Belmont Park, located in Mission Beach, is an old-fashioned beachfront amusement park complete with wooden roller coaster, a tilt-a-whirl, bumper cars and many other traditional rides. The park and the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and Plunge were originally opened in 1925 and were popular attractions for San Diegans throughout the 30s and 40s. However, by the 6os and 70s the park had fallen on hard times and was almost demolished.

However, a group of citizens were able to have the coaster designated as a National Landmark and took over ownership. The group raised some money to work on the coaster, but was not able to restore it to working order.  Eventually a buyer was found who could restore the coaster and after a $2 million restoration the new Giant Dipper opened in 1990. It was an instant success and has been a fun destination for San Diegans and visitors ever since.