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Giant Dipper: A Mission Beach Landmark

Experience a thrilling ride on the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster at Belmont Park, a San Diego landmark since 1925, with stunning ocean views.

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The Giant Dipper is a historic wooden roller coaster located in Belmont Park at Mission Beach in San Diego. Built in 1925, it's one of only two remaining wooden coasters on the West Coast designed by Frank Prior and Frederick Church, offering a thrilling ride with a touch of nostalgia.

A brief summary to Giant Dipper Roller Coaster

  • 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, Mission Beach, California, 92109, US
  • +1858-488-1549
  • Monday 12 pm-7 pm
  • Tuesday 12 pm-7 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-7 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-7 pm
  • Friday 11 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Consider purchasing an attraction pass for Belmont Park to save money if you plan to ride multiple rides.
  • Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season; arrive early or consider ride-sharing.
  • Check the park's website for current hours of operation, as they vary seasonally.
  • Visit during the week to avoid large crowds.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Diego, take the MTS Trolley Green Line to the Old Town Transit Center. Transfer to the Route 8 bus towards Mission Beach. The bus runs along Mission Boulevard. Get off at Mission Bl & Santa Clara Pl, which is a short walk from Belmont Park. The one-way fare for the bus and trolley is $2.50. A day pass, which includes unlimited rides, is $6 if using a PRONTO card or app.

  • Walking

    From anywhere along Mission Beach, the Giant Dipper is easily accessible by walking along the Mission Beach Boardwalk. The boardwalk runs parallel to the beach and provides direct access to Belmont Park, where the Giant Dipper is located. There is no cost associated with walking.

  • Ride Share

    From San Diego International Airport, a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft to Belmont Park will cost approximately $30-40, depending on traffic and demand. The ride is about 8 miles and takes around 11 minutes.

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Discover more about Giant Dipper Roller Coaster

The Giant Dipper stands as an iconic symbol of Belmont Park and Mission Beach, offering riders a thrilling experience with stunning ocean views. Constructed in 1925 for $2.5 million as part of the Mission Beach Amusement Center, the Giant Dipper quickly became a main attraction. Designed by Frank Prior and Frederick Church, it is one of the only two remaining wooden roller coasters on the West Coast that they designed. Over the years, the Giant Dipper has become a beloved landmark, surviving a fire in 1955 and a threatened demolition in 1978. A full restoration in 1989-90 ensured its continued operation, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987. The coaster's unique moves and setting have inspired excitement in many people. Today, the Giant Dipper continues to thrill visitors with its dips, turns, and speeds up to 48 mph. Belmont Park, where the Giant Dipper is located, offers a variety of attractions, including amusement rides, games, and beachfront shopping and dining. The park is open daily, with extended hours on weekends.

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