MISSION BEACH 鈥 Belmont Park has been a beloved part of Mission Beach鈥檚 coastline for 100 years. It all began in the roaring 1920s when sugar magnate John D. Spreckels envisioned the park as a means to boost his Mission Beach real estate and electric railway ventures. But Belmont Park quickly grew into much more than a business strategy 鈥 it became a cherished destination where locals and visitors alike gathered for sun, surf and classic seaside fun.
The park鈥檚 crown jewel was the Giant Dipper roller coaster, constructed in four weeks and opened on July 4, 1925. Alongside it stood The Natatorium, now known as The Plunge 鈥 once the world鈥檚 largest saltwater pool, holding a staggering 400,000 gallons of ocean water.
These iconic attractions helped cement Belmont Park as the ultimate spot for thrills and chills on the coast.
鈥淭he Giant Dipper is the entrance sign for Mission Beach, just like the big neon signs of North Park, Hillcrest and Normal Heights. The track lines of the Dipper are a signature on the horizon, it鈥檚 as important to Mission Beach, just as historically important as John Hancock鈥檚 signature on the Declaration of Independence,鈥 said Tim Cole, who was instrumental in saving the coaster.
Dipper鈥檚 biggest fan
Like many historic landmarks, Belmont Park experienced its share of highs and lows. By the 1960s and 1970s, the park showed its age. Despite efforts to modernize and improve facilities, financial difficulties forced the park and its attractions to close at the end of 1976. The Giant Dipper was left to sit idle; some thought it might be demolished for good.
If it hadn鈥檛 been for Cole, the Giant Dipper might have vanished from San Diego forever. A roller coaster enthusiast, Cole said he first fell in love with the ride as a teenager, calling it 鈥渁n old beauty that deserved a second chance.鈥
When the park closed, he was determined not to let this piece of San Diego鈥檚 heritage disappear.
Cole helped found the Save the Coaster Committee, rallying community support and persuading city officials to preserve the historic coaster. Cole鈥檚 dedication is detailed in his book, 鈥淪aving Belmont: An Up and Down Journey,鈥 in which he reflects on the long and difficult road to restoration.
鈥淭here was no way I was going to let that coaster disappear on my watch,鈥 he said. Thanks to the committee鈥檚 tireless work and investments by the San Diego Seaside Co., the Giant Dipper was restored and reopened in 1990.
Today, he still visits the park and proudly says, 鈥淚鈥檓 proud knowing I helped keep that spirit alive for future generations.鈥
A fresh start
The restored Giant Dipper sparked a revival for Belmont Park. The entire area received a facelift, evolving into a lively mix of rides, shops, eateries and entertainment that marries nostalgic charm with contemporary energy.
Today and tomorrow
Now, Belmont Park strikes a perfect balance between history and modern amusement. Visitors still can ride the classic coaster, enjoy meals with ocean views or swim in the recently renovated Plunge, which reopened in 2019 as a premier fitness and swimming center.
As Belmont Park celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, plans are underway for new open-air spaces, local art displays, and fresh attractions, aiming to keep the park鈥檚 old-school magic alive while welcoming new generations of visitors.
From its bright beginnings through challenging times and triumphant revival, Belmont Park remains a living symbol of San Diego鈥檚 love for the coast 鈥 and a tribute to people like Cole who have fought to preserve that legacy.