This Beachside San Diego Amusement Park Is Free — and Has a Historic Wooden Roller Coaster

Southern California has no shortage of standout amusement parks, but San Diego's Belmont Park brings new meaning to fun in the sun.

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Southern California has no shortage of standout amusement parks, but a San Diego gem brings new meaning to fun in the sun. Belmont Park sits beachside in the heart of bustling Mission Beach, attracting millions of visitors each year. The free-to-enter park pairs classic thrills with family fun and destination-worthy dining — all with a picture-perfect view of the Pacific Ocean.

Belmont Park opened in 1925 along a boardwalk. At the time it offered a wooden roller coaster and plunge pool — both still operate to this day.

Compact in size, it has a distinct charm you won’t find at any other park in California. There are classic attractions abound, like a Tilt-A-Whirl, carousel, and miniature golf. It’s grown in its almost 100 years of operation to adapt to changing traveler tastes. But it also now houses an upgraded arcade, ropes course, escape room, and rock climbing. The year-round park is free to enter with guests paying per attraction with ride tickets or a ride-all-day pass.

Its most renowned attraction, the Giant Dipper, welcomed its first guests back on July 4, 1925. The wooden roller coaster is an accolade magnet and is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history has been a roller coaster in and of itself surviving a devastating fire and threats of demolition. Over $2 million was spent on its restoration so parkgoers can continue to enjoy it today. With over 2,500 feet of track and reaching top speeds of 48 mph, it’s a bona fide local landmark and family favorite generation after generation.

But there’s much more to do than just rides. Dining is also a thrill, with both American amusement classics and unexpected elevated fare. Visitors on the go will find an outpost of the California institution, Hot Dog on a Stick, while full-service restaurant Cannonball highlights a Cali-infused menu of gourmet bites with stunning views of the beach. Seasonal festivals are a favorite for Belmont Park locals and visitors alike, like live music concerts and holiday events.

Belmont Park will commemorate its centennial celebration next year with a cornucopia of special events in the works.