Nothing beats floating peacefully above stunning landscapes while sipping champagne at sunrise. Hot air ballooning offers a unique perspective that transforms ordinary scenery into breathtaking panoramas. Whether you’re planning a romantic proposal, celebrating an anniversary, or simply want to tick an item off your bucket list, these seven destinations are the best places to go on a hot air balloon ride in the US.
Napa Valley, California
Wine country takes on new meaning when you drift above endless vineyards at dawn. Napa Valley’s rolling hills create perfect thermals for smooth flights, while the patchwork of green vines below tells the story of America’s premier wine region.
If you planned an outdoor wedding, start your weekend with a hot air balloon ride. Magic awaits in every part of California.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Every October, Albuquerque transforms into the hot air balloon capital of the world during the International Balloon Fiesta. Hundreds of colorful balloons fill the desert sky in the largest gathering of its kind. Even outside festival season, the high desert climate creates ideal flying conditions year-round. The Rio Grande bosque and Sandia Mountains provide stunning backdrops that photographers dream about.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona’s red rock formations create one of the most dramatic balloon experiences in America. The towering sandstone pillars and deep canyons look even more magnificent from above, with colors that shift from deep crimson to golden orange as sunlight hits the rocks. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Oak Creek Canyon sprawl beneath you like a natural art gallery.
Asheville, North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Mountains offer a completely different ballooning experience, with dense forests and misty peaks creating an almost mystical atmosphere. Fall brings spectacular foliage that paints the mountains in brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. Spring flights reveal waterfalls cascading down mountainsides and wildflowers blooming across meadows. The Appalachian terrain provides gentle winds and stunning photo opportunities.
Park City, Utah
This mountain resort town delivers year-round beauty from above. Summer flights showcase green valleys dotted with wildflowers and crystal-clear mountain lakes. Winter ballooning offers the rare chance to float over snow-covered peaks and frozen landscapes that sparkle like diamonds. The contrast between the warm basket and cold mountain air creates an invigorating experience you’ll never forget.
Temecula, California
Southern California’s wine country provides a gentler alternative to Napa Valley’s crowds. Rolling hills covered in vineyards stretch toward distant mountains, creating perfect balloon weather and gorgeous scenery. The Mediterranean-style climate means you can fly comfortably almost any time of year. Many operators combine flights with wine tastings, making this an ideal romantic getaway.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The Grand Tetons create one of America’s most dramatic balloon backdrops. These jagged peaks rise directly from the valley floor, creating spectacular contrasts between pastoral ranch land and towering mountain walls. Wildlife spotting from above adds excitement to the experience—elk, moose, and even bears occasionally appear in the meadows below.
Ready for Takeoff
Hot air ballooning combines adventure with serenity in ways few activities can match. Each destination offers unique landscapes and experiences, from desert sunrises to mountain vistas to vineyard valleys. Book your flight and prepare for your first ride. We guarantee that once you’re up in the air, you’ll start planning your next takeoff before you even land.
