To most people who live east of the Mississippi, Belmont Park is a thoroughbred racetrack located in New York. If you asked a San Diego native to tell you about Belmont Park, you probably would get an entirely different answer.

Belmont Park is an historic oceanfront amusement park located in the Mission Beach section of San Diego. When the park opened in 1925, it drew big crowds who wanted to ride on the big wooden roller coaster. Today, that same roller coaster, the Giant Dipper, still draws thousands of thrill seekers every week. Belmont Park has lots of fun rides, two wave pools, a giant indoor swimming pool, a rock climbing wall, laser tag and so much more to keep you having fun all day long.When you visit Belmont Park, you are just steps away from the beach and the Pacific Ocean. Have fun on the rides, test your skills in the arcade, have lunch, pick up some cool tee shirts and have a great time.Following is a breakdown of most of the things you can do at Belmont Park.

RIDES

Giant Dipper Roller Coaster
As one of the few remaining traditional wood-track roller coaster on the west coast, the Giant Dipper is full of twists, turns and drops that will make even the most reserved rider scream out in excitement. Rising 73 feet at its highest point, the Giant Dipper reaches speeds of 55 mph. The half-mile loop takes less than two minutes to complete, but the thrills will last a lot longer than that.

Beach Blaster
Like a pendulum, this high altitude ride swings passenger 120 degrees to the right and then back 120 degrees to the left. Keep your eyes open and enjoy the panoramic views of the sand and surf.

Control Freak
Take control of this ride by using the hand controls attached to the shoulder restraints. Move forward, backward and even flip your car. Just be sure not to go too crazy, especially if you just had lunch.

Speedway Bumper Cars
Remember how much fun you had crashing into your sister when you were kids? Well, your kids will have just as much fun on the bumper cars today. While you should always be a defensive driver on the open road, on this ride, it is okay to be an aggressive driver.

Vertical Plunge
Up you go, three stories high, and then, in one swift moment, gravity will take over. Your stomach will be up in your throat as you plunge straight down before the ride comes to a stop before slamming into the ground.

Liberty Carousel
When you want a chance to catch your breath, take a gentle ride on the Liberty Carousel. Ornately decorated with hand-painted scenes of some of the most memorable moments in San Diego’s history, this ride takes you back in time when carousels were in their heyday.

WATER FUN

Plunge Pool
Over the years, some changes have been made to Southern California’s largest indoor pool, but it still retains much of its original character since it opened back in 1925. Measuring 60 feet wide and 175 feet long, the Plunge Pool was where Johnny Weismueller (Tarzan), Esther Williams, and so many others, learned to swim.

Flowrider
Ride the waves in the controlled environment of the Flowrider pool. Practice your moves in this fun surf ride that is well suited for novice and intermediate surfers.

Flow Barrel
Like the Flowrider, the Flow Barrel gives you a chance to improve your surfing skills. While anyone can try to catch the perfect wave in the “hollow tube”, this attraction is probably best for surfers with some more advanced skills.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Rush Laser Tag
Get in on the action inside the 3,000 square foot arena. Using the latest laser tag technology, your mission is to get your enemy before he gets you.

Sky Climb
Test your skills climbing the 40 foot tall rock wall. There are always many different paths to make it to the top, but one wrong step and you will have to start all over.

Rush Arcade
Play challenging arcade games and try to win tickets that you can redeem for some cool prizes. Anybody for a game of Skee Ball?

Tiki Town Adventure Golf
Channel your inner Phil Mickelson as you attack this unique miniature golf course that is fun for the whole family.

Midway Games
It is always a lot of fun when you play these games of “skill” on the Belmont Park Midway. You have to throw rings, knock down bottles or take on other challenges if you want to win the big stuffed giraffe.

FOOD

North Shore Café
Known for having the best breakfast on the beach, enjoy your eggs or french toast on the boardwalk as the sun comes up. The North Shore Café also is open for lunch.

Cannonball
Enjoy a Dragonberry Mojito or a Pacific Rim Margarita atop San Diego’s largest rooftop bar and restaurant. Cannonball also offers seafood and sushi, draft and bottled beer and a nice selection of wine.

The Plunge Pizzeria
Get delicious pizza by the slice or order a whole pie for the family.

Belmonty’s Burgers
Just one bite and you will see why the juicy 1/3 pound Angus beef burgers are so popular with visitors to Belmont Park.

Sweet Shoppe
Satisfy your sweet tooth with hand dipped ice cream in Monster Cones, homemade fudge and cotton candy.

5 Star Grill
Treat yourself to authentic Chinese cuisine and your favorite American fare.

Hot Dog on a Stick
What can be better than a hot dog on a stick, french fries and an ice cold cup of fresh-squeezed lemonade?

Beach Treats
On a hot day, get a cold soft serve cone or a giant cup of shaved ice.

SHOPPING

Sun Diego
Get all of the clothes, gear and accessories for surfing, skating and snow skiing.

Wings
Another great shop for buying high quality clothing, swimwear, shoes, beach accessories and souvenirs.

Beach and Resort Wear
Shop the wide selection of apparel for women, men and children. You can buy swimsuits, towels, sandals, body boards and so much more.

The Outdoor Kiosks
A number of vendors in Belmont park operate small kiosks that sell a wide variety of merchandise. In addition to the typical beach items like suntan lotion, sunglasses and beach towels, you will also find an eclectic mix of crafts and unusual items that you won’t find anywhere else.

PRICES

Admission and parking are always free. Ticket prices at Belmont Park are very affordable You can buy individual tickets to the rides and attractions or save some money, and buy unlimited ride passes.

Museums can be interesting and educational. Dinner at a fancy restaurant can be delicious. Belmont Park is the place to go if you want non-stop fun for the whole family.