Go City: San Francisco Explorer Pass: Choose 2 to 5 Things To Do

Exploring San Francisco becomes simpler and more budget-friendly with the Go City: San Francisco Explorer Pass. Priced at $79 per person, this flexible ticket allows visitors to select 2 to 5 activities from over 25 choices, including popular sights like the California Academy of Sciences, Aquarium of the Bay, and bay cruises. The pass remains valid for 30 days, giving ample time to plan an itinerary that suits personal interests and pace. It features direct entry to attractions—no voucher redemption needed—and is delivered via a mobile ticket, making it easy to carry and use on the go.

While the pass offers excellent value for multiple attractions, it’s most suitable for visitors with a flexible schedule who want to explore several highlights without the hassle of individual ticket purchases. A key advantage is the digital guide included, which helps plan activities efficiently, though some users note that booking certain popular attractions requires advanced reservations. The average booking time is around 20 days in advance, so planning ahead ensures full access to your preferred experiences.

Key Points

• Flexibility to choose 2-5 attractions from over 25 options in San Francisco
• Valid for 30 days, allowing visitors to spread out sightseeing
• Includes popular activities like bay cruises, museums, and hop-on-hop-off bus tours
• Mobile ticket with no voucher redemption needed for quick entry
• Digital guide helps plan your itinerary and navigate reservations
• Great value for those wanting to see multiple sights without individual ticket hassle

How the San Francisco Explorer Pass Saves You Money and Time

The Go City Explorer Pass is designed for convenience and savings. Instead of paying full price for individual tickets, the pass offers significant discounts across top attractions. It awards you direct entry to places like the California Academy of Sciences, Aquarium of the Bay, and the Exploratorium, saving both time and money. Since it’s valid for 30 days, visitors can comfortably schedule their activities, avoiding the pressure of trying to do everything in a single day.

The digital guide included enhances planning, providing details on opening hours and reservation instructions. The mobile ticket means no need for physical vouchers, streamlining entry at each site. However, some reviews highlight the importance of advanced reservations for certain activities, especially guided tours and popular cruises, to secure spot availability.

Exploring San Francisco with the Big Bus Classic Tour

A highlight of the pass is the Big Bus Tours San Francisco, offering a 1-day hop-on-hop-off experience. This tour covers major landmarks such as Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz, providing an excellent overview of the city’s layout. Passengers can hop on or off at various stops, giving flexibility to explore each site at their own pace.

The bus tour is ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting a quick orientation. Guides typically explain the city’s history and landmarks, making it both an informative and scenic introduction. Since the 1-day ticket is included in the pass, it offers good value compared to separate tickets, especially as it covers a full day of sightseeing.

Visiting the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a standout attraction in San Francisco, recognized as one of the New Wonders of the World by Conde Nast Traveler. The 3-hour admission includes access to an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum, all under one roof. Its innovative design, including a living roof, enhances the visitor experience.

This attraction is particularly praised for its interactive exhibits and diverse ecosystems, making it a favorite among families and nature enthusiasts. The California Academy of Sciences is a must-see for those interested in science, biodiversity, and architecture, and the Explorer Pass makes entry straightforward without the need for advance booking.

Walking Through the Aquarium of the Bay

The Aquarium of the Bay offers the chance to walk through crystal-clear tunnels filled with 20,000 aquatic species, including seven-gill sharks—the largest predator in the bay. The 2-hour visit allows visitors to observe marine life up close and learn about local ecosystems.

While the aquarium is praised for its impressive exhibits and close encounters, some reviews suggest that its size may be limited for those seeking a more extensive marine experience. Still, it’s a popular stop that benefits from quick entry via the pass, making it easy to fit into a busy day.

Engaging with Interactive Exhibits at the Exploratorium

The Exploratorium provides a hands-on experience with over 650 interactive exhibits. Visitors can touch, tinker, and play, making it an engaging destination for families, students, and curious minds. The 2-hour duration lets you explore many exhibits at a leisurely pace.

This museum is recognized for its fun and educational approach, encouraging active participation. The Explorer Pass grants easy access, avoiding long lines, and is especially beneficial given the museum’s popularity. It’s a top choice for those who prefer experiential learning over passive viewing.

Cruising Under the Golden Gate and Around Alcatraz

The Blue & Gold Fleet offers two notable bay cruises included in the pass: the Escape from the Rock and the San Francisco Bay Cruise.

The Escape from the Rock is a 90-minute cruise that sails under the Golden Gate Bridge, circles Alcatraz, and shares stories about historic escape attempts. It provides chilling accounts of the island’s infamous past, ideal for history buffs.

Meanwhile, the Bay Cruise takes you under the Golden Gate, past Pier 39, and along the city’s waterfront, offering spectacular views of San Francisco’s skyline. Both cruises deliver remarkable photo opportunities and are easy to book with the pass, making them a highlight of any visit.

The U.S.S. Hornet and Other Museum Stops

Additional options include the U.S.S. Hornet Museum, a World War II aircraft carrier, offering insights into naval history. The 1.5-hour visit explores the vessel’s historic importance and features aircraft displays.

The Walt Disney Family Museum and de Young Museum are also included, providing cultural and artistic insights with interactive galleries and impressive art collections. The Museum of Modern Art is the largest of its kind in the US, making it a prime destination for art lovers.

Family-Friendly Experiences with Legoland and the Zoo

The Legoland Discovery Center in nearby San Jose offers a family-friendly stop, with 10 interactive areas like MINILAND and Pirate Adventure Island. The 3-hour visit is perfect for children and LEGO fans.

The San Francisco Zoo houses over 2,000 animals and offers a chance for families to connect with wildlife. The 3-hour visit includes encounters with endangered species and engaging exhibits, making it a well-rounded option for a nature-focused outing.

Additional Activities and Practical Tips

Other attractions, such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Asian Art Museum, and various bay cruises, expand your options. The pass’s flexibility allows combining highly-rated experiences depending on your interests and schedule.

Some reviews mention practical considerations, such as parking costs near Fisherman’s Wharf and booking reservations ahead for popular tours. The most popular attractions often require advance planning, so reviewing the digital guide and making reservations early helps maximize your experience.

Final Thoughts on the San Francisco Explorer Pass

The Go City San Francisco Explorer Pass offers significant value for those who plan to visit multiple major attractions within 30 days. Its cost-effective pricing and flexibility make it an attractive choice for families, first-time visitors, and locals exploring new sights.

However, potential limitations include booking constraints at certain popular attractions and parking challenges around busy hotspots. Despite this, the ease of use—via mobile tickets and the digital guide—provides a smooth experience.

Ultimately, this pass works best for those who want to customize their itinerary and enjoy San Francisco at their own pace. When combined with early planning, it unlocks the chance to see a broad slice of the city’s highlights while saving money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the pass for Muni or cable cars?
Some reviews indicate difficulties with public transit access, and the pass may not cover Muni or cable cars directly. It’s important to check specific details and reserve tickets in advance if public transit is a priority.

How many attractions can I visit with the pass?
You choose 2 to 5 attractions from over 25 options. The 30-day validity allows spreading out visits throughout your trip.

Do I need to book reservations for the attractions?
Certain activities, especially guided tours and cruises, may require advance reservations. The included digital guide provides instructions on booking.

Is the pass suitable for kids?
Yes, attractions like Legoland Discovery Center and the zoo are family-friendly. The interactive museums and cruises also appeal to children.

What’s included in the pass?
The pass includes admission to selected attractions, with digital guidance. It does not cover food, drinks, or transportation unless specified.

Can I get a refund if plans change?
The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once purchased. Be sure to select your activities carefully.

What are the main benefits for first-timers?
The pass provides easy access to many key sights, reducing wait times and simplifying planning, especially with the digital guide.

Are there any downsides?
Some reviews mention parking costs and the need to reserve popular activities early. Also, some travelers find the pass less advantageous if they don’t plan to visit enough attractions.

How do I receive the tickets?
The pass is delivered as a mobile ticket, ready to use immediately after purchase, with no voucher redemption needed.

Is this pass good value for money?
Yes, especially if multiple attractions are on your list. It can save significant money compared to individual tickets, making it ideal for busy sightseeing schedules.