How to Spend a Festive Fall Day at Belmont Park in San Diego

Trick or Treat Your Family to These Seasonal Experiences at Belmont Park

There’s nothing like those early fall San Diego moments when the weather turns from sun-drenched beach days into crisp autumn nights. As the heat wave fades, locals trade smoothies for hot apple cider, and the fall season comes to life. While California might benefit from a warmer harvest than other parts of the world, San Diego knows how to embrace the fall festivities all across town. Situated along the Mission Beach boardwalk, Belmont Park is an idyllic spot to enjoy autumn cheer while embracing our coast’s perfect year-round weather. The park’s Fall Festival is returning to San Diego Sept. 9-Oct. 31 with live concerts, seasonal treats, pumpkin decorating and so much more! Here’s how to spend a festive, fall day at this classic beachfront amusement park.

Belmont Park’s Beachside Fall Fest

Credit: Belmont Park

Fall Day Belmont Park — Credit: Belmont Park

As summer gives way to fall, Belmont Park is transformed into a fall-themed wonderland. Live music, fall treats, seasonal beer and community performances are featured throughout the autumn calendar. Celebrate pumpkin spice season at the Glow N Float Pumpkin Patch, located at Belmont Park’s public swimming pool The Plunge San Diego (open daily throughout October). This immersive pumpkin patch will feature hundreds of floating pumpkins while guests enjoy a floating obstacle course, a bounce house and an array of games and activities.

For those with little ones, free trick-or-treating will take place every Sunday in October at 5 p.m. On Oct. 29 from 3-6 p.m., car connoisseurs can attend the Trunk or Treat Car Show, which takes a spooky spin with vehicles decked out in orange, black and white. For those who thrive on active lifestyles, Belmont Park is excited to announce its first annual Community 5k Run on Sept. 17. Designed for any fitness level, participants will enjoy stunning views of Mission Beach and receive a complimentary wristband with full access to the park’s rides and attractions.

Local Insight: Check out the live musical entertainment on festival Saturdays and Sundays starting at 1 p.m. For more details on this epic fall festival, click here!

10/26

Catch a Football Game at Draft

Credit: Belmont Park

Kick off football season with craft cocktails, classic American fare and stunning sunset views at Belmont Park’s Draft. This buzzy sports bar is perfect for a weekend brunch date or an afternoon of punts and pints. Take in the sunset over cocktails at happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, where you can catch a game on the restaurant’s 31-foot LED screen. With over 55 local beers on tap, Draft is expanding its menu with a seasonal collection of craft beverages that burst with fall flavors.

Order the limited-edition Fall Collins drink, made with vodka and hints of bergamot, lemon and carrot syrup, for a sip reminiscent of cozy autumn nights. Embrace sweater weather by snagging a table on the oceanfront or rooftop patio and pairing your libation with the 12-hour braised short rib dish. In need of a cozy, caffeinated pick-me-up? Draft Coffee is now serving various pumpkin-inspired bevvies, from classic Pumpkin Spice to their Chocolate Mazapan Latte.

Indulge in Seasonal Fall Treats

Credit: Belmont Park

Let’s be honest—one of the best parts of fall is the fun seasonal flavors that pop up on menus and make their way into festive dishes. From pumpkin whoopie pies and maple butter blondies at the Sweet Shoppe to snickerdoodle cookies at Draft, pumpkin spice season is in full swing at Belmont Park! If you’re scoping out a spot to enjoy a cold drink with a picture-perfect backdrop, stop by Beach House to try the Bugs Bunny Margarita, made with carrot ginger cordial and pickled candy carrot. Can’t decide between sweet or salty? Belmonty’s Jack Daniel’s BBQ Burger is a surefire winner with local Brandt beef and signature Jack Daniel’s BBQ sauce. To sweeten the pot, order the Caramel Apple Spiced Funnel Cake, which weaves together warm apple slices, caramel sauce and vanilla soft-serve to capture the essence of apple season. We’re not drooling—you are.

11/23

Enjoy Balmy Fall Nights + Live Tunes at Beach House

Credit: Belmont Park

Credit: Mary Carol Fitzgerald

With beachfront dining and year-round sunshine, Beach House is the epicenter for live entertainment. What California lacks in the crunchy vermillion leaves of the East Coast, it makes up for with prime beach weather that’s ideal for outdoor concerts. The venue’s fall lineup features pioneering artists, ranging from country and soul to EDM. Dust off your cowgirl boots and grab tickets for chart-topping artists Connor Smith and Rodney Atkins. The vibrant tempos and raw country ballads set the ambiance for two nights of line dancing right on the shore. The venue will also host soul and jazz professional Sammy Johnson and house and techno artists from the popular San Diego brand FNGRS CRSSD.

11/13

Ride + Play

Credit: Belmont Park

It wouldn’t be a perfect fall day without Belmont Park’s epic rides and attractions that beckon thrill-seekers to this coastal paradise. The park is perhaps best known for its iconic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, which offers captivating ocean views and panoramic sights of the cityscape.

Built in 1952, the coaster remains a historic symbol of Mission Beach’s bustling boardwalk. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, don’t miss out on the Beach Blaster, another daring experience with 120-degree rotations that elevate riders 67 feet off the ground. For those who prefer to stay closer to the ground, the park’s carnival-style games and bumper cars provide the perfect option for the whole family. Try your hand at bowling at Belmont Lanes or head over to their full-size arcade. Other attractions include laser tag, ziplining and a sky ropes course!

Local Insight: Be sure to take advantage of Belmont Park’s Kids Free October promo (presented by Ralphs), where kids get one free Ride & Play pass for the day with an adult park pass purchase!

Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Credit: Belmont Park

With Breast Cancer Awareness Month quickly approaching, Belmont Park is proud to partner with the Shades of Pink Foundation for its Beachside Fall Fest. This local nonprofit supports women with breast cancer who are undergoing treatment. Visitors can expect a number of pink-themed promotions scattered throughout the park during the month of October.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a pink-swirled ice cream cone from the Sweet Shoppe. Afterward, grab some cute merch from Coaster Corner, and rep your pink attire in a sponsored pink photo op in the park. Feeling thirsty? Order a pink cocktail from Beach House, Cannonball or Draft, where a portion of the proceeds are donated directly to Shades of Pink. By supporting the cause, participants serve as a positive influence, spreading love and awareness for women who are battling breast cancer around the world.