HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES OVER NAPA VALLEY

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Riding a hot air balloon has been high on my bucket list for many years. I recently saw photos of people on a hot air balloon over Napa Valley and knew I had to do it. I had no idea this existed so close to San Francisco! I began my research to find the best option and found Napa Valley Aloft!!

V Marketplace

Tips Before Your Visit

  • Call for weather decision 1 hour prior to check in the morning of your flight (707) 935-9880.
  • Meeting location is at 5:45am at V Marketplace (6525 Washington Sreet, Yountville, CA 94599) located in Yountville. Coming from downtown San Francisco it was roughly an hour and 15 minutes with no traffic.
  • Coffee and pastries are provided, which I gladly enjoyed.
  • Wear appropriate clothing: casual clothing with layers to adjust weather temperatures accordingly. It gets quite warm during the flight. Pants, closed toe shoes, hats (not necessary), sunglasses and don’t forget your camera or selfie stick =)

Hot Air Balloon Ride

The Balloon Ride

The morning of our flight was a bit foggy in Yountville so they advised us we will be launching in Pope Valley which is 30 minutes away by shuttle. We were separated into 5 groups of 12. Once we arrived to our destination we could see the balloons getting ready for take off! I was so excited to see the vibrant hot air balloons, I finally get to experience them for the first time! The baskets were very spacious with more then enough space to fit 13 people including the pilot.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot Air Balloon Ride

After a few minutes we were ready for take off! We were the second balloon in the air and I was not scared one bit. Everyone right away was mesmerized by the stunning views above Napa Valley and began snapping photos left and right. The overall flight was very calm and fear did not cross my mind for a second!

If this is something you would love to experience but afraid to, I recommend doing it because I guarantee it will be worth it!

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Midway through the flight, our hot air balloon flew over a small lake and our basket took a quick dip! This was a fun experience but we were all screaming as water started flowing into our baskets. It made for a good laugh though. Soon enough we began gaining altitude again and back in the clouds we went!

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot Air Balloon

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Over the next 30 minutes we floated through the sky. Our pilot definitely knew what he was doing and was great at making us feel comfortable. We even went as high as 3,000 feet and when looking down everything looked so far away. We spent this time relaxing and enjoying the beautiful views while watching the other balloons in the sky.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Hot Air Balloon

Hot Air Balloon Ride

The total flight was an hour but I wish it could have gone for longer! Once we landed the crew packed up the balloons and we were on our way back to V Marketplace. If you booked a champagne brunch you will be greeted with a lovely brunch! We did not choose this option but wish I had!! We decided to have brunch across the street at Bouchon. I’m sure the champagne brunch provided by Aloft would have been a great way to end the morning as well.

Hot Air Balloon

My first experience riding a hot air balloon was amazing! It was a fun experience and I can’t wait to go on my next hot air balloon ride! Thank you Napa Valley Aloft for helping me check this off my bucket list and for an incredible experience!

BOOK NOW: Napa Valley Aloft

Have you been on a hot air balloon ride? If so, where and please share your experience in the comment section below!

Essentials For The Ride

Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Napa Valley

This post was written in partnership with Napa Valley Aloft.
As always, all honest opinions are my own.

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24 comments

  • jess

    July 18, 2016 at 7:54 am

    Looks like an awesome ride!!! I really want to go one day! Love the photos.

    1. Tour de Lust

      July 18, 2016 at 8:25 am

      Thanks Jessica!! Hope you get to go on one soon!

  • Dr. Elise Cohen Ho

    July 18, 2016 at 8:47 am

    Beautiful photos. Both visiting the Napa Valley and going for a balloon ride are on my bucket list. This information will surely help and the tips are fantastic.

    1. Tour de Lust

      July 18, 2016 at 9:29 am

      That’s great! You will love it when you go, it was so much fun and I actually want to do it again! =)

  • Tracy

    July 18, 2016 at 9:10 am

    Wow, this looks like so much fun. And what beautiful photos you captured. My one visit to Napa was to include a balloon trip and we were fogged out. Your post here is inspiration to try it again. Beautiful country for sure!

    1. Tour de Lust

      July 18, 2016 at 9:30 am

      Thanks so much Tracy! Good excuse to come back! Let me know if you do and if you need any tips =)

  • Amanda Williams

    July 18, 2016 at 9:28 am

    I have always wanted to do this (although I am kind of afraid of heights). I love your colourful photos and it sounds like great fun when you flew low over the lake!

    1. Tour de Lust

      July 18, 2016 at 9:37 am

      Thanks Amanda!! It was so much fun flying over the lake =) I also believe you would be able to do this! It’s not as scary as one would think, it was very calm and peaceful. Only landing was a little scary waiting for the basket to touch the ground.

  • Kristy

    July 18, 2016 at 10:16 am

    Beautiful photos! Did they dip into the lake on purpose??

    1. Tour de Lust

      July 18, 2016 at 2:47 pm

      haha yea they did! It gave for a good laugh.

  • Patricia

    July 18, 2016 at 11:30 am

    I’m so impressed that you weren’t scared at all! On the one hand, your pictures make this look like an amazing trip. On the other hand, I’m not sure I’d be able to open my eyes and relax enough to enjoy it. Maybe one day I’ll take the plunge, and Andy and I can reward this bravery with that champagne brunch after. 🙂

    1. Tour de Lust

      July 18, 2016 at 2:49 pm

      Aww thanks Patricia!! Yes, a reward to the champagne brunch would be perfect! =)

  • Travel Pockets

    July 18, 2016 at 1:05 pm

    I’ve been to Nappa Valley and didn’t know about this! I’m afraid of heights, but it looks like so much fun. Love the top to bring the selfie stick 🙂

    1. Tour de Lust

      July 18, 2016 at 2:50 pm

      Haha yea I’m surprised they had this too! Glad I found out about them. You should definitely do it next time you’re in Napa!

  • Kim Gorman

    July 18, 2016 at 7:17 pm

    I love this! Great photos and tips. This is on my bucket list, too. Can’t wait!

    1. Tour de Lust

      July 18, 2016 at 7:18 pm

      Thanks Kim!! You will love it!!

  • Marteen

    July 19, 2016 at 5:02 am

    While I’m afraid of heights this is something I so want to do. I was thinking Turkey but Napa Valley looks stunning.

    1. Tour de Lust

      July 19, 2016 at 1:52 pm

      Yes you should do it Marteen! Turkey is also on my list as well!

  • Spencer

    July 23, 2016 at 9:04 pm

    I really wish I had done this when I lived in San Jose, super jealous!

    1. Tour de Lust

      July 23, 2016 at 9:54 pm

      Just means you should come back and do it!! =)

  • carmen

    July 26, 2016 at 1:55 pm

    Looks like fun being way up high in the sky! :]

    1. Tour de Lust

      July 26, 2016 at 2:48 pm

      It sure was!! You should do it if you haven’t yet!

  • Lauren

    September 18, 2016 at 7:52 pm

    SO GLAD I FOUND YOU! I’ll be in Napa in November… Hopefully weather will still permit this exciting lil treat. Gorgeous photos, btw.

    1. Tour de Lust

      September 19, 2016 at 2:26 pm

      Yay!! Glad you found it too Lauren! November weather is still beautiful here!

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