Ready for Liftoff? Start Summer with Skydiving Los Angeles

What’s cooler than plunging from 13,000 feet above the Pacific Coast, feeling the wind rush past as you free-fall with Los Angeles stretching out below you like a glittering toy town? Yeah, not much. Skydiving Los Angeles is one of the boldest ways to kick off your California summer adventure, and it’s not just for adrenaline junkies—first-timers are welcome with open parachutes.

Most skydiving centers around LA cater to beginners with tandem jumps (you’re strapped to an experienced pro, so you’re not winging it solo). Expect the total experience to last about 3-4 hours, with jump prices ranging from $199 to $299, depending on altitude and day of the week. Want video proof of your airborne bravery? That’ll cost you an extra $100 or so—but it's totally worth it for the humblebrag.

Logistics and Tips:

• Open daily, weather permitting (call ahead—it’s California, not a weather-free utopia).
   
• Bring your ID, wear athletic shoes, and skip the heavy breakfast.
   
• Free parking is available on-site at most locations.
   
• Snacks & drinks can be found at on-site cafés or vending machines (but maybe save that burger after your jump).
   

Thinking about skydiving Los Angeles? Don’t overthink it—just jump (literally). You’ll walk away exhilarated, and maybe a little addicted.

Hike, Chill, Repeat: Epic Trails and Hidden Natural Escapes

California is basically the VIP section of American nature. While national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia are forever icons, there are lesser-known hikes that deliver jaw-dropping views without the tourist stampede.

Hidden Hiking Gems Worth the Blisters

1. Big Sur's Ewoldsen Trail

Wind through redwoods and emerge to ocean cliffs? Yes, please. Ewoldsen Trail, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, is a 4.5-mile loop with elevation gain that keeps it challenging but not punishing.

• Cost: $10 state park entrance
   

• Hours: Sunrise to sunset
   
• Parking: Limited, so arrive early
   
• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic areas
   

2. Devil’s Slide Trail (Pacifica)

A short but stunning coastal path that makes you feel like you’re walking the edge of the world. It’s wheelchair-accessible and perfect for an easy evening stroll.

• Cost: Free
   

• Tip: Great for sunset selfies—bring a light jacket, even in July.
   

3. Mount Baldy (Near LA)

Wanna sweat? Try Mount San Antonio—aka Mount Baldy—for a more rugged day out. The 11-mile loop offers serious altitude gain and snow patches well into June.

• Cost: Adventure Pass ($5/day)
   

• Tip: Start early to avoid heatstroke and lightning. Yes, both are real risks.
   

California’s hiking scene has something for everyone: waterfall chasers, summit seekers, or folks just looking to walk off their fish tacos.

Beach Days That Go Way Beyond Sunbathing

No California summer list is complete without its crown jewels: the beaches. But forget just laying around—there’s a lot more to do than fry yourself into a human tortilla.

Unique Things to Do on the Sand

1. Bonfires at Dockweiler State Beach

Just minutes from LAX, this is one of the few SoCal beaches that lets you legally burn stuff. Stake out a fire ring early (they’re first-come, first-served).

• Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM
   
• Cost: Parking $8-$13
   
• What to Bring: Firewood, marshmallows, blankets, portable speaker
   
• Tip: Arrive by 4 PM or risk missing out on a pit.
   

2. Surf Lessons in Huntington Beach

Nicknamed "Surf City USA" for a reason. Whether you’re flailing like a fish or shredding like a pro, there are instructors for every level.

• Price: $80–$150 per session
   
• When: Early mornings = smaller crowds and better waves
   

3. Sandcastle Building Contest – Imperial Beach

Yes, it’s a thing. The U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition happens mid-July and it’s part sport, part art show, part beachside party.

Need a break from the sun? Many beaches offer shaded picnic areas, food trucks, or waterfront cafés. Trust us: the grilled mahi mahi tacos in Santa Cruz are a spiritual experience.

Wine Not? Take a Sip in California’s Under-the-Radar Wine Country

Forget Napa. (Okay, don’t forget it completely—it’s great.) But there’s more to California wine than the usual suspects. Try Paso Robles or Temecula for a laid-back, less touristy vibe with just as many delicious pours.

Temecula Valley: Where the Grapes Are Chill

Temecula is SoCal’s wine secret. With rolling hills, hot air balloon rides, and over 40 wineries, it’s perfect for a spontaneous weekend getaway.

• Popular stops: Wilson Creek (famous for almond champagne), Europa Village, and Robert Renzoni
   
• Tasting cost: $20–$40 for 5–6 pours
   
• Pro Tip: Hire a shuttle or designated driver—temptation lurks in every glass.
   

Most tasting rooms are open from 10 AM to 5 PM, and parking is plentiful. Food-wise, many spots have charcuterie boards and outdoor bistros with dreamy vineyard views.

And yes, you can do a sunrise balloon flight followed by a mimosa brunch. Welcome to peak adulting.

Cool Off in the Weirdest Ways: Lakes, Slides, and Forest Floats

The sun is your bestie in California—but sometimes, you need to break up. Here’s how to beat the heat without hiding inside a Trader Joe’s freezer aisle.

1. Slide into Raging Waters (San Dimas)

One of the biggest waterparks in the state and the perfect answer to “What do we do with the kids today?”

• Open: Daily 10:30 AM – 6 PM
   
• Cost: $50–$70 general admission
   
• Parking: $20
   
• Pro Tip: Rent a cabana if you want shade and sanity. Book ahead!
   

2. Float at Lake Tahoe

Paddleboard, kayak, or just float with a drink holder and waterproof speaker—Tahoe in the summer is straight-up bliss.

• Access: Dozens of public beaches; check Sand Harbor or Kings Beach
   
• Snacks: Bring your own or hit nearby lakefront restaurants for fish & chips with mountain views.
   

3. River Tubing Down the American River (Sacramento area)

Bring your own tube or rent one. The calm waters and occasional rapids make this a safe but not boring ride.

• Length: 2-4 hours depending on start and end points
   
• Shuttle service: Available at many launch points
   
• Cost: Tube rental $30+, shuttle $10+
   

Floating through pine forests while bald eagles fly overhead? That’s a summer story you’ll want to tell twice.

Quirky California: Strange, Offbeat, and Totally Worth It

You didn’t come all the way to California just to take normal selfies, did you?

1. Salvation Mountain (Niland, CA)

A technicolor art installation in the desert made entirely from adobe, straw, and gallons of paint. No entry fee, no rules, just a giant declaration of love.

2. The Mystery Spot (Santa Cruz)

Gravity works weird here. Your body leans when it shouldn’t. Water flows uphill. Is it science? Magic? Just a tilted house? You decide.

• Cost: $10
   
• Reservations: Required for summer weekends
   
• Snacks: Funky little gift shop with snacks and soda
   
• Parking: Tight but manageable if you arrive early
   

3. Museum of Jurassic Technology (Culver City)

What even is this place? Part history, part art, part fever dream. Walk in expecting one thing. Leave confused, delighted, and maybe a little obsessed.

Insider Tips for California Summer Travel

Before you head out the door with your sandals and skydiving dreams, here are a few smart tips from seasoned locals:

• Layer like an onion. Mornings are chilly. Afternoons are a sweat lodge. Nights bring ocean breezes.
   
• Book early—hotels, campgrounds, and tours fill up fast in summer.
   
• Public transport? It exists, but in many parts of Cali, you’ll need a car. Consider renting a hybrid to save on gas.
   
• Parking apps like SpotHero or ParkMobile are lifesavers in SF and LA.
   
• Cash isn't king. Bring cards or Apple Pay. Even the farmers' markets are digital now.
   

Final Thoughts: Make This Summer Count

California in summer is one of those rare combinations of hype and reality—you’ve heard it’s magical, and it actually is. Whether you’re jumping out of a plane over Los Angeles, hiking through redwoods, or eating grilled peaches at a roadside stand in Sonoma, the Golden State has something that’ll stick with you long after the tan fades.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your sunscreen, charge your phone, and write your own California story—just make sure it includes a little skydiving, a little wine, and a lot of spontaneous detours.