Belmont Park San Diego
Mission Beach's 100-year-old beachfront amusement park — home to the Giant Dipper roller coaster, 12+ rides, Wave House, and three oceanfront restaurants.
| Address | 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 (Mission Beach) |
| Phone | (858) 488-1549 |
| Entry Cost | Free — rides & attractions paid separately |
| Ride & Play Pass | $49.95 online weekdays · $64.95 online weekends · $64.95 gate |
| Hours (Mon–Thu) | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Hours (Fri) | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (extended in summer) |
| Hours (Sat) | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Hours (Sun) | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Parking | Free — 4 public lots surrounding the park |
| Best Time to Visit | Weekday afternoon; Saturday evening for atmosphere |
| Nearest Landmark | 1 mile from SeaWorld · On Mission Beach boardwalk |
What Is Belmont Park San Diego?
Belmont Park is San Diego's original beachfront amusement park, sitting at the southern end of the Mission Beach boardwalk since July 4, 1925. Unlike SeaWorld or the Zoo, entry is completely free — you walk in, take in the ocean air, and pay only for what you ride. That open, no-pressure setup makes it one of the most accessible family spots on the California coast.
The centerpiece is the Giant Dipper — a 100-year-old wooden roller coaster that is both a National Historic Landmark and a legitimately great ride, reaching 48 mph and dropping 75 feet on its 2,600-foot wooden track. Around it sits a full lineup: 12+ rides for all ages, Sky Ropes and Zip Line, the Wave House FlowRider, a heated historic pool called The Plunge, three oceanfront restaurants, and direct access to the Mission Beach boardwalk. It's a half-day for families, a few hours for couples, and the most naturally fun thing to stumble into along this stretch of coast.
Location matters here: Belmont Park is at the start of a 1.7-mile boardwalk running north to Pacific Beach Pier, one of San Diego's best beach corridors. Pair a few hours at the park with a beach walk, bike rental, or dinner at one of the rooftop restaurants and you have a complete day without leaving the neighborhood.
Belmont Park Ticket Prices 2026
The park is free to enter. Pay for rides and attractions only. Three options — pick the one that matches your group:
Ride & Play Pass
Most PopularFrom $49.95
online weekday / $64.95 gate
- ✓All 12+ rides unlimited
- ✓Sky Ropes & Zip Line
- ✓Rock Wall & Laser Tag
- ✓Mini Golf & 7D Theater
- ✓Lazer Maze
Not included: Arcade, Go-Karts, Escapology, Midway games
Universal Ticket Bundle
Best for Small Groups16 for $16 · 30 for $30
70 tickets for $60 · Shareable
- ✓Flexible — use across your group
- ✓Rides cost 5–12 tickets each
- ✓Giant Dipper = 8 tickets
- ✓No expiry on unused tickets
- ✓Best for 2–3 rides per person
Not included: Arcade, midway games
Season Pass
Best Value (3+ Visits)$101 – $135 / year
$100 each when buying 3+
- ✓Unlimited rides, no blackout dates
- ✓10% off food & merchandise
- ✓20% off Escapology rooms
- ✓10% off The Plunge passes
- ✓Pays off after 2–3 visits
Not included: Arcade, Go-Karts not included
Every Way to Pay Less at Belmont Park
Birthday free pass
Free Ride & Play Pass on your birthday with valid government-issued ID.
Heroes 20% off
Military, veterans, first responders, teachers & medical workers — 20% off all passes.
Sunset Savings
$20 off Ride & Play passes in the last 3 hours of operation. Gate only.
Buy online
Weekday online passes are $49.95 vs $64.95 at the gate — saves up to $20/person.
Go City Pass
Go City San Diego All-Inclusive Pass includes Belmont Park — good for multi-attraction days.
Group rate
Groups of 12+ qualify for discounted rates. Contact Belmont Park directly.
The Plunge pool is a separate ticket: day pass from $15. Individual attractions not covered by the Ride & Play Pass — arcade games, Go-Karts, Escapology escape rooms, and midway carnival games — are priced separately at the attraction.
The Giant Dipper — 100-Year-Old Roller Coaster
National Historic LandmarkThe Giant Dipper is the reason Belmont Park exists — and one of the most historically significant rides in the United States. When it opened on July 4, 1925, it was the crown jewel of a $2.5 million Mission Beach development by John D. and Adolph Spreckels. Designed by legendary wooden coaster engineers Frank Prior and Frederick Church (who also built the Giant Dipper at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in 1924), it was constructed by 100+ workers in under two months for $150,000 — roughly $2.5 million in today's dollars.
Giant Dipper Specs
- Opened
- July 4, 1925
- Track Length
- ~2,600 feet
- Height
- 75 feet
- Top Speed
- ~48 mph
- Type
- Classic wooden out-and-back
- Min. Height (solo)
- 50 inches
- Min. Height (with adult)
- 42 inches
- Ticket Cost
- 8 Universal Tickets or included in Pass
- Total Rides Taken
- Over 70 million
Historic Landmark Status
- 🏛️ National Register of Historic Places — 1978
- 🏛️ National Historic Landmark — 1987
- 🥉 5th oldest roller coaster in the United States
- 🌊 One of only 2 Prior & Church wooden coasters surviving on the West Coast
- 🎂 Celebrated its 100th birthday July 4, 2025
Nearly Lost — Then Saved
After decades of decline, the city threatened demolition in the late 1970s. A community group — the "Save the Coaster Committee" — secured National Landmark designation, raised preservation funding, and completed a $2 million restoration. The Giant Dipper reopened August 11, 1990 and has run continuously ever since. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria attended its 2025 centennial celebration.
Giant Dipper Riding Tips
- ·Ride in the front row for full wind and open visibility — worth the extra wait.
- ·The first drop is 75 feet — hold the lap bar and keep your head back.
- ·Lines are shortest on weekday afternoons and within the first hour of opening.
- ·50" minimum solo — bring a measuring tape for kids near the cutoff to avoid disappointment.
- ·The back row is rougher and more intense — better for thrill-seekers.
- ·Costs 8 Universal Tickets or is included in any Ride & Play Pass.
All Belmont Park Rides — Heights & Ticket Costs
14 rides total. Height requirements are for riding solo — children may ride with a paid adult chaperone at reduced minimums on most rides.
| Ride | Description | Solo Height | With Adult | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Dipper ⭐ | Historic wooden roller coaster — 75 ft, 48 mph, 2,600 ft of track | 50" | 42" | 8 |
| Beach Blaster | Pendulum ride swinging to 67 feet in the air | 48" | 38" | 7 |
| Flip Out | Spinning ride — two people control spin with buttons | 52" | N/A | 6 |
| Octotron | Spinning roller coaster with joystick control, neon lights | 48" | 38" | 6 |
| Tilt-A-Whirl | Classic spinning flatride | 46" | 38" | 6 |
| Mic Drop | 3-story vertical spring plunge — repeated drops | 42" | 36" | 5 |
| Zero Gravity | Bouncing elevation ride above the park | 42" | 38" | 5 |
| Dip & Dive | Mini submarine with rotating mechanical arms | 42" | 36" | 5 |
| Overdrive Bumper Cars | 14 multicolor cars on 2,000 sq ft floor | 42" | 36" | 5 |
| Krazy Kars | Spinning inner-tube bumper cars with black lights & disco ball | 42" | N/A | 5 |
| Speedway | NASCAR-inspired 2-seat whip ride | 36" | N/A | 5 |
| Wave Jumper | Ocean-themed up-and-down ride for families | 36" | N/A | 5 |
| Belmont Express | Miniature train along the midway perimeter | 36" | N/A | 5 |
| Liberty Carousel | 30-ft antique carousel — 800 lights, historic SD art panels | Any | Any | 5 |
Heights are minimum requirements. Always verify at the park — requirements can change.
Adventure Attractions at Belmont Park
Beyond the rides — these are the experiences that set Belmont Park apart from a standard amusement park.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
12 tickets · Included in Ride & Play PassA two-story aerial obstacle course with 26 challenging elements — balance beams, tightropes, hanging rings, cargo nets — ending with a zipline over the park. The best pure physical challenge Belmont Park offers. Harness provided. Minimum 48" solo, 36"+ with an adult chaperone aged 18+.
💡 Tip: Go in the first hour after opening — this is the longest line by midday.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
12 tickets · Included in Ride & Play PassSoar from a tower above the park at up to 15 mph. Your ticket includes two runs. Minimum 46" height. Weight limit 50–250 lbs. One of the most scenic vantage points in Mission Beach — you can see the ocean from the launch point.
💡 Tip: Ticket includes two zips — don't leave after one.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
~$20/hr + registration · Separate from Ride & Play PassTwo simulated wave surfing machines powered by high-velocity water pumps. The FlowRider creates a standing surf wave — beginners can learn to bodyboard, experienced riders can stand. The FlowBarrel is a more advanced prone bodyboard machine (must qualify on FlowRider first). FlowRider hours: Sat–Sun 11am–7pm; FlowBarrel also Mon–Fri noon–4:45pm. Watching from the sidelines is always free.
💡 Tip: Book a 1-hour session in advance — walk-up slots fill quickly on summer weekends.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
8 tickets · Included in Ride & Play Pass12 climbing lanes on the exterior of the historic Plunge building at beginner, intermediate, and advanced difficulty. Weight 50–250 lbs. Closed-toe shoes with heel straps required — shoe rental available.
💡 Tip: This is the most underrated attraction at the park. Lines rarely exceed 5 minutes.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
From $15/day · Separate ticketThe historic 1925 indoor heated freshwater pool — one of San Diego's largest. Now includes an inflatable obstacle course, lap lanes, water polo cages, keyless lockers, and a retractable roof. Originally built as a saltwater pool. Day pass from $15; monthly memberships available.
💡 Tip: Great for a post-rides cool-down, especially with kids under 6 who can't ride most attractions.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
Included in Ride & Play PassThree-level Tron-themed arena with two bases and a neutral zone. Ages 5+. One of the highest-replay-value inclusions in the Ride & Play Pass.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
Separate fee · Not in PassFive themed 60-minute escape rooms: Antidote, Budapest Express, Mansion Murder, Lost City, and Scooby-Doo. Ages 7+ recommended. Under 18 requires parent waiver. Book ahead — rooms sell out on weekends.
💡 Tip: Book online before arriving — walk-up availability is limited.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
Separate fee · Not in Ride & Play Pass14 karts on a 2,000+ sq ft track reaching up to 18 mph. Driver minimum 56". Passenger 40"+ with an 18+ adult chaperone. One of the most height-restrictive attractions — check before building expectations for younger kids.
Belmont Park San Diego with Kids
Belmont Park works for every age — here's a practical breakdown so you know exactly what each group can do before you arrive.
Toddlers & Under 3
Free entry for all ages. Focus on sensory experiences and the beach.
- ✓Liberty Carousel — no height minimum
- ✓Belmont Express train — 36"+ or with adult
- ✓Wave Jumper — 36"+ or with adult
- ✓Beach access right next door
- ✓Sweet Shoppe — Dole Whip, ice cream
- ✓Watching FlowRider from the sideline
Kids Ages 3–10
Mix of gentle rides and first-time thrill experiences. Check heights.
- ✓Dip & Dive submarine — 42"+ solo
- ✓Mic Drop vertical plunge — 42"+ solo
- ✓Overdrive Bumper Cars — 42"+ solo
- ✓Laser Tag — ages 5+ (any height with adult)
- ✓7D Xanadu Theater — 40"+ minimum
- ✓Tiki Town Mini Golf — all ages
- ✓Jungle Gems mining sluice — all ages
- ✓Arcade (70+ games) — all ages
Tweens & Teens
Full park access. Giant Dipper is the headline. Wave House is the wildcard.
- ✓Giant Dipper — 50"+ solo (main event)
- ✓Beach Blaster pendulum — 48"+ solo
- ✓Sky Ropes & Zip Line — 48"+, 46"+
- ✓Rock Wall — 12 climbing lanes
- ✓Wave House FlowRider — beginner-friendly
- ✓Go-Karts — 56"+ to drive
- ✓Escapology escape rooms — ages 7+
- ✓70+ arcade games + midway games
Bring a measuring tape for kids near the height cutoffs.
The Giant Dipper (50") and Go-Karts (56") have the strictest limits. Measuring at home avoids tears at the ride gate. Kids 42"+ can ride the Giant Dipper with an adult chaperone who also pays for a ticket.
Hours, Parking & Getting There
Belmont Park Hours 2026
Hours change seasonally — winter weekday hours are reduced. Always verify at belmontpark.com before visiting.
Parking & Getting There
Free Parking — 4 Public Lots
Adjacent lot off Ventura Pl, two lots south on Mission Blvd, fourth at Bonita Cove. All free with no time limit. Fill fast on summer weekends — arrive before noon.
MTS Bus Route 8 — $2.50
Stops on W Mission Bay Dr, short walk to the park. Connect via Trolley Green Line at Old Town Transit Center. Best no-car option from downtown.
Rideshare — ~10–15 min from downtown
Uber/Lyft from Gaslamp Quarter approximately $20–$35. Drop-off directly on Mission Blvd at the park entrance.
Bike Rentals — On-Site
Mission Beach Rentals at Belmont Park offers beach cruisers, tandem bikes, electric bikes, and surfboards. Combine a park visit with a boardwalk ride north to Pacific Beach.
Restaurants at Belmont Park San Diego
Three full-service oceanfront restaurants plus 10+ quick-service options along the midway.
Cannonball
Rooftop Sushi & Coastal Cuisine
San Diego's largest oceanfront rooftop. Pacific Rim menu — sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, shareable plates. Japanese-inspired cocktails. Happy hour Mon–Thu 2–5pm. Best unobstructed sunset view in Mission Beach.
Best for: Date night · Groups
Draft
Sports Bar & Grill
100+ beers on tap with a 31-foot TV screen. Hand-crafted burgers, wings, salads, and bar snacks. Daily brunch available. The go-to for watching Padres games with ocean views.
Best for: Game day · Casual
Beach House
Tiki Bar & Grill
Casual beachfront tiki bar with private cabanas, fire pits, and live music. American fare, tropical cocktails, and a laid-back Hawaiian atmosphere. Great post-rides wind-down spot.
Best for: Families · Relaxed evenings
Quick-Service Midway Food
Insider Tips for Belmont Park San Diego
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
Weekday online Ride & Play passes are $49.95 vs $64.95 at the gate on weekends. For a family of four, that's up to $60 saved by booking 5 minutes before you leave.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
Opening hour (11am) has the shortest lines across every ride and the most parking. Lines for Giant Dipper, Sky Ropes, and Zip Line double by 1pm on weekends.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
Weekday passes are $15 cheaper online, crowds are 60% lighter, parking is easy, and every ride is a walk-on. Saturday evenings are worth it for atmosphere but expect waits.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
$20 off Ride & Play passes in the last 3 hours before closing — gate purchase only. You get full access with time for all the major rides.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide't
Universal Ticket Bundles can be split across your group. Ride & Play wristbands are per-person. For 2–3 rides each, the 30-ticket bundle ($30) beats per-person wristbands for most couples.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
Belmont Park is directly on Mission Beach. A towel and change of clothes lets you ride Wave House and then walk straight onto the sand after — extending your day for free.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
Friday hours are limited (11am–3pm) and winter weekday schedules reduce significantly. Individual rides may also close for maintenance. Check belmontpark.com the day before.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
Closed-toe shoes with heel straps are required for Rock Wall and Sky Ropes. Flip-flops disqualify you from these activities. Everyone in your group should wear sneakers.
What to Combine with Belmont Park
Belmont Park is in one of San Diego's best beach corridors. These are the natural additions to a full day.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
Walking distanceThe 1.7-mile Ocean Front Walk runs north from Belmont Park to Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach. Free. One of the best urban boardwalk walks in California — packed with locals, street performers, and ocean views.
San Diego's major marine theme park is a natural same-day pairing — especially for families already driving to the Mission Bay area. Polar coaster, Manta coaster, and penguin encounters.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
~5 min walk / 0.5 milesThe largest man-made aquatic park in the US. Paddleboard, kayak, jet ski, and electric boat rentals at Mission Bay Sports Center. Calm flat water makes it ideal for all experience levels.
Belmont Park San Diego 2026 — Rides & Visitor Guide
1.7 miles north (walk or bike)Walk or bike the boardwalk north to Pacific Beach — livelier nightlife, Crystal Pier, and a more local beach vibe. Garnet Ave has the best restaurant and bar strip.
Mission Beach itself is a solid beach day. But La Jolla Cove, Coronado Beach, and Torrey Pines State Beach are all within 20–30 minutes if you want to explore further.
The Zoo and Belmont Park are natural split-day options — morning at the Zoo, afternoon/evening at Belmont Park and the beach. Both are top family draws with very different experiences.
Belmont Park San Diego — Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belmont Park San Diego free?+
Yes — entry to Belmont Park is completely free. You only pay for rides and attractions. The all-day Ride & Play Pass starts at $49.95 online on weekdays and $64.95 on weekends. Universal Ticket Bundles (16 for $16, 30 for $30) let you pay per-ride without buying a full pass.
What are Belmont Park hours in 2026?+
Monday–Thursday 11am–8pm, Friday 11am–3pm, Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am–9pm. Summer hours are often extended to 11pm. Winter weekday hours are reduced. Always verify at belmontpark.com before visiting.
Is parking free at Belmont Park San Diego?+
Yes. Four free public parking lots surround the park. They fill up fast on summer weekends — arrive by noon to get a spot. MTS Bus Route 8 ($2.50) stops a short walk from the park if you want to skip parking entirely.
What is the height requirement for the Giant Dipper?+
50 inches (about 4'2") to ride solo. Children who are at least 42 inches tall may ride with a paying adult chaperone. This is the strictest height requirement at the park. Measure kids at home to avoid disappointment at the gate.
How old is the Giant Dipper at Belmont Park?+
The Giant Dipper opened July 4, 1925 — it turned 100 years old in 2025. It is a National Historic Landmark, the 5th oldest roller coaster in the US, and one of only two surviving wooden coasters on the West Coast designed by Frank Prior and Frederick Church. Over 70 million people have ridden it.
What rides are at Belmont Park San Diego?+
14 rides: Giant Dipper (wooden roller coaster), Beach Blaster (pendulum), Flip Out, Octotron, Tilt-A-Whirl, Mic Drop, Dip & Dive, Zero Gravity, Overdrive Bumper Cars, Krazy Kars, Speedway, Wave Jumper, Belmont Express train, and Liberty Carousel. Adventure attractions include Sky Ropes, Zip Line, Rock Wall, and Wave House FlowRider.
What does the Ride & Play Pass not include?+
The Ride & Play Pass does not include arcade games, midway carnival games, Go-Karts, Escapology escape rooms, or The Plunge pool. These require separate payment at each attraction.
Is Belmont Park good for toddlers and young kids?+
Yes. The Liberty Carousel has no height minimum and works for all ages. The Belmont Express train and Wave Jumper allow small children with an adult. Entry is free for all ages. The adjacent beach and Sweet Shoppe round out a toddler-friendly visit.
What is the Wave House at Belmont Park?+
The Wave House is a simulated wave surfing facility within Belmont Park. The FlowRider creates a standing surf wave for beginners and experienced riders. The FlowBarrel is for advanced prone bodyboarding (must qualify on FlowRider first). FlowRider open Sat–Sun 11am–7pm; FlowBarrel also Mon–Fri noon–4:45pm. Watching is free.
Where exactly is Belmont Park located?+
3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 — at the southern end of the Mission Beach boardwalk. About 10–15 minutes from downtown San Diego, 1 mile from SeaWorld San Diego, and directly accessible from the 1.7-mile boardwalk running north to Pacific Beach.
Ready to Visit Belmont Park?
Entry is free — just show up. Buy your Ride & Play Pass online to save up to $20 and skip the gate queue.