So glad we checked this off the bucket list. We had a great experience. Despite the morning being…read morevery foggy from having warm weather the day before, the company did a great job of finding clear skies to take off from. Pilot Denni (the owner of the company with almost 40 years of pilot experience) was great and landed in the same place we took off, which is likened to a hole in one in golf. The whole experience was less than 3hrs. The ride itself lasted about an hour. We were transported to and from the launch and landing sites. They took some pictures for us and provided a balloon ride certificate at the end with discounts for local wineries and businesses. Mimosas and a bag of snacks were provided at the end. It was a great experience and would recommend to anyone willing to wake up before sunrise.

What a magically dreamy adventure! Can't believe it's taken me (a thrill seeker) so long to go on a…read morehot air balloon, but better late than never! It was actually a lot more calm and peaceful than I thought it would be! Even my friend, who's afraid of heights, did it! Sure, she was pretty scared at first and stayed close to the center of the basket, avoiding to look out and down, but she started feeling more comfortable the longer we were in the sky. We booked on their website and used the promo code "Groupon" for a discounted price of about $180 per person. The meeting point was in the parking lot of a shopping center in Temecula at 5:30am. There, they went over some rules, info about hot air ballooning and there was a photographer/videographer, Wesly Cajuste, selling packages for stills and a video. He has a drone that follows the balloon. My friends and I decided to go for it since it was our first time and it was a special occasion (friend's birthday). We were very happy with the way the video and the photos came out. Then, a couple shuttle vans took us to where they were setting up the hot air balloons, which varies depending on the wind. Before getting in the basket, we got to go in the balloon while they were inflating it. It was chilly in the morning, but it gets pretty warm being under the propane tank, so hats and layers are suggested. We were 4 groups of 4 and were assigned to a huge balloon with 4 separate compartments we were snug in. The knowledgeable and experienced pilot, Brian, was in the middle. I read that the baskets have doors but we had to climb in ours. The ride was about an hour long and we had a spectacular view of Temecula valley. I was a little nervous about the landing, but Brian is clearly a pro and did a magnificent job with a smooth landing on an open field. No mimosas in the air since there are no restrooms, but they busted out the Crooks when we got out! The website said breakfast, but they actually just give out ziplocked bags of snacks. Lol! Totally not necessary. The balloon ride was the ultimate highlight! They also give a certificate, which includes a list of wineries you can get discounts at for having done the hot air experience.

Overall, great experience!!!…read more Our friends bought us a package for a 30 minute flight and wine tasting. We couldn't wait to book our flight. We got lucky with such nice weather. The awesome pilot, Anthony, toped it off! He was very friendly, nice, and very knowledgeable about flying and the Temecula area. The take off and landing was very smooth with little to none turbulence. On the other hand, the view was AMAZING!!! He pointed out the various wineries and flew us over the lake before landing. Definitely worth booking for your next adventure. We would love to come back for the sunrise or sunset flight in the future. Thanks Anthony for this wonderful experience! We were in awe the entire time! =)

Man, I'm at loss of words to how COOL this experience was! My boyfriend surprised me with this…read morecrazy date idea and honestly, big time score. The ride was incredibly smooth (didn't even notice us taking off or landing), so for those who are a little scared, you'll find no better pilot than him. His knowledge on the vineyards and Temecula area is just as impressive as his flying skills. It's a you have to experience for yourself to understand kind of feeling. Loved every second and everyone, this is THE PERFECT gift to get anyone, adrenaline junkie or not.

My boyfriend and I came to do a hot air balloon ride for the first time for my birthday!…read more The employees really had everything down to a science and I felt confident that they were experienced and knew what they were doing. It was SO early, and it really was good I had a jacket before we got into the balloon because it was chilly, but it is warm up in the air and in the balloon! Watching the set up and tear down ended up feeling like a part of the experience. The ride itself was amazing. It was unreal and so pretty!!! Our pilot had so much fun knowledge of the area and kept everyone engaged and entertained. At the end, they provided a champagne toast and certificates which was such a nice touch. I am definitely glad we went with this company and highly recommend them to anyone else interested in checking out a hot air balloon ride!

Overall a fun time and we felt safe. I was disappointed that people checked in late and we had to…read morewait to confirm no shows. Also that we had to listen to a spiel about the $250 video package. All this took time and I hate waiting around. Once we got on the shuttle things progressed in a timely fashion, except we had to return to the starting point for our champagne toast. Would have been fun to do in the field. There was more time on the ground than in the balloon. Also noticed that other companies started earlier and were going much higher and lower than we were. The drone following us taking video was extremely annoying. Not the adventure I had hoped for, but enjoyable do do one time.

overall this experience was wonderful. Brian was an excellent pilot and he was very knowledgeable…read moreand he made our ride comfortable and safe. Joey, Marcy, Filiberto, and Brian all helped with the balloon and it's maintaence. They were very kind. David and Jaylon were very helpful booking the appt. They made sure I had everything and were helpful when I kept calling to verify my reservation. I would definitely return again. Thank you to EVERYONE who made this ride so fun, smooth, and comfortable for us. I truly appreciate it.

I'm giving California Dreamin' Hot Air Balloon Adventures 2 stars because the actual balloon ride…read moreitself was beautiful and offered incredible views of Temecula Wine Country. Unfortunately, the overall experience was disappointing. Our day started at 4:05 AM with a hotel pickup. We were then driven to the owner's property to sign waivers. For an additional fee, guests receive a bottle of wine and a Nothing Bundt Cake. However, the bottle of wine we were given had no label whatsoever, so we had no idea what type of wine it was, where it came from, or any information about it. Afterward, we were transported to the launch site. Once there, we waited approximately 45 minutes while the balloon was being set up. During that time, three other balloon companies arrived after us and were airborne within about 10 minutes. It was frustrating to spend so much time standing around waiting. The flight itself was amazing and the reason this review is getting 2 stars instead of 1. The landing was rough and felt unstable, as though the basket could tip over. We landed on private property where the owner appeared upset that we were there, which created an uncomfortable situation for everyone. After landing, we then waited another 30-45 minutes before being allowed out of the basket while the crew deflated and packed everything up. Once again, there was a lot of standing around and waiting. When the post-flight celebration finally began, guests were offered Costco Prosecco, apple cider, and orange juice. What stood out was that one of the crew members was serving drinks with visibly dirty hands, which was not particularly appetizing. In addition, an already-open, partially consumed bottle of orange juice was brought out and served to guests. That felt unprofessional and unsanitary. The overall celebration was very underwhelming. Considering this is Temecula Wine Country, I expected something more thoughtful and polished than Costco Prosecco and a mystery bottle of unlabeled wine. And they left it on the truck What was most disappointing were several unprofessional comments made during the experience. There were jokes and remarks involving naked women and drug-related topics that felt inappropriate, especially in a business setting where guests of all ages and backgrounds are present. It made the experience feel less professional than expected. We also landed in an area surrounded by brush and were warned about the possibility of snakes while waiting for transportation. Overall, the balloon ride itself was fantastic, but the customer experience, professionalis

I did my homework looking around form a flight school that was a good fit for me…read more Chris, the owner, rolled out the red carpet and showed me around. I got to meet many of his instructors. All were great guys, great to talk to, all very experienced, competent and patient. I continued to look at other schools, as I wanted to make the best choice for me. So, I booked a lesson, Mark is my assigned instructor. The guy was awesome! I've flown quite a bit previously, this was an aircraft I was not familiar with. Mark gave me a great run down of the plane, and had me do the pre-flight myself, but supervising to make sure I didn't miss anything, which was perfect, I learn best by doing things myself, Mark zeroed in on that, and let me do my thing, and alerted me to anything that I missed and explained it. That was perfect. Mark had me taxi, I was unfamiliar with this aircraft, and a little nervous about it, but Mark zeroed in on that and encouraged me to taxi, and get familiar with the rudder controls, and get the feeling for it. Mark was super patent the entire time and kept giving me information, and also had me using the radio, holding me to performing as PIC, he didn't let me allow my nervousness to hold me back, he comfortably encouraged me to push forward. Which again is how I learn the best. Chris was there, overseeing operations and checking in with me as to how it was going. Again, what a great guy. Both of these men had a great sense of humor, were encouraging. I'm used to flying a very old C172, and these aircraft are very new with very modern avionics that I am not familiar with, but eased me into finding everything. What this did was give me just enough to want to jump back into lessons feet first. What a great day. I'm anxious to have my next lesson with my instructor, and fly as many planes as they offer so I can have experience flying several aircraft They make becoming a pilot lots of fun. Yeah, I got very nervous being in an unfamiliar aircraft, and the modern avionics intimidated me, but Mark kept me busy and hands on, and didn't let me talk myself out of adapting to the modern avionics. A little on the aircraft, it was a very new airplane, very sensitive and responsive to the controls, I'm using to a very old 172 that is like pushing draft horse around, these aircraft respond to a light touch, this is teaching me to fly a modern plane that flies like it is supposed to that didn't make me have to wrestle with the controls like I am accustomed to, which made that plane a pleasure to operate. My only complaint is that it is not my day to fly today! And I want to fly more. I have to pay as I go, so, I'm flying on a budget, yet Chris and Mark are good with that, and have a plan to keep me flying often, and keep on learning. This is exactly the kind of learning environment that I need. I am impressed. I can't speak highly enough about the school or the quality of instruction. This is exactly what I need, as in my not so distant future, I am acquiring my own airplane, and am going to tour 48 states by air. I'll be traveling alone, and these guys are giving me thorough instruction to help me grow into a competent and confident pilot so I can accomplish my dreams. So, if you're looking for a great flight school, with great instructors that are other yet will push you to learn hands on, and flying NEWER aircraft, you'd be hard pressed to find a better school. The school is a very veteran friendly place, treating this old Jar Head like a VIP. SEMPER FI.

From the owner: Flight Ventures Aviation Academy is a full-service flight school providing both Rotor and…read morefixed-wing training for private pilot, commercial, and instrument up to CFII, MEI, and ATP/CTP, including sports pilot licenses and twin engine ratings. Come and train at our state-of-the-art facility in our all-glass cockpit, New TAA aircraft, & Advanced Simulators. Call to schedule a Discovery Flight Today. We also offer Helicopter Wine Tours, Helicopter Beach Tours, Proposals, Special Occasions, and gender reveals. Treat yourself to a private helicopter tour in Temecula Valley Wine Country. Enjoy spectacular views of California while flying over the coast, where beaches stretch for miles, and the Pacific Ocean teems with marine life. Then, head inland to Temecula Valley and land at an award-winning winery for a gourmet lunch and wine tasting. Custom Tours and Lengths are Available. Start your Aviation Career Today! Job Placement Available, Call Now!

Wonderful experience, very qualified and friendly pilot. Amazing views. Highly recommendedread more

I can't recommend this enough, so much fun!!! I'd give them a 10 star rating if I could. We took a…read moreflight out to the Julian Pie Company to grab some apple pie and headed back home. The flight there was beautiful, the flight back was beautiful as well but a lot more fun. Our Pilot, Dave, was a fantastic host. It is clear from the second you meet him that he has been doing this for a long time and loves what he does. He was very courteous and friendly. He pointed out various landmarks as we flew and looked like he was having as much fun as we were. Trust me on this, if you take the flight out to the Julian Pie Company let Dave have some fun flying through the canyons on the way back. Trust me :) If you have been thinking about taking a helicopter ride, stop thinking and do it, you won't regret it. Thanks again Dave!!! I'll definitely be back.

Highly recommend! We've done a lot of helicopter tours around the world and Zephyr Helicopters was…read moreon the top of the list. Absolutely beautiful views and we felt so safe the entire time from start up to shut down. Their brand new helicopter is amazing! Thank you for the experience

Incredible experience from start to finish! I booked a helicopter tour with Zephyr Helicopters as a…read morebirthday gift, and it was a first time flying in a helicopter for both of us. Jacob made everything seamless, from flexible weather planning to thoughtful touches like reaching out ahead letting us know what to bring, checking in day of, and offering to take photos pre and post flight. He made us feel totally at ease with a clear, friendly safety briefing, and the views were stunning the entire flight. When a marine layer rolled in, Jacob adjusted the route so we flew above the clouds for an unreal view! Can't recommend this experience enough. 10/10!

The pilots were great folks. Stunt ride was SO FUN. I would HIGHLY recommend. Even if you are a bit…read morenervous :) I went from "hmm this might be fun" to "I can't imagine never having done this in my life". Only felt a bit of motion sickness on the way back to the runway cause flying over land is more turbulent. Didn't have any issues over the water or doing any of the stunts, flips and rolls. They are exhilarating but surprisingly smooth. Better and smoother than a rollercoaster. Truly amazing.

W O W!! Just Wow! This was def an Awesome experience, what a way to feel so Alive! The Pilots Scott…read more(aka Jake) and Josh (aka Shakespeare) were the absolute best. Thank you guys!! What a thrill of a ride flying up and down the coast of San Diego! I highly recommend to everyone to just Book now. You won't regret it!