Torrey Pines Gliderport:
A bit of history to appreciate this unique and historical location.
The Torrey Pines Gliderport has been a soaring site since 1930, welcoming everything from full-size sailplanes to remote-controlled gliders. But what’s really cool is how much history is tucked into this stretch of coastline. During World War II, the area was turned into Camp Callan, an Army training base for anti-aircraft artillery.
And just nearby at Mt. Soledad, aviation legends Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow Lindbergh helped make local gliding famous: Charles set a regional distance record in 1930, and Anne became the first American woman to earn a first-class glider license.
Today, the Gliderport is recognized as a National Landmark of Soaring, a San Diego City Historical Site, and listed on both state and national historic registers — which is why it’s often called the “Kitty Hawk of the West.”
Beyond the history, it’s an amazing spot to watch the sky fill with colorful canopies, take in views of Torrey Pines Golf Course, the coastal trails at the State Natural Reserve, Birch Aquarium, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. It’s one of those rare places where natural beauty, adventure, and history all come together — and it’s uniquely San Diego.
Located at 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 the Gliderport is 20-25 min north of downtown San Diego.
The cost is for a tandem experience with a highly skilled and certified pilot is:Paragliding: $200 ($190 Cash) | Hang Gliding: $225 ($215 Cash)
*Any age can go!
I chose to do paragliding and loved it!
They have an ATM in the shop where you finalize the paperwork.
The flights are approximately 20 minutes long and available seven days a week, 9am-5pm or later if the winds allow. Flights are conducted on a first come first serve basis.
They do not take reservations due to the fact that weather plays a role on if flights will take place. However, approximately 300 days out of the year, they do fly.
On a day you’d like to fly, call the Gliderport at +1 (858) 452-9858 to verify the flights are happening that day.
Once you get there, you will start about a 10 -15 minute process to do the paperwork. Most of it you can do on your phone. There’s a QR code posted just before entry to the store. It will take you to the forms on their online site. There’s a small amount of physical paperwork once you complete the digital that is done at the counter in the store.
If you want photos, or to rent a GoPro for video footage that is extra. I did both because it’s an experience of a lifetime and I did not want to miss out on any of the memories. The GoPro is one with the handle and has a clip, so it is tethered to you. I don’t think you can use your phone on the flight because if you drop it not only will you lose it, but it could hurt someone who may be below. I would recommend that you ask when you call to verify that flights are happening on day you are planning to go.
How to be prepared -
I would suggest that you go onto their website into the gallery and look at the videos. You have my experience here, but I think it’s great to see other experiences as well.
What to bring:
•Sunscreen
•Sunglasses
•Jacket (it can get cool up there and you’ll be happy you have it. Your flight instructor might offer you a jacket if you did not bring one. However, that’s the same jacket everyone wears who didn’t bring one so I would opt to bring your own
•Comfortable clothing.
•Athletic shoes (sneakers) that are tied well- (I had sneakers on, but they were slightly on the loose side so when we lifted up, I had one come off and that derailed our takeoff. It actually turned out to be quite comedic, but it’s not something I would repeat.
•Fanny pack (unless you have someone who can watch your things while you are in flight)
• hand sanitizer since the Porta potties did not have a washing station
What to expect of the experience?
Everyone’s experience is going to be different. My pilot asked how I felt about roller coasters to get a feel of what kind of experience I might like. I do not like roller coasters so he kept my experience very calm. This is something you might want to discuss with your pilot. I did get a wave of nausea, but it did not last long at all. My friend however who also did the paragliding on the same day, felt motion sickness most of the time, but she was able to regulate it without it affecting her too much.
So I would say if you’re somebody who easily has motion sickness, then you might want to ask someone for advice when you call to verify the weather is compliant for the day.
They’ll mention that while it’s not common, there’s a chance your flight could end with a beach landing down at Black’s Beach (fun fact: it’s San Diego’s only clothing-optional beach). If that happens, you’ll need to hike back up to the Gliderport via the stairs. It’s definitely doable — lots of people do it every day — but it is quite a climb. If stairs are tough for you, just know you can take your time and rest along the way.
Port-a-potties are available
If you can, I strongly urge you to plan to stay afterwards and have a drink and or a bite to eat. It’s a beautiful view and the perfect way to converse with your friends or others on the amazing gliding experience- so enjoy it!
On the map below is the Saigon trail. I have done that trail and it’s posted on Nature’s Playbook. Although it’s a cool trail, It is not a trail for beginners. (Torrey Pines Trails at the Preserves are always a great choice) Read the Saigon Trail post-(tap on hashtag below) if your are considering it.
#Paraglidng #TorreyPines #Gliderport #SanDiego #BlacksBeach #SaigonTrail #saigontrail
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