FAQs

Very safe. David Bradley, the owner of California Dreamin’ Balloon Adventures, has been flying hot air balloons since he was a teenager in the Midwest. Over the decades, he logged more than 9,200 flight hours. He and his pilots are exceptionally well-trained, and California Dreamin’ follows rigorous safety standards. Learn more about how hot air balloons work in the FAA‘s guide.

What Does Flying in a Hot Air Balloon Feel Like?

Most first-timers are surprised by how smooth hot air balloon rides are once you’re in the air. Because a balloon moves with the breeze, there’s no jolting or “drop” sensation: just a slow ascent, a gorgeous view, and then a gentle descent, meaning even riders who typically experience motion sickness should feel fine during a hot air balloon ride. (CDC)

What Do You Wear on a Hot Air Balloon Ride?

Recommended attire is casual outdoor active wear, and a light jacket, sweatshirt or fleece pullover in cooler weather. Comfortable, small heels and closed toe outdoor footwear is highly recommended. Because the balloon burners radiate heat, we recommend that if you are over six feet tall or bald that you wear a hat or a cap. You may also bring a pair of sunglasses.

What Can I Bring on a Hot Air Balloon?

A camera and cell phone are a must, but all other personal possessions should be safely locked in your vehicle. Due to the sensitivity of hot air balloons to weight, we do not permit backpacks, purses, heavy coats, open-toed shoes, drones, or large recording/photography equipment.

How Does Bad Weather Affect Hot Air Balloon Rides?

Weather is the most important factor in ballooning. Balloon pilots are used to canceling flights when conditions aren’t perfect to make sure riders get the best possible experience. Cancellations, of course, come at no charge to passengers, and we’re usually able to fly the following day. That’s why it’s highly recommended to keep a couple of days open when making your balloon ride reservation. (NWS)

What Will I See on the Hot Air Balloon Ride?

From up in the sky, the world gets serenely quiet. You’ll look out over vineyards and low hills as the morning breaks over Temecula Valley, with a few other balloons likely dotting the horizon, drifting peacefully in the distance. It’s a rare kind of calm, looking down at the land stretching out beneath you.

Why Are Hot Air Balloon Flights So Early?

Flights are planned for sunrise for a few reasons. On one hand, that’s when the valley air is usually coolest and calmest. As the day warms, breezes tend to build up and become less predictable. On the other hand, early mornings create dramatic scenic moments, as the flame of the balloon is seen against the dark sky and riders can watch the landscape wake up in the sunrise. (UNR)

How Long Do Hot Air Balloon Rides Last?

From the time you leave your car until the time you return to your car, your adventure will usually last three to three and a half hours. This includes driving you to the launch site in one of our company vans, watching the inflation of the balloon, floating above Temecula Wine Country, and then, following a celebration after landing, we will drive you back to the meeting location.

We're Flying Over the Vindemia Winery?

That’s right! Vindemia Winery is where we meet to begin your sunrise adventure in Temecula. It is an exclusive private vineyard and winery nestled in the middle of Temecula Wine Country. We’re fortunate to have such a lovely setting for our meeting location, and riders will get to enjoy our sparkling wine and cider celebration after the flight. For a full tasting, come visit Saturday or Sunday between 11am and 5pm.

How Many People Will Fit on a Hot Air Balloon?

It depends! We have ten balloons: California Dreamin, Big Dreamin, Beauty, Go, Southcoast, Cowbell, Carter, Purple, Little Dreamin, and Vindemia. Our smallest hot air balloon accommodates between six and eight people, while our largest basket can hold up to fourteen. All of our baskets are large European design, and partitioned to give each passenger maximum comfort and visibility. For safety reasons, the maximum weight limit per person is 300 lbs.

Will it be Cool or Warm on a Temecula Hot Air Balloon Ride?

Temecula Valley offers some of California’s best ballooning weather. Typically, a hot air balloon will be just a bit warmer than the temperature on the ground. Wind chill is minimized since the balloon is traveling with the wind. If it’s cold out, all you’ll need is a light jacket or a sweater.

How High and Far Do Hot Air Balloons Travel?

Hot air balloons typically climb to around fifteen hundred feet above the earth, which is what makes the views so fantastic. From there, you’ll travel an average of three to seven miles across the valley, depending on the speed of the winds.

How do I Take the Best Pictures on a Hot Air Balloon Flight?

We fly at sunrise, so you’ll be able to shoot at the golden hour. Just make sure you clean your lens before takeoff and use landscape mode or a wide-angle setting. But here’s the most important tip: don’t accidentally spend the whole flight looking through a screen or viewfinder to get the perfect picture. Let this become an unforgettable memory by being fully present in the moment!

Do You Offer Hot Air Balloon Rides Near Los Angeles, San Diego, or Palm Springs?

Yes. Our roots in the area go back to Del Mar, but we have since moved our operations to Temecula, where conditions are better year-round. We are now located about an hour from San Diego and 90 minutes from Los Angeles and Palm Springs. If you are visiting any of those areas, Temecula Wine Country is an easy drive and a great addition to your trip. (Company History)

Do you have a liability waiver that I can read before my balloon flight?

Yes. Download or view the PDF here.