San Francisco CityPASS®

If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco and want a way to see the city’s highlights without breaking the bank, the San Francisco CityPASS® might catch your eye. It’s designed to give visitors convenient access to some of the city’s most popular spots, from museums to boat tours, all bundled into one ticket. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but looking at reviews and details, it seems like a solid option—especially if you want to maximize your time and save some money.

What we really like about this pass is the flexibility it offers. You don’t have to rush; you get up to nine days to explore at your own pace, and you can choose your favorite attractions from a list of options. Plus, the inclusion of a Bay Cruise adds a scenic element that many visitors love, giving you that classic San Francisco experience from the water. On the downside, some travelers mention issues with reservations and the small size of certain attractions, so it’s worth considering whether this matches your travel style.

This kind of pass is best suited for travelers who want a streamlined experience—those who enjoy having a plan but also appreciate flexibility. If you’re into art, science, or marine life, and like the idea of seeing a lot in a short amount of time, the CityPASS® could be just right. But if you prefer more personalized or off-the-beaten-path adventures, it might feel too structured.

Key Points

• Great Value: The pass offers admission to multiple top attractions at a lower combined cost.
• Flexibility: You have 9 days to use your tickets, which helps avoid the pressure of tight schedules.
• Diverse Attractions: Options range from science museums to zoos to art museums, catering to different interests.
• Water Experience: The included Bay Cruise provides iconic city views from the water—an experience many cherish.
• Potential Drawbacks: Some reviews point out issues like small attractions or reservation troubles, so plan ahead.
• Best For: Travelers who want a comprehensive, budget-friendly way to see San Francisco without the hassle of individual ticketing.

The Experience Breakdown: What’s Included and What to Expect

The San Francisco CityPASS® is structured around giving you a good overview of the city’s best-known sights. Here’s a closer look at what the itinerary looks like and what you might expect at each stop.

California Academy of Sciences

Starting with the California Academy of Sciences, this spot is a must-see for science buffs and curious minds alike. It’s a large, multi-faceted museum combining an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history exhibits under one roof. We loved the way it packs so much into one place, making it perfect for a half-day adventure. The reviews reflect this—many find it worth the visit, especially for science lovers. One reviewer said, “California Science Academy is worth visiting,” and that sums it up.

However, keep in mind that some travelers find the aquarium part small or lacking. It’s not the biggest aquarium you’ll see, but the tunnels and big fish are still enjoyable. If you’re traveling with kids or just love interactive exhibits, this should suit you well.

Blue & Gold Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruise

Next up is the Bay Cruise, one of the most iconic ways to see San Francisco. It’s a one-hour narrated tour offering stunning views of the skyline, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. We’ve heard from visitors that the boat ride is fun even if the weather isn’t perfect—though, yes, wind and rain can cool things off, so dress accordingly. One reviewer said, “Took lots of pictures,” highlighting how photogenic the scenery is.

What makes this cruise special is the perspective it offers. You’ll get a different view of the city’s famous landmarks, and the narration adds context to the sights you see from the water. It’s a relaxing way to break up a busy sightseeing day.

Your Choice of Two Attractions

The real flexibility of the pass comes in choosing two more attractions:

• Aquarium of the Bay: Small but fun, especially their tunnels showcasing local marine life like manta rays and big fish. Some reviews mention it’s a bit underwhelming, but others still enjoyed the experience.
• Exploratorium: A hands-on science museum that appeals to all ages. Visitors often find it engaging and worth the visit for its interactive exhibits.
• San Francisco Zoo & Gardens: The zoo is a hit for animal lovers, but some reviews mention that it’s a bit far out and the animals might be missing some exhibits.
• San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA): Art enthusiasts rave about it, calling it “killer” and “great.” If contemporary art is your thing, you’ll love the variety here.
• The Walt Disney Family Museum: A good pick for Disney fans, though some amenities might be temporarily unavailable. Still, it offers insights into Disney’s life and work.

What to Know About Timing and Use

You’ll have up to nine days to visit everything after your first use, which gives plenty of breathing room. The tickets are mobile, so you don’t have to worry about printing, and most attractions are open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM, which helps with flexible planning. Be sure to arrive early or book reservations where possible—some reviews mention difficulty with reservations or sold-out tickets, especially at popular spots like the aquarium.

The Realities: What Travelers Are Saying

Feedback from those who’ve used the CityPASS® is generally positive, especially around the value and convenience. Many reviews highlight how much money they saved—one said, “it saved me a ton of money for all the attractions,” and others appreciated how it simplified planning. The ability to hop from one attraction to another without fuss was a big plus.

That said, not all experiences are perfect. A handful of reviews mention issues like attractions being sold out or tickets being canceled unexpectedly. One reviewer shared, “I was only able to use it for one attraction; the rest were canceled,” which is frustrating. It’s worth noting that customer service can be hit or miss, and you may need to do some extra work ahead of time to ensure availability.

Transportation and Logistics

Getting around San Francisco can be tricky if you aren’t familiar with the city’s public transit. Some reviews note that MUNI isn’t straightforward and that using apps like Transit or Google Maps is helpful. Catching the iconic cable cars is easy with your pass, and many find that this adds to the fun of exploring.

The Small Details

While most attractions are straightforward, a few reviewers point out that some places, like the aquarium, might be smaller or less impressive than expected. Others mention that the zoo is quite far out of the city core, so plan your day accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Is the San Francisco CityPASS® Worth It?

For those who want to see a broad slice of what San Francisco has to offer without the hassle of buying individual tickets, the CityPASS® can be a real boon. Its great value makes it appealing, especially if you plan to visit several attractions in a short span. The flexibility of nine days helps travelers adapt their plans, which is perfect for those who like to take their time or have unpredictable schedules.

If you prefer in-depth, niche experiences or want to explore less touristy spots, this pass might feel limiting. But for most visitors looking to hit the highlights—like the California Academy of Sciences, the Bay Cruise, and a choice of museums or zoos—it’s a well-rounded option.

It’s especially suited for first-time visitors who want a taste of everything and appreciate an organized, cost-effective way to navigate San Francisco’s top sights. Just be sure to plan your reservations early and check for any restrictions or availability issues to avoid disappointment.

FAQs

Do I need to print the tickets or can I use a mobile device?
You can present your tickets on a mobile device or print them out—whichever is more convenient for you.

How long do I have to use the tickets?
You get up to nine days to visit all the attractions after your first use, providing plenty of flexibility.

Are the attractions open every day?
Yes, most attractions are open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM, giving you options to fit visits into your schedule.

Can I choose my attractions, or are they fixed?
You choose two attractions from a list including Aquarium of the Bay, Exploratorium, Zoo, SFMOMA, or Walt Disney Museum, allowing some customization.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, many attractions are family-friendly, and the flexibility makes it suitable for all ages.

What if some attractions are sold out or unavailable?
Some reviews mention issues with reservations or availability. It’s best to plan ahead and book your reservations early where possible.

If you’re after a practical, money-saving way to pack in San Francisco’s highlights, the CityPASS® offers a solid balance of convenience and value. Just keep in mind the importance of planning ahead, especially for reservations, to make the most of your visit.