The 6 Best Places to Go Skydiving in the United States

Tropical blue waters, white sand beaches, lush forests – few places in the US can compete with the beauty of the Aloha State. And what better way to experience that remarkable scenery than with a bird’s-eye view? Skydive Hawaii has jumps from 12,000ft (3,650m), 14,000ft (4,270m), and 20,000ft (6,100m) – the highest jump on Oahu, with 100 seconds of free fall. Meanwhile, the Pacific Skydiving Center in Honolulu features 10,000ft (3,050m) and 14,000ft tandems, both with views of the entire island from the North Shore to Pearl Harbor.

When looking to book a dive, heading towards the Arctic Circle may not be the first idea that comes to mind. But Alaska – with snow-capped mountains, colossal glaciers and unreal natural scenery – has some of the most diverse terrain in the nation. A prime destination for outdoor activities, Anchorage is also a gateway to experiencing the beauty of the Last Frontier from 10,000ft (3,050m) in the air. Alaska Skydive Center lets you jump over Denali National Park, home to Denali mountain, the highest peak in North America, before dropping you over the pristine waters of the Cook Inlet and the surrounding wilderness.

It’s hard to compete with a panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Florida Keys archipelago as you plummet. Plus, falling from 2mi (3.2km/10,500ft) in the air offers unparalleled views of treasured coral reefs, encapsulated by chromatic waters. Skydive Key West dives reach speeds of more than 120mph (193kph); upon pulling the parachute, revel in the life-changing views as you float above the Keys.

When it comes to drop zones, nothing beats forested peaks, alpine lakes and winding rivers. Pennsylvania Skydiving Center is only a short drive from New York and New Jersey, but it still offers an escape from city life with a drop over the foothills of the Poconos Mountains. Guided by instructors from the oldest USPA member skydiving center in the world, descend over the lush greenery of Pennsylvania, or opt for a fall dive when the foliage is ablaze with orange and red.

Leaping out of a plane in Utah offers unsurpassable views in every direction. Especially awe-inspiring is the Zion National Park, with steep red cliffs and forest trails. The preserve beckons nature-lovers year-round with opportunities for hiking, biking and camping, as well as good weather. Thanks to Skydive Zion – which has a perfect safety record since opening in 2000 – the allure of the park can be encountered from an unusual perspective: miles above the ground.

It’s true – the California coastline bas some of the most dazzling scenery in the US, from craggy cliffs with sandy shorelines to the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. With views stretching from Carmel to Santa Cruz, why not take advantage of that beauty with a drop over the Monterey Bay? Skydive Monterey Bay offers jumps at 18,000ft (5,490m), letting you land closer to the ocean than any other drop zone in the state.