The 9 Best Spots for Parasailing in California

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California is the perfect state to enjoy all sorts of water sports, home to some of the best beaches on the West Coast and some of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Here in the Golden State, you can dip into the water for hours a day and not get bored, and you can view the waters from couple-hundred feet high (with barely a few droplets of water on you). If you prefer the latter over the former, parasailing in California is the water sport for you. With a dozen charming beach towns to pick from and a few other breathtaking lake towns, you’ll be surprised at all the beauty you can enjoy while sitting on a body harness behind a boat. So whether you’ve done it before and crave more, or want to go on a first-time, life-changing experience, here are nine of the best places in the Golden State for parasailing.

What is Parasailing?

Parasailing is relatively the most chill and relaxing extreme water sport you will ever engage in. This awesome recreational activity doesn’t require any fine skills and gives you incredible bird-eye views of the region you’re parasailing in. During the activity, you will be towed behind a boat with a parachute-like canopy, which will be attached to the boat with long ropes. As soon as the boat starts moving, you will be lifted up, anywhere between 300 and 1,000 feet.

Parasailing can be done solo or in a group of up to five people, depending on the design. Considering you won’t be in control of the direction of the parasail (certain parasails do have the option of direction control), the activity doesn’t require any strenuous physical activity as other water sports. As your flight ends, you will gently land on the boat's flight deck—as we mentioned earlier, you can finish your parasailing journey with hardly a droplet of water on you. 

While water parasailing is the most popular form of parasailing, flying behind a land vehicle is common as well.

How much does parasailing cost in California?

The cost of your parasailing experience depends on a few factors: cities, companies, flight lengths, flight heights, and number of people going up with you. For instance, you can spend as little as eight minutes in the sky per trip while hanging out for over 2 hours on the boat, depending on your liking and the money you’re willing to pay. You can also fly 300 feet above sea level or go up 1,000 feet. You also have the option of going on a public or private tour. With all your preferences sorted out, parasailing in California might cost you anywhere from $60 to $1200. 

What Are the Best Spots for Parasailing in California?

1. Long Beach

Parasailing in Long Beach, California is one of the first options you want to consider, especially if you’re a first-timer. The laid-back, oceanside city is a remarkable sight that gets even better while soaring 800 feet. California Parasail takes you on the journey of a lifetime along the waters of Long Beach, alone or along 2 of your favorite people. Don’t forget to reserve your spot ahead of time because the city’s 287 days of sunshine keep it crowded year long. 

2. Lake Tahoe

California Parasail takes you on more than one journey atop the waters of the Golden State. Accordingly, if you think you’ve crossed off all of the top things to do in Lake Tahoe, but haven’t given parasailing a go, it’s time to give the company a call. Parasailing in Lake Tahoe, California is nothing you’ve ever experienced before; the lake’s glimmering waters and its surrounding mountainous terrain are given a new look when parasailing. It’s time to get strapped into a harness and fly away.

3. Santa Barbara

Nothing beats a vacation well spent in Santa Barbara. With its awesome beaches, unmatched attractions, Spain-inspired architecture, and world-class eateries, the city is a great place to visit. Now, if you’re wondering whether you can admire it all from up and above, the answer is yes. Santa Barbara Parasail offers everything from affordable public flights to more expensive private flights. You can view the city and explore its beaches from a different vantage point. Parasailing is one of the few ways to see the red-tile city roofs of Santa Barbara in their full glory.

4. Marina Del Rey

When you think of parasailing in California, one of the first places that come to mind is Marina Del Rey. This small seaside paradise in Los Angeles County is the perfect place to launch a flight above the Pacific. Marina Del Rey Parasailing offers its guests the safest and most exciting tour of the region, with views of Santa Monica Pier and the Venice Beach Boardwalk. But, trust us when we say that parasailing in Los Angeles, California can always be exciting.

5. Big Bear Lake

Not only is Big Bear Lake one of the best lakes to live on in California, but it’s also a dream vacation destination for most people. This idyllic town is located in the San Bernardino Mountains and has vistas that will stick with you. Before you even go near the lake’s tranquil and glassy waters for swimming, canoeing, or kayaking, consider seeing it from above. Pine Knot Marina Parasail offers you the chance to enjoy the unmatched mountainous scenery tied behind a boat with your besties; zero cares in the world. This also makes for an awesome California experience to gift to a dear friend or family member.

6. San Diego

Before you go splashing around San Diego, you need to see the city and the Pacific during a parasailing excursion. With 70-plus miles of shoreline, parasailing in San Diego, California is the activity to start your weekend getaway there. With San Diego Parasailing Adventures, you’ll get to choose whether you want to see the city from a height of 600 feet or the height of 800 feet. Choose your breathtaking adventure and enjoy America’s Finest City as you’ve never done before. 

7. Newport Beach

Orange County’s Newport Beach is famous for its world-famous shoreline and gorgeous Balboa Island. Water activities are galore at this artificial island, and parasailing is one of the most fun things to do here. With California Parasail, you’ll be soaring 800 feet in the air—the perfect height to best enjoy the area’s shoreline and the island all at once. Bring your family along and enjoy what will surely be an exciting outing.

8. Catalina Island

Catalina Island is possibly one of California'smost exotic and charming destinations The Southern California island is where wanderlusts find themselves heading for an unforgettable experience. Despite being one of the top spots for underwater activities like snorkeling and scuba diving, above-water activities on Catalina Island are as desirable. Yes, we’re talking about parasailing here. If you want to see the beauty that is Catalina Island from a height of 600 or 800 feet, you better reserve a spot with Catalina Tours and expect to be astonished.

9. Dana Point

Dana Point is one of the top surfing spots in Southern California, attracting surfers like herds throughout the year. But, what if you’re not good with a surfboard but still want to enjoy the glimmering waters of the coastal city? Parasailing is the answer for you. It in fact is the easiest activity any thrill seeker can do without putting any effort into it. Dana Point Parasail is the company to go to if you finally made up your mind and chose to give parasailing a go. This family-owned and operated business will make parasailing in California an unforgettable experience for you and your family.