100 Years Of Thrill Rides and Chill Vibes
Cheers to San Diego’s Favorite Place to Play
Join us in celebrating 100 years of joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments! Whether you're a long-time guest or visiting for the first time, there's never been a better time to experience the magic of Belmont Park.
Purchase a Season Pass
Securing a Belmont Park Season Pass is perhaps the most convenient way to enter the 100 Days of Belmont giveaway. Simply purchase your pass and earn (1) entry per pass. It’s never been easier to enjoy a full season at the park with a bonus!
Share Your Belmont Park Memories
We’d love to hear about your favorite Belmont Park moments! Whether it’s a thrilling ride on the Giant Dipper, a fun day by the Plunge Pool, or a special family outing, your stories are part of what makes Belmont Park so magical. Earn (1) entry per submission, and show off the good times you’ve had at the park.
Belmont Park Scavenger Hunt
You read that correctly. Belmont Park will be hosting an exciting scavenger hunt, where upon purchase of a Ride & Play Wristband or Belmont Park tickets, guests receive a blank park sticker map at ticket booth locations. Guests who purchase online can pick-up in person. From there, all you have to do is explore the park to gain stickers for your map from specific locations.
Pick Your Thrill Journey
Visit 5 designated locations along your journey and earn stickers to complete your map. Visit 5 locations and earn (1) entry toward your Lifetime Pass.
Big Thrills
- Giant Dipper
- Beach Blaster
- Overdrive
- Tilt A Whirl
- Flip Out
- Tiki Typhoon
Little Thrills
- Liberty Carousel
- Speedway
- Wave Jumper
- Dip N Dive
- Mic Drop
- Shipwreck Cove
Extra Ways to Earn
Make a purchase at any of these food locations and receive an additional sticker for an extra entry!
- Belmonty’s
- Sweet Shoppe
- Pizza Port
- HDOS
Winner Selection Dates
- Week 1: Monday, May 26
(Memorial Day) - Sunday, June 1 - Week 2: Monday, June 2
Sunday, June 8 - Week 3: Monday, June 9
Sunday, June 15 (Father's Day) - Week 4: Monday, June 16
Sunday, June 22 - Week 5: Monday, June 23
Sunday, June 29 - Week 6: Monday, June 30
Sunday, July 6 (July 4th) - Week 7: Monday, July 7
Sunday, July 13 - Week 8: Monday, July 14
Sunday, July 20 - Week 9: Monday, July 21
Sunday, July 27 - Week 10: Monday, July 28
Sunday, August 3 - Week 11: Monday, August 4
Sunday, August 10 - Week 12: Monday, August 11
Sunday, August 17 - Week 13: Monday, August 18
Sunday, August 24 - Week 14: Monday, August 25
Sunday, August 31 - Week 15: Monday, September 1
Tuesday, September 2
Keep Up With Us
Thank you!
The Early Years
Shortly after the park opened to the public, we tragically lost our beloved founder, John D. Spreckels. In turn, his organization granted the entire entertainment center to the city of San Diego for the enjoyment of its people. The Mission Beach Entertainment Center remained popular through the 30’s and 40’s, and was eventually renamed to Belmont Park in 1955.
The Plunge's Rise To Fame
In 1940, it was obvious that salt water was no longer viable for our pool. Fresh water was brought in as a replacement, and The Plunge soon became the largest indoor heated pool in Southern California at 12,000 square feet.
A Slight Stumble
By the late 60’s and 70’s, Belmont Park’s condition worsened and fell into disrepair, eventually closing in December of 1976. Many San Diego residents wished for and even demanded the demolition of The Giant Dipper, which was privately owned at the time.
Save the Coaster Committee
Following the closure, a group dubbed as the “Save the Coaster Committee” had The Giant Dipper recognized as a National Landmark and sought ownership. They received a preservation grant, raised local funds, and volunteered to restore the coaster. But even then, problems arose.
Save the Coaster Committee
Meanwhile, The Plunge was closed, along with the rest of the park in April of 1987, due to failed city earthquake and fire requirements. The San Diego City Council allowed new developers to turn the rest of the abandoned park into a commercial shopping center and Belmont Park reopened in 1988 with a new look. World-renowned environmental marine artist, Wyland, painted the “Orcas off Point Loma” whaling wall in 1989. Though The Plunge has endured many modifications, certain features historic to the pool, such as the steps into the pool and the pedestal, located at the bottom of the steps, were rescued and allowed to stay.
The San Diego Coaster Company
Unfortunately, The Giant Dipper was still not up to operating standards. So in 1989, the developer of the new Belmont Park retail center contacted the Santa Cruz Seaside Company, responsible for the boardwalk of the same name, to see if they had interest in restoring and operating the coaster.
The San Diego Coaster Company
The president and executive vice president were interested and traveled to San Diego to meet with the Belmont Park developer. The parcel of land that contained the roller coaster was not part of the developer’s project, yet it was situated in the middle of the complex. Having the coaster restored and operating would benefit all concerned. After a year of discussions with the City of San Diego and many others, the City approved a long-term lease. A new company, The San Diego Coaster Company, was officially formed to restore and operate the Giant Dipper.
Reopening
Over $2,000,000 was spent on the restoration of the Giant Dipper and one new train that was built specifically for the ride. The new train boasted six four-person cars.
Reopening
On August 11, 1990, the newly restored, historic roller coaster was reopened. The response by the public was overwhelming. The public response was so strong, in fact, that the San Diego Coaster Company ordered a second train that was ready by the following spring. Annual ridership on the Giant Dipper in the first year was three times the original projections. Today, both The Giant Dipper and The Plunge pool remain as not only pieces of history but are still two of the main attractions to experience at Belmont Park.