SAN DIEGO — Belmont Park has gone through a rollercoaster of makeovers throughout its lifetime and this next phase is reaching new heights.
Belmont Park turns 100 years old in 2025 and throughout its centennial life, the park has evolved. Now there are high hopes for its next makeover.
“I feel like I’m on vacation even though I’m a local” said Chris Pedroza, Belmont Park visitor.
That local southern California vibe is breathing new life into the iconic Belmont Park in Mission Beach.
“We love the beach and that is who Belmont Park is. And we want to make sure that tourists and locals get to enjoy that here,” said Steve Thomas, President of Business Operations, PE Management Group.
PEMG oversees operations at the newly rebranded Belmont Park that sits on the beach boardwalk.
“Having grown up coming to Belmont Park in all types of different stages, in high school I used to come down here for MTV Spring Break. And then when I was little bit older, going to Canes and enjoying the music venue, seeing all kinds of bands there. And then it’s funny ending up working here and getting to manage it has been quite a ride,” said Thomas.
Speaking of rides, the park will have three new rides on the northwest side of the park that will attract kids and adults.
“The swing carousels that quintessential boardwalk ride with the chains and the chairs on it that swing you around. You'll have an ocean view,” said Thomas.
He shared renderings of the plans that gives Belmont Park more of an open concept feel from the boardwalk into the park.
“I spent a lot of time and the first couple of years here, just talking to people on the boardwalk and a lot of questions, were, 'I don’t know where Belmont Park is. Well, you’re right in front of it,’” said Thomas.
The arcade walls are coming down to create what they call a ‘barcade’ but the official name is still in the works.
“This is going to be open access and open air to where you’re going to have food and drinks right here but also attached to the arcade and the Midway side and connect you into this plaza and the beach side,” said Thomas.
The Midway has recently been revamped; the iconic Giant Dipper rollercoaster got a fresh coat of paint. There’s shaded areas and the Tilt of World is sweet treat themed.
“By the end of this year, we’re going to have a play structure. That's the broken hole of the Shipwreck out in front where kids exit through the play structure. And it's adjacent to the Food Court so the parents can hang out here, have some food, have some lunch while the kids get to play and experience the rides within eyeshot,” said Thomas.
The food court has a local feel with Pizza Port replacing Round Table, there are photo ops in almost every corner and smiles.
“We want you to have an elevated experience that every family can enjoy and afford,” said Thomas.
The California Coastal Commission still needs to approve many aspects of the estimated $20 million project, but the goal is to break ground on the open concept phase in 2026.
“I think the transformation is amazing. Every time I walk through, I feel like I’m walking through a movie,” said Pedroza.
If the plans are approved and the city issues permits Belmont Park hopes to have it completed and open to the public by 2027.
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