Top California In the Air in 2026

Get a bird’s eye view of the Golden City’s most iconic attractions on a private helicopter tour. Have your camera ready for unobstructed aerial views as you soar over the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and downtown San Francisco. Throughout the journey, your pilot points out landmarks so you don’t miss a thing. With space for two passengers, this aerial adventure is perfect for couples, friends, and solo travelers alike.

Experience the stunning Southern California coast from a unique perspective on a 30-minute luxury helicopter tour. Departing from Long Beach, you'll take in the breathtaking views of Orange County’s pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and serene coastal landscapes, including Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Dana Point, and Laguna Niguel. Soar above the Pacific Ocean, marveling at exquisite seaside residences, lavish resorts, and world-class golf courses.

See the sights of Hollywood on this tour by open-top Mercedes minibus or Ford Van with a canopy, which allows you to enjoy unobstructed views as you go. Traveling with an on-board guide, you'll pass by attractions such as the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Drive, and movie studios. Plus, get a look at some of the mansions where past and present stars have lived.

For a vantage point most tourists never see, book this private air tour over the iconic buildings and beaches of Los Angeles. Sit back comfortably in your small aircraft, cameras charged, while your pilot flies you over sites like the Hollywood Sign, Universal, Warner Brothers, and Paramount studios, the Santa Monica pier and beach, and much more.

Soar over the legendary Alcatraz and Angel Island during our introductory helicopter tour! Great for travelers with robust agendas, or families and friends taking flight for the first time. Revel in stories of the famous Bay Islands as you take flight off the helipad in Mill Valley. Your pilot will navigate orbital views for guests while island-hopping over historic Alcatraz and Angel Island. Learn about the Escape from Alcatraz and see the buildings on this rocky outcropping from above. A flight pass offshore San Francisco before a smooth landing at Commodore Heliport in Marin completes the most unique way to see these iconic landmarks.

See Greater Palm Springs from a whole new perspective on this 30-minute helicopter sightseeing flight. Soar above famous mid-century modern landmarks, desert estates, golf resorts, and natural landscapes as your pilot showcases the region from the air. This Palm Springs California helicopter flightseeing experience combines city sightseeing with stunning views of Joshua Tree National Park, the Coachella Valley, Indian Canyons, Pioneertown, Whitewater, and the iconic windmills, offering a memorable outdoor adventure without landing at any attractions.

Experience the signature desert flight on this Palm Springs 45-Minute Helicopter Flightseeing Tour. Soar above the boulder-strewn landscapes of Pioneertown Mountains Preserve before following the green ribbon of Whitewater Preserve, a striking desert oasis. Continue over the wind turbines of San Gorgonio Pass and admire the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway as it climbs toward the rugged cliffs of the San Jacinto Mountains. This shared sightseeing flight combines stunning nature, outdoor scenery, and aerial views of some of the region's most distinctive landmarks.

Experience Hollywood from a completely new perspective on this luxurious helicopter tour, designed for film buffs, photographers, and first-time visitors alike. Take off and soar over the Hollywood Hills, getting up-close aerial views of the Hollywood Sign, one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Your experienced pilot and tour guide will reveal insider secrets of the film industry, from historic movie studios to celebrity hotspots, sharing fascinating stories about Hollywood’s rise as the global center of cinema. Capture perfect photos of iconic landmarks, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, El Capitan Theatre, and the Chinese Theatre, all framed by the sprawling cityscape of Los Angeles. This tour also includes breathtaking views of Downtown LA skyscrapers, Griffith Park Observatory, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Staples Center, providing a complete Hollywood aerial experience in style and comfort.

See San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks from a perspective few visitors experience on this seaplane flight over the bay. Instead of piecing together views from multiple locations, enjoy sweeping aerial panoramas of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Angel Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the city skyline in a single journey. With guaranteed window seats, every passenger enjoys unobstructed views throughout the flight.

See Los Angeles from above on this thrilling helicopter tour of the city. You’ll fly over the Hollywood sign and catch amazing views of landmarks like Dodger Stadium, the Getty Center, and Santa Monica Pier. This private tour can accommodate up to three passengers per helicopter, with a minimum booking of two passengers.

Short on time? Lift off from Palm Springs International for a quick helicopter sightseeing tour above the California desert. Glide over downtown Palm Springs, pass the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and watch the San Jacinto Mountains fill the horizon. This shared flightseeing experience is an easy way to add a Palm Springs helicopter ride to any day in the valley and an ideal introduction to aerial sightseeing.

Temecula is known for its wine country, but it can be hard to take in all the lovely views when you’re winery hopping. Take a break from the wine tasting and take to the skies with this private hot air balloon flight for up to four people. This flight takes off from Akash Winery & Vineyard so you can see beautiful views of the area below.

Experience Los Angeles like never before with breathtaking, sky-high views that only a real flight lesson can offer. As you take the controls and fly over the city, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramas of LA’s most iconic landmarks—sparkling coastlines, rolling hills, and the endless cityscape stretching beneath you. This hands-on discovery flight gives you the rare chance to see Los Angeles from a pilot’s perspective, creating unforgettable memories and photo-worthy moments at every turn. Guided by an expert FAA-certified instructor, you’ll feel the thrill of flying while taking in the amazing views of Los Angeles that most travelers never get to experience. Whether it’s your first time in a small aircraft or you’re checking “fly over LA” off your bucket list, this is the perfect adventure for anyone wanting a unique and awe-inspiring way to explore the city. Book now and see Los Angeles from its most spectacular angle—the sky!

Experience the magic of Palm Springs from the sky on a scenic hot air balloon adventure featuring stunning sunrise or sunset views over the desert and surrounding mountains.

See the San Francisco Bay Area from the air on a 40-minute seaplane flight from Sausalito. Enjoy views of iconic landmarks in the soft afternoon light as you soar over the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Coit Tower, Angel Island and Tiburon. See the Transamerica building and downtown skyline, and the tall silhouette of Twin Peaks as your pilot shares informative commentary about the sights. Your flight includes a glass of champagne, and you’ll return to Sausalito in time to head out for dinner.

Travel to Southern California’s Catalina Island by boat, and solve your transit logistics in advance, when you prebook this one-way departure ferry service aboard the Catalina Express. Depart from San Pedro in Los Angeles, and enjoy views of the Pacific during the journey. The ferry conveniently drops you in the town of Avalon, the main town on the island, which is home to shops, restaurants, hotels, activities and more.

Experience the magic of Palm Springs from the sky on a scenic hot air balloon adventure featuring stunning sunset views over the desert and surrounding mountains.

Experience Los Angeles from the sky on this thrilling coast-to-city helicopter tour, where iconic beaches meet the excitement of the urban skyline. Take off and soar above El Porto Beach, skimming just 100 feet above the waves for breathtaking coastal views. Watch surfers ride the Pacific while capturing stunning photos of LA’s famous shoreline. Next, fly over Columbia Pictures and Sony Studios, seeing Hollywood magic unfold from above. The adventure continues past Dodgers Stadium and into Downtown Los Angeles, where towering skyscrapers and vibrant streets create a striking contrast to the serene coastline. Perfect for first-time visitors, photographers, and adventure seekers, this helicopter tour combines the best of LA’s beaches, landmarks, and cityscape in a single, unforgettable flight. Discover why so many passengers call it “the best experience of their life.”

Flown by local, experienced mountain pilots. North Tahoe Aviation is owned & operated by a 20+ year local ski/mountain guide, bringing over a decade of mountain flying experience and local knowledge. Highlights: Emerald Bay and a full lap around Lake Tahoe. Including: Mt. Tallac, Fallen Leaf Lake, Cascade Lake, Desolation Wilderness, Heavenly Valley, The Godfather House, Thunderbird Lodge, Whale Beach, Sand Harbor & Incline Village. Description: This flight is about 45 minutes long and can accommodate 1 - 3 passengers. You will fly to Emerald Bay while tracing the complete Lake Tahoe shoreline with beautiful panoramic mountain and lake views. - 45-minute scenic flight over Lake Tahoe's highlights - Explore Emerald Bay, Mt. Tallac, and Desolation Wilderness - Ideal for 1-3 passengers with customizable flight paths - Depart from Truckee Tahoe Airport with stunning aerial views

Witness San Francisco from a unique perspective while immersing yourself in the world of aviation. Before takeoff, get a firsthand look at the life of a commercial pilot. Join them for a comprehensive safety briefing and shadow their meticulous preflight checklists. Once seated, listen to live Air Traffic Control (ATC) communications for flight clearance, giving you an authentic behind-the-scenes feel. Then, take to the skies! Glide above the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, explore infamous Alcatraz, and marvel at the downtown skyline. This unforgettable experience offers a bird's-eye view of the Bay, showcasing its beauty like never before. Aviation Access: Shadow a pilot during preflight checklists and safety briefings. Live ATC: Listen to real-time radio traffic as your pilot secures flight clearance. Iconic Sights: Fly over the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and downtown SF. Breathtaking Views: Experience the Bay's unparalleled beauty from high above.

See the sights of San Francisco Bay from above on an air tour from the Hayward airport. As you fly through the sky on a 3-passenger plane with an experienced pilot, look down on attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown San Francisco.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on this 20-minute helicopter tour over Los Angeles, where you’ll soar above the city’s most legendary landmarks and glamorous neighborhoods. Feel the thrill as you rise above the skyline and take in breathtaking views that few ever get to see. From your window seat in the sky, you’ll fly over Universal Studios, spot the world-famous Hollywood Sign, and circle the stunning Griffith Observatory perched high above the city. Glide over the glittering Hollywood Walk of Fame, then sweep across Beverly Hills and Bel Air, home to some of the world’s most recognizable celebrity mansions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for a new perspective, this tour delivers the ultimate Hollywood experience — where the stars truly shine brightest from above.

During your tandem motor paragliding adventure, you’ll soar above the stunning Diamond Valley Lake, taking in panoramic views of Southern California’s rolling hills, lush farmland, and scenic landscapes. This unforgettable flight offers a rare and breathtaking perspective of the region’s natural beauty—perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Looking for a truly unforgettable experience? Take to the skies on a 1-hour tandem paramotor flight and discover the stunning beauty of Southern California like never before. This thrilling yet peaceful aerial journey offers incredible panoramic views of Diamond Valley Lake, with its sparkling blue waters surrounded by rolling hills, patchwork farmland, and open skies. Whether you're an adventure lover or a first-time flyer, this is your chance to experience the freedom of flight while safely harnessed to a trained and certified pilot. The motorized paraglider gently lifts you off the ground and into the air, where you'll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of one of California’s hidden gems. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this flight is more than just a ride — it's a transformational experience that blends adrenaline, natural beauty, and unforgettable memories.