Best Places to Go Skydiving in the U.S. and the World

Skydiving is about more than the jump! It’s about the view, the vibe, and the memories you make. Whether you’re a first-time tandem student or a licensed skydiver chasing the highs, where you jump can make all the difference. If you’re searching for the best place to skydive, you’re in the right spot. 

Several excellent skydiving dropzones exist across the U.S., offering unique experiences. Every skydiving dropzone offers something a little different. Some are known for their breathtaking views, others for their high-performance aircraft or welcoming communities. With so many skydiving locations out there, how do you pick the right one?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the best places for skydiving in the world and across the US, explain what separates good skydiving spots from great ones, and share tips to help you choose the perfect place for your next jump.

What Makes a Great Skydiving Spot?

Not all skydiving centers are created equal, and that’s a good thing! The right dropzone for you depends on what kind of experience you’re after. Here are a few key factors that set top-rated skydiving places apart:

Aircraft Quality & Altitude

The type of plane can have a huge impact on your experience. Turbine aircraft (like a King Air or Twin Otter) typically climb faster and higher than piston-powered planes, which means more altitude and longer freefall. If that’s important to you, ask the dropzone about their aircraft and typical jump altitude before you book.

Scenic Views

If you’re traveling or looking to check something off your bucket list, the view might be your top priority. Coastal jumps, mountain landscapes, and iconic skylines all offer different types of wow-factor. If you’re staying local, look for a reputable dropzone within driving distance that still offers a great view and a strong safety record.

USPA Membership & Safety Standards

In the United States, it’s a good idea to choose a skydiving center that’s a member of the United States Parachute Association (USPA) – like Skydive Monroe! They follow strict safety guidelines and engage only highly-trained, USPA-rated instructors. That’s peace of mind, especially if it’s your first time skydiving. (Learn more about what it means to be a USPA dropzone.) If you’re planning a jump outside of the US, check whether the center is affiliated with a national skydiving body.

The People & Atmosphere

The skydiving community is known for being welcoming, but each dropzone has its own personality and vibe. Some are laid-back and social, while others cater more to experienced skydivers or teams. If you’re planning to learn to skydive or stick around for a while, it’s worth visiting or calling ahead to see if the culture feels like a good fit.

Training Options & Progression

Thinking about making skydiving a hobby? Some skydiving centers offer advanced student training programs – like Accelerated Freefall (AFF) – to help you move toward flying solo. If that’s your goal, ask about their progression structure, instructor experience, and whether they support new jumpers beyond the initial course.

Reputation & Reviews

Take the time to read recent reviews and check the dropzone’s website and social media. Look for mentions of professionalism, clear communication, well-maintained gear, and a friendly environment. A few minutes of research can go a long way in finding a place where you’ll feel comfortable and supported.

What is the Best Place to Skydive in the US?

From coast to coast, the United States is home to some of the best skydiving centers in the world. Some are known for their jaw-dropping views, others for their training programs, altitude, or aircraft. Looking for the best place to go skydiving? Or wondering what the best state to go skydiving in is? We’ve got you covered – here are some of the top-rated skydiving spots across the country, organized by region.

SOUTHEAST

Skydive Monroe – Monroe, Georgia

Our favorite place on earth! Just outside Atlanta, we offer a super fast King Air aircraft, highly experienced instructors, and sweeping North Georgia views. Our staff is known for being welcoming and professional, making Skydive Monroe a great choice for first-time tandem students and aspiring solo jumpers alike.

Skydive Carolina – Chester, South Carolina

A popular southeastern dropzone with a rock solid reputation, Skydive Carolina runs turbine aircraft, offers AFF training, and regularly hosts skydiving events that draw jumpers from all over the country.

EAST COAST

Skydive Key West – Sugarloaf Key, Florida

Skydive Key West is a tandem-only dropzone that offers breathtaking views. With 30+ years of operation, seasoned instructors, an FAA‑certified mechanic on-site, and a perfect safety record, it’s paradise for first-timers and adrenaline junkies alike.

Skydive Z‑Hills (Skydive City) – Zephyrhills, Florida

This world-famous skydiving dropzone serves Tampa, St. Pete, and Orlando. Offering tandem, AFF, and sport jumps from 13,500 feet, Skydive City offers “Z‑Hills style” hospitality, a full-service skydiving resort vibe, and a perfect mix of first-time fun and experienced-jumper amenities.

NORTHEAST

Skydive New England – Lebanon, Maine

Located just outside Portland, Skydive New England operates turbine aircraft and offers both tandem jumps and AFF training. This skydiving dropzone is known for its vibrant community, beautiful wooded landscapes, popular events, and a welcoming vibe that draws jumpers from across the Northeast.

Long Island Skydiving Center – Shirley, New York

Located just outside New York City, Long Island Skydiving Center offers one of the most iconic perspectives available: skyline views of Manhattan paired with the beaches and ocean of Long Island. A great option for city-based adventurers.

MIDWEST

Wisconsin Skydiving Center – Jefferson, Wisconsin

A top-rated, family-owned dropzone between Milwaukee and Madison. Known for its exceptional hospitality, safety focus, and community vibe, Wisconsin Skydiving Center offers tandem skydiving and AFF training. A welcoming choice for first-timers and aspiring skydivers alike.

Chicagoland Skydiving Center – Rochelle, Illinois

This modern, well-maintained dropzone offers turbine aircraft, a large training program, and strong community support. With on-site food and a clean facility, Chicagoland Skydiving Center is one of the most polished operations in the region.

MOUNTAIN STATES

Mile-Hi Skydiving – Longmont, Colorado

Set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Mile-Hi Skydiving offers jumps from higher altitudes and longer freefall than most locations in the country. It’s the highest-elevation dropzone in the US, and the mountain views are spectacular!

Skydive Bend – Madras, Oregon

Central Oregon’s only skydiving dropzone – offering tandem jumps with spectacular views of the Cascades and high desert. Known for its sunny skies, friendly team, and smooth, professional experience, Skydive Bend is perfect for first-timers and adventure seekers.

SOUTHWEST

Skydive Arizona – Eloy, Arizona

The largest skydiving center in the United States, Skydive Arizona is a major destination for serious skydivers and teams. With multiple turbine aircraft, a desert landscape, and jumpable weather nearly year-round, it’s a top-tier facility for tandems, students, and pros alike.

Texas Skydiving – Lexington, Texas

A boutique dropzone on a scenic 100‑acre ranch, Texas Skydiving offers tandem and AFF training. Known for small-group attention, top-tier safety standards, and a laid-back country atmosphere (complete with free-roaming llamas!), it’s a memorable choice for both first-timers and aspiring solo jumpers.

WEST COAST

Skydive Perris – Perris, California

A Southern California institution, Skydive Perris offers an on-site wind tunnel, a large fleet of turbine aircraft, and a full range of training options. The dropzone regularly hosts events, boogies, and world-record attempts. It’s a favorite among experienced jumpers and newcomers alike.

Skydive Santa Barbara – Lompoc, California

Known for its peaceful coastal scenery, this skydiving spot lets you jump with the Pacific Ocean stretching out beneath you. The relaxed vibe and unique views make Skydive Santa Barbara a favorite among visitors looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Best Places for Skydiving in the World

Where in the world is the best place to skydive? We lucky skydivers are spoiled for epic choices that pair freefall with once-in-a-lifetime views – glaciers, deserts, oceans, and even Mount Everest! These destinations are consistently ranked among the best places to go skydiving on the planet.

Skydive Interlaken – Switzerland

Tucked between two alpine lakes and surrounded by the Swiss Alps, Skydive Interlaken offers one of the most scenic jump environments anywhere in the world. On clear days, you can see the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks from freefall. This is a favorite for travelers seeking a high-adrenaline experience in a picture-perfect setting.

Skydive Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Skydive Dubai is famous for its iconic Palm Dropzone, where jumpers exit over the man-made Palm Jumeirah islands with the Persian Gulf and city skyline below. It’s one of the most visually striking skydives in the world and a top pick for social media-worthy footage.

Skydive Franz Josef & Fox Glacier – New Zealand

New Zealand is known for natural beauty, and Skydive Franz & Fox delivers. This skydiving spot offers a rare combination of ocean, rainforest, and snow-capped mountains in a single skydive. It’s an ideal choice for adventure travelers visiting the South Island.

Everest Skydive – Nepal

For the ultimate skydiving challenge, there’s Everest Skydive! Jumpers exit from a high-altitude aircraft near the world’s tallest peak and land on a remote dropzone near the base of the Himalayas. This is an expedition-style experience designed for licensed skydivers and serious thrill-seekers.

Skydive Cape Town – South Africa

Cape Town’s coastal dropzone gives skydivers a view of Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the rugged South African coastline all in one jump. The striking geography and varied scenery make Skydive Cape Town one of the most photogenic skydives in the southern hemisphere.

Skydive Empuriabrava – Spain

Located on the Costa Brava, this dropzone offers views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees mountains. It’s also one of Europe’s most active skydiving centers, with experienced staff, events, and training facilities. The mild climate makes Skydive Empuriabrava accessible almost year-round.

Skydive Algarve – Portugal

Europe’s premier year‑round skydive destination, Skydive Algarve offers tandem and AFF jumps from up to 15,000 ft – giving you about a minute of freefall and stunning coastal views of the Algarve. This DZ combines fast turbine aircraft, multilingual, USPA/BPA‑certified instructors, and beach landings in paradise.

Planning Your Skydive at Skydive Monroe

If you’re looking for a well-rounded, welcoming, and professional place to make your first jump – or your hundredth – Skydive Monroe checks all the boxes, and we’re conveniently located just outside of Atlanta. Ready for an adventure? Book your tandem skydive with us today! Blue skies!