The Belmont Park in San Diego

California is known for many things. One thing that California is well known for is its amazing beaches. Another thing that California is known for is the large number of theme parks that it has. California used to have lots of places that mixed these two things together by having a theme park by the beach. Most of these old beach parks do not exist but a few have been made since the golden era of the California beach theme park. In San Diego there is one of these modern versions of the old beach theme park at Belmont Park.

Belmont Park is located at 3146 Mission Boulevard in San Diego. Belmont Park is one of the few old parks that still exists though it has changed names and owners since it first opened. Belmont Park is often compared to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz California. You would expect that San Diego would have the biggest and the best of the theme parks but the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is actually bigger and better then the Belmont Park in San Diego.

Belmont Park has one major attraction that makes a visit to the park worthwhile and that is the Giant Dipper roller coaster that opened when the park opened. It is a classic wooden roller coaster and is registered as a historic place. It is not the best coaster for thrill seekers but if you love roller coasters you will enjoy the Big Dipper. The Big Dipper though is historic and gives you a fill for what the old coasters were like. Being old and wooden also adds to the thrill of the ride.

As a theme park the Big Dipper is about the best part of the park. Belmont Park does not have any other major thrills. There are other rides though at Belmont Park. Belmont Park has a Tilt-a-Whirl, drop tower, and a carousel. This last year they have added a few attractions like the rope course and a couple of small roller coasters as well. Besides having these rides there is also an old indoor pool from the original days of the park but it now has fresh water instead of salt water. The pool is neat because most old beach side parks had these pools. The pool is not that great for older people but kids enjoy it.

There is a great place to eat at Belmont Park. The Wave House Bar and Grill has a great few of the ocean and it also has two wave machines. The Wave House Bar and Grill has a FlowRider as well as a large 8 foot barrel making FlowBarrel system called Barrel Maximus.

The park is free to enter but rides and attractions do cost. Since the park is free it is worth going to at least once. The park is pretty dirty and does not have lots to do and see especially compared to other local attractions. Since it is free to at least get into the park it is worth a nice walk around and if you have the money you can take a ride. You might not want to take kids because they will want to ride everything but the rides are expensive and I would only recommend you ride the Big Dipper.

Belmont Park is best as a simple stop to walk around. As a theme park it is small, dirty, and not very good. The parking is free and entrance is free though so it is worth a visit especially if you love old theme parks and theme park history. Belmont Park does give you a small idea of what the old classic sea side parks were like.