The Giant Dipper rollercoaster, located at Belmont Park in Mission Beach, San Diego, is turning 99 years old on July 4, 2024, with the park itself celebrating its penultimate birthday before its centennial anniversary next year. Originally commissioned by sugar magnate John D. Spreckels in 1925, the Giant Dipper was intended to be the crown jewel attraction of the Mission Beach Entertainment Center.
The 2,600 foot-long roller coaster, inspired by one built for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, originally carried two 18-passenger trains and could reach speeds of up to 48 miles per hour. Construction of the Giant Dipper took less than two months with a crew of over 100 workers and cost about $150,000.
Along with the coaster, the park’s other main feature was the Natatorium, now called The Plunge swimming pool. When it opened, the 60-foot by 175-foot structure housed the largest saltwater pool in the world. However, both the coaster and the pool fell into states of disrepair, and the park was closed in December 1976.
It was not until 1990 that the park underwent renovations, following decades of advocacy by the “Save the Coaster Committee.” After millions in repairs, the park and its wooden coaster reopened, with the restored Giant Dipper featuring a new track, bolts, and wood, as well as two new trains with modern restraint systems.
Today, the Giant Dipper remains one of the oldest rollercoasters in the world, harkening back to the age when wooden structures were the norm. Belmont Park is now owned by the city of San Diego, and admission to the park is free, but certain attractions require the purchase of tickets. The park is offering specials for parkgoers to commemorate its Forth of July birthday, including a Birthday Cake Martini, 99th Birthday Cupcakes, Birthday Cake Fudge, and a Loaded Birthday Donut Tray.
