Diversity of landscape, weather and people are just a few reasons why California is at the top of every traveler’s list. Read on to find out why the Golden State is a destination to discover and rediscover.
When it’s time to choose a destination, we’re looking for places that feel exciting, that warrant discovery, that have come into their own and stepped onto the international scene. California is showing a dynamism that feels fresh and distinctive. According to Visit California, they’re expecting growth from international tourism. The state’s natural assets include diverse landscapes, like California’s famous beaches, mountains, deserts and lush forests.
If you had only one trip to experience fantastic views from a helicopter, California should definitely be at the top of your list. California has fueled people’s imagination for decades. Whether for its coastal landscapes, the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Yosemite National Park or its people, California has always earned a spot as a top destination on every traveller’s list.
As you’ll see with our California Dream expedition, we’re celebrating California’s abundant natural resources and rich heritage by pulling together everything you need to plan a fantastic helicopter trip. For those that may have visited the country previously, the view from a helicopter adds to the area’s unique charm and will make the adventure even more magical.
Regardless of your reason for travelling, no trip to California is complete without a stop to Los Angeles and San Francisco—2 of the 10 best cities to visit in the United States. Most Americans don’t realize how beautiful the coastal views from Los Angeles to San Franciso truly are. Los Angeles, its skyscrapers and the world-famous Hollywood Sign… Who has never dreamed of flying over Santa Barbara and Santa Monica, heading north all along the coast? With the sea on one side, the mountains on the other, and the sun above? This feels as close to heaven as you’ll find anywhere on Earth.
For golf enthusiasts, a quick flight will allow you to view the mythic Pebble Beach Golf Links from above on your way to San Francisco. And when you arrive in town (one of the 10 most visited cities in the United States), you just can’t miss flying over the famous Golden Gate Bridge.
Meet the grapes! With hundreds of wineries to taste from, your day trip—or stay trip—to Napa Valley promises to be full of flavor. Friends will enjoy unforgettable wine tastings, stunning views, and a behind-the-scenes tour of wine cellars and caves. This time, the views from a helicopter rank second, as nothing can compete with visiting the vineyards. While the Pilot in Command sadly won’t partake in any wine tasting, he may decide to show off his skills by landing directly in the fields. Jet set, you say?
Even adrenaline junkies can find their dream vacation in California. Just imagine being in a helicopter at 10,000 ft. altitude, crossing the famous Yosemite Park, and brushing against the famous Half Dome. Only a helicopter can deliver this kind of extreme experience!
Get you camera ready! Death Valley National Park is the lowest place in America (282 ft. below sea level) and the hottest place in summer. Still, the most beautiful images are taken from the ground, where you can capture some of the country’s most exotic landscapes, such as massive sand dunes, colorful eroded hills and salt flats.
In the spring, nights get a little warmer, which is perfect for practicing night photography, light painting and star trails. Known across America for its starry skies, this is an ideal rendezvous for photographers.
Since we’re not too far from Las Vegas, a short detour is a must. How could we not fly over the famous main street of the Las Vegas Strip? After a night at Las Vegas, let’s fly over the Hoover Dam and relive the experience of traveling down the Colorado River like Mr. Powell did back in 1869, all the way to Palm Springs.
Our last stop, Palm Springs is well known for its abundant sun and has been Hollywood’s desert playground for celebrities to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of showbiz.
As you can see, there’s something for everyone and there’s never been a better time to go.
As part of the series of meetings with helicopter industry leaders, today we had the chance to introduce you to Kurt Robinson, President of Robinson Helicopter Company.
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