Located in the heart of Mission Beach, Belmont Park has been a top destination for family fun since the roaring twenties. You’re probably familiar with the Giant Dipper (the iconic wooden roller coaster that’s called the Park home since 1925), but did you know about all the other awesome attractions at Belmont Park? With mini golf, laser tag, sky ropes, zip lining and so much more, plus tons of new restaurants that are sure to satisfy any and all cravings, Belmont Park should be at the top of your summer bucket list. We’ve got your insider’s guide to this San Diego hot spot, providing endless fun for all ages.
Your Guide to Rides at the Park
You can’t go to Belmont Park without taking a ride on the Giant Dipper. This roller coaster was completely restored in 1990 and is a long-time favorite of any adrenaline lover. Hold on tight (or put your arms up in the air if you dare!) as you coast along this exciting ride of dips and turns. Just keep in mind, kiddos must be 50 inches tall to ride.
The Beach Blaster, Control Freak and Octotron will also get your heart racing with top speeds and spins. Little ones can experience pint-sized thrills of their own on the Crazy Submarine and Liberty Carousel, or pretend they’re a race car driver on the Speedway.
Speaking of driving, the whole family can take to the wheel on the Bumper Cars, or release any pent-up road rage on Krazy Kars. Where else can you crash into other drivers on purpose- no license or registration are required.
The Attractions
Challenge the family to round of miniature golf at Tiki Town Adventure Golf. This 18-hole Polynesian-themed course will weave its way indoors and outdoors with cool features like a talking Tiki man and giant volcano that erupts when someone gets a hole in one. The cost is $8 per person and open to all ages.
Experienced surfers can catch a wave on the FlowBarrel, the 10-foot wave machine inside WaveHouse, or beginner-intermediate levels of all ages can ride an endless wave on the FlowRider. The cost is $20-40 per hour, and must be 42 inches and above.
Experience high flying fun with the Zip Line. Strap in and get ready to soar across the midway. The cost is $10 per person and each rider must be 46 inches and weigh at least 50 pounds. For those that are extra daring, try taking a Leap of Faith aka bungee jumping from atop a sky-high platform. What a rush!
Test your balance on the Sky Ropes Adventure course. You’ll be strapped into a harness as you navigate your way across rope bridges and beams high in the sky. Probably best if you’re not afraid of heights! The cost is $6 and you must be 48 inches.
Get vertical on Sky Climb, the Park’s 30-foot tall rock climbing wall. Fast little monkeys can race to the top on Speedwall, which is a smaller timed climbing course. Each climbing adventure is $6 per person and climbers must weigh at least 40 pounds.
Rent some bikes and take a leisurely ride along the boardwalk. There’s even bikes with attached trailers for little ones and cars seats so kiddos can just sit back and relax as the grownups do the heavy pedaling. At Mission Beach Rentals, you can also rent surfboards, body boards, wet suits, kayaks, and roller blades.
For Indoor Action
As your day heats up, cool off by heading indoors. Belmont Park is home to an awesome arcade featuring all the latest games along with classics like Pac-Man and Skee-Ball. Get your game on with a Powercard and add any dollar amount you’d like, with extra savings when you spend $20 and up. Some games will earn tickets that are added right to your Powercard which can be redeemed for super cool prizes like sticky hands, ninja swords, and giant sunglasses.
Then enter the world of LazerBlast to experience nonstop action at every turn with the new Tron-themed Laser Tag game. Once you’re suited up in a vest and ready to play, shoot your laser gun at the targets, but you better move fast so you don’t get hit! Or try the Laser Maze and see how fast you can duck, dive, and roll through the course without tripping any lasers. The cost ranges from $3-8 per person, or all-day unlimited play is available for $10-20.
Coming soon to Belmont Park is an all new indoor adventure game called Escapology. Teams of up to six players will be locked inside of a game room where they’ll need to find clues and solve puzzles in order free themselves within the set time limit. No pressure or anything!
So Many Places to Eat
From sit-down beachfront dining to food court-style eateries, Belmont Park has lots of options when tummies start to rumble. If you’re there bright and early, head to Dottie’s Pop Shop for grab and go style coffee drinks, acai bowls, pastries and more. As lunchtime rolls around, Belmonty’s Burgers is located in the heart of the midway and offers something for everyone, serving not only yummy burgers, but also pizza, chicken strips, fish and chips and funnel cakes.
For casual restaurant-style dining, WaveHouse is located right on the boardwalk and features outdoor tiki bars, firepits and cabanas. Be sure to try a refreshing specialty drink along with one of their fresh salads or sandwiches, while the kiddos have their choice of chicken strips, fish and chips, or grilled cheese, all served with fries. While you wait for your food, watch the surfers hang ten as they show off their skills on the FlowBarrel wave machine. Lunch and dinner is served weekdays from 12 p.m. – sunset, and weekends 11 a.m. – sunset.
Draft is also located on the boardwalk and features 69 beers on tap, because what goes better with the boardwalk and beach than an iced cold beer. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, along with pool tables, shuffleboard, and tons of TV’s to catch the game. Start with a mouthwatering appetizer like shredded beef nachos or yellowtail tartare, then sink your teeth into one of their juicy burgers. The kids menu features not only the usual burgers and grilled cheese, but also fancier options like chicken pasta and shrimp n’chips, all for just $8. Draft is open weekdays for breakfast from 7 – 11 a.m., and the lunch and dinner menu is available until 10 p.m. Weekend brunch is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., along with their full menu until 10 p.m.
Finally, if you’ve got some sushi lovers in your family, head upstairs to Cannonball, a rooftop restaurant and bar with an amazing ocean view. Fresh seafood appetizers like calamari and oysters, along with specialty sushi rolls, nigari, and sashimi, paired with a drink and view of the sunset- what could be better? If the kids aren’t into sushi, don’t worry, there’s also a kids menu with normal kids cuisine options like grilled cheese, burgers, and fish tacos. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Don’t Forget Dessert
One piece of advice: make sure your crew saves room for dessert! Grab a hand-dipped ice cream cone, candy apple or some homemade fudge at the Sweet Shoppe. Beach Treats is located right on the boardwalk offering monster cones (they’re seriously huge!), shaved ice, and other delicious treats.
For a taste of tropical paradise, head over to the Jeep located under the Sky Ropes Adventure for a Dole Whip. Besides Belmont Park, this authentic pineapple-flavored soft-serve frozen dessert is sold only at Disney parks and in Hawaii. You’ve gotta try one!
Insider’s Tips:
- Parking and admission is free, but parking lots can get really crowded on weekends. So it’s best to come early or on a weekday.
- If everyone loves the rides, invest in an unlimited one-day ride pass for $17.95 – $28.95, depending on height. It’s a much better deal than paying for each individual ride.
- It’s a good idea to dress in layers as the beach breeze can get chilly. Also, bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan to take a dip in the ocean.
- Bring your own bikes, body boards or surfboards to save on rental fees.
- To save money on food and drinks, pack a picnic and enjoy it on the beach. Then just splurge on a Dole Whip or monster cone.
- Follow Belmont Park on Facebook to find out about cool events like Rhythm & Moves Yoga, Flowboarding Competitions, Movie Nights and more.
Belmont Park
3146 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92109
858-228-9283
Online: belmontpark.com
What is your favorite thing to do at Belmont Park? Tell us in the comments below!
— Kelly Powell (photos too, unless otherwise noted)
