San Diego: CityPASS® Save up to 46% at Must-See Attractions

Planning a trip to San Diego? If you’re looking to pack in a variety of the city’s highlights without blowing your budget, the San Diego CityPASS® might just be your best bet. While I haven’t personally used this pass, the reviews and details paint a pretty clear picture of what to expect. It’s designed to give you significant savings (up to 46%) on some of the top spots around town, with the flexibility to spread your visits over 9 days.

What I really like about this pass is the ease of instant mobile delivery, which means no waiting around for paper tickets. Plus, the flexibility of visiting attractions at your own pace—you don’t have to cram everything into one day. The biggest perk? It covers major San Diego attractions, from the zoo to SeaWorld, and even a harbor cruise. That said, a potential downside is that not all issues are smooth sailing—like one review where a pass was rejected at LEGOLAND, leading to some hold-up and confusion. So, it’s not perfect, but overall, it’s a solid value for most travelers.

This pass is really best suited for first-time visitors or families who want to maximize their time and money. If you’re someone who loves flexibility and a good mix of outdoor and indoor attractions, this could be a great choice. Just be aware that you’ll need to manage reservations and check the validity period carefully.

Key Points

• Flexible 9-day validity allows you to spread out your visits comfortably.
• Significant savings of up to 46% on popular attractions.
• Instant delivery of mobile tickets makes planning easier.
• Includes key highlights like San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and USS Midway Museum.
• You can choose to visit either or both of the main parks (Zoo or Safari Park).
• Be mindful of occasional customer service hiccups, especially at certain attractions like LEGOLAND.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the San Diego CityPASS® Offers

This pass is a great way for travelers to enjoy San Diego’s best sights without the hassle of buying individual tickets. It’s valid for 9 consecutive days starting from the first day you visit an attraction, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own speed. The pass includes general admission to a curated list of attractions, with the option to choose one of two major parks—the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park—based on your interests.

The Main Attractions

San Diego Zoo & Skyfari Aerial Tram

The zoo is a crowd favorite, and for good reason—it’s one of the most renowned zoos in the world, famous for its wide array of animals and lush habitats. The Skyfari Tram offers a fantastic aerial view of the zoo and surrounding areas, making it a highlight for many visitors. According to reviews, the zoo provides a full day of entertainment, with all scheduled shows and exhibits included in the ticket. We loved the way the tram adds a scenic dimension to the experience, giving you a break from walking and a different perspective on the sprawling zoo.

USS Midway Museum & Holographic Movie

Here’s a real standout: the USS Midway Museum offers a glimpse into naval history, and the 3D holographic movie about the Battle of Midway is a clever touch that adds depth to the visit. Visitors find this experience engaging and informative, especially if you enjoy military history or want a break from the outdoor parks.

SeaWorld San Diego & LEGOLAND California

You get to pick between SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California, depending on your interests. SeaWorld is known for its marine life shows and rides, while LEGOLAND offers a more interactive, family-friendly environment with rides and attractions based on everyone’s favorite building blocks. One reviewer shared that they appreciated the convenience of showing up and having their barcode scanned seamlessly, although they also experienced some hiccups at LEGOLAND, where their pass was rejected initially. They needed to call customer service to resolve it—a reminder that sometimes technology can fail, so bring backups just in case.

Other Notable Attractions

Additional inclusions like the Old Town Trolley Tour, which offers unlimited reboarding, make exploring the city fun and flexible. The Maritime Museum of San Diego and Birch Aquarium round out the list, giving you a well-rounded view of the city’s maritime history and marine life.

How It Works and What to Expect

Once you purchase your CityPASS, you receive a mobile ticket that you can show at each attraction—saving you from waiting in long lines. You’re free to visit attractions in any order, which is great if your plans change or if you want to spend more time at a favorite spot. The 9-day window means you can spread out your visits, making it less rushed and more relaxed.

You’ll need to make any required reservations via visit.my.citypass.com, but most attractions are a straightforward scan of your barcode for entry. Keep in mind that transportation, food, and drinks are not included, so budget accordingly for those extras.

The Value Angle

At $178 per person, the pass is a smart buy if you plan to visit at least three major attractions. For example, an adult ticket to the zoo alone usually costs around $60, and SeaWorld and LEGOLAND are similarly priced. When you add in the other included attractions, the overall savings are quite compelling. Plus, you avoid the hassle of buying tickets individually, which can save you time and stress.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Experience

Most reviews are positive, highlighting the ease of use—”everything worked seamlessly”—and the value of saving money. However, the review from Kenneth in Canada reminds us that technical issues at attractions can happen. His pass was rejected at LEGOLAND, leading to a half-hour hold to get it sorted. While frustrating, he appreciated the quick support from CityPASS. So, just keep your eyes open for potential glitches and have patience.

Who Should Consider the CityPASS?

This pass is perfect for first-time visitors to San Diego who want to see the highlights without the stress of organizing tickets each day. It’s also great for families or groups who want to maximize their attractions while sticking to a budget. If you’re someone who prefers flexibility and variety—and doesn’t mind managing reservations—it’s a good fit.

However, if you’re a traveler who prefers a more structured or guided tour experience, or if you’re only planning to visit one or two attractions, the value might be less compelling. Also, keep in mind that transportation costs and meals are not included, so budget for those separately.

The Bottom Line

The San Diego CityPASS® offers a practical, cost-effective way to explore the city’s top sights. It strikes a good balance between flexibility and savings, making it ideal for those who want to see a lot but not be tied down to fixed schedules. The inclusion of major attractions like the zoo, SeaWorld, and USS Midway Museum makes it a well-rounded option, especially for first-time visitors or families.

While a few hiccups like technical issues at some attractions exist, most travelers find the experience straightforward and worthwhile. The digital ticketing system is a welcome feature, saving time and hassle. If you’re comfortable managing reservations and don’t mind some minor risks of technical glitches, this pass could be a real savings and time-saver.

In short, if you’re after an affordable, flexible, family-friendly way to see San Diego’s highlights, the CityPASS is worth considering. It’ll let you focus more on having fun and less on ticket lines, giving you more time to soak up the sun, waves, and city vibes.

FAQ

Does the CityPASS® include transportation?
No, transportation isn’t covered by the pass. You’ll need to arrange your own transport to the attractions or consider other local options.

How long is the pass valid?
It’s valid for 9 consecutive days starting from the first day you visit an attraction. Make sure to plan your visits accordingly.

Can I visit the attractions in any order?
Yes, the pass allows you to visit the included attractions in any order within the 9-day window.

Is the ticket delivery instant?
Yes, tickets are delivered via mobile, so you can access them immediately after purchase and on the go.

What if my pass is rejected at an attraction?
Customer reviews indicate that support is available, but sometimes there can be delays. It’s wise to keep a backup, like a screenshot or email confirmation.

Are all attractions wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the pass and activities are wheelchair accessible, so most visitors with mobility needs should be able to enjoy the attractions.

Can I visit both SeaWorld and LEGOLAND?
No, you choose one of these two for your main park visit, but both are available options.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and beverages are not included, so plan your budget accordingly.

What should I do if I want to visit the USS Midway Museum?
Present your mobile ticket at the museum for entry. The experience includes a holographic movie and audio tour in six languages.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, attractions like the zoo, LEGOLAND, and SeaWorld are child-friendly and popular among families.

If you’re headed to San Diego and want a budget-friendly, flexible way to see the best, the CityPASS® is a solid choice. Just remember to double-check reservations, keep your tickets handy, and enjoy your adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: