The Best Places To Go Skydiving In The United States

Hawaiian shores, Alaskan peaks, Floridian waters – you’ll realize their true beauty when you’re hurtling towards them at around 120mph (200km). Here are the best places to go skydiving in the United States.

Ask someone to read you their bucket list and jumping out of a plane could be quite high on it. Skydiving is only growing in popularity, with extreme sports pros turning a one-time thrill into a casual weekend activity. But what makes this adrenaline jump most spectacular – aside from the 60-second free fall if you’re leaping from 15,000ft (4,500m) up – is the view, whether it be of soaring mountains, sprawling tundra, or crystal-clear waters.

1. Waialua, Hawaii

Natural Feature

Aweoweo Beach Park, Waialua, Mokuleia, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii

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.

2. Anchorage, Alaska

Natural Feature

Aerial view of the Anchorage skyline looking south over Knik Arm during Fall, Alaska

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.

4. Poconos Mountains, Pennsylvania

Natural Feature

Lehigh Gorge State Park near Jim Thorpe, Pocono Mountains, Carbon County, Pennsylvania

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.

5. Zion National Park, Utah

Park

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.

6. Monterey, California

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

Big Sur, Monterey County, California. Pacific Ocean, cliffs, and native plants on the beach.

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.