Belmont Park – Belmont Park is San Diego’s only beachfront amusement park and includes the popular historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and The Plunge. Built in 1925, the Giant Dipper was the idea of John D. Spreckels and a favorite attraction at the 33-acre Mission Beach Amusement Center.

The Roller Coaster is 2,600 ft. long, was built in less than two months, and cost less than $150,000. The park eventually became Belmont Park and unfortunately fell into disrepair in the late 1960’s. The park and the coaster closed in 1976.

In the early 1980’s the coaster was a major eyesore and marked for demolition. Through the efforts of a group of citizens aptly named “Save the Coaster Committee”, the coaster was designated a National Landmark and saved from destruction.

Although the Giant Dipper was quite popular, it was The Plunge that was the main attraction at the park, inviting such stars as Johnny Weissmuller and Esther Williams to dip their toes in its water. The 60-by 70-foot swimming pool held 400,000-gallons and was at the time the largest salt-water pool in the world.

In 1940 when the salt-water began to damage the filters, the pool was filled with fresh water. In 1987 the building and pool itself failed to meet city fire and earthquake safety standards and was closed. After major renovations it reopened its doors a year later. The Plunge continues to be the main attraction at Belmont Park and a place where children have learned to swim for generations.

Besides the Giant Dipper and The Plunge there is still much more to enjoy. There are numerous rides for both thrill seekers and children, including the Liberty Carousel, which has hand painted scenes patterned after scenes of San Diego.

Belmont Park
3190 Mission Blvd. (@ W. Mission Bay Dr.)
San Diego, CA 92108
1-858-488-1549
www.belmontpark.com

1. The Birch Aquarium at Scripps (More.......)
2. Torrey Pines State Reserve (More........)
3. Coronado Island (More........)
4. Belmont Park (More..........)
5. Historical town of Julian (More.........)