Giant Dipper, Wooden roller coaster at Mission Beach, San Diego, United States
The Giant Dipper is a wooden roller coaster at Belmont Park reaching about 75 feet high with steep drops and curved track sections. Its construction relies on traditional wooden scaffold framing that supports the entire ride structure.
This wooden coaster was built in 1925 and survived decades of changes in the entertainment industry. It gained National Historic Landmark status in 1987 and was recognized as one of the few remaining relics from the amusement park's early era.
The Giant Dipper shaped Mission Beach's character for generations, embodying the leisure and amusement culture that defined San Diego's appeal during the 1920s tourism expansion.
The roller coaster sits along Mission Boulevard in Belmont Park and is accessible during park hours. Visitors should expect warm, sunny conditions typical of the beach area and dress accordingly for extended outdoor time.
During the 1990s, this coaster hosted a notable endurance competition where riders had to repeatedly ride over several days. This event marked an unusual moment in the amusement park's history and demonstrated the ride's continued appeal to thrill-seekers.
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