Belmont Park
4.6(18K)google
3.9(942)yelp
Roller CoasterFamilyKidsBeachThrilling
Overview
Belmont Park is a historic beachfront amusement park located right on the sand of Mission Beach, offering continuous thrills and nostalgic seaside entertainment since its founding in 1925. The park's crown jewel is the Giant Dipper, a legendary wooden roller coaster that is officially designated as a National Historic Landmark. Beyond this historic ride, visitors can enjoy modern bumper cars, zip-lining, rock climbing, midway carnival games, and delicious classic beach treats like giant funnel cakes.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-4 hours
Best TimeWeekend afternoons into the late evening are best when the amusement park fully lights up. The historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster creates a nostalgic carnival atmosphere perfect for families and couples.
Getting ThereLocated at the intersection of Mission Blvd and W Mission Bay Dr, featuring large, free public parking lots right outside. You can also catch MTS Bus Route 8 or 9 directly to the Mission Blvd & W Mission Bay Dr stop.
Travel Tips
- Park entry is entirely free, but rides are priced individually. Purchasing an unlimited ride Combo Wristband online in advance is significantly more cost-effective than buying single-ride tickets at the physical booths.
- The historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster produces extreme vibrations and violent jerks. Avoid riding if you suffer from neck, back, or motion issues. Ensure pockets are completely emptied of phones and coins before boarding.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- The best angle to capture the wooden coaster and retro park signage is from the pedestrian sidewalk at the intersection of Ventura Pl and Mission Blvd. Afternoon sun provides optimal lighting for that classic Americana aesthetic.
Reviews
Positive
- The historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster is an icon here, offering a thrilling ride with plenty of vintage nostalgia.
- Blessed with a premier location right on the Mission Beach boardwalk, you can enjoy rides while overlooking the beautiful Pacific ocean.
- The park has no general admission fee and is open-gate; visitors can stroll and take photos for free, paying only for individual rides.
- Besides classic rides, it offers arcade rooms, rock climbing, and mini-golf, providing versatile entertainment perfect for families.
Heads up
- If you don't buy an all-day pass, single-ride tickets are very expensive; however, long lines might prevent you from doing many rides.
- An older traditional amusement park with a small footprint; rides are tightly packed, making it feel very crowded and noisy during peak hours.
- The prices of street food, ice cream, and water inside are quite high, and some arcade machines are old, occasionally swallowing coins.
- The park's free parking is usually occupied early by beachgoers, and paid lots across the street charge exorbitant rates in high season.