Belmont Park- Mission Beach, San Diego

      You step outside after a long car ride and the smell of beautiful coastal air immediately hits your nostrils. Seagulls fly overhead and the cool ocean breeze rustles your hair. Upon arriving in San Diego, California everything seems welcoming, especially when pulling up to the greatest place in the world, Belmont Park. An almost overwhelming feeling of excitement entrances you and impatience for the start of an action-filled day sets in. The surrounding environment is nothing but sociable and there is no such thing as a shortage of fun in store. Whether with the kids, friends, or a loved one, Belmont Park and its surroundings will not disappoint. The sights, atmosphere, cleanliness, and entertainment value make this wonderland a mandatory getaway for all!

      Upon entering the historic amusement park, countless attractions rush into view. The Giant Dipper Roller Coaster is the first site you see, and a great site at that. With an antique air about it, the wooden roller coaster screams a good time. Covered in the original colors of white, red, and teal, the Giant Dipper has been a main attraction since being built in 1925 and has been running with various renovations ever since.

Belmont Park, shortly after opening- 1925

      Once the awe of the coaster passes, continuing forward into the array of rides is a must, where joyous activities can commence. Located oceanside to the beautiful Mission Beach, every ride comes with a pleasing view of the ocean. Other notable rides and attractions including the Flowrider- the world's first synthetic wave machine, Liberty Carousel, Rock Climbing and Rope Adventure, the Beach Blaster and numerous other vendors and activities come into view. Having ridden every ride numerous times myself, I can ensure a pleasurable experience. Regardless of height, age, and toughness of stomach, the amusement park offers something for all. All rides run at a reasonable price but, with the all-day wristband for a mere twenty-five dollars, unlimited amounts of fun await. From familiarity, the all-day pass will definitely get you your money's worth at the park. Neighboring the rides, nearby kiosks are filled with captivating games and shopping. Adjacent buildings also present beachwear, henna tattoos, and more souvenir shops that enhance the beachfront theme of the park.

     Surrounding colors are endless and pleasurable to the eye. What makes it even better is the lack of a single piece of trash in sight. Cleanliness is always an issue at amusement parks, but not this one! Belmont park takes pride in establishing a safe and healthy environment for children and adults alike. Bad experiences with cleanliness do not occur here and only smells of delicious dining waft through the air. Amusement never ends in the park, but hungry stomachs soon overcome the delight of the rides and surroundings. If hungry for a food-court style meal, filling and tasteful food awaits just a few steps away from all of the rides. But, in order to fulfill the entire beachfront amusement park experience, eating at the famous Wave House is a must. 

       The bar and grill features the perfect coastal atmosphere with a mix of outdoor Tiki bars, hammocks, fire pits, and mind-blowing wave machines. Belmont Park's website featuring the restaurant

states that, "whether you're enjoying the Mission Beach's oceanfront scenery, or simply being amazed by our local surfers and flow boarders, Wave House Bar and Grill is the place to hang-out with friends and family" (Belmont Park, 2009).

      Dining with live music in your ears and non-stop action sport entertainment in your sights makes Wave House an ideal place to grub while at Belmont Park. The food and drinks are delicious and from experience, there is no better way to familiarize yourself with the classic California beach lifestyle.

Boardwalk across from Belmont Park

       
      After a fun packed day in the park itself, a few steps can get you to the picturesque sandy-beach and refreshing Pacific Ocean. The boardwalk that separates Belmont Park and the beach itself is a well-known attraction that is described as "the heart and soul of San Diego's vibrant beach community" (Rogers, 2011). A surplus of entertaining activities also await at the boardwalk. Flowing like a river and churning with activity, the boardwalk provides inexpensive fun and is a fantastic way to relax and enjoy the freedom of just hanging out at the beach. Shops line the pathway and beautiful beach houses add a pleasant air to the area. Welcoming citizens and vacationers that inhabit the houses peer over their balconies and never cease to offer a nice greeting as you pass by. Entertainment is never in short supply here and people-watching with the beach at my back is a personal favorite of the boardwalk. The loud chime of bicycle bells sound as bikers zoom by, avoiding slow walkers enjoying the sights. Chatter of people and seagulls also fill your ears while you sit on the edge of the boardwalk enjoying the day. The constant activity of beachgoers and swimmers also offer a great environment to wind down to while soaking up the California sun.      
       As the day dwindles down and the beach starts emptying, lasting impressions begin to imprint themselves. The fulfilling day spent at Belmont Park and the beach or boardwalk comes to a close and yet Mission Beach has one last event for you. If you are willing to get a little sandy, find a nice place on  the cool sand, place a towel down, and take a seat. The stunning sights awaiting with the soft crash of the ocean sounding in the background complete the day. Sunsets on the beach here are an incredible lifetime sight that can never be forgotten. Whether relaxing with family, friends, or a significant other, the sunset is a wonderful view that everyone should experience. While watching the sun slowly approach the waves as far as the eye can see, thoughts leave the brain and nothing is left but pure relaxation and awe.

 

      The location, environment, and atmosphere of Belmont Park is nothing short of amazing. Surroundings make it the perfect place to enjoy an impeccable day filled with amusement rides, beachfront dining experiences, and flawless sights. There's never a dull moment in the vicinity of Mission Beach San Diego, California. From partying with friends, an entertaining family day at Belmont Park, or the romantic exquisite sights of Mission Beach, the day is flawless. Everyone should take a trip to Mission Beach's Belmont Park once in their lives. One adventure here will change your life and have you going back for more, like it did for my family and myself. I hope you can visit this entrancing place because the unforgettable experience will remain in your mind forever.

References: 

Abbo, N. (2012). Fun and Excitement at Belmont Park. San Diego Homes and Lifestyle. Retrieved     June 10, 2012, from East County San Diego Homes and Lifestyle Website: http://www.eastcountysandiegohomesandlifestyle.com/tag/tag/belmont-park-mission-beach/

Belmont Park. (2009). Belmont Park Homepage. Retrieved June 9, 2012, from Belmont Park Website: http://www.belmontpark.com

Rogers, J. (2011, March 19). San Diego Beaches. Retrieved June 9, 2012, from Mission Beach Boardwalk, San Diego, California: http://www.a-zsandiegobeaches.com/articles/cruising_mission _beach.htm

Images (In Order of Appearance):
Early Belmont Park "shortly after opening-1925". Retrieved June 9, 2012, from: http://www.eastcountysandiegohomesandlifestyle.com/tag/tag/belmont-park-mission-beach/


Two amusement park pictures with rides and food stands. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from: http://www.belmontpark.com


Wave House Family Eating Photograph. Retrieved June 9, 2012, from: http://www.facebook.com/wavehousesandiego/app_10442206389


Wave House Flowboard rider. Retrieved June 10, 2012, from: 
 http://www.bigsurf.ie/news/wave-house-singapore/34


Boardwalk Photograph. Retrieved June 11, 2012, from: 
http://www.missionbeachblogs.com/mission-beach-photo-gallery/sony-dsc-10/


Couple and Sunset. Retrieved June 11, 2012, from: 
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p207362