It was nice while it lasted…
Hot air ballooning has been an iconic symbol of Del Mar for decades. Sadly, the Del Mar flight corridor in San Diego is closing down. Urban sprawl, numerous landowner complaints, and a fear of fire danger have forced the city of San Diego to revoke launch and landing privileges for hot air balloons on city property.
Balloon operators cannot find landowners who will allow hot air balloons to launch or land on their property. In the past, absentee landowners may or may not have known balloons occasionally used their property. The city fields have been crucial space for hot air balloons in Del Mar. With the loss of city support of the open space lands, balloonists have run out of launching and landing options in San Diego.
Where have all those beautiful balloons gone? Just head up the road to Temecula Wine Country. With favorable winds, open landing space, vineyard and distant ocean views, the skies over Temecula often look like God’s birthday party.
Anyone who has already purchased a Del Mar balloon ride from Magical Adventure Balloon Rides may use their credit in the Temecula location without restriction.
“Del Mar was nice while it lasted. Many of my most memorable flights were over the water in Del Mar. I hope to see you all someday soon in Temecula.”
– Pilot Denni, The Celebrity Balloonist