Belmont Park
Amusement park · San Diego
3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
Highlights
Beachfront amusement park with historic wooden roller coaster.
Beachfront amusement park with historic wooden roller coaster.
"A free, beachside amusement park featuring a historic wooden roller coaster—the Giant Dipper—which dates to 1925, offering seaside rides and a nostalgic boardwalk-style entertainment experience." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"An oceanfront amusement park in San Diego that offers a nostalgic experience." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"Amusement parks can be kitschy, indulgent, and a little cheesy—and at Belmont Park, we embrace it. The ocean-adjacent mini amusement park is hard to miss as you drive west on Mission Bay Drive, thanks to the towering Giant Dipper, a 2,600-foot-long roller coaster that soars above the park and offers ocean views. If you're ready for more, have a go on other classics like the Tilt-a-Whirl, zipline, or bumper cars. For lower-octane pursuits, there's also an arcade and carousel." - Marie Tutko, Archana Ram
"Give us the big picture: What’s the vibe of the place, what’s it like? Amusement parks can be kitschy, indulgent, and a little cheesy—and at Belmont Park, we embrace it. The ocean-adjacent San Diego mini amusement park is hard to miss as you drive west on Mission Bay Drive, thanks to the towering Giant Dipper roller coaster that serves as the park's centerpiece. What are the must-dos here? First things first: Ride the coaster. Built in 1925, the 2,600-foot-long Giant Dipper is a fun, rattling ride that soars above the park and offers ocean views. If you're ready for more, have a go on other classics like the Tilt-a-Whirl, zipline, or bumper cars. For lower-octane pursuits, there's also an arcade and carousel. New attractions include the Mic Drop, a ten-seat ride that goes up and drops down from three stories, and a 12-lane rock climbing wall with sections for novice and advanced climbers. How easy is it to get around? Belmont Park is far smaller than a Six Flags or Disney, so don't worry about provisioning yourself for several days here. You can spend a breezy half day (or less) taking in the rides, games, and tacos. And when you need a breather, Mission Beach is just a few steps away. For those with mobility issues, the park has wheelchair ramps at the Giant Dipper as well as assistance for about eight other rides, including bumper cars. Certain attractions, like Tilt-a-Whirl and Crazy Submarine, are difficult for those in wheelchairs. Who is this park best for? Belmont Park is best for kids and adults who don't take themselves too seriously. If you turn your nose up at hot dogs, corny graphic tees, and loud kids, this won't be the place for you." - Archana Ram
"The Mexican restaurant will be featuring a selection of its popular tacos, from carne asada to chile relleno and grilled portobello. Since Belmont Park holds a full liquor license, it can also offer Latin-inspired cocktails including palomas, micheladas, and margaritas." - Candice Woo
