In a city filled with icons but lacking an elevated public view, one developer hopes a helium balloon ride can fill the void — if he can find a place to put it. Chris Nye, CEO of Hollywood Balloon LLC, is seeking Los Angeles site to host a tethered balloon ride that aims to rise 500 feet to offer skyline views.
Nye and his team want a five-year lease in a neighborhood like Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Long Beach and Hollywood. The balloon’s gondola would offer a live, comedic narration and 360-degree views of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, downtown and — on clear days — the ocean.
“There are millions of people in LA, and millions more visiting every year — but no public structure with a 360-degree view of the city,” Chris Nye, founder and CEO of Hollywood Balloon LLC, told CoStar News.
The concept is modeled on Aerophile’s installations around the world, including at the San Diego Safari Park and the Great Park in Irvine, California. But the Los Angeles version would differ in tone and scope, Nye said, incorporating live comedy, music and branded partnerships — aimed at making the balloon itself a must-see entertainment destination.
“We’re looking for either a vacant parcel or a parking structure roof, ideally with tourist visibility and minimal zoning barriers,” said NAI Capital Vice President Marty Shelton, who’s helping site the project.
The firm is targeting a mid-2027 opening, just ahead of the LA Olympics. But that timeline depends on finding a willing landlord and navigating a complex entitlement process that could stretch up to two years.
Eye on the sky
The balloon would be made by Aerophile of France, a company that says it has installed more than 100 tethered balloon rides globally with a perfect safety record. The balloons rise every 12 minutes, carrying up to 30 passengers on a 10-minute round-trip flight powered by a quiet 45-kilowatt electric winch.
Each gondola ride at the proposed LA project would feature a comedic host narrating sights, playing music and engaging with the group in real time — differentiating the LA version from more static installations.
The attraction requires a circular site at least 147 feet in diameter, ideally 210 feet. Overhead obstructions such as power lines or trees are deal-breakers, and the location must meet FAA airspace clearance rules, especially if within 5 nautical miles of an airport, according to Nye.
“Most buildings are designed to bear downward pressure,” Nye said. “This balloon pulls up. Parking structures are strong enough to handle that, but not every rooftop is.”
Shelton said the team is open to both private land and city-owned parcels. “We’ve talked to Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Culver City, even Rec and Parks,” he said. “We’re casting a wide net.”
Entitlements, zoning, building and safety approvals will be managed by a consultant retained by the company. Nye estimates it could take up to 24 months from lease signing to launch.
Tourist draw
Hollywood Balloon LLC is pitched as a low-impact, high-visibility tenant that could draw significant foot traffic to whichever site lands the project. Nye estimates up to 1,800 riders per day during peak seasons, with presold timed tickets minimizing congestion.
“It’s going to be rising into the air five times an hour and lit at night — you’ll see it from miles away,” Nye said. “It’s a landmark, not just an attraction.”
Each ride would be priced around $25, making it accessible to tourists and locals alike. Nye said it will appeal to families, budget travelers and experience-seekers priced out of higher-cost destinations.
Shelton said the balloon could help reposition a property as a regional draw.
“You can surround it with kiosks, dining, music. It’s an anchor. It creates buzz,” he said.
Hollywood Balloon LLC plans to monetize naming rights and partner with brands for co-marketing. Nye said the ride could become a backdrop for commercials, music videos or Olympic coverage.
“People don’t just want to look at LA — they want to post it, tag it and remember it,” Nye said.
Nye was inspired to launch the venture after spotting an Aerophile balloon in Berlin. Before launching Hollywood Balloon LLC in 2024, Nye made his living in the commercial and industrial lighting business.
“It was the kind of attraction that made you stop in your tracks,” he said. “I immediately started researching how to bring that wow factor to LA — somewhere that deserves it but doesn’t have anything like it.”
Nye said the pandemic left people hungry for shared experiences and immersive attractions like Hollywood Balloon LLC wants to provide.
Headwinds before liftoff
Despite enthusiasm, the team is still hunting for a viable location. Multiple sites in Hollywood were ruled out because of existing development plans or insufficient air clearance.
Though Universal Studios expressed interest, it ultimately passed. “They didn’t want to take on that situation of having to add more drama,” Shelton said, referencing neighborhood sensitivities and traffic issues.
Zoning remains one of the biggest challenges. Residential areas are off-limits, and even tourist hubs like Santa Monica present complications because of tight footprints and entitlements.
“Honestly, it’s the size. A lot of landlords just don’t have 210 feet of open sky to spare,” Nye said.
And with the Olympics less than three years away, time is working against the project. Even if a deal is struck tomorrow, the permitting process, manufacturing lead time and construction would push right up against the launch goal.
“We’re not looking for a pop-up,” Shelton said. “We’re looking for a long-term, stable lease that will give this project — and the surrounding neighborhood — room to grow.”