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The Orange Balloon is a large helium-filled balloon that takes visitors 500 feet into the air for panoramic views of Newport Beach, Catalina Island, San Bernardino peaks and beyond on clear days. Don't worry, it's completely safe. First of all, helium is not a flammable gas, so you're not in danger of fire or explosion. Secondly, the balloon is tethered to a massive cable that connects it to the ground. The passenger area is also enclosed by railing and rope. Since helium is lighter than air, the balloon lifts skyward as the cable is let out from the ground.

Are you ready for the best part about the Orange Balloon? - It's FREE. At least for now it is. The Orange County Great Park is running the balloon for free as a promotion of the park in its beginning stages of development. Currently, the Orange Balloon operates from what was once the El Toro Marine base in Irvine. Since the base closed in the late 90s, there has been much debate about what to do with the nearly 5,000 acres of land. Everything from land development to airport and amusement park were brought to the table. Thankfully, the decision was made to convert most of it into a giant park that will one day rival New York's Central Park.

Six of us decided to ride the balloon one afternoon. From Interstate 5 we exited Sand Canyon, turned on to Marine Way just a short hop from the freeway exit, turned left on Perimeter Road and followed that to a small parking lot. We walked to the tall glass building where we signed waivers and were given our boarding passes. From there, a short path led to the balloon boarding area.

Resoure: OC calvary