Since first established in 1928, Gliderport has become an important facility with a prestigious history―it's an official San Diego Landmark that once served as the training ground for aviation great Charles Lindbergh. Today, Gliderport offers thrills for thousands of people wanting to experience the excitement of hang gliding or paragliding at one of the oldest, most established facilities in the United States, if not the world.

Perched above the difficult-to-reach Blacks Beach where nakes (naturists) and surfers hang ten or just hang, Gliderport sits next to the renowned Torrey Pines Golf Club where famous golfers tee off for PGA tournaments.  As a television broadcast shows the golf ball gliding through the air, in the background you'll sometimes can see hang gliders departing Gliderport next door!

The Torrey Pines Gliderport is one of America's oldest active gliderports. Many local sailplane pilots became known through countless hours spent soaring and training at Torrey Pines. In 1939, the Torrey Pines Gliderport was dedicated to the Youth of California by San Diego Mayor P. J. Benbough. 

During World War II, a lease with the City of San Diego for the Torrey Pines Gliderport was surrendered so that the U. S. Army could establish Camp Callan, an anti aircraft artillery training facility. Over 40,000 troops  used the area for gunnery training and practice. At the end of the war and the closing of Camp Callan, glider enthusiasts began hosting annual glider contests at Torrey Pines with over 30,000 spectators attending.  By the early 1970s, Torrey Pines was a hang gliding Mecca.

Gliderport is a shared facility that includes hang gliding, paragliding, scale models and sailplane flight.  Full scale sailplanes fly only during the windy months of the year between February and April. The models, hang gliders, and paragliders fly all year around. Flight rules are enforced by the local Flight Director and Concessionaire to maintain safety for pilots in the air and spectators on the ground.

In 1991, the National Soaring Museum dedicated the entire Torrey Pines Gliderport as a National Soaring Landmark and the California Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places in 1993 also added it to their inventory.  

Operated through Air California Adventures, Inc. & Torrey Pines Gliderport, certified under the guidelines of the United States Hang Gliding Association (USHGA), the company  provides instruction, certification, tandem flights, equipment sales, adventure tours and repair services. Location: 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla CA 92037 - USA. Call: (858) 452-9858. flytorrey.com

La Jolla Hotels are desirable for the most part because of their charmed location. La Jolla is considered the upscale portion of San Diego, and there are more than a few reasons. Beautiful vistas, a Torrey Pines preserve, gliderport and beaches all make this destination sought after. Weddings, anniversaries and family gatherings are all popular events hosted by individuals and corporate groups in La Jolla.

Some excellent choices for hotels range from upscale spa accommodations and affordable chain, business style hotel. On the upscale end of things, check the pricey, luxurious Hotel Parisi or The Lodge at Torrey Pines. The Lodge at Torrey Pines sits at the edge of a beautiful golf course, one of the nation's top ranked courses for public play at Torrey Pines. Equally popular hotels include ocean view options such as Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, which also sits on the golf course. Further down the road in the shopping district are great hotel choices such as The Grande Colonial, La Valencia Hotel and  Hotel La Jolla At The Shores.

In the affordable range guests find the chain hotels recognized as two and three diamond budget to mid-range are  Best Western Inn by the Sea, Holiday Inn Express La Jolla and Travelodge La Jolla Beach.

La Jolla has grown into its own as a business center and as such, several freeway close hotels within the office parks region include Embassy Suites Hotel La Jolla and Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine along La Jolla Village Drive.