Visiting the beach at Hotel Del Coronado was one of the highlights of my recent trip to San Diego in July. It’s a well-maintained, long stretch of beach, with rows of red and white striped beach umbrellas contrasting beautifully with the light sand and blue sky. We loved relaxing in the cool San Diego breeze, listening to the waves, and watching the occasional military helicopters and jets flying overhead. I rented 2 lounge chairs from Hotel Del Coronado, and had lunch on site. Below is a bit about my experience, including some travel tips, to help you prepare for your own visit to this iconic beach.

Visiting the Beach at Hotel Del Coronado

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Where to Park and How to Find the Beach

My visit was on a Friday, and the free street parking was completely full when I arrived around 11am. If you get there early, you may be able to grab a free parking spot on the street, but if not, I recommend using the covered self parking in the structure at Hotel Del Coronado. Be sure to save your ticket, as you pay upon exit. They also validate in the gift shop if you spend at least $10.

Coronado Beach is a private beach, but the access is free. Head towards the entrance of Hotel Del Coronado and follow the signs for beach access. You can bring your own beach equipment as well as rent lounge chairs, beach chairs, and day beds.

Renting Beach Equipment at Hotel Del Coronado

Hotel Del Coronado rents out beach chairs, umbrellas, lounge chairs, and day beds. Once booked, the rental is yours from 10am to sunset. I booked a pair of lounge chairs online via the Hotel Del Coronado website, but they are also available for renting on site. There is a stand on the beach where you can check in and get your towels. They give you some wristbands and one of the staff will walk you to your spot.

Renting a Lounge Chair

After we checked in at the beach stand, one of the staff members gave us our wristbands, grabbed us a couple of towels, and told us we could pick any of the available pairs of lounge chairs with a beach umbrella included. We picked a pair of chairs in the 2nd row, and the staff member offered to move them over for us to be in better spot. He moved both chairs and the umbrella for us, and left us to enjoy the beach. One thing I learned was that the positioning of the lounge chairs is pretty far from the water, but we preferred these anyways because we wanted to lay down and relax.

Renting a Beach Chair

The beach chairs were located right on the shoreline. This is the spot to be if you plan on getting in and out of the water, or if you’re bringing kids who want to play in the wet sand. You can rent the beach chairs ahead of time online at the Hotel Del Coronado website, or you can walk up to the beach stand and rent them on the spot. The chairs do not come with a beach umbrella, but you can rent one of those as well.

Renting a Day Bed

Renting a day bed looked like the most luxurious option to choose while visiting the beach at Hotel Del Coronado. They’re about twice the price of the lounge chairs, but they do look like they provide a bit more shade. The day beds are located in a row right in front of the lounge chairs, so while they are slightly closer to the water than the lounge chairs, they are still quite a walk from the water. You can rent day beads ahead of time online or on site at the beach rental stand.

Food and Drink Service

I knew the Beach and Taco Shack delivered to the day beds, but I was very happy to learn that they delver to beachgoers in the lounge chairs as well. We sat about 20 minutes before one of the waiters came to our chairs, and we ordered 2 signature cocktails. He offered us a taco menu as well, but we were just starting with the cocktails. It took about 20 minutes to receive the drinks, and they were delicious. If you’re not in a hurry, this is a fantastic and relaxing option. The Beach and Taco Shack is a short walk away from the chairs, however, so guests are welcome to walk over and get their own food and cocktails if they choose.

Where to Have Lunch When Visiting the Beach at Hotel Del Coronado

The best spot to have lunch is at the Beach and Taco Shack. It’s a short walk across the sand to get to the shack, but it’s nice because they have tables and umbrellas for sitting. We waited in line for about 15 minutes and ordered beer and tacos. There was a small stage set up on the sand next to the tables, so we got to enjoy some live music while we enjoyed our lunch. We could’ve taken our food to the lounge chairs as well, but sitting in this spot was definitely the better option.

What to Pack for your Day at Coronado Beach:

• A good beach bag. It’s a bit of a walk from the parking to the beach, so pack it all up in a beach bag.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Check out my article on choosing a summer sun hat.
• Towels. The beach equipment rental stand offers towels to those renting chairs and day beds, but if you’d like your own, be sure to bring a beach towel. I recommend these quick dry, sand free towels.
• Water. They sell water at the beach shack, but it’s recommended to bring your own. I like to keep a Hydroflask in my beach bag to keep my water cool.

Check out the Gift Shop Inside the Hotel

I did not expect to see such an awesome gift shop inside Hotel Del Coronado. Located right near the lobby, this gift shop has everything from shirts, hats, and handbags, to postcards, art prints, and keychains. Almost everything has the Hotel Del Coronado branding on it, making these items perfect for gifts and souvenirs. They also had some essentials for purchase in the shop like cold drinks and sunscreen.

Be Sure to Check out the Hotel Lobby

If you didn’t already see it on your way in, be sure to check out the lobby of the Hotel Del Coronado. If you’re coming from the beach, make sure you’re properly dressed first. Stepping into that lobby is like stepping back in time, surrounded by chandeliers, beautiful dark wood, and a restored vintage elevator, which is the original from when the hotel was built.

Other Activities Available for Booking When Visiting the Beach at Hotel Del Coronado

Hotel Del Coronado offers plenty of other awesome activities available for booking online. If you’re staying at the hotel, or wanting to spend your weekend at Coronado, there are tons of things to at the beach. The activities vary seasonally as well (like ice skating at the beach!), so be sure to check the hotel website if you’re visiting around the holidays.

• Rent a fire pit right on the beach from 6-8pm. Roast s’mores and enjoy the sunset.
• Surf lessons. Take a private or group lesson, or even book a photography surf package.
• Rent some bikes. Enjoy your beach cruisers from 10am-4pm.
• Beach Yoga is available on Saturdays and Sundays at 10am.

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Looking for More California Beach Gems?

• Spend a day at Catalina Island’s luxurious Descanso Beach Club
• Discover the mysterious and hidden pirate tower of Laguna Beach
• Embark on adventure to Anacapa Island, the smallest of California’s Channel Islands

Every summer from mid July through mid August, the county fair comes to Orange County, California. Towering ferris wheels and neon-colored rides add to the skyline as the smells of kettle corn, barbecue, and barnyard hay fill the air. Wandering between rows of roasting meat and fried desserts to the crowded village of handmade trinkets in the marketplace can be a photographer’s dream. Below are my top Instagrammable photo spots at the Orange County Fair.

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1. Carnival Rides and Games (the most colorful Instagrammable photo spots at the Orange County Fair)

The Carnival Rides and Games area of the OC Fair is the wildest section of the event. The combination of neon colors in the day time makes for stunning photos in the California sun. Pick a game like water shooting, ball throwing, or ring tossing, and grab some great action shots. Be sure the game is in the background so you get the full display of colors behind you. Standing in front of some colorful rides, holding crazy fair food or game prizes always make fun shots as well. If you’re still around after sunset, this location lights up and becomes magical at night.

Carnival Ride and Game Tickets

There are two carnival areas at the OC Fair: Main Carnival and Kidland. Ride and game tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths on site, or there is an app called FunPass, which you can use to buy tickets ahead of time or reload while at the fair.

2. Centennial Farm

The Centennial Farm is one of my favorite Instagrammable photo spots at the Orange County Fair. It’s a 3-acre working farm, and is perfect for pictures including flowers, red barn backdrops, antique farm equipment, and pretty rows of growing crops. Using a background of sunflowers or growing corn makes for some pretty wholesome and adorable county fair photos.

Centennial Farm Animals

The farm also has animals on display, including pigs (check out the OC Fair Pig Cam to watch the piglets!), goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, and plenty more. They are brought to the fair during the day, and relax in the shade sleeping and grazing on food. While I love seeing the animals, I don’t think they’re the best subjects or backgrounds for Instagram photos. But I recommend visiting these areas with kids, or if you’re just obsessed with cute animals like I am.

Visiting the Centennial Farm at the OC Fair

The Centennial Farm is open from 10am – 4pm daily while the fair is in town. The crops and flowers will look the most fresh in the morning, and if you’re looking for evening photos, be sure to show up before 4pm to get your shots. This area tends to be most crowded at midday as well, so best to grab your Centennial Farm photos in the morning or afternoon.

3. Designated Selfie Spots (the funniest Instagrammable photo spots at the Orange County Fair)

The OC Fair has caught up to social media, and has started providing designated selfie spots and photo stations. They are always really clever and cute, and are fun for both kids and adults. A lot of these are large photo props or backdrops, so it’s best to have a friend (or friendly stranger) take your photos for you to get the full piece in the photo, rather than trying to take a selfie. Be sure to tag #ocfairfun for a chance to be featured on the Orange County Fair Instagram!

Selfie Spot Location: California Fresh Exhibit

The selfie spot station may change locations from time to time, but lately it’s been located inside the California Fresh Exhibit, which is at the OC Promenade. This is perfect because it’s located in a shaded area, convenient for getting you out of the midday sun. This is one of the unique Instagrammable photo spots at the Orange County Fair that is actually perfect for noon when the sun is too harsh for photos outside.

4. The Food Stalls

The food stalls are notoriously over the top at the OC Fair, and make for amazing and funny photos. There are rows and rows of businesses competing with each other, so they are all decked out in bright colors, with eye-catching signs and flags. Most have giant images of the foods being offered, which can be fun to stand in front of while holding the actual food.

No Shortage of Options for Food

There is something for everyone at the OC Fair. The most over the top booths are usually for barbecue and desserts. The barbecue stalls usually have giant slabs of meat hanging on display and being cooked right out front, with smoke filling the air as you pass by. The desserts range from standard treats like ice cream and slushees to fried treats like Oreos and Twinkies. The food booths are open late into the night as well, underlit with spot lights, making the food stalls a pretty surreal and fun spot for Instagram night pictures.

5. The Big OC Fair Sign (one of the most iconic Instagrammable photo spots at the Orange County Fair)

The large OC Fair sign welcomes guests as they enter the Orange County Fairgrounds. It’s iconic, and is the perfect spot for taking photos. The sign is usually pretty large, so either pick one letter to stand in front of, or stand on the far end of the sign to try and squeeze the whole sign in your frame at an angle. This is a great group or family photo, so don’t be afraid to ask some friendly strangers to snap your picture at this spot.

What to Bring to the Orange County Fair

Visiting the Orange County Fair can be an all day event, so make sure you’re prepared. Below are some items and tips on what to pack when visiting the OC Fair.

• Back up batteries. Whether you’re using your phone or a camera to take photos, be sure to bring the necessary charging cords and power banks to keep you going.
• A backpack or tote bag. Not only are you probably bringing a lot, you may be shopping a lot as well. Make sure you have space to hold it all.
• A good camera. I like to bring my Sony Alpha 6000 Mirrorless Camera, or I just use my iPhone when I don’t want too much to carry. For more on what photography equipment I use, be sure to check out my article on Travel Blogging Photography Gear.
• Water bottle, but only if in a factory-sealed bottle. Plenty of water and other drinks are sold at the fair as needed.

• Comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking all day. If you’re really wanting to wear something nicer in your Instagram photos, bringing a change of shoes may be a good idea.
• A change of clothes for some variety in your photos. If you’re wanting to take your Instagram game to the next level, bring a change of clothes for some variety. That way you’re not wearing the exact same thing in all of your photos.
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Why not make the hat a cute one for photos? Check out my article on choosing a summer sun hat.
• Hand sanitizer, especially if you’re going to be playing games and going on rides.

What Not to Bring

Be sure to check the General Information Page on the OC Fair website for a list of things not to bring. Some useful examples include: Do not bring selfie sticks, tripods, professional photography equipment, or drones.

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Looking for Other Southern California Instagram Photo Spots?

• View my top photo spots in Laguna Beach and find iconic Orange County picture opportunities including a pirate tower on the beach, winged murals, and a lifeguard tower from the 1920’s.
• Travel back to the wild west with my Instagrammable photo spots in Joshua Tree.
• Find a little slice of Denmark right here in SoCal with these quaint photo spots in the picturesque town of Solvang.

The bison expedition at Catalina Island is an adventure-filled, bouncy jeep ride through the windy, winding hills of Catalina Island, California. Not many know about the herd of wild bison that roam the hills of Catalina. If you embark on this bison expedition, you’ll be taken to all the right spots and given the best chances to spot some of these notorious and beautiful beasts. Below are some of my experiences from the bison expedition I took on my most recent trip, as well some tips on what to expect and what to bring on tour. 

Why are There Bison on Catalina Island?

In 1924, a small herd of 14 bison were brought to Catalina Island to be part of a movie that was filming at the time. After film production ended, the bison were left on the island to freely roam. Since then, the herd has grown in size, and they have become local icons. The bison are protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy and are a popular tourist attraction.

The Catalina Bison (aka Buffalo) are Local Icons

Much of the Catalina Island merchandise features images of the bison, aka buffalo (the 2 terms are used interchangeably). The gift shops have bison souvenirs ranging from carved statues and jewelry to postcards and calendars. The island even has a signature cocktail called Buffalo Milk. It doesn’t actually contain milk, however. I had to try one, and it turned out to be a delicious mix of vodka, crème de cacao, crème de banana, Kailua, half n’ half, and fresh nutmeg.

What to Expect on the Bison Expedition Tour at Catalina Island

The Tour Guide

Our tour guide, Halvey, met our group at the designated meeting point. We were instructed to arrive 20 minutes early, and everyone was there on time. We didn’t need printed tickets, as showing the tour purchase confirmation on or phones was just fine. I had read ahead of time that the guides on the Catalina jeep tours were fantastic, and my expectations were exceeded. Halvey had a great sense of humor and knew tons of incredible facts about the island and its history. He narrated the tour over the speakers in the jeep, and kept us smiling the whole time.

The Jeep

The bison expedition at Catalina Island takes place in an open-air, 12 person jeep. It does have a roof for shade, although the sun will still be coming in from the sides. Our guide drove us up some winding roads that were unpaved and bumpy at times. At no point was the ride uncomfortable, however. There were large storage nets on the backs of the seats, so there is room to securely store items like purses, backpacks, and water bottles.

The Bison

There is no guarantee that you will get to see a bison, or buffalo, on your tour. They are wild animals who roam the island freely, so there is a chance they may be too far away from the roads during your expedition. I didn’t want to get my hopes up, and decided I would have fun even if the bison expedition only involved a cool jeep tour up into the hills of Catalina Island. Our whole group was on the lookout across the green and brown hills as we drove down the dirt paths. The guide said “if you see a big brown boulder, that’s most likely a bison.”

To my surprise, we turned a corner, and there was a huge lone bison right on the side of the road, grazing on some grass. He stayed in his spot, eating his grass, seemingly unfazed at the jeep full of tourists taking his picture. Our guide stopped the engine for a bit and we just sat there for a while watching the bison. Even though he seemed like a peaceful animal, we stayed in the jeep, as they can be deadly if threatened or provoked. Along the rest of our expedition, we saw multiple other bison as well, roaming in herds across the hills with the ocean view in the background.

What to Bring on the Bison Expedition at Catalina Island

• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. We took the tour that started at 2pm, and the sun was shining bright into the jeep.
• For those with long hair, bring a hair tie or clip. The wind on that ride was no joke.
• Water
• Comfortable shoes or sandals. There wasn’t much walking involved, but we did have to climb a few big steps to get in and out of the jeep.
• Camera. Even if you don’t spot any bison, the scenic view from the Catalina hills provide a ton of great photo opportunities.
• Cash. If you’d like to tip the guide after the tour, come prepared with some cash.

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Planning a Trip to Catalina Island?

• Read my article on Spending a Day at Descanso Beach Club, and get insider tips on renting cabanas and chaise lounge chairs. 
• For another fun animal related activity, learn about the Catalina Falconry Experience.
• Check out my Adventure to Anacapa Island, one of Cailfornia’s other Channel Islands.

The falconry experience at Catalina Island was one of the first things I booked for my recent trip in May. I love animals and take any chance I can to learn about them. I’m happy to say that my expectations for this adventure were very much exceeded. From the insanely beautiful park setting at Descanso Beach to the friendly and knowledgable instructor, I loved every part of my experience with the falcons of Catalina Island. Below is a summary of what I experienced as well as some tips on what to expect if you’re considering booking the experience for yourself.

How Long is the Falconry Experience at Catalina Island?

I booked the first time slot of the day at 9:45am, and it was listed as a 75 minute experience online. In reality it ended up being about 2 hours, but that’s because our group was having such a great time towards the end. We could’ve left early if we were on a tight schedule, but we weren’t so we stuck around until the very end. We were also advised at time of booking that we needed to arrive 20 minutes early, so in the end we were at the falconry experience from 9:25am to 11:45am.

Where to Meet the Group

The meeting point for the Falconry Experience at Catalina Island is just past Descanso Beach Club. From the Avalon port, head towards the round, iconic Casino building. Continue past the casino and you will see beautiful Descanso Beach Club, a private beach where you can rent cabanas and chaise lounge chairs for the day. Just up the walking path, past Descanso Beach, you will see the check-in area for the Falconry Experience. In this area you will see check-in booths for some of the other day activities offered at Catalina, like the Zip Line Eco Tour and the Aerial Adventure. There is a restroom located right near the check-in as well.

How Many People Are on the Tour?

There were 12 people on the tour I booked, and it was a sunny Saturday in late May. I saw a large group lined up and waiting for the next tour after mine as I was leaving, so I think if you’re looking to book a less crowded time slot, go with the morning time slot. I chose the morning tour to avoid crowds, but also because I wanted to see the animals before they got tired or before the day got too hot. It turns out I was correct about avoiding the heat, but I did learn that they rotate out the birds for tours, so the birds flying in the morning experience will be different than the ones in the afternoon experience.

What to Expect for the Falconry Experience at Catalina Island

The Flying Demonstration

Our instructor Dave met our group at the check in area, and he had a beautiful white spotted falcon with him. We all stood on the grass and listened to Dave’s introduction about the falconry program at Catalina. He then introduced us to the bird and gave a demonstration of her flying abilities. She flew above us over the grass area, and even parked herself on a post under the shady trees while we saw 2 bald eagles fly overhead! Once the bald eagles were out of sight, our falcon came back out and played a bit of a game with Dave by trying to catch a lure.

Flying the Hawk

The best part of the Falconry Experience at Catalina Island was getting to fly the hawk. We were introduced to a beautiful Harris hawk named Willow, and given a bit history and instructions on what to do next. I was wondering how our group of 12 would all get to participate in the activity, but our instructor Dave already had it planned out. He had us split up into groups of two, and then the groups spread out in far corners of the grass area. Each pair was equipped with a falconry glove.

When it was my turn to interact with the hawk, I put the glove on and the instructor’s assistant came around to hand me a bird treat. I then held out my glove with the treat enclosed in my hand, called the bird’s name, and in flew Willow, gliding along with her impressive wingspan. She landed effortlessly on my glove, her large talons holding on tight, while she found her treat in my glove. I got to balance her there for a bit while my husband got some photos. When it was the next person’s turn, they called Willow and off she went. We took turns doing this until everyone had a chance to participate.

Meeting Other Awesome Birds

After the Harris hawk had visited everyone in the group, we were then led to another close by area where our instructor Dave introduced us to a few more beautiful birds they keep for the conservancy program. I’m sure the birds shown during this part of the experience vary per time of year, but during mine we got to see two Lannner falcons and an Eagle-owl. Dave held on to these birds and brought them around to each of us so we could pet them. One of the falcons was still baby with some down feathers here and there. He was so cute, and Dave let us know that we were helping the baby get used to humans by petting him. We pet the owl as well and got to pose next to him for some pictures.

This was a great part of the tour, and a chance to ask all the questions that hadn’t yet been answered. Dave had another tour starting after ours, but he didn’t rush us at all and took the time to show everyone the birds and answer all the questions. You could really tell that he cares very much for the birds and loves educating others about them. There was a table with some souvenirs and a tip jar. It was cash only, so be sure to bring some cash if you want to take home a souvenir! I bought a cap that says Catalina Falconry on it. I had a wonderful experience and would recommend the Falconry Experience at Catalina Island to anyone, all ages included.

What to Bring and Wear on the Falconry Experience at Catalina Island

• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You will be standing in the sun for the entire experience.
• Comfortable shoes. You will be standing most of the time, and on grass, so flat shoes are recommended.
• Water or snacks if needed. I didn’t see any water fountains nearby. If absolutely needed, the Descanso bar and restaurant is nearby, but I would come prepared with your own water.
• Weather appropriate clothing, depending on the season during which you’re visiting. You will be outside the entire time, so be sure to dress reasonably.
• Cash for a tip for the instructor and extra if you want to purchase any souvenirs at the end of the experience.
• Camera. There are some great photo opps on this experience!

Where to Book Your Catalina Falconry Experience

It’s recommended to book your spot ahead of time online for the Falconry Experience. Head to the Visit Catalina Website to sign up. The dates and times offered may vary by season, so be sure to check early and see if the experience will be operating during your visit. If you’re booking a weekend like I did, be sure you grab the early time slot for the best chance at beating the crowds.

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Planning a Trip to Catalina Island?

• Read my related article on Spending a Day at Descanso Beach Club, and get insider tips on renting cabanas and chaise lounge chairs.
• Book your day activities and experiences ahead of time online.
• Check out my Adventure to Anacapa Island, one of Cailfornia’s other Channel Islands.

Our hot air balloon took flight just before sunrise, the sky still blanketed in pale blue light. As we continued rising higher into the air, the other balloons still on the ground started getting smaller and the houses began looking like tiny miniature models. When we reached a sufficient height, the pilot turned off the burner, eliminating all sound. In that moment, we were suspended over sleeping Temecula, practically shoulder to shoulder with 10 other breathing souls, in a basket high above the city. Below is more about my experience, and some tips on how to prepare for your own Temecula hot air balloon ride.

How to Prepare for a Temecula Hot Air Balloon Ride

What to Wear

Most hot air balloon rides happen at sunrise, and some companies offer rides that happen at sunset. Either way, part of your experience is going to be in the dark. Be sure to dress warmly. My hot air balloon ride experience happened in Temecula, California in February and the temperature was about 35 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 Celsius) when we set out at 5:00am. We stood around in a field while the air balloons were being prepped, and it was pretty cold. I would recommend a heavy jacket, gloves, and hat, and some leg warmers or long underwear if needed. I also recommend comfortable shoes, as you will have to climb over the side of the basket to get in and out.

What to Pack and Bring on a Hot Air Ballon Ride

One of the major points of how to prepare for a Temecula hot air balloon sunrise is deciding what to pack. If you’re going to bring a purse or backpack, make sure it is small and that you don’t mind having to put it on the floor if needed. If you’re booking a shared hot balloon ride, there isn’t a lot of room as you are sharing a very small space with those around you. Here are some other suggestions on what to pack:

• Hand warmers. These were lifesavers and amazing to have in the cold.
• Sunglasses
• Cell phone strap. The last thing you want to do is drop that expensive cell phone out of the balloon.
• Touch screen gloves, so you can keep warm while operating your camera and phone.
• Camera. If cell phone pics aren’t going to cut it for you, I recommend my favorite camera, the Sony Alpha 6000 Mirrorless Camera. It is lightweight and compact, and has great automatic and manual settings. Be sure to attach it to a camera strap. I like this strap with side pockets for wearing around my neck, and this wrist strap if just carrying my camera around. For more on what type of photography equipment I use, check out my related article on Travel Blogging Photography Gear.

How to Choose a Company for your Temecula Hot Air Balloon Ride

Quality and Safety First

When shopping around and preparing for your Temecula hot air balloon ride, be sure to keep quality as your priority over price. When you’re high above the city, you want to make sure you have an experienced pilot with sturdy up-to-date equipment to keep you safe. After reading dozens of reviews, I decided to book with Compass Balloons. They were very well organized, efficient, and friendly.

Check What’s Included

I noticed some of the other Temecula hot air balloon companies had their customers in the air for a shockingly short period of time. My group was up in the air about an hour total. Be sure to check the length of your ride to make sure it meets your expectations. My trip with Compass Balloons included breakfast pastries and mimosas after flight. Nothing like standing in the middle of a field and popping a bottle of champagne with new friends. Be sure to tip your pilot as well at the end of the trip if you feel they did a great job with the operation.

Choosing a Group or Private Hot Air Balloon Ride

Most hot air balloon companies in Temecula offer both group and private rides. I considered a private ride because it seemed more personal, spacious, and romantic, but when I saw the huge price difference I decided to take my chances with the group. Keep in mind that most companies require a minimum number of guests to operate each ride. So get ready to be flexible with your plans if you’re planning your ride on a weekday or off season.

How to Prepare for Take off on a Temecula Hot Air Balloon Ride

On my hot air balloon experience, my group met at a designated meeting point where the company then shuttled us to our take-off location. They had the basket, balloon and equipment attached to the shuttle and ready to go. When we arrived at our take-off location at a nearby vineyard, the team then rolled out the balloon and began preparing for flight. Although it was really cold that early in the morning, I had a lot of fun walking around and watching the various companies prepare their balloons for flight.

Prepare to Climb into the Basket

I don’t know why I thought all hot air balloon baskets had little doors, but ours did not. There were foot holds on the sides of the basket to help the riders climb in. It wasn’t a problem for me to climb in, but it’s something I would keep in mind if you’re traveling with family members who aren’t as mobile or able to climb. It’s also something to keep in mind when deciding what to wear for the ride.

Other Tips on How to Prepare for a Temecula Hot Air Balloon Ride

• Use the restroom beforehand. It kind of goes without saying, but there are no restrooms out in the field or on board the hot air balloon.
• Pack very light. You do not want to add more weight to the basket, and there is very little room for maneuvering around if traveling with a group.
• Dress warm if departing for a sunrise trip.
• Bring some headphones or earbuds if you want to add a great soundtrack to your experience.
• Be sure to get a photo in front of the balloon before or after take off. Since most of your pics will be of the landscape below or of each other in the basket in really close proximity, you will be thankful you snapped a photo of the balloon and basket as a whole on the outside.

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Looking for More Quirky Activities in Southern California?

If you’re looking for other quirky activities in Southern California, check out my related articles:

• Enjoy a slice of Denmark in SoCal at the quaint little town of Solvang.
• Embrace the weird and hand-feed some ostriches at the road trip stop Ostrichland.
• Brave the crashing waves and find the old pirate tower in Laguna Beach.