Best Hot Air Balloon Ride in the U.S.—Seattle Is the Big Winner

One of the Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in the U.S. Is in Seattle—and You’ll Never Guess Why It’s So Special

If you’ve ever dreamed of floating peacefully above snowcapped volcanoes, gliding silently past lakes and rivers as the sun rises over the Pacific Northwest—you’re not alone. I’ve traveled across the country in search of the most breathtaking hot air balloon experiences and outdoor adventures, and I can say with full confidence: Seattle Ballooning is in a class of its own.

And apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks so.

In the latest USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Seattle Ballooning was named the #2 best hot air balloon ride company in the entire United States. That’s right—this locally grown, community-powered team in the Pacific Northwest hot air ballooning company soared to the top of the national list, and once you experience a hot air balloon flight with them, it will be easy to see why.

7 Reasons Seattle Ballooning Might Be the Best Hot Air Balloon Ride in the U.S.

1. Epic Mt. Rainier Views
   Fly directly in front of one of the most iconic volcanoes in North America—on clear days, you’ll also see Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens.
2. Ocean, Mountains, City, and Lakes in One Balloon Flight
   Where else can you see the Pacific Ocean, Seattle skyline, Olympic Mountains, and lakes and rivers from one vantage point?
3. World-Class Commercial Balloon Pilots
   Your pilot might just be a national or international ballooning champion—this isn’t a hobby, it’s a passion-fueled sport.
4. Rich Hot Air Balloon History
   Learn stories from Civil War balloon spies to Cold War surveillance balloons—directly from pilots preserving the history.
5. Heartfelt Hospitality
   From champagne toasts to community vibes, the experience is more like joining a balloon family than a commercial tour.
6. Incredible Weather Conditions
   Thanks to calm morning and evening winds, Seattle offers some of the most consistent ballooning conditions in the U.S.
7. Real Community Impact
   Proceeds from events like balloon glows have eliminated school lunch debt and funded community programs.

🏆 That’s why Seattle Ballooning was named the #2 Best Hot Air Balloon Ride Company in the U.S. by USA TODAY—and why it just might be #1 in your heart.

Why Seattle Ballooning Deserves to Be Ranked Among the Top Hot Air Balloon Companies in the U.S.

Let’s start with the obvious: the views.

This isn’t your typical farmland balloon flight. When you take off with Seattle Ballooning, you’re launching into a postcard. Picture this: you’re drifting in a basket, thousands of feet in the air, directly in front of the towering summit of Mt. Rainier. On a clear day, you’ll spot Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens rising in the distance. Below, the balloon glides past glassy lakes, winding rivers, and a patchwork of evergreens.

And then there’s the moment you reach altitude. Suddenly, the Seattle city skyline appears, framed perfectly against the backdrop of Elliott Bay. To your left, the entire Puget Sound stretches out, dotted with ferries, islands, and coastal inlets. You might even see the Olympic Mountains glowing in the morning light. This is what a real ballooning adventure looks like.

This is easily one of the most scenic hot air balloon rides in the U.S.—and perhaps the only one where you’ll see three volcanoes, the Space Needle, and the Pacific Ocean in a single flight. This is the ultimate Seattle panoramic view!

“We fly over lakes and rivers every single day. The wind often takes us directly toward Mt. Rainier—no other balloon company in the U.S. flies in a landscape quite like this,” says Eliav Cohen, founder and pilot.

More Than Just a Ride—It’s an Amazing Experience Powered by Passion

Behind every flight is a crew of commercial hot air balloon pilots who don’t just fly—they compete at the national and world level. Many of Seattle Ballooning’s pilots are active competitors in global hot air balloon championships. That means you’re not just flying with professionals—you’re flying with some of the best and most experienced pilots on the planet.

And yet, somehow, there’s nothing pretentious about it. The entire experience feels like being invited into a warm, close-knit family. That might be because, well, it kind of is.

“We built the company through friend networks,” Cohen shares. “We fly because it’s fun. Even if we didn’t have passengers, we’d still be doing this.”

That authenticity is palpable—from the moment you arrive to the traditional champagne toast after landing. It’s why Seattle Ballooning has hundreds of glowing 5-star reviews and one of the most loyal fan bases of any adventure tour company in the Pacific Northwest. If you are looking for a unique outdoor activity that is authentic to it’s core, look no further!

A Commitment to Preserving Ballooning History

While the balloon flight itself is spectacular, one of the most unexpected and inspiring parts of flying with Seattle Ballooning is what happens before and after the burner lights.

The commercial pilots at Seattle Ballooning aren’t just world-class aviators—they’re also hot air balloon historians.

Through their nonprofit arm, Seattle Skies, Seattle Ballooning is actively working to digitize thousands of rare hot air balloon documents, photographs, and 8mm films related to the history of balloon flight. Their mission is to preserve and make accessible the incredible stories of ballooning—from Civil War aerial reconnaissance, the Cold War espionage balloons to the golden age of competitive flight, and the early hot air balloon pioneers of the 1960s and 1970’s

The team collaborates with museums, archives, and public institutions to help curate exhibits, authenticate materials, and bring these histories to life for a new generation.

“We believe that when you understand where ballooning came from, the experience of flying becomes even more magical,” Cohen explains.

So don’t be surprised if your pilot casually drops a story about spying on Soviet missile sites from a balloon, or how the first aerial intelligence in the U.S. was gathered via hot air balloon on the White House lawn. That kind of storytelling—equal parts thrilling and deeply researched—is just part of what makes the Seattle Ballooning experience so unforgettable.

When you fly with Seattle Ballooning, you’re not just seeing incredible views—you’re flying with the people who are preserving hot air balloon history itself.

A Hot Air Balloon Company That Gives Back

While the scenery during their balloon ride experience is jaw-dropping, what really sets Seattle Ballooning apart is its commitment to community impact. In Feb of 2025, the team hosted a community balloon glow at the Thomasson Family Farm, and raised over $22,000 to eliminate school lunch debt for local elementary and middle school students.

It wasn’t just a photo op—it was a citywide celebration, where hot air balloons lit up the night sky and neighbors came together to make a real difference.

“We believe in lifting people up, not just in the air, but in our community,” says Cohen.

This sense of purpose is what elevates Seattle Ballooning beyond just being a top-tier hot air balloon ride operator. It’s a movement, a celebration, a family.

Why People Are Traveling from Around the World to Fly In Seattle

Search any list of “best hot air balloon rides near me” or “hot air balloon rides in Seattle” and you’ll find a few options. But Seattle Ballooning is unique—not only because of the unmatched scenery, but because of the emotion behind every flight.

Every day, their FAA certified commercial pilots fly with people who are celebrating anniversaries, engagements, birthdays, and retirements. Some come to scatter ashes. Some are overcoming fear. Others are simply checking off a lifelong bucket list dream.

And Seattle Ballooning meets every one of those moments with extraordinary care, skill, and grace.

“We’ve helped people propose, scatter ashes, get engaged, overcome fear of heights, and just take a moment to breathe. These aren’t just hot air balloon tours—they’re life moments.”

Want to Book a Hot Air Balloon Ride Near Seattle?

If you’re searching for:

• Best hot air balloon rides near Seattle
• Top-rated hot air balloon companies in the U.S.
• Where to fly in a hot air balloon in front of Mt. Rainier
• Luxury hot air balloon rides with ocean and mountain views
• Unique things to do in Washington State
• Private hot air balloon rides near Seattle for special occasions

…then this is your sign.

Seattle Ballooning operates hot air balloon tours at sunrise and sunset seasonally, with options for private hot air balloon rides, proposals, anniversaries, birthday surprises, community and corporate events. Their flight season runs May through October, with limited availability—especially on clear mornings with views of Rainier and the Sound.

Perfect Flying Weather, Twice a Day

One of the best-kept secrets about hot air ballooning in the Seattle area? The weather is incredible for it. Thanks to calm morning and evening winds and long summer days, Seattle Ballooning operates flights at both sunrise and sunset nearly every day during the summer months.

This consistent window of stable flying conditions means guests have more opportunities to fly—and more chances to experience the landscape in totally different light. Whether you’re watching the sun rise behind Mt. Rainier or setting over the Puget Sound, every flight is timed for beauty and safety. Although flights are weather permitting, Seattle Ballooning’s team does their best to get guests and passengers rescheduled on the next available flight.

Final Thoughts: Seattle Ballooning Soars for a Reason

When a small team with big hearts, deep roots in the community, and world-class flying skills gets this kind of national recognition—it’s not a fluke. It’s a sign that the experience they offer is truly something special.

Seattle Ballooning didn’t just earn its place among the best hot air balloon rides in America—they floated there with grace, grit, and a whole lot of love.

If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot, don’t just take the ride—bring your heart with you. You’ll need it for the view.

If it’s the Seattle off season, you’ll find our pilots flying all around the world. Some of our pilots fly in Albuquerque in front of the Sandia Mountains, other’s fly in Phoenix over the Sonoran Desert, and some of our pilots even fly in Africa! If you would like to follow our pilots and watch them compete in the European and World Championship, make sure to follow us on our Instagram Channel. @seattleballooning.

Here is a list of the other places we love flying hot air balloons:

Hot Air Balloon Rides in Napa Valley, California

While Seattle is home, we also love flying in Napa Valley, California—one of the most iconic places in the world for hot air ballooning. A hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley vineyards at sunrise is pure magic (although our hot air balloon flights over the Vineyard of Washington State in Walla Walla are stunning as well). Picture rolling hills covered in vines, golden morning light, and the peaceful drift above world-renowned wineries. If you’re searching for the best hot air balloon rides in Napa, or wondering where to go ballooning in California wine country, this is it. It’s an unforgettable way to see Northern California from a whole new perspective—and yes, a champagne toast is still included.

Hot Air Balloon Rides Over Lake Tahoe

Another spot we absolutely love? Lake Tahoe. Flying in a hot air balloon over the crystal-clear waters of Tahoe is one of the most surreal experiences in the U.S. But what makes it even cooler is our friend and fellow pilot, Sheldon, who literally lands his balloon on a floating private aircraft carrier in the middle of the lake—every single day. If you’re looking for the most unique hot air balloon ride in Lake Tahoe, or searching for a bucket list balloon experience in California, this is it. Stunning mountain views, alpine air, and a one-of-a-kind landing you won’t find anywhere else.

Hot Air Balloon Rides in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix offers one of the most spectacular desert backdrops for hot air ballooning in the U.S. A sunrise hot air balloon ride in Phoenix means drifting above the Sonoran Desert as the morning light washes over the saguaro-studded landscape and distant mountain ranges. With wide-open skies, calm weather conditions, and a nearly year-round flying season, it’s easy to see why hot air balloon rides in Arizona—especially in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area—are so popular. If you’re searching for a desert ballooning adventure, this is one of the top places to take flight.

Hot Air Balloon Festivals and Competitions We Love

Seattle Ballooning isn’t just about scenic flights—we’re passionate about the sport of ballooning, too. Some of the most awe-inspiring moments in ballooning happen at festivals and competitions around the world. Each October, thousands of people gather at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest hot air balloon festival in the world, to watch the sky fill with color during the iconic mass ascensions. In the Midwest, the National Balloon Classic in Indianola, Iowa is a summer favorite, drawing pilots and fans from across the country. Then there’s the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship, where America’s top pilots battle it out in precision flying events.

And this August, we’re proud to cheer on our very own pilot, Eliav Cohen, as he represents Israel in the FAI European Hot Air Balloon Championship in Austria. Competing at this elite level isn’t just about skill—it’s about passion, strategy, and love for the skies. Whether we’re flying over Mt. Rainier or across the Austrian Alps, ballooning continues to bring us together in the most beautiful ways.