The Best Places to Skydive in the US

Key Takeaways

Where is the best place to skydive in the USA? We provide a list of some of the best places to skydive in US – from coast to coast! Each skydiving center has unique benefits, exciting airplanes, scenic views, and amazing staff. This is a breakdown of the best skydiving locations in the US. 

Does DZ Size Matter? 

One of the first things people look at when considering where to skydive is the size of the skydiving center – is it a hole in the wall, or a big operation? Small and mid-sized dropzones (DZs) are preferred by many for a more memorable and personalized experience … which we think is pretty critical for a moment like jumping from an airplane for the first time! 

Here’s why we dig small and mid-sized DZs:

• More personalized attention. Fewer jumpers means the instructors can focus on you, answering questions, and easing nerves. 

• A more relaxed atmosphere. Smaller dropzones tend to have less commotion – making them the best spot for those with inevitable pre-jump jitters. 

• A more scenic location. Small dropzones don’t need as much space! This means they can squeeze into stunning spots (like the gorgeous Florida Keys!) that aren’t able to house larger operations.

How Do We Pick Good Places To Skydive? 

Can we all agree that a small to mid-sized dropzone is where it’s at? Cool. Here are a few more considerations when deciding on the best places for skydiving in USA: 

• Location. What else is there to do in the area? 

• Aircraft. What type of plane(s) do they fly? Can they accommodate larger groups even if they have a smaller aircraft? 

• Are they a USPA Group Member Dropzone? The United States Parachute Association (USPA) is one of the primary governing bodies for skydivers and skydiving centers. The USPA provides Basic Safety Requirements that Group Members Dropzones must follow. Although non-Group Members may choose to follow these rules, they aren’t required to follow them. USPA Group Member Dropzones are required to maintain a culture of safety in everything they do, making it a pretty important factor to consider! 

So, which DZ’s are the best? Let’s dive in. 

Southeast Dropzones

Skydive Key West 

Our top choice for skydiving in the Southeast is, obviously, Skydive Key West! But come on … have you seen our views? Have you felt our vibes? Our dropzone offers an unreal birdseye view of the turquoise waters of the Gulf and surrounding islands, making our DZ a truly stunning skydiving destination. And it’s not just us! We’re frequently included on lists of the most scenic places to skydive.

• How’s the location? Great! Key West is a tourist attraction in itself. We are minutes away from Duval Street, Mallory Square, and soooo many food and drink options. Plus, the beach! 
• Plane? We fly the classic skydiving airplane: Cessna-182. Our plane fits four people – meaning you and one of your besties can ride up together. 
• USPA Group Member? Yes, of course! 

Skydive Carolina

Skydive Carolina is a great place to make your first jump! As a part of their media package, they offer still photos, which are taken on legit DSLR cameras, not GoPros or action cameras. This is unique to the industry! 

• How’s the location? Although not as nifty as Key West, Chester, SC is just an hour from Charlotte, NC and just over an hour from Greenville, SC and Columbia, SC. Centrally located!
• Plane? Skydive Carolina operates a Super Caravan, which fits around 14 people and gets to 13,500 feet in about 12 minutes! 
• USPA Group Member? Yes. 

East Coast Dropzones

Skydive Cross Keys 

Skydive Cross Keys is located in New Jersey. They’re known as the happiest DZ on the east coast and live up to that standard, welcoming first-timers and experienced skydivers. 

• How’s the location? Skydive Cross Keys is located around 30 minutes from Philly – the location is gold! 
• Plane? Skydive Cross Keys operates a Caravan and often has specialty aircraft, like helicopters, for their famous Fourth of July Boogie. 
• USPA Group Member? Yes. 

Skydive Orange 

Skydive Orange proudly offers one of the best solo skydiving training programs in the world! 

• How’s the location? Skydive Orange is less than two hours from our nation’s capitol, making it the perfect day trip for those visiting the DC area. 
• Plane? Skydive Orange proudly flies a Twin Otter – perfect for large groups looking to ride up in the plane together! 
• USPA Group Member? Yes. 

Northeast Dropzones

Skydive New England

Skydive New England has it all. There are comfy spots on the lawn to spectate, a stocked gear store, and an on-site restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat before or after your jump.

• How’s the location? Skydive New England is located an hour and a half from Boston and a half hour to Portsmouth. This means, yes, you have views of the Atlantic as you skydive – ah! 
• Plane? Skydive New England operates a Blackhawk Caravan – it has an engine that makes the flight up incredibly quick. 
• USPA Group Member? Yes. 

WNY Skydiving 

WNY Skydiving offers big thrills with a small-town feel, making it perfect for all types of skydivers. 

• How’s the location? WNY Skydiving has a 10/10 location – they’re an hour to Niagara Falls! 
• Plane? WNY Skydiving operates two Cessna 182s and a Caravan! 
• USPA Group Member? Yes.

Midwest Dropzones

Skydive STL

If you’re looking for one of the coolest places to skydive in the US, look no further. With views of the Gateway Arch (which is a National Park!) and a happening city just below, Skydive STL has it all. Like us, Skydive STL caters exclusively to tandem skydivers, meaning, you’re the star of the show.

• How’s the location? Skydive STL is just a short drive from St. Louis! 
• Plane? Skydive STL flies a Cessna 182, just like us! 
• USPA Group Member? Yes. 

Skydive Chicago 

Skydive Chicago is home to Summerfest – THE 8-day long skydiving boogie! Skydive Chicago offers the best of the best for first-time skydivers, experienced jumpers, and those looking to learn how to skydive solo. They have a swimming pond, tiki bar, and tons of space for hanging out and spectating. What is the skydiving capital of the US? We aren’t sure about the entire country, but Skydive Chicago is known in the community as the Mecca of Skydiving! 

• How’s the location? Skydive Chicago is 90 minutes from downtown Chi-town! 
• Plane? Skydive Chicago flies 3 Twin Otters, 2 Skyvans, 3 Caravans, and a trusty Cessna-182! They have it ALL, see why they’re dubbed as the skydiving resort?  
• USPA Group Member? Yes. 

West Coast Dropzones

Skydive Snohomish

Located in stunning Washington state, Skydive Snohomish is a family-owned and operated DZ. Although considered mid-sized, they’re on the larger side with a great restaurant on-site, hot showers, and a beautiful campground. 

• How’s the location? SkySno is an hour from Seattle! Want to see the Space Needle and skydive on the same day? This is the dropzone for you. The dropzone is surrounded by the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges. 
• Plane? Skydive Snohomish flies a Grand Caravan and a Cessna-182.
• USPA Group Member? Yes.

Skydive California 

Sunny skies and coastal charm make Skydive California a favorite destination among experienced skydivers and first-timers. 

• How’s the location? Located in sunny California and just two hours from Yosemite National Park, this DZ is a great place for big adventure. 
• Plane? Skydive California operates a Cessna Caravan and a Cessna-182 (like us!). 
• USPA Group Member? Yes. 

Ready to Jump? 

From the Atlantic to Pacific, small and mid-sized dropzones are where it’s at! If you don’t know where to start, start with us! Book today!