Built in 1925 by the reknowned designing team of Prior and Church, this coaster just sits there and dares you to mock it.

People often do.

It's easy to do so, with that deceiving Travers-drop down to the right. But with the mesmerizing clinkety-click of the anti-rollbacks, you're suddenly not so sure you can mock so easily.

The coaster almost met death when the property fell into disrepair back in the 80's. But the city of San Diego, along with members of American Coaster Enthusiasts helped to save the coaster then known as The Earthquake and have preserved one of the most harrowing rides in the country.

Not to mention, that if you have to hurl, the beach isn't far away. Dude.

It's only fifty cents to ride the Giant Dipper and if you happen to be in the area, it's a ride that you should most certainly take. The sensation of flying along by the ocean is one that is sadly rare in this day and age. There are a few remnants of the golden age of Belmont Park, such as the Plunge--which used to house a saltwater bath house. It's now a public pool, but you can hear a lot more than just the noisy splashing of children in the echoes of the huge-vaulted building. There's also a cool bar right on the beach which features a unique roof-top bar. Very nice indeed, and it provides a wonderful view of both the park and the accompanying stretch of beach. The menagerie of hotdoggers on bikes and skateboards were sort of like the daredevils of yesteryear, also drawn by the beach atmosphere. We could've played in San Diego all day, and indeed--it seemed we did. Across the street from Belmont Park is The Coaster Saloon, an amiable bar and grill with big glass windows that look out at the big beautiful Dipper. The staff then pointed us down the road to a place they said was dark, quiet and full of good food and you know what? They were right. It was a long drive back and the next day, we'd check out the new Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier