At Belmont Park San Diego, you can enjoy the following activities:
With so many different activities to choose from, Belmont Park San Diego offers a fun family outing as well as competitive fun and games. This historic amusement park, located in San Diego’s Mission Beach neighborhood, is a free-to-enter beachfront attraction filled with carnival rides, arcade games, mini-golf, go-karts, fun food, and even a few places to drink.
There will be an overview of each ride and attraction, as well as where to eat, what to do, and important information before you go. A list of the best things to do at Belmont Park San Diego has been compiled based on my own experience and input from my daughter (who is an annual pass holder). Here, everyone is sure to find something to enjoy.
QUICK BELMONT PARK HISTORY
Originally named Mission Beach Amusement Center and built by sugar magnate John D. Spreckels, the park opened on July 4, 1925.
A way for him to sell real estate was to lure people to the up-and-coming area. After a period of popularity from the 1950s to the 1970s, the park fell into disrepair and closed in 1976. It reopened shortly thereafter as an entertainment and shopping complex.
It was visionaries who restored the landmark Giant Dipper roller coaster and made other improvements to make it a popular tourist destination.
The majority of Belmont Park’s rides and attractions have been working since 2020, despite several attractions temporarily undergoing maintenance. Before making your visit, double-check the calendar.
A roller coaster ride called the Giant Dipper
The Giant Dipper roller coaster behind the Belmont Park ticket booth.
The Giant Dipper roller coaster, a carousel, and a ticket booth are in the background.
Having been built during start your trial of wooden roller coasters, the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster is one of the park’s oldest roller coasters, making it one of San Diego’s most iconic attractions.
In addition to being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this landmark is also a National Historic Landmark.
Pacific Ocean and city views can be seen from the Giant Dipper. Speeds of up to 48mph are reached on this historical wooden roller coaster. The 75-foot drop is thrilling and stomach-clenching.
Type: Big Thrill
It is necessary for riders to be at least 50 inches tall in order to ride.
A single ride costs $8, or a Park Pass costs $12
A second carnival ride can be tackled if you follow the above instructions
There are 12 other San Diego Coaster Company-operated rides at Belmont Park in addition to the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster. You’ll love them when you see them.
BELMONT EXPRESS
Train rides through the beachfront amusement park on the Belmont Express
During normal operating hours, the Belmont Express train passes through the park.
BELMONT EXPRESS
Hop aboard the Belmont Express. A smokestack fires fog into the air as it travels down the Midway and around the perimeter of Disneyland as this mini-express train is reminiscent of a real train.
Type: Little Thrill
You must be at least 36 years of age to ride alone, or you may ride with another rider of the same height and age who meets the minimum requirement.
A single ride costs $5, or a park pass costs $10
CONTROL FREAK
You select which direction you’d like to flip the entire ride (clockwise or counterclockwise) on Control Freak, an interactive ride with a fixed direction. The buttons on your shoulder restraints will allow you and your partner to share control of the ride. A predetermined amount of time has passed before the control switches hands. Power switches are signaled by loud sounds, so keep your ears open.
Type: Big Thrill
To ride alone, you must be at least 52 inches tall. Riders in the 48-52 age range can also ride, with another rider who meets the minimum height requirement and is at least 8 years old. The height maximum is 77.
The price for a single ride is $6, or you can use any Park Pass to ride
BEACH BLASTER
This wild, swirling, frenzied ride will send you in a tizzy. You’re suspended on inverted seats that form a giant circle. This ride spins continuously and travels 120 degrees in both directions, experiencing irregular G-forces that reach heights of up to 67 feet. It will keep you on your toes and pump up your adrenaline with its organized chaos.
Type: Big Thrill
Approximately 48 inches is the minimum height requirement. There are no exceptions.
Rides cost $7 per person, or $10 with a Park Pass
OCTOTRON
Octotron is a thrill ride that spins you around and lets you control your speed with a joystick. The ride is controlled by you, so you can get as dizzy as you like. Spin nonstop or do not spin at all. The choice is yours. A neon light show illuminates it at night. Local teens and tweens praise it highly.
$6 per ride or with any Park Pass
TILT-A-WHIRL
There is a wheel on the Tilt a Whirl that rotates.
Always a kid favorite.
Type: Little Thrill
Riders under 48 must be accompanied by another rider who meets the minimum height requirement and is at least 8 years old.
With a Park Pass or single ride, the price is $5
MIC DROP
Vertical Plunge is an adrenaline-pumping Spring Ride that rises three stories before plunging back down. This two-minute ride consists of rising, dropping, and repeating. This is something everyone in the family will enjoy.
Type: Little Thrill
For solo rides, riders must be at least 42 and younger than 8 years of age, and at least 36 for rides with a person at least 42.
Park Pass holders and single riders pay $5