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Best Skydiving Near Orange County

sky diving 610
(credit: Shutterstock)

Providing an adrenaline rush, skydiving is a popular activity in California. Offering incredible views from thousands of feet in the air, skydiving facilities can be found in and around Orange County. Many of these businesses are owned by experienced jumpers who want to share their love for the sport with other people. A few offer other ways to take the plunge besides a parachute. Conquer your fear of high places and pack your parachute and one of these local spots.

skydive elsinore
(credit: skydive elsinore)

Skydive Elsinore
20701 Cereal St.
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
(951) 245-9939
www.skydiveelsinore.com

Established in 1959, Skydive Elsinore is located in Elsinore Valley, about an hour away from San Diego and Los Angeles. Offering tandem jumps and an accredited free fall course, owner and chief pilot, Karl Gulledge, prides himself on the carpeted parachute packing area and air-conditioned debriefing areas. Gulledge also oversees maintenance on the drop zone, which features fountains and plenty of shade. Because the main landing area is adjacent to the packing area, this eliminate bus rides and long walks. A bunkhouse, hot showers and camping facilities also are available onsite.

skydive perris
(credit: Christine G./Yelp)

Skydive Perris
2091 Goetz Road
Perris, CA 92570-9315
(951) 657-3904
www.skydiveperris.com

Like Forrest Gump's proverbial box of chocolates, you never know what kind of high-flying activities you'll witness at Skydive Perris. This facility offers formation skydiving, wingsuiting and tandem jumping for students and beginners. Skydive Perris also offers drop zone accommodations at their bunkhouse and the International House of Parachutists, both of which require reservations. For those not wanting to jump out of a plane, Skydive Perris has an indoor skydiving simulator, which can handle children who are at least three years old and 36 inches tall.

sky diving
(credit: Shutterstock)

GoJump Oceanside
Oceanside Municipal Airport
480 Airport Road
Oceanside, CA 92058
(760) 390-5867
www.gojump-oceanside.com

GoJump Oceanside advocates safety and having fun in the sky. A member of the United States Parachute Association, the company adheres to the safety standards outlined by the group. The staff consists of world and national champion skydivers who will take you on your first tandem jumps. GoJump Oceanside is located 45 minutes from downtown Anaheim, making it highly convenient for Orange County residents who want a new perspective on life and California. GoJump is also the only Skydive center in Southern California where you will get a full ocean view during your entire freefall. Only a mile away from the shore in Oceanside, it's perfect for those that live anywhere between Los Angeles and San Diego.

Related: Best Flying Adventures In Los Angeles

sky diving
(credit: Shutterstock)

Skydive San Diego
13531 Otay Lakes Road
Jamul, CA 91935
(619) 216-8416
www.skydivesandiego.com

Located in one of the most scenic places to jump, Skydive San Diego offers tandem skydiving as well as solo jumps for current members of the U.S. Parachute Association (USPA). Their planes hold groups of various sizes, allowing families and friends to enjoy a jump together. The company offers a video package that includes a DVD and 35mm photos of your jump. For those wanting to get their solo skydiving certification, Skydive San Diego can show you how to do it. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins also are welcome.

Skydive Pismo Beach
(credit: Kent W./Yelp)

Skydive Pismo Beach
201 W. Grand Ave.
Grover Beach, CA 93433
(805) 481-5867
www.skydivepismobeach.com

Situated off the Pacific Coast Highway, Skydive Pismo Beach gives jumpers the chance to freefall over the Pacific Ocean. Providing 8000,10000 and 13000-foot jumps, the USPA qualified instructors will take you on your first tandem jump. Group and active military discounts are available as well as photo and video packages and gift certificates. Skydivers must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid ID.

Related: Best Spots For Flying A Kite In Los Angeles

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Steven Bryan calls Irvine, California his home. A freelance writer for more than 20 years, he has interviewed a wide range of notable celebrities, including a variety of up-and-coming musicians and artists as well. Passionate about movies and comic books, he also makes an annual pilgrimage to the San Diego Comic-Con.
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