San Diego CityPASS Vs Go City San Diego: Our Advice [2025]

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San Diego CityPASS Vs Go City San Diego: Our Advice [2025]


San Diego is stuffed with theme parks, museums, excursions, and water sports activities to reap the benefits of. Choosing the proper multi-attraction go could make an enormous distinction in your sightseeing expertise by including comfort and saving cash.

Most of the time, it comes right down to evaluating San Diego CityPASS vs. Go City San Diego. I’ll present you ways these choices differ and show you how to select the perfect one in your itinerary and price range. Here’s a high-level abstract:

  • Choose CityPASS if you wish to go to SeaWorld San Diego and/or LEGOLAND California and at the least two extra of its included points of interest. If you aren’t visiting one or each of those theme parks, I’ll share why you must as a substitute deal with Go City.
  • Choose Go City if you would like extra selection, flexibility, or entry to each the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. I feel this go presents nice worth particularly for those who plan to bounce between Balboa Park museums.

It’s very a lot value going by every go’s options, advantages, and downsides that will help you plan a fun-filled journey whether or not you’re heading to San Diego with household or exploring my vibrant metropolis solo. We even have reductions on each passes.

Overview of Each San Diego Sightseeing Pass

I at all times inform those who some quantity crunching is admittedly the one solution to know for positive how a lot you’ll save.

Number Crunching Tips

  • Make a listing of the points of interest you for positive need to see.
  • Get the grownup and worth (keep in mind the age for youths’ pricing adjustments primarily based on the attraction).
  • Get your a calculator or use an spreadsheet.
  • Calculate how a lot it could price shopping for particular person tickets.
  • Compare that price to the sightseeing passes listed under that embody the actions you need to do.
  • Coming quickly — a device that will help you with this.

San Diego CityPASS Features & Benefits

San Diego CityPASS logo on top of a Torrey Pines State Beach photo.

San Diego CityPASS presents three easy packages:

What are the three points of interest? Well, you may select three from this listing:

You additionally don’t must resolve which additional three points of interest you’ll go to on the time of buy.

I do suppose that it’s good to go to one of many San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance parks to make these passes cost-effective.

The key profit is the financial savings, reaching as much as 42%. The go is legitimate for 9 consecutive days, which I can say covers the size of most San Diego holidays our purchasers take. It’s good that it doesn’t have for use on consecutive days, both.

This go is good for guests who need to see particular points of interest with out being constrained by the necessity to use it throughout a set variety of consecutive days.

See additionally: My full CityPASS San Diego overview.

Go City San Diego Pass Features & Benefits

go city san diego app illustration

The Go City San Diego Pass (previously referred to as the Go San Diego Card) presents two versatile kinds of passes:

  • All-Inclusive Pass: Visit over 55 points of interest inside a timeframe of 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days. You can go to as many points of interest as you want so long as they’re included.
  • Explorer Pass: Choose 2, 3, 5, or 7 points of interest to go to throughout 60 days.

Either association presents a implausible selection for individuals who love numerous experiences. They are particularly value contemplating for those who go to Balboa Park Museums, the place admission can add up rapidly.

I just like the Explorer Pass possibility for locals who need to accompany out-of-town visitors to points of interest however don’t need to spend money on annual passes.

This go additionally boasts a possible financial savings of as much as 50%, together with a risk-free assure which permits refunds for any unused passes. There’s a 30-day cancellation window if the passes haven’t been activated.

See additionally: My full Go City San Diego go overview.

Comparing San Diego CityPASS vs. Go City San Diego Pass

When selecting between the San Diego CityPASS and Go City San Diego Pass, it’s important to think about a number of elements:

  • Attraction Coverage
  • Flexibility
  • Potential Savings

The viewers for every go additionally differs, influencing which possibility presents the perfect worth.

Attraction Coverage

San Diego CityPASS presents entry to standard spots SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California. It permits entry to a few further points of interest from a restricted listing, making it a superb selection for individuals who prioritize main landmarks.

Go City San Diego Pass gives a broader choice, that includes over 55 points of interest, together with theme parks, museums, outside adventures, and excursions. This go is good for vacationers looking for a mixture of well-known websites and smaller, distinctive experiences.

Many Go City San Diego customers skip the theme parks solely due to the sheer number of different points of interest included, from harbor cruises to bike leases and Balboa Park museums.

How SeaWorld and LEGOLAND Influence Your Choice

  • If you aren’t visiting SeaWorld or LEGOLAND, CityPASS will not be worthwhile. Choose Go City.
  • SeaWorld and LEGOLAND are usually not on the Go City Explorer Pass. To go to one or each parks, select Go City All-Inclusive or CityPASS.
  •  You must make reservations to go to LEGOLAND however not SeaWorld.
LEGOLAND California welcome sign at the entrance.
Whether you go to LEGOLAND or not issues when selecting a go.

Flexibility

CityPASS is legitimate for 9 days from the primary use, permitting some scheduling flexibility inside that interval. It’s standard for shorter journeys as a result of solely a handful of points of interest are included.

Go City San Diego Pass flexibility is dependent upon the go chosen. The All-Inclusive have to be used on consecutive days and the Explorer permits visits over an extended timeframe with no need consecutive days. Th Explorer Pass flexibility may be advantageous for vacationers with various schedules.

Savings Potential

What you truly save is dependent upon the place you purchase your sightseeing go and what sort of gross sales and promo codes are on provide. You must crunch some numbers.

San Diego CityPASS saves essentially the most for those who solely go to LEGOLAND California, one of many San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Parks, USS Midway Museum, and one different included spot. The estimated financial savings is as much as 42% for those who totally make the most of the three choices outdoors of the theme parks.

San Diego CityPASS – Big Savings + Promo Code!

Unlock your financial savings with San Diego CityPASS! Use promo code WINTER to avoid wasting extra on our ticket website (not direct). Buy now—costs rise on March 1, 2025!

(Pass has restricted worth for households at many points of interest throughout Kids Free October in San Diego — we advocate particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as a substitute.)

Go City San Diego financial savings is usually a little tougher to calculate since there are such a lot of included points of interest. You’ll need to make certain that you’re visiting just a few high-value points of interest, and financial savings are estimated at as much as 55%.

Go City San Diego – Exclusive Discount!

Use promo code GOSDO5LJM to use an additional 5% off ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes if you purchase by Go City! This low cost stacks on high of sale charges!

(Pass has restricted worth for households at many points of interest throughout Kids Free October in San Diego — we advocate particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as a substitute.)

Ease Of Use

San Diego CityPASS is easy, as tickets are accessible digitally, making it straightforward to enter main websites.

Go City San Diego Pass additionally options user-friendly digital tickets through their app, which gives particulars on included points of interest and planning instruments.

You’ll Need Reservations

  • Both San Diego CityPASS and Go City San Diego Pass require advance reservations for sure points of interest, comparable to LEGOLAND California. The passes provides you with directions for find out how to make the reservations.
  • I like to recommend making these reservations ASAP.

Target Audience

San Diego CityPASS is greatest for these centered SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, and both the Zoo or Safari Park (not each).

Go City San Diego Pass appeals to vacationers who desire a versatile expertise, mixing iconic spots with lesser-known points of interest. It’s good for vacationers who need extra selection and the liberty to discover completely different features of San Diego.

Comparison Chart for San Diego CityPASS and Go City San Diego Pass

Aspect San Diego CityPASS Go City San Diego Pass
Attraction Coverage Three go choices: Two go choices:
1. SeaWorld San Diego + 3 points of interest 1. All-Inclusive Pass: 55+ points of interest for 1–7 consecutive days.
2. LEGOLAND California + 3 points of interest 2. Explorer Pass: Choose 2–7 points of interest, legitimate for 60 days.
3. SeaWorld San Diego + LEGOLAND California + 3 points of interest Offers a greater diversity, together with theme parks, museums, outside actions, and excursions.
The three points of interest may very well be: San Diego Zoo OR Safari Park, USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium, City Cruises and Maritime Museum of San Diego. Includes main points of interest like SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, USS Midway, plus distinctive choices like water sports activities, bike leases, and guided excursions.
Flexibility Must select the theme park on the buy date. You can resolve afterward the opposite three points of interest. All-Inclusive Pass: Attractions have to be visited on consecutive days.
Valid for 9 consecutive days from the primary activation. Explorer Pass: Valid for 60 days, permitting spaced-out visits.
You can go to included points of interest one time. You can go to included points of interest one time.
Savings Potential Save as much as 42% on bundled points of interest. Save as much as 55% on admissions with strategic planning.
Example: A household of 4 can save $375 (38%) when visiting LEGOLAND California, the Zoo, and two different points of interest. It may be overwhelming for vacationers with quick journeys or slender itineraries.
Attraction List Size 9 attraction choices (select 3 along with the primary theme parks). 55+ points of interest with All-Inclusive Pass.
Explorer Pass is extra selective, specializing in smaller curated lists.
Ease of Use Mobile and printable tickets accessible. Mobile tickets accessible through the Go City app. Can print the QR code as effectively.
Requires upfront theme park attraction choice. Flexibility to resolve points of interest later.
Target Audience Families centered on iconic points of interest like SeaWorld, LEGOLAND California, and the Zoo. Travelers looking for selection, together with museums, outside actions, and distinctive experiences like whale watching or paddleboarding.
Visitors staying in San Diego for 4–5 days who need flexibility with out visiting too many places. Power sightseers or long-term guests who need to discover San Diego comprehensively.
Additional Perks Can improve experiences (e.g., USS Midway VR simulators or Maritime Museum narrated cruises) and it contains skip-the-line privileges and prompt digital supply. Includes skip-the-line privileges, prompt digital supply, and a risk-free refund coverage for unused passes. Can additionally improve experiences.
Limitations Requires major attraction choice at buy date, limiting spontaneity. All-Inclusive Pass is legitimate for a set variety of days after first use, making it much less versatile for multi-day sightseeing breaks.

Pros and Cons of Each San Diego Attractions Pass

Choosing between the San Diego CityPASS and Go City San Diego Pass is dependent upon what you need to see and do in San Diego.

Each go presents distinct advantages, so it’s key to match them to your journey model and pursuits.

San Diego CityPASS

  • Pros:
    • The San Diego CityPASS is tremendous straightforward to make use of, particularly for visiting high household points of interest like SeaWorld and LEGOLAND. It’s good for vacationers with restricted time.
    • The go is legitimate for 9 days, providing you with ample time to take pleasure in every location with out feeling rushed. This is usually a reduction for households who desire a relaxed trip.
  • Cons:
    • The draw back of CityPASS is its restricted choice. If you’re going to go to the Balboa Park museums, you’ll have to purchase a Balboa Park Explorer Pass or pay a la carte, and this price may imply Go City All-Inclusive may very well be cheaper.
    • It’s not the best choice for those who’re planning a extra numerous sightseeing expertise. In explicit, it won’t fulfill these trying to uncover hidden gems past the primary vacationer spots.
    • It doesn’t embody each the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
    • Go City Explorer may very well be higher if it’s good to see a brief listing of points of interest as a result of it has an extended use window.

Go City San Diego

  • Pros:
    • Go City San Diego shines with its intensive listing of a number of points of interest. It presents versatile choices just like the Explorer Pass, permitting you to decide on the variety of points of interest to go to over 60 days.
    • This flexibility makes it nice for lively sightseers and native residents who need to discover at their very own tempo, having fun with reductions with out limitations on spontaneity all through the summer season.
    • It contains each the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park in addition to a Belmont Park Ride and Play Pass, Fleet Science Center, and a lot extra.
  • Cons:
    • With so many decisions, it might really feel overwhelming to calculate its worth. Planning is crucial to maximise worth, which may very well be a bit daunting for those who’re not eager on creating an in depth itinerary.
    • LEGOLAND and SeaWorld are solely included on the All-Inclusive go.
A panda sleeping at San Diego Zoo.
Do you need to go to the Zoo and Safari Park? Pick Go City then.

When to Choose San Diego CityPASS?

  • You are visiting SeaWorld and/or LEGOLAND plus at the least two of its three different included points of interest.
  • You can see every thing inside 9 days.
  • You’ve crunched the numbers and determined this San Diego vacationer go is cheaper than Go City or shopping for particular person discounted tickets.

When to Choose Go City San Diego Pass?

  • You are an lively sightseer who doesn’t need to go to theme parks.
  • You need to deal with museums or go to a number of Balboa Park museums.
  • You need to go to each San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
  • You need to combine in some water sports activities or excursions with main theme parks and museums.
  • You need to have the ability to use the go throughout almost two months (Explorer Pass)
  • You’re additionally going to Knott’s Berry Farm (in Orange County — that is included)
Old Town Trolley drives through Balboa Park.
Both Passes embody Old Town Trolley

Tips for Maximizing Each Pass

Strategize Your Visits

To save each money and time, plan your actions upfront. Use the passes on consecutive days to take full benefit of points of interest.

I like to recommend beginning early to beat the crowds and maximize your time at every location.

Family Travelers

When crunching numbers, take note of the age at which children want tickets. For instance, all children ages 2+ want a LEGOLAND California ticket (ages 0-1 are free). A toddler’s ticket at San Diego Zoo is for ages 3-11 and ages 0-2 are free.

Solo Adventurers

Traveling alone? You could need to go for the Go City San Diego Explorer Pass for flexibility. It permits you to take pleasure in a mixture of points of interest at your personal tempo.

Luxury Travelers

Luxury vacationers completely purchase each passes. Even for those who’re planning on, for instance, splurging on a VIP tour at San Diego Zoo, you continue to have to purchase a separate admission. Both of those passes present admission.

Notes on Public Transportation

San Diego’s transit system may be a good way to navigate between points of interest with out the trouble of parking, however whereas cheap, it’s restricted. Having the Old Town Trolley included on each passes helps you get round, but it surely’s just for someday.

Make the Most of Your Pass as a Local

These passes aren’t only for vacationers—they’re a implausible possibility for San Diego residents, too. Whether you’re internet hosting household and mates or trying to preserve the children entertained throughout summer season break, passes just like the Go City Explorer can prevent cash with out committing to annual memberships.

With a protracted validity interval, they’re nice for spreading out visits to points of interest you won’t usually discover.

Conclusion & Where to Buy

Choosing between San Diego CityPASS vs Go City San Diego Pass is dependent upon your itinerary and the way lengthy your San Diego trip is. CityPASS is nice for SeaWorld and LEGOLAND followers. Go City presents flexibility with Explorer and All-Inclusive choices for extra selection.

San Diego CityPASS – Big Savings + Promo Code!

Unlock your financial savings with San Diego CityPASS! Use promo code WINTER to avoid wasting extra on our ticket website (not direct). Buy now—costs rise on March 1, 2025!

(Pass has restricted worth for households at many points of interest throughout Kids Free October in San Diego — we advocate particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as a substitute.)

Go City San Diego – Exclusive Discount!

Use promo code GOSDO5LJM to use an additional 5% off ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes if you purchase by Go City! This low cost stacks on high of sale charges!

(Pass has restricted worth for households at many points of interest throughout Kids Free October in San Diego — we advocate particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as a substitute.)

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