A visit to Belmont Park in the south end of the funky beach town of Mission Beach in San Diego is like a step back in time. This beach front amusement park is a gem, with good parking and a location right off the main drag.
They have a wooden roller coaster, for one - The Giant Dipper. Brings back the memories of Coney Island (The Cyclone Roller Coaster) and places on the boardwalk on the New Jersey shore. Their coaster (built in 1925) is only one of two original beachfront roller coasters operating on the west coast. I was dressed for showing houses so I didn't take a ride, but I can imagine doing so in the future.
There are a bunch of other rides, too, as well as the kiosks selling cotton candy, a zillion necklaces, the bumper cars, and of course the pinball machines and similar games.
For the younger kids there is the classic merry-go-round, called the Liberty Carousel (an antique reproduction), a submarine ride, and more.
Folks of all ages will enjoy The Plunge, San Diego's largest indoor heated swimming pool. Those into wave activities will appreciate the FlowRider endless wave at The WaveHouse.
The park is small so it's easy to spend several hours and get to see and do everything you want, and still have time to enjoy the beach or catch the sunset.
You can shop too, for beach wear and accessories, jewelry, sweets and grab a henna tattoo. At this time of year the crowds are gone, so it's a good time to visit.
Admission is free (but of course you pay for rides, etc.). Tickets for rides are $1.00 - rides run anywhere from $2 - $6. Or buy a Bonus pack ($30, which is 34 $1.00 tickets) or get a wristband for unlimited rides ($22.95 for 50"+, $15.95 for under 50"). Be aware there are some height restrictions on some rides.
Take a step back in time and enjoy one of the best beachfront amusement parks in Southern California.
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If I can provide more information about the San Diego area, including Carlsbad and surrounding communities, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.
I love the look of a wooden coaster. We just went to Six Flags in NJ and I took several pictures. They are so intricate. I do not ride them myself but the family does. Thanks for the tour. Have a great Wednesday
I have to dig out my old photographs from when that coaster was burnt and non operational. I am glad to see it back in operation.
Edited and updated 10/9/2008 added photographs. The photos actually turn out to be a series of photos. If you print them and arrange them you can get the panaramic view.
Check out my blog for a series of blog postings about a Northern California defunct amusement park "Frontier Village" of San Jose. That park closed in 1980.
Jeff... sounds a little cheaper than what I am use to when I take my nieces and nephews to the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ.... and it sounds like a good time.
I was at Belmont on the photography trip to Southern CA this July. Looked intriguing but didn't have time to stop! Next year will definitely ride the Giant Dipper!
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Those wooden roller coasters are pretty neat! We have one here in Vancouver that just celebrated its 50th Birthday...