Best Hang Gliding Locations In Florida

Florida is one of the best states in the country to go hang gliding. In this guide, we’ve compiled all of the best places to go hang gliding in Florida.

Are you planning the hang gliding vacation of your dreams but you’re not sure where to go just yet? Well, Florida should be at the top of your list — just like it’s at the top of everyone’s list for just about any type of vacation. The weather is great, the views are amazing, and there are all sorts of places for you to go hang gliding. So what are the best gliding locations in Florida?

The best places to go hang gliding in Florida are Orlando, Daytona, Wallaby Ranch, the Florida Keys, the Florida Ridge, Tampa (and the surrounding bay), Jacksonville, Bonita Springs, St. Augustine, and Destin. With great weather and amazing views, you can’t go wrong in Florida!

Looking for the best hang gliding locations in Florida? Look no further! We've compiled a list of the best places to go hang gliding in the Sunshine State. From panoramic views of the Gulf Coast to stunning vistas of the Appalachian Mountains, Florida has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

We’re on a mission to provide nothing but the best hang gliding content on the web. As part of our Best Hang Gliding Locations series, we’re giving you the best places to go hang gliding in every single state. For this one about Florida, we researched popular locations and we also got some ideas from some other gliding enthusiasts on some places that are a little less well-known. This way, you get the complete list of the best places to go gliding in Florida.

‍Is Florida A Good Place To Go Hang Gliding?

If you’re in the United States, then you probably know that Florida is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. If you’re planning a skiing trip or a snowy winter getaway of course I would choose a different location. But if you want to do anything outdoors and take advantage of great weather, then Florida will almost always be at the top of your list.

Surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, Florida is best known for its palm trees and sandy beaches. Thanks to its southern location in the country near the equator, the weather in Florida is also almost always sunny and warm, even during the winter months. It’s not known as the Sunshine State for nothing — there really is almost always sunshine in Florida year-round!

Between the amazing weather, countless beach views, and all the great cities that the state is home to, Florida is one of the best states in the country to go hang gliding. It’s right up there with Hawaii and California if you’re looking for warm weather with lots of sun. We have full articles on those two states as well, so make sure to check those out!

Best Places To Go Hang Gliding In Florida

Now that you know that Florida is an amazing place to go hang gliding in general, let’s narrow it down a bit and get to the really good stuff. Here are the best locations in Florida to go hang gliding. From big cities to remote areas full of natural beauty, I’ve got you covered. You can’t go wrong with any of these spots!

Orlando

We're going to start our list off with one of the most popular inland destinations in the state: Orlando. This city is great for hang gliding because of the breathtaking views that you'll get. From high above, you'll get to see  all of the city's major attractions, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.

Plus, the weather is perfect for hang gliding year-round! In the winter, you'll enjoy mild temperatures and beautiful sunny days. And in the summer, you'll be able to take advantage of the cooler weather in the mountains.

When you get done hang gliding for the day, you'll never run out of other things to do while you're in Orlando. You can visit one of the many theme parks, go shopping at one of the many malls, or enjoy a delicious meal at one of the city's many restaurants.

Daytona (and Daytona Beach)

Next on our list is Daytona and Daytona Beach, which is located on Florida's east coast. This beach town is a great place to go hang gliding because of the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. You'll also be able to see the Daytona International Speedway from above.

The weather in Daytona Beach is perfect for hang gliding year-round. Even the winter is full of mild weather and sunny days. Thanks to its proximity to the ocean, the summers don’t get too hot to where it’s uncomfortable, so there’s really not a bad time to visit Daytona and go hang gliding.

If you're looking for other things to do in Daytona Beach, there are plenty of options. You can go surfing, fishing, or golfing. Or you can visit the Daytona 500 Experience or the Museum of Arts and Sciences.

Wallaby Ranch

Located in Davenport, Wallaby Ranch is one of the most popular hang gliding destinations in Florida. This is due in part to its proximity to Orlando - just a short drive away - and its stunning views. On a clear day, you can see for miles from atop Wallaby Ranch. And if you're lucky enough to catch a sunset, the view is even more incredible.

What's more, Wallaby Ranch is open year-round, so you can come any time of the year and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather. Spring and summer are particularly lovely, but the fall and winter months offer their own unique charm.

In addition to hang gliding, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at Wallaby Ranch. There's hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the nearby state forests. And if you're looking for a thrill, you can always go zip-lining or take a ride on the giant swing. No matter what time of year you come, Wallaby Ranch is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

The Florida Keys

Off the southern coast of Florida,  the Florida Keys are a chain of islands that offer some of the best hang gliding in the state. With panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, the Florida Keys are a paradise for hang gliders.

The average weather in the spring and summer is warm and sunny, making it perfect for flying. In the fall and winter, the weather is cooler and the winds are stronger, making it ideal for hang gliding.

Some of the other things to do in the area include swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, and fishing. If you visit Key West, you can go to the Southernmost Point in the United States, check out Ernest Hemingway’s old estate, and eat some of the best local food you’ll find anywhere in the Keys.

The Florida Ridge

Located in Central Florida, the Florida Ridge is one of the best places to go hang gliding in the state. The ridge offers stunning views of the Gulf Coast and the Appalachian Mountains. From high above the ridge, you'll be able to see for miles in every direction. And the best part is, the Florida Ridge is open year-round!

The average weather in spring and summer is perfect for hang gliding, with mild temperatures and low humidity. Fall and winter are also great times to visit, as the weather is still mild and the views are just as spectacular.

Nearby, you'll find the city of Orlando with all its attractions, as well as the Kennedy Space Center and the Canaveral National Seashore. There's also plenty of hiking and camping in the area, so you can make a whole vacation out of your trip to the Florida Ridge.

Tampa

One of the best places to go hang gliding in Florida is around the city of Tampa (and the surrounding bay area). Located on the west coast of Florida, Tampa is known for its beautiful beaches and amazing views.

The average weather in Tampa is fairly mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s in winter to the low-80s in summer. However, it's important to note that the humidity can be quite high, so make sure you stay hydrated!

There are plenty of other things to do in Tampa as well, such as exploring the city's rich history and culture, visiting one of the many museums or art galleries, or taking a stroll through one of the many parks.

Jacksonville

Another decently large city here in the Sunshine State that you should go hang gliding near is Jacksonville.  What's great about Jacksonville is that it has a lot of different terrain types nearby. So, whether you're looking for beaches, forests, or even swamps, you can find it all within a few hours' drive from Jacksonville. Plus, the city itself is located right on the Atlantic Coast, so you'll have no shortage of amazing views while hang gliding.

The weather here is also pretty ideal for hang gliding, especially in the spring and summer months. However, it is worth noting that the humidity can be a bit oppressive at times. But, if you can handle the heat, then Jacksonville is definitely the place for you.

And, if you're looking to do some other activities while you're in the area, Jacksonville has plenty to offer. from museums and art galleries to zoos and theme parks, there's something for everyone in Jacksonville.

Bonita Springs

One of the best places to go hang gliding in Florida is Bonita Springs, and you might not see this one come up on too many other lists since it's not one of the major cities like some of the other locations we've mentioned. Bonita Springs is a small town located in Southwest Florida, and it's a great place to go hang gliding because of the beautiful views. You can see the Gulf of Mexico from up high, and on a clear day, you might even be able to see some of the nearby islands.

The weather is also usually pretty good in Bonita Springs, which is another plus. The spring and summer months are the best time to go hang gliding in Florida since the weather is more stable, but you can still find good conditions in the fall and winter if you're willing to take a little bit of a risk.

If you're looking for other things to do in Bonita Springs, there are plenty of options. You can go to the beach, of course, or visit one of the many nature parks in the area. There are also some great restaurants and shops in Bonita Springs, so you can enjoy a little bit of everything on your trip.

St. Augustine

Without a doubt the most historical location on this list, you should definitely consider going hang gliding in St. Augustine during your Florida trip.  The views are absolutely incredible, with the city's Spanish colonial architecture set against a backdrop of pristine beaches and azure waters.

Plus, the weather is perfect for hang gliding — warm and sunny with a gentle breeze. Even during the cooler months of the year, the average temperature is a comfortable 70 degrees. Like much of Florida, this means that you can’t really pick a bad time of year to go hang gliding in St. Augustine.

And if you're looking for things to do after your hang gliding adventure, there's plenty to see and do in St. Augustine. From exploring the city's rich history to enjoying its vibrant nightlife, you won’t have any trouble keeping yourself busy between flights!

Destin

If you've ever headed to Florida for a Spring Break trip or maybe just to spend a weekend at the beach with your family, then there's a decent chance you've been to Destin before. Located on the Emerald Coast, Destin is known for its clear turquoise waters and sugar-white sand beaches. It's also a popular destination for hang gliding. With its mild climate and beautiful views, Destin is the perfect place to take to the skies.

When you're hang gliding in Destin, you'll be treated to views of the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding area. You might even spot some dolphins swimming below you! The average temperature in Destin is in the mid-80s, so it's perfect for a hang gliding getaway any time of year.

If you're looking for something to do after your hang gliding adventure, you can check out some of the local shops and restaurants. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you can head to one of the many nearby state parks for a hike or a day of camping.