Belmont Park
About
Belmont Park brings classic beachside amusement park thrills right to Mission Beach's boardwalk. Kids will experience the historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster that's been thrilling families since 1925, plus modern rides, arcade games, laser tag, mini golf, and a rock climbing wall,all with ocean views and beach access just steps away.
Highlights
- ✓The historic Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster,a San Diego landmark
- ✓Beach Blaster (vertical tower drop ride) with incredible ocean views
- ✓Massive arcade with hundreds of games and prize redemption center
Pro Tips
- 1.Buy an unlimited ride wristband if you're staying 3+ hours,it pays for itself after about 6 rides and kids can re-ride favorites
- 2.The Giant Dipper has a 50-inch height requirement, but kids 42+ inches can ride with an adult
- 3.Park for free on nearby residential streets (west of Mission Blvd) and walk 5 minutes instead of paying lot fees
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons are least crowded. Arrive right at opening on weekends to beat the crowds. Sunset visits (last 2 hours) offer beautiful views and cooler temperatures.
What to Know
Multiple food stands on-site including pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, and Beach House restaurant. Prices are typical amusement park markup. Paid parking lot on-site ($20-30) or metered street parking on Mission Boulevard. Free street parking available 2-3 blocks inland. Public restrooms available throughout the park and on the beach boardwalk nearby. Stroller-friendly boardwalk, but you'll need to park strollers before riding attractions. Crowded on weekends. Wheelchair accessible with paved boardwalk. Some rides accommodate guests with disabilities,check with ride operators.
Seasonal Notes
Summer months (June-August) bring the biggest crowds and longest hours. The park occasionally hosts special events like 4th of July fireworks viewing. Winter hours are more limited but lines are minimal. Check the website as hours vary significantly by season.
Nearby Eats
The boardwalk is packed with casual beach eateries including The Wavehouse for burgers and tacos, Draft for upscale comfort food with ocean views, and numerous ice cream shops. Walk 5 minutes south to find even more family-friendly restaurants along Mission Boulevard.
More Activities Near San Diego
Petco Park
Home of the San Diego Padres, this beautiful downtown ballpark offers much more than just baseball with a dedicated kids' play area featuring slides and interactive games plus the famous Park at the Park - a grassy hillside beyond the outfield where families can picnic, play, and watch the game. The beach-themed atmosphere and views of the San Diego Bay make it one of baseball's most family-friendly stadiums.
Mission Bay
Mission Bay is a 4,600-acre aquatic playground with calm, wave-free bay waters that feel like a giant swimming pool,perfect for nervous swimmers and toddlers taking their first dips. Kids can paddleboard, kayak, build sandcastles on numerous beaches, feed ducks, play at waterfront playgrounds, and enjoy the grassy picnic areas without any ocean current concerns.
La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores offers a mile-long stretch of soft sand with protected, mellow waves that make it San Diego's best beach for families learning to surf or boogie board. The wide beach transitions to a grassy park area with playgrounds, picnic tables, and Kellogg Park, while the calm waters attract friendly leopard sharks in summer and sea lions year-round.
Balboa Park
This massive cultural oasis offers families far more than a typical park - it's essentially multiple destinations in one 1,200-acre wonderland. With everything from world-class museums and a miniature railroad to multiple playgrounds, gardens, and the hands-on Fleet Science Center, you could spend days here and still not see everything, making it the ultimate rainy day backup or multi-visit destination.