NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Defy Gravity with BANDALOOP in Oakland
Oakland invites adventurers to dance on air with BANDALOOP, a world-famous vertical dance company with choreography combining aerial performance with rock climbing and cityscape playgrounds. Classes and intensives for all levels are held at their studio, ending with breathtaking downtown performances. Participants can learn to leap, spin and flow mid-air while suspended on a tall building.
Bike, Hike & Swim in San Francisco
Just a ferry ride from San Francisco’s Argonaut Hotel, Angel Island promises an exhilarating bike or hike to Mount Livermore’s summit with panoramic bay views. Guests can also cool off with a brisk swim at Aquatic Park Cove. Complimentary bikes make accessing these local thrills easy. It’s a quick, active adventure ideal for high-energy explorers.
Ride the Amador Center Railroad Through Gold Country
Amador’s Rail Explorers offer a pedal-powered journey through Gold Country’s scenic and historic landscapes. These electric-assist railbikes cruise an 8-mile route along the 1904-built Amador Center Railroad. Along the way, trace paths once traveled by gold miners, blending history, nature and family-friendly fun.
Premier Whitewater Rafting in Tuolumne
The Tuolumne River, praised as California’s top rafting river, delivers heart-racing Class V rapids in a pristine wilderness setting. This wild and scenic river offers expert-guided rafting experiences for adrenaline seekers. Each outfitter provides a unique journey, blending adventure with the natural beauty of the region.
Conquer Rapids and Cliffs in One Epic Adventure in El Dorado County
El Dorado County offers adrenaline-pumping thrills on both water and rock. Ride the Class III rapids of the South Fork American River, where highlights like Troublemaker and Satan’s Cesspool rush past historic gold rush trails and scenic vistas, ending with a calm float into Folsom Lake. Nearby, climbers flock to Lover’s Leap near Strawberry for its dramatic granite cliffs, multi-pitch traditional routes and bouldering areas like Hogsback and the Main Formation.
Climb Mammoth Mountain on a Guided Via Ferrata
Mammoth Mountain’s Via Ferrata lets climbers of all skill levels scale rugged cliffs under expert guidance. Starting with a gondola ride to McCoy Station, climbers take on customized routes and breathtaking heights. Afterward, enjoy stunning vistas from the summit or descend by gondola for another look.
The Sierra Nevada’s Rubicon Trail: The Pinnacle of Off-Road Adventure
The Rubicon Trail is a 22-mile off-road route through the Sierra Nevada, known as the “crown jewel” of off-highway trails. Starting in Georgetown and ending near Lake Tahoe, it’s a challenging journey over rugged terrain, boulders and historic paths. Adventurers must rely on skill, endurance and preparation.
Off-Road Adventures at Redding’s Chappie-Shasta
Redding’s Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Area features 52,000 acres of rugged terrain for dirt biking, ATVing and 4x4 adventures. Visitors ride through scenic trails with epic views of Mt. Shasta and Shasta Lake. The terrain ranges from beginner-friendly routes to technical challenges, ideal for all levels. Visit in winter for muddy fun or in summer for golden sunset rides. After a day in the dirt, locals recommend swapping stories at a Redding brewery.
Yosemite Mariposa County: Skydives, Summits & Off-Road Thrills
Yosemite Mariposa County delivers heart-pounding adventures on land, water and in the sky. Skydive Yosemite offers tandem jumps from up to 14,000 ft with unmatched views of waterfalls, sequoias and Yosemite Valley. Climbers can scale iconic granite faces like El Capitan, while rafters take on Class IV rapids on the Merced River, and mountain bikers hit 700 acres of rugged terrain at Exchequer Mountain Bike Park. For a wilder experience, Yosemite Adventure Company leads off-road tours through Sierra National Forest in Jeeps, UTVs or snow-track vehicles during winter.
Scenic Rafting and Fishing Escapes in Modesto
Modesto’s outdoor adventures include rafting on the Stanislaus River and fishing in pristine reservoirs. Sunshine Rafting offers self-guided rafting through gentle rapids, perfect for families and beginners. Kayakers can explore the peaceful waters, while anglers can cast for trout and bass at Modesto and Woodward reservoirs. Summer adds fireworks to the mix during 4th of July celebrations. Modesto combines calm-water thrills with natural beauty and small-town charm.
Epic Outdoor Adventures in North Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe is a haven for adrenaline lovers, thanks to its mountainous terrain and stunning natural scenery. With Tahoe Adventure Company, explore the region through kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing and hiking. For a one-of-a-kind experience, try the Tahoe Via Ferrata course — an accessible mix of climbing and hiking that scales an 800-foot cliff. The area's combination of natural beauty and exciting challenges makes it a top destination for adventure seekers.
Soar to New Heights in Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley Skydiving near Morgan Hill delivers the highest tandem skydive in California, offering a breathtaking freefall experience for thrill seekers. With over 25 years of experience, expert instructors ensure every leap is both safe and unforgettable.
CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Buellton’s Big Thrills in Wine Country
Buellton delivers big thrills with stunning views. At Highline Adventures, race down California’s fastest and longest zipline, or tackle the treetop adventure park’s challenging rope bridges and ladders. For a more relaxed but rewarding excursion, hike to the picturesque 80-foot Nojoqui Falls along a short, shady trail.
Monterey’s MotoFest & Scenic Motorcycle Ride
In Monterey, gearheads can join The Quail Ride, a 100-mile motorcycle journey through the peninsula with exclusive laps at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on May 16. This limited-entry event includes meals and a ride with motorsport legend Troy Lee. The following day, The Quail MotoFest brings live music, food, a beer garden and hundreds of motorcycles on display, making it a must for motorsport fans and families alike.
Nature Thrills in the Central Coast’s Atascadero
Atascadero blends adrenaline with nature in a relaxed yet exciting way. Margarita Adventures offers treetop zipline tours, rugged off-road trips and scenic hikes through vineyards. Visitors can also try rock climbing and explore the area’s natural terrain.
Diverse Adventures in Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is a haven where visitors can ride ATVs on Oceano Dunes, mountain bike the Pismo Preserve or surf near the iconic pier. Paddle through sea caves, horseback ride along the beach or watch breaching whales from the shore. All these activities are within a few miles of each other to experience.
Soar, Ride & Surf in San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo County (SLO CAL) is full of high-adrenaline thrills across land, air and sea. Fly in a WWII open-cockpit biplane with Banner Airways, float above vineyards at sunrise with Balloons Over Paso or fly above the waves in Morro Bay on an e-foil board. For off-road enthusiasts, Pacific Adventure Tours offers Hummer rides through the Oceano Dunes for an extreme and unforgettable ride.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Big Bear Lake: Mountain Playground of Champions
At 7,000 feet, Big Bear Lake is Southern California’s alpine epicenter for adventure. This former X Games host is packed with action — from off-roading and ziplining to world-class biking and trail running. The city will host the 2025 USA Cycling Gravity National Championships (July 31- Aug. 3) and Tour de Big Bear (Aug. 1-3) in one epic weekend. The HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons (Oct. 10-11) challenge even elite runners, while Big Bear Speedway offers family-friendly kart racing.
Zip Through Catalina Island with Breathtaking Views
Catalina Island's top-rated Zip Line Eco Tour offers two hours of adrenaline-packed excitement as you soar across five zip lines at speeds up to 35 mph. Starting 600 feet above Descanso Beach Club, the tour delivers incredible ocean vistas and a thrilling descent through eucalyptus groves. Guides share insights on Catalina’s unique flora and fauna, including over 60 endemic species.
Buena Park’s Knott’s Berry Farm and Soak City
Buena Park is an adrenaline paradise, home to Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City Waterpark. Face the towering 312-foot Supreme Scream, dive into HangTime’s 96-degree drop and race down the seven-story Shore Break water slide. With extreme roller coasters and pulse-pounding slides, this destination is a thrill seeker's dream.
Coasters and Cliffs at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita’s Six Flags Magic Mountain delivers nonstop thrills with record-breaking rides like Twisted Colossus, Tatsu, X2 and the world’s tallest single-rail coaster, WONDER WOMAN™ Flight of Courage. Off the rails, the rugged terrain invites rock climbing and off-roading with sweeping views. Whether on the rides or in nature, Santa Clarita is packed with ways to push your limits. It’s a hot spot for coaster fanatics and outdoor adventurers alike.
Run, Ride & Feel the Rush in San Diego
San Diego packs a double dose of adrenaline with the SoCal Triple Crown race series and the high-speed thrills at SeaWorld. Runners can tackle the Carlsbad Marathon (Jan. 18, 2026), GOVX San Diego Half Marathon and America’s Finest City Half Marathon (Aug. 17), each offering scenic coastal views, lively downtown routes, and festive finish lines with music and cheering crowds. At SeaWorld, thrill seekers will find extreme coasters like Arctic Rescue, the West Coast’s fastest straddle coaster, and Emperor, California’s tallest and fastest dive coaster. Journey to Atlantis returns with a new mythical adventure, while Shipwreck Rapids delivers splash-filled fun.
Spin and Soar to New Heights in Irvine
Irvine is a haven for adrenaline junkies with thrilling rides and serene sky views. At Boomers Park, “Tilt N Shout” sends riders 60 feet high while spinning at a 25-degree angle, hitting 2.5 G’s. Switch gears with the Great Park Balloon, offering a peaceful ascent 400 feet above the city. The mix of high-speed rides and panoramic views makes Irvine a unique spot for thrill seekers.
Oceanside Sky-High Drops & Ocean Thrills
Oceanside delivers nonstop adventure from sea to sky, making it a coastal thrill zone like no other. Dive into excitement with Go Jump Oceanside’s skydives featuring panoramic ocean views, or take a scenic ride with Waverider Helicopter Tours. At Oceanside Harbor, soar with Top Gun Parasail or enjoy jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking and whale-watching tours — especially during the California Gray Whale migration.
Thrill-Packed Escapes in Long Beach
Long Beach offers adrenaline-pumping activities for every kind of thrill seeker. Jet across the ocean to Catalina Island with Jetski2Catalina, swimming and snorkeling along the way, or book a luxurious helicopter tour with Maverick Helicopters for coastal and Hollywood views. Try a unique drive in a Polaris Slingshot from Adrenaline Rush Los Angeles or solve eerie puzzles at PanIQ Room escape experience downtown. For sky-high views, soar 800 feet with California Parasail over the Pacific.