Skyline Balloons: Hot Air Balloon Flights Over Perris, CA

Perris, California, sits in the heart of Riverside County’s Inland Empire, a landscape that stretches wide with golden hills, vast desert washes, and distant mountain ridges. Skyline Balloons offers a singular way to see this less-traveled corner of Southern California—through an early morning hot air balloon ride that lifts you gently above the earth just as the sun edges over the horizon. These flights turn the sky into a quiet theater where expansive views of the Perris Valley unfold beneath the drifting clouds.

Skyline Balloons operates a shared basket hot air balloon experience that blends adventure, camaraderie, and scenic immersion. Piloted by knowledgeable guides, the journey begins with a pre-dawn gathering spot before shuttling to a launch site optimal for that day’s weather. The balloon ride lasts around 90 minutes, providing ample time to soak in the wide panoramas and shifting light. From this vantage point, riders see rolling chaparral hills, agricultural lands, and the iconic San Jacinto Mountains framing the distance.

What sets Skyline Balloons apart is their friendly, approachable team who balance fun with safety, making novices feel at ease. Many riders highlight the celebratory touch of a champagne toast at altitude, a small indulgence that caps off the surreal flight. The company also embraces an authentic outdoor connection and remains one of the few operators offering shared rides near Perris, positioning it as an accessible bucket-list activity within an otherwise dry, hot zone.

Beyond the balloon itself, Perris offers a broader outdoor playground—from Lake Perris State Recreation Area to nearby rugged trails. Skyline Balloons provides a rare aerial perspective on the region’s natural formations and suburban sprawl, a perspective often overshadowed by Southern California’s coastal draws. For anyone seeking a novel way to experience the Inland Empire’s open skies, this ride offers a fresh, tranquil viewpoint and a memorable way to start the day.