If you’ve never experienced riding in a hot air balloon, you’re really missing out! There’s really no better way to experience the beauty of the world than being up close in person on a hot air balloon. To some, it may seem a little scary. We don’t blame you for feeling that way – it can be frightening to be in one, but once you’re there you won’t regret it. If you’re thinking about taking a hot air balloon ride, why not do it in some of the best destinations in America? Read on to see just where that is…

Albuquerque, NM

Rio Rancho, NM 

Scenic view from a hot air balloon in Rio Rancho, New Mexico / © Melissa Martinez Scenic view from a hot air balloon in Rio Rancho, NM / © Melissa Martinez

Albuquerque is pretty much the hot air balloon capital of the world. A typical morning in Albuquerque is filled with hot air balloons floating around the city. Particularly in October, month when the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held featuring more than 500 balloons in the sky! You can enjoy hot air balloon rides above Rio Rancho and the endless desert and red sky. While in Albuquerque, the friendly and professional team at The Bucket List Adventures can help you check off hot air balloon rides from your bucket list with their current promo on Groupon. You’ll be happily surprised of how stunning New Mexico is!

Hot air balloons in Albuquerque, NM / © Melissa Martinez Balloons getting ready to color the skies of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho / © Melissa Martinez

Quechee, VT

Quechee Balloon Festival 2016

Head over to Central Vermont, take a ride above the gorgeous hills and evergreens of Quechee! You’ll fly over the Quechee Gorge that is for sure to leave you breathless with the extraordinary views you will never forget.

Napa Valley, CA

Hot Air balloon over Napa Valley Vineyards Hot air balloon over a vineyard in Napa Valley

Aaaah, wine country. Who doesn’t love to drive through vineyards during sunset? It’s a beautiful experience, and just imagine experiencing it soaring above the vineyards! Why not check it out and sip wine while you fly through the skies of Napa Valley, California.

Cave Creek, AZ


The Cave Creek Balloon Festival

Moving over to Arizona, you’ll find a panoramic wonderland soaring above Cave Creek. Take a hot air balloon ride above the Sonoran Desert where you can float up to an astonishing 5,000 feet off the ground, where, on clear days, you can see for miles!

Lake Geneva, WI

Hot air balloon over a golf course in Lake Geneva, WI

Who would think that Wisconsin would be an ideal place to take a hot air balloon ride? Lo and behold – it is one of the best! Float above Lake Geneva through the treetops and watch the world move below you.

Asheville, NC

Hot air balloon at the Smoky Mountain National Park Balloon over the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The incredible Great Smoky Mountains are the perfect destination for a hot air balloon ride. Seize the vast beauty of the mountainside from high up in the sky and let the crisp, cool breeze make your ride peaceful and calming.

Newberg, OR

Hot Air Balloon Below in Newberg Oregon Hot air balloon in Newberg, Oregon

If you’ve never been to the Pacific Northwest, boy are you missing out! Endless evergreen and mountains that meet the sky and maybe a view of the Pacific Ocean! There’s nothing like it and Newberg, Oregon is just the place to experience a hot air balloon right in the PNW.

Have you been on a hot air balloon?  Where is your favorite place to go? Tell us about it in the comments below!

These gorgeous destinations will have you floating on air!