Torrey Pines Gliderport
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92037
Located in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego, the Torrey Pines Gliderport is Southern California’s top location for paragliding, hang gliding, and more. Here, you can sign up for flight lessons, certifications, and tandem flights. From its Cliffhanger Café, perched atop the cliffs of Torrey Pines, you can watch the paragliders and hang gliders launch in front of the outdoor dining area.
The basics
Because tandem flights depend on the weather, Torrey Pines Gliderport does not accept reservations, although you can purchase gift certificates in advance that can be used on the day of. During your flight over the coastal cliffs, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the Torrey Pines Golf Course and miles of scenic coastline. If the winds are light, you may land on Black’s Beach, a quick 15-minute hike to the top of the cliff.
Things to know before you go
On most days, passengers weighing up to about 225-235 pounds (102-107 kilograms) can fly, depending on the wind. Hang-gliding tandem passengers are restricted to a max of 175 pounds (80 kilograms).
Wear athletic footwear such as sneakers or hiking boots.
The difference between paragliding and hang gliding is the wing shape and design: Hang gliders have a V-shaped wing that resembles a stealth bomber, while paragliders have soft wing structures that, once inflated, have an elliptical shape.
How to get there
Driving is the best way to navigate this area. Torrey Pines is about a 20-minute drive from the San Diego International Airport, while the Los Angeles International Airport is 112 miles (180 kilometers) north. Located in La Jolla along historic Highway 101, the Torrey Pines Gliderport can be reached from the I-5 freeway. Take exit 29 and follow Genesee Avenue to North Torrey Pines Road to Torrey Pines Scenic Drive.
When to get there
Anytime between 11am and 4pm offers the best winds for flying, particularly in fall and winter. In spring and summer, flying conditions typically last all day, from 9am to 7pm. For paragliding tandems, winds need to be 240-280 degrees at 7-15 mph (11-24 kph); for hang gliding tandems, the wind speed needs to be around 10-18 mph (16-29 kph). Contact the gliderport on the day of to determine if you can take flight.
What to know about Black's Beach
Considered to have some of San Diego’s best waves, Black’s Beach is popular among surfers for its big winter swells, as well as sunbathers who like to reveal a bit more (aka, it’s a nude beach). The naked beachgoers tend to hang out north of the Gliderport Trail while surfers head south. While you can start at the Torrey Pines Gliderport and follow the designated trail to reach the beach, proceed at your own risk as the cliffs are unstable, and the city advises against this route. Instead, head there from Torrey Pines State Park, Torrey Pines State Beach, or La Jolla Shores.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!