Great Park Balloon Ride, Orange County Travel Guide

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Ascend to breathtaking heights on the Great Park Balloon, offering panoramic views of Orange County and a tranquil escape above the city.

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Great Park Balloon Ride

Soar 400 feet above Orange County in the Great Park Balloon, a unique tethered helium balloon offering unmatched 360-degree views. A comfortable gondola accommodates passengers for a 15-20 minute ride, showcasing the park's development and the surrounding landscape.

A brief summary to Great Park Balloon Ride

Great Park, Balloon Ride-Parking lot #3, 8307 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, Great Park, California, 92618, US
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Thursday 10 am-3 pm
Friday 10 am-3 pm
Saturday 9 am-3 pm
Sunday 9 am-3 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Great Park Balloon Ride.

Check the weather conditions before heading to the park, as balloon rides are weather-dependent.
Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as the flight list fills up quickly.
Admission to the Great Park is free, and parking is also free in Lot 3.
Complete the online waiver on the same day of your flight to expedite the check-in process.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Heritage Museum of Orange County

Irvine Spectrum Center Giant Wheel

Noguchi Garden

Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center

Crystal Cove State Park

Explore Great Park Balloon Ride on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Great Park Balloon Ride, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

The Great Park Balloon is located within the Orange County Great Park, accessible via the 5 or 405 freeways. Take the Sand Canyon Avenue exit and follow the signs to Great Park Boulevard. Enter the park at the intersection of Sand Canyon Avenue and Great Park Boulevard. Free parking is available in Lot 3; follow the signs to the balloon. During special events at Great Park Live, preferred parking may be available for an additional fee. Check for event-specific parking instructions.
Ride-Sharing

For drop-off via taxi or rideshare, instruct your driver to enter the park at Sand Canyon Avenue and Great Park Boulevard. Follow the signs to the designated pick-up/drop-off location at the Great Park Tennis Complex Parking Lot (Orange P4). From the drop-off point, follow the park's internal signs to reach the Great Park Balloon, a short walk away. Ride-sharing costs from nearby Irvine Spectrum Center typically range from $10-$15.

Discover more about Great Park Balloon Ride

The Great Park Balloon is Irvine's signature attraction, providing a tranquil and breathtaking experience for all ages. Ascend 400 feet in a spacious gondola, where you'll be treated to panoramic views stretching up to 40 miles on a clear day. See the Pacific Ocean, the San Gabriel Mountains, and even Disneyland from this unique vantage point.Unlike traditional hot air balloons, the Great Park Balloon is filled with helium, making it an environmentally safe and virtually silent ride. As one of the largest helium balloons in the United States, it offers a smooth and gentle ascent, tethered securely to the ground. The ride lasts approximately 15-20 minutes, giving you ample time to soak in the scenery and capture memorable photos.Located in the heart of Orange County Great Park, the balloon is just one of many attractions. Before or after your flight, explore the park's visitors center, enjoy a ride on the carousel, or relax in the sprawling lawns. The Great Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, farmers markets, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to Southern California, the Great Park Balloon offers a unique and unforgettable experience.