10 Adrenaline-Fueled Things to Do in California

Gaining speeds of nearly 40mph (64kph), this unique aerial tour of Catalina island will take you 600ft (180m) above sea level and provide the most spectacular views as you soar across the landscape with the Pacific Ocean gleaming below. Five different ziplines take you from platform to platform, while an informative guide will provide interesting information about the island at each stop.

Strap up and abseil down California’s largest cavern. This dark, vertical chamber will require you to rappel 165ft (50m) from top to bottom. Once at the floor, you can choose to continue the adventure by squeezing through narrow burrows on a two-hour cave adventure. Be prepared to get on your stomach and wriggle through tight, claustrophobic passageways with suitably labeled nicknames such as Meat Grinder and Pancake Squeeze.

Swap your flip-flops for hiking boots and head out to Yosemite National Park for the most extreme hike in California. Don’t let the serene surroundings distract you from how dangerous the Half Dome trail is. In the past 15 years, there have been 290 accidents and 12 deaths on the rugged route up the mountain. Walkers must be prepared for a 17mi (27km), 10- to 14-hour round-trip that elevates around 4,700ft (1,435m) from the valley floor.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. This Nascar experience is the perfect treat for fans of the motorsport, or any speed demons who want to feel the power of one of these ferocious machines. The cars can reach up to 200mph (322kph) and accelerate from 0-60mph (0-97kph) in 3.5 seconds. You can choose to get behind the wheel of one of the beasts yourself, or let a professional show you how it’s done and brace yourself for the ride ahead.

It’s not quite jumping out of a plane, but this unique experience will get your pulse racing as you fly in the air above a giant vertical propeller. The wind tunnel is appropriate for anyone over the age of three and is the perfect chance to show off some mid-air acrobatics. Push yourself and see how long it will take to perform your first somersault.

Ever wondered what it’s like to be Tom Cruise? Well, now’s your chance to find out in this Top Gun experience. Climb into the cockpit of an Extra 330LC and feel the G-force as you twist and turn upside down in either an acrobatic flight or a dogfight race against a friend. Fly the plane yourself – with the assistance of a trained pilot – or take to the passenger seat and embark on the craziest airborne roller coaster ride of your life.

This boat really does go as fast as the flame painted on the bow might suggest. It’s a 30-minute wild ride from Fisherman’s Wharf, jetting at speeds of up to 60mph (97kph) around San Francisco Bay, past Alcatraz, underneath the Bay bridge, alongside Oracle Park. You’ll get stunning views of the city’s skyline – if you’re able to see through the wind being blasted into your face, that is.

Stare Jaws in the eyes as you come head to head with one of the deadliest killers in the ocean. Take the long, beautiful boat journey out into Mexican waters towards Guadalupe island, renowned for being one of the most popular destinations for great white sharks in the world. A metal cage will be the only thing between you and Jaws as you submerge into the Pacific Ocean.

Launch yourself off the side of a bridge into the valley below and let the rubber rope catch you as you swing back and forth above the gorge. Start by trekking 5mi (8km) through the stunning Angeles National Forest, then get prepped by the experts on what to do after you’ve thrown yourself off the Bridge to Nowhere. For the bravest daredevils among you, there is also the option of jumping at night into pitch black darkness.

Get to race a formula car around the professional circuit Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey County. You can have your very own personal instructor to teach you the ins and outs of the carbon fiber machine, then put the pedal to the metal and unleash your inner Lewis Hamilton as you fly around this nail-biting track.