MISSION BEACH – Few landmarks in San Diego can claim a history as deep as The Plunge. Originally called The Natatorium, it was constructed in 1925 as the centerpiece of Belmont Park, alongside the iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster.
Located in Mission Beach, this indoor swimming facility quickly became a focal point of recreation along the California coast. Known then as the world’s largest saltwater pool, it welcomed families, athletes and tourists for decades. Today, nearly 100 years later, The Plunge has been re-imagined for a new generation, without losing its historic charm.
Commissioned by developer John D. Spreckels, the original structure was part of the Mission Beach Entertainment Center. Designed in a Spanish Renaissance style reminiscent of nearby Balboa Park, the building featured massive archways and tiled details that mirrored the beauty of San Diego’s cultural landmarks. The pool measured 60 feet by 175 feet and held more than 400,000 gallons of ocean-fed saltwater.
In 1940, the saltwater was drained and replaced with freshwater after it began to damage the pool’s filtration system. This change helped preserve the structure and maintain water quality for decades. A 1925 article in the San Diego Union celebrated the debut as “a marvel of design and engineering,” noting the crowds that lined up for their first dip.
Throughout the mid-20th century, The Plunge served as a community gathering spot for swim lessons, school meets and summer outings. After falling into disrepair and closing in 2014 due to structural issues and safety concerns, the Plunge underwent a $12 million restoration led by Pacifica Enterprises.
The Plunge, circa 1950s, served as a community gathering spot for swim lessons, school meets, and summer outings. (Photo courtesy Belmont Park)For the renovation, efforts were made to restore and replicate historic architectural features, including the original-style archways and decorative tilework. The modern Plunge includes seven 25-yard lap lanes, temperature-controlled water, updated locker rooms, and a turf fitness area. (Photo courtesy Belmont Park)An inside look of the Plunge in the early days. (Photo courtesy STC Collection)Renovations
On July 4, 2019, the pool officially reopened to the public, with a ceremony that included a ribbon-cutting, community leaders and children diving into the water to celebrate the long-awaited return.
At the time, former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer praised the reopening, calling The Plunge “a beloved landmark for Mission Beach residents and the entire city of San Diego. It has long been a place for children, families and neighbors to exercise and make memories together. This restoration ensures that many more generations of San Diegans can enjoy that same experience.”
The renovation was completed in coordination with the city’s Historical Resources Board and the Save Our Heritage Organization. Efforts were made to restore and replicate historic architectural features, including the original-style archways and decorative tilework. Today’s Plunge also boasts floor-to-ceiling glass walls, a retractable roof and a poolside dining deck.
Now operating with heated freshwater year-round, the modern Plunge includes seven 25-yard lap lanes, a floating obstacle course and temperature-controlled water maintained at 83 to 85 degrees. Visitors can enjoy updated locker rooms, a turf fitness area, heated showers, cedar-lined saunas and cold plunge tubs.
“This pool is iconic,” said Darion Garrison, director of operations at The Plunge San Diego. “When it originally opened, it was the largest saltwater pool in the world. Countless San Diegans, for generations, have learned to swim here.”
He added, “The transformation of Plunge San Diego over the years has been grand. From the high dives to the Wyland Whale painting to the multi-million-dollar renovation of the building you see now, Plunge has remained a timeless classic for San Diegans and tourists alike.
“We have constantly evolved as a business to stay relevant and attractive to members and guests,” Garrison said. “During COVID, when businesses were closing, we started offering day camps and became an ‘essential business.’ The floating obstacle course was added around the same time. This course is unique to us and has been designed specifically for our facility.”
He said it hosted over 2,200 birthday parties in 2024, offering an environment and activities loved by children and adults alike.
The facility also hosts four major community events each year, Garrison said, “Including an underwater Easter egg hunt, an ‘End of Summer Splash’ — this year will be our centennial celebration — a floating pumpkin patch/glow party and our biggest event, Mega Noon Year. This family-friendly event culminates with a 5,000-balloon drop at noon on New Year’s Eve, allowing the little ones to enjoy ringing in the new year.”
If you go
Access is open to the public through day passes or memberships. Recreational swimming starts at $15 per adult, with discounted rates for youth under 17 and seniors over 65. Monthly plans range from $55 to $85, and short-term passes from 7 to 60 days are also available.
“Our rates are catered towards families, as a family of four can enjoy our amenities for $80 for the whole day (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). In comparison, an individual may swim for $15 for 1 hour, $18 for 2 hours, $20 for 3 hours, or $30 for a full-day pass,” Garrison said.
The updated facility, with entry through the north entrance of the building, has received strong praise from locals and visitors alike. One reviewer wrote: “This place is outstanding in all aspects. The staff is very friendly… constantly cleaning … beautiful sauna… such a treat to have this wonderful place open again.” Another, visiting with three children, noted: “They have an obstacle course… kids had a blast.”
Longtime swimmers also have weighed in. “I swam in the old facility before the rebuild,” one lap swimmer wrote on TripAdvisor.” This new facility is first class … the lanes are wide … I heartily recommend The Plunge.”
Garrison summed up the experience by saying, “Plunge San Diego is rooted in San Diego history. We are the 89th historical landmark in San Diego, with thousands of visitors every week. Our building, with a retractable roof, allows guests to enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather year-round while safely swimming/playing in our 84-degree water. Our lifeguards are all American Red Cross-certified to ensure safety for all of our guests.”
Also chiming in on its importance, Bruce Coons, executive director of Save Our Heritage Organisation, said of The Plunge: “SOHO became involved in the preservation of the Plunge as far back as the 1970s. Its loss would have meant erasing one of the significant links to the original 1925 Belmont Park.
“SOHO never gave up, and in 2019, again, we worked to restore the iconic Batchelder tile, retain the steps, pedestal and its ornate Spanish Colonial entrance arches that welcomed generations of swimmers. The Plunge at 100 reminds us exactly why we preserve historic places; it has been at the heart of Mission Beach for a century and its story is one of tenacity,” Coons said.
“Its 100th anniversary is a reminder of what historic preservation means and of the deep connections people form to the places that shape their lives. We recognize and appreciate the current stewards of The Plunge, who have ensured it will long remain a vibrant part of Mission Beach. That’s something truly worth celebrating,” he added.
As it celebrates its 100th birthday, The Plunge continues to offer something rare: A historic venue that’s still relevant, full of charm and open to all. From its grand saltwater beginnings to its present-day evolution as a fitness and family destination, The Plunge is more than a pool — it’s a San Diego institution.
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