Looking for a little adventure? Look no further. Southern California is a virtual mecca for the thrill-seeker, with activities to tempt even the timid adventurer into a little experimentation and fun. Surfing, hiking, biking and boating are always at one's disposal. State parks and beaches abound with beauty and outdoor opportunities. For the path less traveled, try some unusual adventures.
Soar over the breathtaking landscape of Southern California in a 30-minute paraglide across the coast of Malibu. Malibu Paragliding offers tandem flights or solo flights (after participants take a training course) for a peaceful, airborne tour of the coast from Point Dume to Santa Monica, with the coast, foothills, and celebrity homes across Malibu in view.
Malibu Paragliding
1531 Livonia Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90035
805-405-2296
malibuparagliding.com
This extreme sport is a challenge and a rush! Kiteboarding combines surfing with aerial jumps and tricks. If you're already a seasoned kiteboarder, take to the seas at any of the great beaches. Particularly good for kite surfing are Seal Beach, Mission Bay or Belmont Shore. However, for some instruction, get a dry session and a wet session to learn the ropes. During a 3-hour dry session, instructors teach kite rigging, control, launching, landing and the "power stroke" to help you get comfortable in the water. For the wet session, students learn body drags, water starts, board skills and water-launching. All equipment is included in the cost of the lesson, which can be booked online through Extremethings.com.
Learn to climb sheer-faced rock towers with the professional, AMGA-certified instructors coordinated through Extremethings.com. Beginning the day with ground school, adventurers learn to work all the necessary equipment. After extensive training in knots, anchoring, belaying and technique, participants harness up and try themselves against the rocks in Joshua Tree, California. Try bouldering, top-rope climbing and rappelling for a full day.
The sea caves at Channel Islands National Park provide plenty of other-worldly adventure for the sea-worthy kayaker. Brave the waters on your own by starting out at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz harbor. Or, for a complete tour given by knowledgeable guides including lessons, equipment and guidance on history and ecology, Santa Barbara Adventure Company can keep your trip streamlined. During the tour, experience whale watching, hiking, and 3 hours or 2.5 miles of kayaking along and inside the caves.
Santa Barbara Adventure Company
720 Bond Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
805-884-9283
sbadventureco.com
Tour the beautiful wine country of Temecula in a traditional hot air balloon. This is a peaceful kind of adventure for those who want to relax and take in the scenic landscape of California from a unique perspective. A Grape Escape gives tours beginning at sunrise all week long, with certified a commercial pilot controlling the balloon for every flight and serving as a guide to interpret the surroundings.
A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure
40335 Winchester Road Suite E PMB#226
Temecula, CA 92591
951-699-9987
hotairtours.com
Jump off a bridge the smart way: with a harness. Jumping with a bungee is a rush not for the faint of heart or those with a fear of heights. Extremethings.com takes adventurers to Azusa, California, for bridge jumping excursions every weekend. The tour begins in the Angeles National Forest, where participants hike for about two hours through the forest, fording deep streams before reaching the bridge. Participants can sign up for a single jump, or try multiple jumps, up to five jumps in one session.
Make like a cowboy and ride the trails through the canyons and ridges in the gorgeous Gaviota coastline The Gaviota coast is a glorious place for horseback riding, with its miles of trails and peaceful verdure. For a guided tour, including information about history and wildlife, Kijubi.com can provide gentle horses and helpful guides for about an hour.
This is the ultimate marine thrill. Shark diving is getting beyond the discovery shows and living the dare from within a steel cage. See Great White sharks, Blue sharks, Makos, Hammerheads and Tiger sharks feeding off the coast of Guadalupe Island. Tours last for five days, including a 22-hour boat ride from the San Diego coast to the island. The trip includes instruction, equipment, a practice dive and bait: a near-guarantee of shark sightings. Other marine life is typically plentiful during both the boat ride and the dives. This experience is only for certified open-water scuba divers in good physical condition. A trip like this costs some money, so be prepared to pay up for this adventure of a lifetime.
