking. In the winter, there are plenty of ski resorts to choose from.

Mussel Rock Park

The views from Mussel Rock Park are some of the best in all of California. You can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and downtown San Francisco while up in the air. This one is a bit less well-known than many of the other spots on this list, so it can be our little secret.

The weather is usually perfect for hang gliding from spring to summer. It's not too hot and there's a nice breeze blowing in off the ocean. Fall and winter can be a bit colder with more wind, but it's still perfectly fine conditions for hang gliding.

There are plenty of other things to do nearby as well if you want to make a day out of it. For example, you can go to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, take a walk on the beach, or eat at one of the many restaurants in Pacifica.

Mount Diablo

Another great spot for hang gliding in California is Mount Diablo and the associated Mount Diablo State Park. This park is located in the Contra Costa region of the state and is one of the most popular parks in California. Mount Diablo State Park is known for its amazing views. On a clear day, you can see all the way to San Francisco and even beyond.

The park also has great weather for hang gliding. The average temperature in spring and summer is in the mid-70s, making it perfect for a daytime flight. Fall and winter temperatures are still mild, averaging in the low 60s.

If you get done hang gliding for the day,  there are plenty of other things to do in the park. There's a great hiking trail that will take you to the summit of Mount Diablo, where you can enjoy more amazing views. You can also visit the park's nature center, go fishing in the park's streams and lakes, or just relax and take in the beauty of the park.

San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area offers some amazing locations to go hang gliding. One of the best spots is Mount Tamalpais State Park, which has stunning 360-degree views of both the bay and the Pacific Ocean. The park is also home to redwood forests, valleys, and streams - making it a nature lover's paradise.

The weather is usually mild and perfect for hang gliding, although it can get a bit windy at times. In the spring and summer,  the average temperature is in the low-70s, while in fall and winter it's around 50 degrees. So if you come during the colder months, make sure you're bundled up before you head into the air!

Nearby cities include San Francisco (to the north) and Santa Rosa (to the west). There's also plenty to do in the Bay Area - from world-famous tourist destinations like Fisherman's Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge to more low-key activities like wine tasting in Napa Valley or exploring the Muir Woods.

Yosemite National Park

Another great place to go hang gliding in California is Yosemite National Park, as long as you remain mindful of the designated takeoff and landing locations! With soaring mountains and epic waterfalls, the views from up in the air will be unforgettable.

Spring and summer are the best times to go hang gliding in Yosemite National Park, as the weather is more stable and predictable. However, if you don't mind a little bit of extra challenge (and potentially some breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains), winter can also be a great time to go hang gliding in Yosemite.

Hang gliding isn't the only thing to do here either, not by a long shot.  Yosemite is a hikers' paradise, with trails of all lengths and difficulties. If you're looking for something a little less strenuous, the valley has a wealth of options as well, from horseback riding to river rafting.

Pilot Peak

If you're looking for an epic view while hang gliding, Pilot Peak is the place to go. This location offers views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, as well as Mono Lake - one of the oldest lakes in North America.

The average weather in Bridgeport (where Pilot Peak is located) is perfect for hang gliding, with mild winters and cool summers. The best time of the year to go is in the spring or summer, when the weather is most consistent.

When you're finished soaring through the skies for the day, make sure to check out some of the other activities Bridgeport has to offer. This includes hiking, fishing, visiting hot springs, and more. Like most of California, there is always something to do!

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the most popular national parks in California, and for good reason. Not only does it offer stunning views of Mt. Shasta (one of the tallest mountains in California), but you can also see Lassen Peak - the largest volcano in the state.

The weather here is a bit cooler than other parts of California, but it's still perfect for hang gliding. Spring and summer are the best times to visit, but you can also find good weather in fall and winter.

If you're not hang gliding and want to explore the area, you're in luck.  There are plenty of hiking trails, lakes, and other outdoor activities to keep you busy. And if you're looking for a city fix, San Francisco and Sacramento are both a short drive away.