Patrons can choose from a wide selection of rides, including the Giant Dipper rollercoaster, bumper cars, the infamous nausea-inducing Tilt-A-Whirl and the brand-new Octotron, which allows riders to determine their own speed and direction. Thrill-seekers who prefer a greater challenge can get their 007 on in the timed laser maze, where a grid of overlapping green light beams requires participants to contort their bodies into creative positions to pass through.

For those less interested in high risk, Belmont Park offers an indoor pool, pirate-themed miniature golf, an arcade and a house of mirrors. Patrons can also buy knick-knacks, surfboards, bathing suits and tourist garb at coast-side booths reminiscent of Venice Beach. Those with small tykes can relax at picnic tables or the nearby fire pits after the kids enjoy a submarine simulator.

The overall effect can be a little sterile for twenty-somethings, but it beats the crowds and the hour-long commute to Anaheim’s Disneyland. Parents will appreciate the kiddy rides, which have just enough speed to keep the little ones bouncing with energy without any gut-wrenching twists and drops. Older patrons should check out the bigger rides like Octotron and the Wave House surfing simulators. Control Freak, Beach Blaster and Octotron all flip and spin riders in cars, though the rush of hopping from one to ride to the next might be dulled by the similarity.

The heart of the park is the rickety Giant Dipper. Financed in 1925 by famed local real estate entrepreneur John D. Spreckels, the Giant Dipper is one of the oldest coasters of its kind. It’s a bumpy, jerky ride, as should be expected of an 80-year-old wooden colossus, and one to avoid if you suffer from motion sickness, but the sentimental value’s all there: the 2600-foot long white structure is a fixture of the local skyline.

Admission is always free, but rides and attractions require some green. Belmont’s basic rule? The more tickets a ride requires, the greater the adrenaline rush. Unlimited ride wristbands are $16 for children and $27 for adults. Individual ride prices vary from $2-$6. The house of mirrors, laser maze and mini-golf cost $7, while Sky Ropes is steeper at $8.

Belmont Park is open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The website, www.belmontpark.com, has coupons and special offers.