Best Helicopter Tours Near Orange County

Imagine taking in the beautiful sights of Southern California from a bird's eye view. The breathtaking coast and rolling hills of the region are better appreciated from 8,000 feet above sea level. Whether you're on a romantic date or just want an adventurous outing with friends, let a helicopter tour of the Southland propel you onto cloud nine. Take to the skies using one of these tour services and prepare for an uplifting experience.

Anaheim Helicopters
4119 W. Commonwealth Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92833
(714) 414-9956
www.anaheimhelicopters.com

If you want to explore Southern California but don't want to brave the congested freeways, consider a helicopter tour with Anaheim Helicopters. Check out the Hollywood sign up close, fly over Dodger Stadium or ogle at the mega mansions of the stars. This tour company promises a memorable experience inside a modern and air-conditioned chopper. Love is sure to be in the air when you book a romantic sunset tour and pop a bottle of champagne during the ride. Tours can be as short as 20 minutes or as long as an hour. You can choose from dozens of tours throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.

OC Helicopters
19711 Campus Drive, Suite 260
Santa Ana, CA 92707
(949) 851-6262
www.ochelicopters.com

OC Helicopters specializes in tours of the Orange County coastline. Fly over the Newport Back Bay, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Balboa Pier or Crystal Cove. Tours range in duration from 15 to 20 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular aerial views of some of the most beautiful sites in the state. For those who aren't sure about flying, OC Helicopters offers a 10-minute tour called "Get Your Feet Wet Ride." The quick flight gives passengers a taste of flying in a helicopter. For those who can't seem to get enough, this aerial establishment offers custom tours as well.

Related: OC's Best Flying Adventures

For a luxury aerial experience, head north to Los Angeles where you'll find Elite Helicopter Tours. The company boasts a 100 percent perfect safety record as well as use of top-of-the-line amenities and air conditioning. Staff will even offer you noise-canceling headphones to make the ride more enjoyable. Tours include flyovers of celebrity homes, sunset tours along the coast and visits to major attractions throughout Los Angeles. Elite Helicopter Tours promises to match or beat any competitor's pricing and will customize tours to meet your needs.

Island Express Helicopter Service
19301 Campus Drive
Santa Ana, CA 92707
(800) 228-2566
www.islandexpress.com

If you're interested in exploring the Orange County coast, Catalina Island and everything in between, book a tour with Island Express Helicopter Service. This outfit offers exclusive service to Catalina Island with helicopters departing from an oceanfront heliport at the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Flights to the island can accommodate up to six passengers and includes a narrated tour of Catalina's picturesque coast and remote interior. If you prefer to fly over the mainland, this chopper service also offers packages for touring Hollywood, Huntington Beach, Long Beach and Laguna Beach.

Advanced Flight
3401 Airport Drive
Torrance, CA 90505
(310) 908-8812
www.helicopter-tour-los-angeles.com

At Advanced Flight, not only will you be treated to a spectacular live helicopter tour, you'll receive a complimentary DVD recording of your aerial experience to enjoy over and over again. This Torrance-based company offers sky-high tours of Los Angeles, Long Beach and the South Bay. Tour routes can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes and fly you across beaches, cliffs and popular Los Angeles landmarks. Advanced Flight is ideally located near all of the major Los Angeles sites and is just 40 minutes from Orange County.

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Truc Dever is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.