Paragliding
Paragliding
Torrey Pines
Soar high above the water and the La Jolla shoreline for an experience like no other
The SD Experience
There are several places experienced pilots can paraglide or hang glide in San Diego, but the Torrey Pines Gliderport is the place to go for a first time experience and ride tandem with a trained pilot. Whether you are going to fly or just want to watch, the Gliderport offers colorful views of paragliders, the ocean and cliffside. While most of my recommendations on this site are from personal experience, I have to admit I have never gone up. However, I have driven to the Gliderport on several occasions to watch those a little more brave than me take their first flight.
Torry Pines Gliderport
It was first established as a soaring site in 1930 and is the home to hang gliding, paragliding, radio-controlled model sailplanes, and full-scale man-carrying sailplanes. It is listed as a National Landmark of Soaring of the National Soaring Museum, a San Diego City Historical Site (#315), a Model Aviation Landmark of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (#1 in the nation), and is listed on the California Register of Historic Places, and the National Register of Historic Places. It is considered by glider enthusiasts of all types to be the "Kitty Hawk of the West."
Located on the cliffs above Black's Beach, next to the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, the Torrey Pines Gliderport has views of the Pacific Ocean and the city of San Diego. Nearby are the Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course, Torrey Pines State Beach, Torrey Pines State Reserve, Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the University of California, San Diego. The trail to the clothing optional Black's Beach begins on the cliffs just south of the gliderport. Sandwiches, snacks, and drinks can be purchased from the Cliff Hanger Cafe. They have coffee and lattes or you can stop at Starbuck's on your way.
History
Many aviation pioneers have flown at Torrey Pines. Charles A. Lindbergh flew along the coast from Mt. Soledad to Del Mar in a Bowlus sailplane on February 24, 1930. Anne Morrow Lindbergh, his wife and the first American woman to get a first-class glider license, also flew from here. In 1936, Woody Brown became the first person to launch from the top of the Torrey Pines cliff and come back to land at the same place. Other notables include Hawley Bowlus, Bud Perl, Bill Beuby, John Robinson, Dick Essery, Bill Ivans, Helen Dick, Richard Johnson, and Paul MacCready.
During World War II, the gliderport and its surroundings were transformed into U.S. Army Camp Callan, an anti-aircraft artillery training facility.
The site has been the location of several national and international soaring records since 1946.