My Mom and I have always wanted to go hot air ballooning so on one of her visits to see me in California we decided to have an adventure. I had already been sky diving so the idea of going up in the air in a basket didn’t scare me one bit but I know for some it can be scary. If you are on the fence on whether or not to go hot air ballooning let me say what a peaceful experience it was. It felt like we were gently gliding through the air and it was such a relaxing experience. The views are incredible and it really is an incredible adventure.
Originally I was interested in doing a sunset ride because the idea of getting up before the sun did not sound fun to me. I also loved the idea of watching the sunset from a hot air balloon. We picked the California Dreamin’ company because they offer both a sunrise and sunset balloon ride. The sunrise balloon ride takes place in Temecula and the sunset ride takes place near Del Mar. Weather conditions play a huge role in whether or not an air balloon ride with be enjoyable or safe. On the dates that my mom was visiting between my work schedule and the weather conditions we were unable to make a sunset ride work. So we ended up booking a sunrise balloon ride which meant we got up around 3:30am. It was November when we went so we made sure to layer up before we left. If you are not familiar with Southern California weather you will at least want a light jacket for the sunrise and sunset rides as it will be cool.
It was so dark when we got to Temecula and there are not many street lights so it was a bit difficult finding the our check in location. Be sure to leave early so that you have extra time in case you get lost. We checked in and got into a van to head over to where the balloon would leave from. Watching the process of the balloon rising is really cool and be ready to take a lot of pictures. For the particular balloon that we were in there were four compartments that held two people comfortably. The pilot was in the middle and I was very surprised by how spacious it felt considering the baskets are not huge. Our pilot was very friendly and informative and kept his ground crew informed on where the wind was taking us. The van that dropped us off tries to figure out where we will land based on the information the pilot provides so that they can be there to help detach the balloon from the basket when we land and give us a ride back to our cars.
We had a gorgeous view of mountains and a lake and it was really fun to see quite a few others balloons out as well. If you would like to see some of the videos I took from our balloon look for the youtube links below. I spent so much time looking down at the ground and it didn’t make me feel nervous or sick. I just kept thinking this is so cool over and over again. In Southern California we are so blessed to have pretty great weather year round which means that hot air ballooning happens year round. This means that you can decide to go on a whim or after planning for it for a while. California Dreamin’ costs $148 M-F or $168 S-S and advanced reservations are required. Tipping your pilot is encouraged but not required just make sure to have some cash on you if you think you would like to tip. If you have any questions on hot air ballooning just ask below.
For more information on California Dreamin’ please visit: http://www.californiadreamin.com/balloon_rides/index.html
Hot Air Balloon Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwQTwn0nvWE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wrjYv9lrLk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqWGtnD3mHQ
I have always wanted to do this. Fun!
I am afraid of heights! The only activity I do high up is ziplining which for some reason I am not afraid. Hot Air Balloons scare me though lol
I went hot air ballooning once and loved it. We were in a balloon race. So amazing!
I have always wanted a ride in a hot air balloon it must be truly magical and perfect for a photoshoot too!
I have always loved seeing the hot air balloons both in the sky and on the ground. They look so very proud. I however, would never go in one because of my scare of heights.
I am not brave enough to ride in a hot air balloon. I live in Albuquerque NM and we have a balloon fiesta with 500 balloons every year.
Wow, what a great view! I always wanted to do this!
It’s really a memorable experience. I’ve never had the chance to ride a hot air balloon before, but I can imagine the excitement!
I really want to try this it looks really fun activity.
I have always wanted to go hot air ballooning! It looks awesome!
This is something that I was always so scared to do… but at the same time, always wanted to try – such nice views!
This is something I definitely plan on doing at some point. It sounds incredible!
This is something on my bucket list – a bit down on but on it none the list. Great post!
What a wonderful experience. I have always wanted to ride a hot air balloon. I hope I can do this someday.
I don’t know if I’d ever have the guts to do that. It sounds simply amazing, but I’m such a chicken, lol.
I’ve only been in a hot air balloon for a tether ride! Now I need to do the real thing!
I haven’t tried to ride with hot air balloon, bu it looks so fun!
awww, how fun and cool! I’ve been dreaming to get on a hot air balloon.
I’ve seen them rise and fly. I”ve never been in one though. :)
We got an annual Hot Air Balloon Expo in our country every summer, but unfortunately I haven’t attended one. I wish I could pay a visit one time
I was on vacation in Scottsdale once and went on a balloon ride of the desert! It was pretty sweet!