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Came here during the week after my doctor's appointment at the VA La Jolla. It's so beautiful here at the gliderport. They have tables and seats facing the gliders and the ocean. It was so relaxing a peaceful. Enjoyed watching the gliders learn how to glide. The gliderport cafe offers food and drinks. I ordered the special breakfast burrito which was so yummy. I also ordered a strawberry mojito and a beer. I will definitely be coming back!
Good times at the Gliderport! You can find free Di sunset events there also! Parking can be busy during the weekend. I also got to try their Caeser Wraps and Fries delicious. My friends tried their mixed drinks and they loved it.
We had a great time watching all the gliders. It was a busy day with good winds. No problem parking, just be prepared for an unconventional lot (basically dirt and tick areas). I parked off to the side of the main lot and wound up with a short walk. Live band was playing at the restaurant /bar/viewing area. They were perfect snd add to the enjoyment of the view. Had a yummy martini. Only challenge was a very long wait for our order (about an hour) - we had lunch around 3:39. Hamburgers and fries were great - real meat!! This has become a staple location when we have out of town visitors!
I have been so many times at the Gliderport park and never did a review until today...well never late to show some pictures of that amazing place with wonderful views to the ocean and the skies, and watching people do that activity. Not my thing to fly like a bird but love going there from time to time to watch, walk around, do some soft hike and contemplate the flowers. Also, a nice spot for a picnic with views. Sunny days from here are particularly beautiful.
Torrey Pines Gliderport is definitely one of those "you should try this at least once" experiences. We came on a beautiful sunny day, and the flight itself was surprisingly calming. It's not like skydiving or bungee jumping where it's all adrenaline and dope. This felt more like borrowing a bird's point of view for 20 minutes. You're just floating along the cliffs, riding the wind, with the ocean on one side and the coastline stretching out below. The views are unreal. You get Black's Beach below! Yes, the clothing-optional one. And then farther down, the multi-million-dollar La Jolla homes that make you question your life choices. LOL. Depending on the wind, the route can vary, but that's part of the charm. My instructor was mostly quiet, which was fine, but I would have appreciated a little more narration or pointing things out. My wife's instructor, on the other hand, was much more lively and even let her steer the glider a couple of times. So your experience may depend a bit on who you fly with. Either way, the flight itself was great, and both instructors got us back safely and smoothly. A small side note: we saw the tipping guide inside the office only after the flight. In retrospect, I think we overtipped - but hey, the instructors seemed happy, so all good. Now, for the things you don't always see in the pretty Yelp reviews. Parking is mostly on an unpaved, bumpy, dusty lot. You can park on pavement along the side streets, but that means parallel parking and a bit of a walk. The waiver process was also a big "whoa." I've done plenty of risky activities before, but this felt like pages of cover-your-butt paperwork, with us signing and initialing almost every single line instead of just signing once and clicking through. Also, be aware that some grassy areas are apparently off-limits. My family and I were taking photos there, not realizing we weren't supposed to be, and we got shooed away pretty hard. I get that there are safety rules, especially around active gliders, but clearer signage would help a lot. And if there was signage, it was difficult to notice with the crowd hanging around Cliff Hanger. And yes, the restroom situation is porta-potties only. On the day we visited, there wasn't even water available for handwashing, so bring sanitizer. Overall, the actual flight was memorable, scenic, and peaceful. The setup around it is a little rough around the edges, but the experience itself is worth doing once, especially on a sunny San Diego day. For the views alone, it's hard to beat floating over the cliffs of Torrey Pines.
Not pictured unfortunately and for a good reason; the burger was hands down the best I've ever tasted... I have been to key burger places in San Diego... and this was charbroiled with a crust of crunch... ever so slight and I did mine protein style with no bun. The fries had some golden brown crunch but not a fresh hot burn your mouth kind of way. Ambiance is outside so you wait in line for drinks and food. The crowd was busy and found a little chair with a view. Service; they are kind and friendly. And once your order is placed... you wait.. And time is priceless. A good wait.. so get two beers not just one. Mine got warm waiting yet it was all worth it for the best burger!
Torrey Pines Gliderport is a city-owned private-use glider airport in the La Jolla community of San Diego. It is the home to hang gliding, paragliding, radio-controlled model sailplanes, and full-scale man-carrying sailplanes. Perched high above the cliffs, this spot offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific. It is listed as a National Landmark of Soaring of the National Soaring Museum, a San Diego City Historical Site, and a Model Aviation Landmark of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. It 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". This hang gliding center offers paragliding experiences and tandem flights. They also highlight the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, the fun and exciting atmosphere, and the delicious pizzas and sandwiches. We visited this beautiful place on Thanksgiving Day during our San Diego trip. Since it was a holiday, all paragliding activities were closed. However, we'd heard that Torrey Pines Gliderport is one of the rare spots in San Diego to experience a truly stunning sunset, and that was the main reason for our visit. Overall, our experience was truly amazing. The view was picturesque and something everyone should enjoy. The beauty of the nature felt surreal and hard to explain. If you are in San Diego and want to experience a truly unique sunset, then Torrey Pines Gliderport is the perfect spot. Bring a blanket and watch the sky transform!
We stopped by for a QUICK STOP, just to see what was there. AND TO SEE ANY POSSIBLE HAND GLIDING!!! It was fairly easy to get to, and parking was pretty straightforward. Unfortunately, NO ONE was HAND GLIDING, when we were there. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean it was wrong to try. It was such a beautiful day, and we bought a couple DIET COKES!!!
Incredible spot to take para glider or hang glider lessons . Plenty of parking. Unfortunately their was no wind when we were there but we will be back on a windy day. Great spot to watch the sunsets. Area is well marked to keep spectators and gliders safe.
We went here to celebrate my pup nephews birthday! Our dogs had so much fun! We had a large bench and everyone was comfortable. They weather was awesome and the views are incredible. Our food was great and the staff was accommodating when we asked for beverages for our pups. Highly recommend for a nice day outing!
Such a cool place to visit !! We stopped by and were in awe at the beautiful scenic views of the ocean and cliffs, sprinkled by paragliders in the sky floating peacefully along. There is a little cafe at the launch site too so you can grab a bite while taking in the views. We were there to also hike the path down to the beach (warning, a portion of which is nude). There is a stair path down to the beach, but that's no fun is it!? So we went down the cliff through a slightly more difficult path along the rocks and traversed through a narrow passing which was absolutely beautiful. Take extra caution going on this hike after it rains though, and some locals did say that water erosion has had a considerable impact on the path so be careful! The day we went was gorgeous and it felt absolutely worthwhile to dip your toes in the refreshing ocean after the short hike.
Beautiful place to just hang out or hike. Plenty of off road parking and the cafe is a plus. Will definitely try their cafe next time.
We stumbled upon this place as we drove down the coast and shore toward La Jolla. What a treat of a stop! There was plenty of free parking and we mosied on over to explore the port. They had a great bar and snack bar to buy drinks and treats as you watched all of the gliders taking off, flying around and landing. They also had rentals so you could try this out yourself complete with a guide to take you. Very very cool! So whether you're gliding or just stopping by to watch, I highly recommend a visit to the Torrey Pines glider port!
My wife and I were in La Jolla to visit a relative and we were looking for something to do, and we had gone here the year before. The parking lot was packed, as well as the ground level, but we did fins three seats in the upstairs area. It is so cool seeing all the paragliders taking off and soaring off the cliffs, and the even had a falconer having his falcon fly around. That was pretty cool as well. They have food you can order and a great beer stand. Beers are a little pricey, at ten bucks a pop, but the entertainment is free, so I thought it was worth it and had had a great selection of microbrews. There was also an engagement party going on below us, and the they had rented a nice space outside and the groom was Filipino and they had tons of great looming Filipino food. You get rent twenty minutes as a tandem if you would like for $200, my wife passed this time, but if it less busy on a weekday, next time we come, I think she would be up for it. A great, free way to spend a couple hours on the cliffs of La Jolla. way cool! read more
2 months ago
The best spot!! Views, vibes, drinks & great sandwiches. This is my go to spot to take visitors as it's always impressive with the view and the paragliding. Previously I only got drinks but yesterday I got a sandwich and omg their rosemary bread was so good. Love it here! Just a lil psa tho - it's portapotty only read more
Came here during the week after my doctor's appointment at the VA La Jolla. It's so beautiful here at the gliderport. They have tables and seats facing the gliders and the ocean. It was so relaxing a peaceful. Enjoyed watching the gliders learn how to glide. The gliderport cafe offers food and drinks. I ordered the special breakfast burrito which was so yummy. I also ordered a strawberry mojito and a beer. I will definitely be coming back! read more
Good times at the Gliderport! You can find free Di sunset events there also! Parking can be busy during the weekend. I also got to try their Caeser Wraps and Fries delicious. My friends tried their mixed drinks and they loved it. read more
We had a great time watching all the gliders. It was a busy day with good winds. No problem parking, just be prepared for an unconventional lot (basically dirt and tick areas). I parked off to the side of the main lot and wound up with a short walk. Live band was playing at the restaurant /bar/viewing area. They were perfect snd add to the enjoyment of the view. Had a yummy martini. Only challenge was a very long wait for our order (about an hour) - we had lunch around 3:39. Hamburgers and fries were great - real meat!! This has become a staple location when we have out of town visitors! read more
I have been so many times at the Gliderport park and never did a review until today...well never late to show some pictures of that amazing place with wonderful views to the ocean and the skies, and watching people do that activity. Not my thing to fly like a bird but love going there from time to time to watch, walk around, do some soft hike and contemplate the flowers. Also, a nice spot for a picnic with views. Sunny days from here are particularly beautiful. read more
Torrey Pines Gliderport is definitely one of those "you should try this at least once" experiences. We came on a beautiful sunny day, and the flight itself was surprisingly calming. It's not like skydiving or bungee jumping where it's all adrenaline and dope. This felt more like borrowing a bird's point of view for 20 minutes. You're just floating along the cliffs, riding the wind, with the ocean on one side and the coastline stretching out below. The views are unreal. You get Black's Beach below! Yes, the clothing-optional one. And then farther down, the multi-million-dollar La Jolla homes that make you question your life choices. LOL. Depending on the wind, the route can vary, but that's part of the charm. My instructor was mostly quiet, which was fine, but I would have appreciated a little more narration or pointing things out. My wife's instructor, on the other hand, was much more lively and even let her steer the glider a couple of times. So your experience may depend a bit on who you fly with. Either way, the flight itself was great, and both instructors got us back safely and smoothly. A small side note: we saw the tipping guide inside the office only after the flight. In retrospect, I think we overtipped - but hey, the instructors seemed happy, so all good. Now, for the things you don't always see in the pretty Yelp reviews. Parking is mostly on an unpaved, bumpy, dusty lot. You can park on pavement along the side streets, but that means parallel parking and a bit of a walk. The waiver process was also a big "whoa." I've done plenty of risky activities before, but this felt like pages of cover-your-butt paperwork, with us signing and initialing almost every single line instead of just signing once and clicking through. Also, be aware that some grassy areas are apparently off-limits. My family and I were taking photos there, not realizing we weren't supposed to be, and we got shooed away pretty hard. I get that there are safety rules, especially around active gliders, but clearer signage would help a lot. And if there was signage, it was difficult to notice with the crowd hanging around Cliff Hanger. And yes, the restroom situation is porta-potties only. On the day we visited, there wasn't even water available for handwashing, so bring sanitizer. Overall, the actual flight was memorable, scenic, and peaceful. The setup around it is a little rough around the edges, but the experience itself is worth doing once, especially on a sunny San Diego day. For the views alone, it's hard to beat floating over the cliffs of Torrey Pines. read more
2 months ago
Not pictured unfortunately and for a good reason; the burger was hands down the best I've ever tasted... I have been to key burger places in San Diego... and this was charbroiled with a crust of crunch... ever so slight and I did mine protein style with no bun. The fries had some golden brown crunch but not a fresh hot burn your mouth kind of way. Ambiance is outside so you wait in line for drinks and food. The crowd was busy and found a little chair with a view. Service; they are kind and friendly. And once your order is placed... you wait.. And time is priceless. A good wait.. so get two beers not just one. Mine got warm waiting yet it was all worth it for the best burger! read more
Torrey Pines Gliderport is a city-owned private-use glider airport in the La Jolla community of San Diego. It is the home to hang gliding, paragliding, radio-controlled model sailplanes, and full-scale man-carrying sailplanes. Perched high above the cliffs, this spot offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific. It is listed as a National Landmark of Soaring of the National Soaring Museum, a San Diego City Historical Site, and a Model Aviation Landmark of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. It 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". This hang gliding center offers paragliding experiences and tandem flights. They also highlight the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, the fun and exciting atmosphere, and the delicious pizzas and sandwiches. We visited this beautiful place on Thanksgiving Day during our San Diego trip. Since it was a holiday, all paragliding activities were closed. However, we'd heard that Torrey Pines Gliderport is one of the rare spots in San Diego to experience a truly stunning sunset, and that was the main reason for our visit. Overall, our experience was truly amazing. The view was picturesque and something everyone should enjoy. The beauty of the nature felt surreal and hard to explain. If you are in San Diego and want to experience a truly unique sunset, then Torrey Pines Gliderport is the perfect spot. Bring a blanket and watch the sky transform! read more
7 months ago
We stopped by for a QUICK STOP, just to see what was there. AND TO SEE ANY POSSIBLE HAND GLIDING!!! It was fairly easy to get to, and parking was pretty straightforward. Unfortunately, NO ONE was HAND GLIDING, when we were there. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean it was wrong to try. It was such a beautiful day, and we bought a couple DIET COKES!!! read more
Incredible spot to take para glider or hang glider lessons . Plenty of parking. Unfortunately their was no wind when we were there but we will be back on a windy day. Great spot to watch the sunsets. Area is well marked to keep spectators and gliders safe. read more
3 months ago
We went here to celebrate my pup nephews birthday! Our dogs had so much fun! We had a large bench and everyone was comfortable. They weather was awesome and the views are incredible. Our food was great and the staff was accommodating when we asked for beverages for our pups. Highly recommend for a nice day outing! read more
3 months ago
Such a cool place to visit !! We stopped by and were in awe at the beautiful scenic views of the ocean and cliffs, sprinkled by paragliders in the sky floating peacefully along. There is a little cafe at the launch site too so you can grab a bite while taking in the views. We were there to also hike the path down to the beach (warning, a portion of which is nude). There is a stair path down to the beach, but that's no fun is it!? So we went down the cliff through a slightly more difficult path along the rocks and traversed through a narrow passing which was absolutely beautiful. Take extra caution going on this hike after it rains though, and some locals did say that water erosion has had a considerable impact on the path so be careful! The day we went was gorgeous and it felt absolutely worthwhile to dip your toes in the refreshing ocean after the short hike. read more
We stumbled upon this place as we drove down the coast and shore toward La Jolla. What a treat of a stop! There was plenty of free parking and we mosied on over to explore the port. They had a great bar and snack bar to buy drinks and treats as you watched all of the gliders taking off, flying around and landing. They also had rentals so you could try this out yourself complete with a guide to take you. Very very cool! So whether you're gliding or just stopping by to watch, I highly recommend a visit to the Torrey Pines glider port! read more
We visited only briefly to take in the scenic views at the Torrey Pines Gliderport. The dirt parking lot here is fairly big but rocky and uneven. The sky was cloudy, but the view was still beautiful. While we were there, no one was paragliding at the time. We also didn't walk down the steep trail toward Black's Beach. There were a few benches to sit down and enjoy the views. There was the Cliff Hanger Cafe selling brunch dishes, but we weren't hungry yet. I'd definitely want to visit again during a clear and sunny day to watch and take pictures of the paragliders. The food from the cafe also sounded good and had reasonable prices. read more
5 months ago
I came here by myself and was my very first time ever! Such a cool place with a nice view unfortunately I came here when it was cloudy but it was still totally worth it! I do have to say my instructor was not as I guess fun?.. I got to see others enjoy their time paragliding and their instructors looked more into what they were doing but mines was pretty serious. I travelled alone to SanDiego to explore new place by myself so I wanted to have memorable fun moments. But to paraglide was fun as it is just the time up there with him was kinda awkward and bland felt like he just wanted to finish up his time pretty quick. read more
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I lovedddddd this place. It does get chilly so I'd recommend a light sweater. When you're driving up there is parking along the street but there are two different free parking lots located closer. One of which is a little bumpy so if you have a low car I'd be cautious. They have a trail you can take and suited for young kids and doggos or even strollers. They do have a bar with hot and cold beverages and of course beer!! Didn't have their food but a lot of ppl were devouring the sandwiches. They have a huge seating area and even a grassy area. You're also able to hitch a ride and fly above for about 200 bucks I believe. read more
Due to the area, expect to bring a hoodie. The place is extremely busy. You will probably great entertainment as well watch the people glide through the sky! The breakfast burrito, margarita pizza, and beer on tap was great. I see myself visiting this spot again if I'm in the area. This is amazing spot to chill and hangout. read more
Pretty awesome prototypically California experience here at the Torrey Pines glider port. I'm not brave enough to strap in and push off but it was pretty awesome to watch others do so while sipping a beer and watching the sunset on my last day in SD. read more
2 years ago
What a beautiful tourist spot! This is a perfect spot to watch the sunset! I loved the paragliders taking off the cliff (scary)! I came here several times with guests who were visiting California or new to the San Diego area. If you dare to glide, this is the perfect spot for you. Not for me, hahah! They do provide flight instructions. Check their website for details. This location only has one restaurant, Cliff Hanger Cafe. They provide limited menu: breakfast, lunch, snacks, ice creams, pizzas (weekend only) and drinks. There is also a bar. There is no restroom. They do have port-a-potties right before you enter the area. Make sure you go elsewhere before coming here. If you walk on the left side of this tourist spot, you can go down to the beach. Be aware: the parking lot is full of rocks and dirt. When I first drove in, my car was wobbling like a bobble head Hahaha. Drive slow as the road totally uneven. Watch for guests and small children. Check-in for a free sticker of your choice. Come visit this place soon! read more
Honestly love coming here. You can't beat the view of all the gliders above the Pacific Ocean. The restaurant is updated with yummy sandwiches and there's also a bar. Super family and dog friendly. The sandwiches fall apart easily, be aware of that. The only reason why I knocked down one star is because of the bathroom situation. It would be nice to have bathrooms installed. There's only portapotties available to the public. Other than that, such a fun and cool spot to hangout at! read more
What was supposed to be a touristy little pitstop with my dad ended up being one of the coolest experiences of my life thus far! Parking is atrocious and the port-a-potties are from hell, but once we got settled it was truly remarkable. There's food and drinks available and a bunch of seating along the railings to watch all the magic happen. Basically, we watched people jump off the side of the cliffs to paraglide and hang glide while we ate lunch. My chicken pesto sandwich was great! The chicken wasn't dry and the lettuce/tomato were super fresh. After sitting for a few hours listening to The Beatles on the speakers and watching countless people tandem paraglide, I decided it was my turn, which was NOT part of the original plan. But oh my gosh, it was infectious and I had to get up there. As someone who's pretty risk-averse and not at all a thrillseeker, this was super out of my comfort zone. Junior, who I think is the manager, was incredibly inviting and helped me get set up. He was intentional about the way he spoke about paragliding to keep me from being afraid, and he set me up with a pilot named Giuseppe. Giuseppe was exceptional -- he seamlessly brought us up into the sky and proceeded to share a little history, tell me the fancy homes we flew over, cracked jokes, and adjusted speed based on my comfort level. Being up there was magic; it was much quieter and calmer than I expected, and it was one of the most beautiful things I'd ever seen. I would 100% recommend this to anyone who visits San Diego moving forward. Whether you want to get up in the sky or not. Wow, wow, wow. Big thank you to the staff for being so friendly and helpful! read more
5 months ago
After 40 years of growing up in San Diego this was my FIRST visit to the Gliderport and I am so glad I went to experience it all! I've always assumed it was simply a wide grass area where I'd stand around watching gliders come and go while trying to stay out of their way and after fighting for parking in Torrey Pines. BOY WAS I WRONG!!! We went on a Saturday afternoon and had no problem finding parking right there. Myself, my parents (locals) and my three kiddos were delighted to see many tables, covered and uncovered to sit and watch comfortably. There were many additional tables for those purchasing food (it smelled so good) and even more on the rooftop spot that was open to anyone. We parked ourselves at some hightop chairs and watched in awe as the gliders came in and out and many brave souls signed up to go for a ride. Even in the dead heat of August the Torrey Pines breeze was incredible and we were very comfortable in the dead of the day. I would definitely recommend coming to check this spot out - it's a must see for every local and of course a wonderful spot to bring your tourist friends. No one will be disappointed. read more
Decided to take our sailor here for a new experience while in San Diego. This was our second attempt, as the first time in December, did not have enough wind to fly. The place was very busy, but we filled out the waiver and starting parasailing within about 20 minutes. My son had a blast and we got a couple videos out of it. Would highly recommend, just ensure they will be able to fly, as it takes a minute to get there. read more
6 months ago
It was my first time paragliding, and what an incredible adventure it was! My tandem instructor was a Navy SEAL--how cool is that? He even let me take the controls and fly the paraglider myself! The rush of soaring through the sky while taking in the breathtaking views of the ocean and beach was just out of this world. I can't recommend it enough; everyone should try it at least once! I can't wait to seek out paragliding opportunities wherever my future travels take me because this experience was truly unforgettable and so much fun! read more
1 year ago
I wish I can do this one day but just sharing the photos I snapped yesterday, hoping the glider would find his photos - he looked so peaceful riding in a beautiful sunset! People watching for sure felt the joy he's feeling up in the air! read more
Even if you don't have the time (or the inclination, and/or the cojones) to go gliding, the Torrey Pines Gliderport is a must-visit spot anytime you're in the neighborhood. While this is a beautiful place pretty much anytime, it's especially worth seeing at sunset! When you're here, you should also strongly consider taking the hike down to Black's Beach. Black's is one of the more infamous nude beaches in Southern California. The beach is an exceptionally beautiful spot, and the trail down to it from the Gliderport isn't particularly tough (if the numerous stairs don't give you trouble). Tip: There's no problem visiting the beach even if you're not (un)dressed for an all-over tan ;-) read more
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More info about Torrey Pines Gliderport
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr
La Jolla, CA 92037
La Jolla Shores
Directions
(858) 452-9858
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Visit Website
http://flytorrey.com
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Ask the Community - Torrey Pines Gliderport
Are flyers allowed to bring their own go pro for the ride?
Yes no problem Thankyou…
How long is the typical wait time here?
Hi, it all depends on the day. Typically on a week day it is less busy so you may only have a 20 minute wait if that. On a weekend it can get busier, sometimes you may have to wait an hour but it is a lovely spot to hang out and there is a cafe…
Is it one person only for each or two people available?
Hi Hu, It is only one person per instructor. We can't fit more than one.
Is reservation required for the tandem paragliding?
No. Just call ahead to make sure the winds are good for flight and then show up. It's first come, first served.
Do we tip the pilots and what amount is appropriate?
I tipped - as I though my instructor was very good and kept me in the air about 35 minutes. 10% tip would be $17.50, I gave him $20. My guess is anything is appreciated, perhaps $10 or $20?
Is it possible to pay to jump?
Hi Livia, Thank you for inquiring about flying with us. We do offer instructional tandem flights,…
Heading here today is it ok to bring the dog? Got my answer TAKING MY BABY ❤❤❤❤????????
Yes!!!! There's a "mascot " dog running there- belonging to a worker there. So cute! Not sure about the beach below the hike tho....
Review Highlights - Torrey Pines Gliderport
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