Booking a helicopter tour is the easy part. Figuring out what to actually wear? That’s where most people get stuck, especially if it’s your first time in the air. The good news: dressing for a helicopter ride over San Francisco isn’t complicated, but a few smart choices will make the flight much more comfortable (and your photos much better).
Here’s what to know before you head to the Mill Valley Seabase for your flight.
Dress in Layers
San Francisco Bay weather changes quickly, and it’s usually cooler in the air than on the ground. Even on a warm day, the temperature can drop once you’re up over the water. A light jacket or pullover you can take on or off is the easiest way to stay comfortable no matter what the sky is doing that day.
If you’re booked on the Sunset Champagne Helicopter Tour, this matters even more. It flies during golden hour, when temperatures dip, so a layer is worth packing even in summer.
Closed-Toe Shoes Are the Way to Go
Flip-flops and sandals aren’t ideal for boarding or exiting a helicopter. Closed-toe shoes give you better footing on the tarmac and keep things simple when you’re getting in and out. Sneakers or comfortable flats work great; save the heels for after the flight.
Skip Loose Scarves, Hats, and Statement Jewelry
Helicopters are breezy by nature, especially near the doors before takeoff. Loose scarves, floppy hats, and anything that could blow off are best left in the car. Simple, secure accessories are your friend here. If you want a hat for photos on the ground, that’s perfect; don’t plan on wearing it mid-flight.
Dress for the Camera, Not Just the Flight
Flying over the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco skyline means you’re going to want photos, and you’ll be looking at them for years. A few tips:
- Solid colors and simple patterns photograph better against the sky and water than busy prints.
- Sunglasses help with glare, but pack them in a pocket you can access easily. Polarized lenses can occasionally interact oddly with cockpit windows in photos, so consider snapping a few with them off.
- If you’re celebrating something (an anniversary, a proposal, a birthday), a small pop of color or a nice outfit goes a long way in the photos you’ll want to keep.
Planning a Proposal or a Date Night in the Air?
If you’re booking the Sunset Champagne Helicopter Tour for a proposal or a romantic evening, it’s worth dressing a notch above your everyday flight outfit. Think “nice dinner” rather than “hiking trip.” You’ll be sipping Gloria Ferrer champagne, watching the sky change color over Sausalito and the Bay, and very likely taking the kind of photos that end up framed on a wall. Comfortable, but a little dressed up, is the sweet spot.
What You Don’t Need to Worry About
Unlike some adventure flights, you don’t need special gear, helmets, or safety suits for these tours. Seaplane Adventures’ helicopter tours are fully enclosed and comfortable, so normal, weather-appropriate clothing is really all you need. No need to overthink it.
Ready to Book Your Flight?
Now that you know what to wear, the only thing left is picking your tour. Whether it’s the golden-hour romance of the Sunset Champagne Helicopter Tour or the classic sights on the Golden Gate Helicopter Adventure, Seaplane Adventures flies out of the Mill Valley Seabase, just ten minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge.
Book your helicopter tour here or call 415-332-4843.