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Belmont Park, San Diego: Tickets and Info

This website offers official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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Belmont Park Ride & Play Pass

Highlights

Unlimited rides throughout the day on all attractions and select ziplines.

Experience the thrill of the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and Beach Blaster gondola.

Perfect for visitors of all ages with family-friendly options like the Liberty Carousel.

Explore a historic beachfront amusement park with scenic views and a vibrant boardwalk atmosphere.

Opportunity to combine with other popular San Diego experiences for added fun.

Good to Know Before Visiting Belmont Park

Parking in the four surrounding public lots is free, but spaces fill up very quickly on summer weekends and warm afternoons.

All ride and attraction admissions operate on a cardless or wristband system, which you can purchase at ticket booths or online in advance.

Every ride has strict height and safety requirements posted at the entrance, so check these before purchasing individual ride passes for young children.

While barefoot walking and swimwear are allowed on the adjacent beach, shoes and shirts are strictly required to enter the park ride area, arcade, and indoor shops.

Lockers are available on-site for a small rental fee if you need a secure place to store personal items while riding or going to the beach.

Operating hours vary significantly by season and weather, with ride closures occurring earlier during weekdays in the winter and spring.

Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the park's sit-down restaurants, though you can enjoy snacks along the public beach and boardwalk paths.

Bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket for the cooler evening ocean breeze will keep you comfortable throughout the day.

Essential Visitor Info

Timings
Address & Directions
Facilities
Accessibility

Timings

Belmont Park operates year-round, with rides and major attractions opening daily at 11:00 AM. Because closing times vary based on the season, day of the week, and local weather, planning ahead ensures you maximize your time at the park.
Park rides typically open at 11:00 AM. Closing times generally range between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM depending on the day:
Monday through Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (extended hours during peak summer seasons)
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Select beachfront restaurants, shops, and boardwalk venues stay open later than the ride area on most nights.
Best Times to Visit
For Shorter Lines: Weekday mornings and early afternoons between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM offer the shortest wait times for major rides like the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.
For Evening Atmosphere: Visiting on Friday or Saturday evening offers illuminated rides, cooler ocean breezes, and a livelier boardwalk setting.
Parking Advice: The four surrounding public parking lots are free, but they fill up rapidly on summer weekends and holidays. Arriving before 11:00 AM or planning an early evening arrival after 4:00 PM increases your chance of finding a spot quickly.

About Belmont Park

Belmont Park has served as a cornerstone of San Diego’s coastal culture since opening its gates on July 4, 1925. Originally built by real estate developer John D. Spreckels, the park was designed to drive local streetcar ridership and spur residential growth in Mission Beach. Today, the seven-acre oceanfront park balances its historic heritage with contemporary attractions. Because the park offers free entry to the grounds, guests can explore the bustling pedestrian boardwalk at their own pace, enjoying everything from beachfront carnival games to oceanview shopping.

The park's centerpiece is the Giant Dipper, a restored wooden roller coaster designated as a National Historic Landmark. Beyond the coaster, the park features a wide mix of rides, including the historic Liberty Carousel, bumper cars, and high-thrill attractions. Visitors can also enjoy the Plunge, a restored indoor pool facility, alongside multi-level laser tag arenas, mini-golf courses, and casual oceanfront restaurants. Belmont Park remains one of Southern California's few surviving traditional seaside amusement parks, attracting millions of local residents and travelers every year.

Why Visit Belmont Park?

Historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster

The park's flagship attraction, the Giant Dipper, is a restored 1925 wooden roller coaster designated as a National Historic Landmark. It offers sharp turns, steep drops, and elevated views of Mission Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Experiencing this classic coaster is a signature San Diego activity for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.

Unbeatable Beachfront Location

Belmont Park sits directly on the oceanfront boardwalk in Mission Beach, offering immediate access to the sand and ocean. Visitors can easily transition from riding attractions to relaxing by the water or taking a seaside stroll. The location provides a coastal setting that standard inland amusement parks cannot match.

Diverse Attractions for All Ages

Beyond traditional rides, the park features a wide array of activities including mini-golf, a rock climbing wall, laser tag, and an arcade. There are gentle rides designed specifically for young children alongside higher-thrill attractions for teenagers and adults. The variety ensures groups and families with differing interests stay entertained.

Boardwalk Dining and Oceanfront Views

The park grounds include multiple beachfront restaurants and casual food stops, ranging from rooftop dining to classic boardwalk snacks. Visitors can sit down for a meal, sample local craft beverages, or grab quick bites right along the oceanfront promenade. In the evening, the illuminated park offers a relaxed environment for dinner and drinks by the ocean.

Belmont Park - Additional Info

Dining
Souvenir Store

Dining

Belmont Park offers a diverse mix of dining options ranging from casual boardwalk concessions to sit-down oceanfront restaurants. Visitors looking for quick bites can find classic amusement park treats such as churros, funnel cakes, soft-serve ice cream, burgers, and pizza slice windows positioned along the main pedestrian paths.
For a full sit-down meal, the park features signature oceanfront venues like Draft, which offers craft beer and elevated pub fare, and Cannonball, San Diego’s largest oceanfront rooftop sushi bar. These sit-down spots feature expansive outdoor patio seating with direct views of the boardwalk and the Pacific Ocean.

Interesting Facts about Belmont Park

Belmont Park originally opened on July 4, 1925, under its original name, the Mission Beach Amusement Center.

Sugar magnate John D. Spreckels built the park for $2.5 million to promote his local real estate developments and drive streetcar ridership to Mission Beach.

The park's famous Giant Dipper roller coaster was constructed in just four weeks by renowned coaster designers Frank Prior and Frederick Church.

The Giant Dipper was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

When the park's indoor pool, originally named The Natatorium, opened in 1925, it was the largest saltwater swimming pool in the world.

In 1940, the pool converted from ocean water to fresh water, becoming the largest indoor heated pool in Southern California.

Grassroots community members formed the Save the Coaster Committee in the late 1970s to rescue the abandoned Giant Dipper from planned city demolition.

The roller coaster was fully restored and reopened in 1990 through a partnership with the team behind the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

In 1998, two contest participants set a record by riding the Giant Dipper for 70 consecutive days to win a $50,000 prize.

Renowned marine artist Wyland painted his "Orcas off Point Loma" whaling wall mural on the exterior of the park's pool building in 1989.

The park was officially renamed Belmont Park in 1955 by then-operator Jack Ray, who named it after a park in Montreal.

The park's classic Liberty Carousel features custom hand-painted panels that depict historic scenes and landmarks from San Diego's history.

Belmont Park - Highlights in Pictures

FAQs about Belmont Park

What is Belmont Park?

Belmont Park is a historic, seven-acre oceanfront amusement park located directly on the Mission Beach boardwalk in San Diego, California.

When did Belmont Park first open?

The park originally opened on July 4, 1925, under its original name, the Mission Beach Amusement Center.

Who built Belmont Park and why?

Sugar magnate John D. Spreckels built the park to spur residential real estate development and increase local streetcar ridership to Mission Beach.

What is the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster?

The Giant Dipper is Belmont Park's flagship 1925 wooden roller coaster, which is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

What other historic attractions are located inside the park?

The park features the historic Liberty Carousel with hand-painted San Diego scenes and the Plunge, a landmark indoor pool facility originally built in 1925.

What types of activities are available besides rides?

Visitors can enjoy arcade games, mini-golf, a rock climbing wall, laser tag, oceanfront shopping, and boardwalk dining.

What dining options are available at Belmont Park?

The park offers quick-service food stands alongside sit-down oceanfront venues like Draft and Cannonball, San Diego’s largest rooftop sushi bar.

Is there an admission fee to enter Belmont Park?

No, entry to the park grounds is completely free, allowing guests to pay only for the individual rides, games, and attractions they choose.

How do ride and attraction passes work?

All admissions operate on a cardless or wristband system, which visitors can purchase online in advance or at on-site ticket booths.

What time do rides and attractions open daily?

Park rides and major attractions open daily at 11:00 AM year-round, with closing times varying by season and day of the week.

Is parking available at Belmont Park?

Yes, free public parking is available in four surrounding lots managed by the City of San Diego on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I take public transportation to Belmont Park?

Yes, San Diego MTS Bus Route 8 connects the Old Town Transit Center directly to Belmont Park.

Is Belmont Park wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the park features wide, paved pathways, ADA-compliant ramps, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces for visitors with disabilities.