Paragliding at Torry Pines Gliderport. Ryan Miller Photography / -
The winds are balmy but firm atop the seaside cliffs of La Jolla, Calif., just right for lifting the tandem para gliders from the grassy edge and carrying them gently out over the sea.
They swoop over the beach far below, dotted with walkers who squint and point skyward, and across the deeper shimmering waters of the Pacific, to float blissfully along in the sunshine.
Pure freedom.
The best part? Its all safely controlled by an experienced pilot. You can sign up for a tandem paragliding flight off these stunning 100-metrecliffs, no experience necessary, and experience the miracle of flight for yourself at the Torrey Pines Gliderport.
Should you?
San Diego is an ideal destination for winter-weary Albertans. Its west coast location provides warm weather (an average 22C year round), beautiful sand beaches and an abundance of outdoor pursuits for all tastes, just a three-hour flight from Calgary.
The best of California is here, from the cuisine to the consistent sunny weather, a thriving arts scene and a laid back vibe. And if youre up for some high-flying fun, the areas consistent temperatures and mild, moderate winds make it an ideal destination for airborne adventures and San Diego offers more than the average number of ways to take to the skies.
The cliffs of La Jolla, 20 minutes north of San Diego, have always drawn the wind-seekers, and now there are more options than ever to let you experience safe, beginner flight. Maybe youre not ready for a solo flight across the sea? Head to the area for an afternoon picnic and enjoy the sight of the gliders taking off and landing. The facility has free parking, plentiful picnic tables atop the bluffs and delicious homemade sandwiches (try the California Chicken on sourdough) at the snack bar. Golfers can revel in the proximity to the famed Torrey Pines Golf Course; if thats more your style, sign up for a round at the public course, or enjoy a hike along the bluffs at the adjacent Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, where gentle hiking trails lead you past bizarre sandstone formations and the rare Torrey Pine trees to some of the most breathtaking ocean vistas on the California coast.
Theres no better way to take in the aerial geography than a private helicopter flight. Strap in for the Diego Delights tour with Corporate Helicopters the half-hour tour with a friendly local pilot will take you up and down the coast in style. Cruising low over the landmarks, like the bright green field of Petco Park stadium (home of the San Diego Padres), the downtown buildings, the San Diego Zoo and leafy 1,200-acre Balboa Park, and up along the cliffs to view mansions with the ocean views, is a unique way to see get a whole new perspective on the place. Its best to wait until early afternoon when the mornings hazy marine layer has lifted, for the clearest views.
Round out the afternoon with a wander through San Diegos historic Old Town district, and when the sun sets, head to the lively Corvette Diner for a 50s-style burger and milkshake.
Early riser? Head inland for a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Theres nothing quite like lifting off just as the sun rises, or cruising along and then over the edge of a bluff with your face in the breeze. North County offers the most temperate winds its one of the few places where hot air balloons can fly at both sunrise and sunset. A morning cruise with California Dreamin is just right to take in sunrise, amazing views and some of the spectacular topography of the area; follow it up with a champagne brunch and a wine tasting, and youve got a start on a pretty uplifting day.
Always wanted to try skydiving? Get a taste of it at iFLY San Diego, a marvel of wind-tunnel engineering that allows you to feel like youre free-falling toward the Earth. Its not just for fun serious skydivers practise their moves here. As youll quickly see by watching the instructors, there are some pretty wild mid-air manoeuvres to be learned. But well settle for just holding our bodies steady and correctly. The adrenaline will be pumping by the time you step into the wind tunnel, with flight suit, helmet and goggles in place; you can even participate in some aerial spinning tricks by the end. Safe skydiving is both thrilling and controlled. Who knew?
Riding the Zip Zoom at La Jolla. TARO OTAKE / -
For a day trip thats full of adrenalin but still firmly tethered to the Earth, head inland to check out the new La Jolla Zip Zoom Californias longest zipline. Its worth the hour and a half drive from San Diego (be sure to stop along the way for the fruit stands selling juicy, fresh-picked oranges) to fly across the peaks and valleys of the La Jolla Indian Reservation in Pauma Valley, dropping down from a wide, open-air hilltop platform and through a series of wildly different ziplines. Early morning zippers may catch sight of coyotes and deer dashing across the land, their long shadows stretched out over the ground. The whole line runs 1,900 metresand speeds can get up to 88 km/h, but the best part is the parallel lines, which let you and a partner experience the zip side-by-side. The final zip takes you in over the leafy treetops and down along the riverbed of the San Luis Rey River for a serene finish.
When youre ready to come down from some of these highs, head to one of the San Diego areas many beaches and end one of your days with the classic smores on the beach. Where? Beach-front hotels and club like the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club will offer guests the chance to book a grill, or you can head to the public beaches, like Mission Bay Park, where its first come first served for barbecues. Pull up a chair and watch the sun set over the Pacific while you toast to your great adventure.
Here are three medium-budget, well located, family friendly properties that will keep you close to the high-flying action.
Sophistication and Location
For a hip little oasis is right in the middle of La Jolla, easy to find and just a few minutes stroll to the beach, check into Hotel La Jolla-Curio Collection. Modern, clean lines and earthy touches give this place a California-cool vibe, The highrise rooms feature open-air hallways at the back, floor-to-ceiling windows to stunning ocean views at the front. The bustling top-floor restaurant CUSP offers drinks, dinner and sunset at the end of the day. (From $220 US)
Family Friendly Destination Resort
Book yourself in at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, a family friendly San Diego hotel that offers a Mediterranean-estate feel with endless, beautiful interconnected breezeways, patios and gardens. Spacious rooms with serene views, and three heated pools. The family pool features a cornucopia of poolside fun including ping-pong tables, games, kids complimentary goggles and inflatable pool toys, as well as a spacious hot tub to keep the parents happy. End a busy day on the outdoor patio area of the Veranda Fireside Lounge, where diners are treated to live music nightly. (From $259 US)
Elegant, Historic Hacienda
Luxury poolside cabanas beside a heated saltwater pool, with comfortable, well appointed rooms in an lush, rambling estate, the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa has the feel of a boutique oasis. Its location, high on the Torrey Pines mesa, is prime for high-flyers as well as those who seek a quiet, elegant retreat. The best place to end the day here is at the quiet pool which features outdoor fire pits and casual seating. (From $184 US)
For More Information
High-flying adventures range from $99 to $175 US per person.
Hot Air ballooning: californiadreamin.com
Helicopter Tour: corporatehelicopters.com
Californias Longest Zip Line: lajollazipzoom.com
Paragliding and Hang-gliding: flytorrey.com
Indoor Skydiving: iflyworld.com/san-diego/
Smores on the Beach: La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club: ljbtc.com
Hilton La Jolla: curiocollection3.hilton.com
Rancho Bernardo Inn: ranchobernardoinn.com
Estancia La Jolla: meritagecollection.com/estancialajolla/hotel/
More here:
High flying fun in San Diego - Calgary Herald