A helicopter tour is one of the most thrilling travel experiences America has to offer. Whether you're soaring over the rim of the Grand Canyon, watching Hawaiian waterfalls rush below you, or seeing the Manhattan skyline light up at night, helicopter tours give you a perspective on this country's beauty that no other experience can match. Here are the best helicopter tour destinations in the United States, ranked by experience, value, and popularity.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is the undisputed king of American helicopter tours. Over one mile deep and 277 miles long, the canyon is so vast that it can only truly be appreciated from the air. Helicopter tours depart from both Las Vegas (about 45 minutes away) and Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim. Las Vegas departure tours typically include a flight over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead before reaching the canyon, making them excellent value.
The most popular tours descend below the rim to the canyon floor, landing at a private terminal where passengers can enjoy the views up close before flying back out. Top operators include Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, Maverick Helicopters, and Grand Canyon Helicopters. Book early especially in spring and fall — tours sell out weeks in advance during peak season.
- Best time to go: March–May and September–November for mild temperatures
- Tour duration: 25–50 minutes in the air depending on package
- Weight limit: Most operators have a 300 lb per passenger limit
- Pro tip: Book the first flight of the day for the calmest air and best photography light
Hawaii — All Islands
Hawaii helicopter tours are in a class of their own. The islands' dramatic geography — volcanic craters, hidden waterfalls, sea cliffs, and lush valleys — was literally made for aerial exploration. Many of the most breathtaking spots in Hawaii are completely inaccessible by road and can only be seen from the air.
The Big Island offers flights over the active Kilauea volcano, where you can watch glowing lava flows from the helicopter window — one of the most spectacular natural sights on Earth. Kauai tours fly over the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and hundreds of waterfalls. Top operators: Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and Sunshine Helicopters.
- Best island for first-timers: Kauai for sheer scenic variety
- Best for volcano viewing: Big Island (Hawaii)
- Tour duration: 45–65 minutes typical
- Pro tip: Choose doors-off tours on Kauai for incredible photography
New York City, New York
New York City from the air is one of the most iconic views in the world. Tours depart from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport (Pier 6) and FDR Drive, flying over the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, and the entire Manhattan skyline. Night flights are particularly stunning as the city lights reflect off the Hudson and East Rivers.
NYC helicopter tours are shorter than most (12–18 minutes) due to strict FAA airspace rules over the city, but they pack in an extraordinary amount of scenery. FlyNYON offers doors-off tours with harness setups that are extremely popular with photographers. HeliNY and Liberty Helicopters are also top-rated operators.
- Best time: Night flights for the most dramatic views
- Tour duration: 12–20 minutes
- Pro tip: Book FlyNYON doors-off for photographers
- Note: Advance booking essential — tours sell out daily
Alaska Glaciers
Alaska helicopter tours offer the most raw and untouched scenery of any tour in the United States. Flights operate out of Juneau, Skagway, Anchorage, and other gateway cities, taking passengers over ancient glaciers, snow-capped mountain ranges, and wilderness that stretches to every horizon. Many tours include a glacier landing where passengers step out onto the ice — an experience unlike anything else in aviation tourism.
The Juneau Icefield tours are the most popular, flying over the massive Mendenhall Glacier and offering optional landings. Dog sled demonstrations on the glacier are available in summer. Top operators: NorthStar Trekking and Temsco Helicopters.
- Season: May through September only
- Tour duration: 1–2 hours with glacier landing
- Pro tip: Book glacier landing tours early — they sell out months in advance during cruise ship season
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the helicopter tour capital of America by volume — hundreds of tours depart daily from the Strip area. Purely Las Vegas Strip tours fly over the famous casinos and hotels at night for around $99–$149 per person. Combined Grand Canyon and Las Vegas tours are the most popular, departing at sunrise and combining a Strip flyover with a canyon landing package.
- Strip night tours: From $99 — great value for a unique Vegas experience
- Grand Canyon combo: From $299 — the most popular helicopter tour package in America
- Pro tip: Night tours of the Strip are best on weekends when all the lights are fully lit
✅ Tips for Booking Any Helicopter Tour
- Book directly with operators when possible to avoid third-party markup fees
- Check weight limits before booking — most operators have per-seat limits of 250–300 lbs
- Arrive 30 minutes early — tours have strict departure schedules and won't wait
- Dress in layers — it's often cooler at altitude than on the ground
- Secure loose items — hats, sunglasses, and anything loose can be dangerous near rotors
- Ask about photography — many operators have rules about camera equipment on board
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended — weather cancellations are common especially in Hawaii and Alaska
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Browse All Helicopter Tours →Frequently Asked Questions
Prices range widely by destination — Las Vegas Strip tours start around $99, while Grand Canyon combo tours typically start around $299. Longer, more remote tours like Alaska glacier flights can run considerably higher.
Yes. Most operators enforce per-seat weight limits of 250–300 lbs to stay within the aircraft's weight and balance limits — it's worth checking with the specific operator before booking if this could apply to you.
Weather cancellations are common, especially in Hawaii and Alaska. Most operators will rebook or refund, but travel insurance is strongly recommended if your tour is tied to a tight travel schedule.
Booking directly with the tour operator, when possible, typically avoids third-party markup fees and gives you more direct control if you need to reschedule.