San Francisco CityPASS®: Save 46% at 4 Top Attractions

Planning a trip to San Francisco often involves juggling ticket purchases, transportation, and timing. That’s where the San Francisco CityPASS® comes in—a package designed to simplify your visit while saving you a good chunk of change. Whether you’re a first-timer eager to tick off the major sights or a seasoned traveler wanting to maximize your time, this pass could be just what you need.

What really caught our eye is how straightforward the experience is—your mobile tickets are delivered instantly, and with 9 days to use them, you don’t have to cram everything into a single day. Plus, the potential savings of up to 46% on four high-profile attractions make it genuinely appealing. On the flip side, it’s important to remember that transportation and food aren’t included, so plan those expenses separately.

If you’re someone who loves exploring at a relaxed pace without the hassle of buying tickets on the spot, this tour is a good fit. Families, couples, or even solo travelers who want an easy, value-packed way to see the city’s highlights will find this option worth considering.

Key Points

• Flexible 9-Day Validity: You can start using your tickets on your first day and enjoy the attractions at your own pace over nearly a week.
• Cost Savings: Up to 46% off compared to buying individual tickets, making it a budget-friendly choice for top sights.
• Includes Popular Attractions: Admission to the California Academy of Sciences, Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise, plus two additional attractions of your choice.
• Instant Mobile Tickets: No waiting in lines—just scan your phone at each venue.
• Variety of Options: The additional attractions allow for personalization—choose the two that excite you most.
• No Transport Included: Keep in mind, transport isn’t covered, so plan accordingly if you need to get around.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the San Francisco CityPASS® Experience

When you purchase a CityPASS®, you’re really getting a streamlined way to access some of San Francisco’s most iconic sights. The process is straightforward—your mobile tickets are sent instantly, so you can start planning your sightseeing adventure immediately. With 9 days to use your pass, you can comfortably spread out your visits, avoiding the rush and crowded lines that often accompany peak season travel.

The core attractions included are well worth the visit. The California Academy of Sciences is a standout—a natural history museum, an aquarium, and a rainforest all in one place. We loved the way it combines education with fun, and it’s particularly good for families or anyone curious about nature and science. The Blue & Gold Fleet’s Bay Cruise is a lovely way to see the city from the water, passing close to Alcatraz and offering panoramic views of the skyline and Golden Gate Bridge.

A big plus is the flexibility to pick two other attractions from options like the Aquarium of The Bay, Exploratorium, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, SFMOMA, or The Walt Disney Family Museum. This lets you tailor your experience—whether you’re into art, science, animals, or pop culture. Reviewers have found the zoo, the museum, and even the Exploratorium to be worthwhile, with one traveler noting, “We loved it! My 5 and 7-year-olds enjoyed everything from the zoo to the Academy and Exploratorium.”

The Attractions in Detail

California Academy of Sciences

This is a true highlight. It’s not just a museum; it’s an experience. The building itself is a marvel—sustainable, with a living roof—and inside, you get access to multiple exhibits covering natural history, an aquarium, and even a rainforest dome. Visitors often praise its variety and the way it keeps both kids and adults engaged. We liked how the natural setting encourages exploration and learning without feeling overwhelming.

Blue & Gold Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruise

This narrated cruise takes you on an hour-long journey around the bay. You’ll get close-up views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline. Travelers tend to find this a relaxing way to get an overview of the city, especially when the weather cooperates. One reviewer shared, “It goes right by Alcatraz and gives a great perspective of the city,” though they also mentioned fog can obscure certain views.

More Great Tours Nearby

Your Choice of Two Attractions

• Aquarium of The Bay: Located at Pier 39, it’s an accessible and engaging marine life experience, especially if you’re into close encounters with sea creatures.
• Exploratorium: Known for its hands-on science exhibits, the Exploratorium offers an interactive experience that appeals to both kids and adults.
• San Francisco Zoo & Gardens: A sprawling zoo with a variety of animals, perfect for a family day out.
• SFMOMA: If art’s more your style, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art houses impressive collections that are worth exploring.
• The Walt Disney Family Museum: For Disney fans, this museum offers a peek into Walt Disney’s life and work, with exhibits suitable for all ages.

Reviewers consistently appreciate how choosing your attractions allows you to customize your visit. One user said, “We used the boat and it goes by Alcatraz. We really enjoyed the zoo, the Academy, and the Exploratorium. It was really worth it.”

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Pass

Timing is key. Since your pass is valid for 9 days from first use, you can start your sightseeing early and spread out the attractions. This flexibility is great if you’re traveling in the shoulder season or want to avoid crowds.

Plan your reservations. The tour mentions that you should visit my.citypass.com to make reservations if needed. This is especially important for popular attractions like the California Academy of Sciences or the Walt Disney Museum, which can require booking ahead.

Accessibility. The pass notes that the experience is wheelchair accessible, which is helpful if needed.

Skip the lines. Presenting your mobile ticket at each attraction means less waiting and more time exploring.

Budget considerations. Remember, while the pass covers your entry fees, transportation and food aren’t included. If you’re relying on public transit, consider whether a transit pass makes sense alongside your CityPASS.

What Users Are Saying

The reviews show a generally positive picture. Ratings hover around 4.4 out of 5, which signals most travelers found value and enjoyed their experience. One traveler from France gave it a 4 out of 5, mentioning that foggy weather limited their view of the Golden Gate Bridge but appreciated how close the boat passed by Alcatraz.

Another reviewer from Puerto Rico shared, “We loved it! My 5 and 7-year-olds loved it. The boat, the zoo, the Academy, and the Exploratorium—all worth it.” Meanwhile, a U.S. traveler summed it up as, “Everything we did was awesome! Highly recommend.”

Is This Tour Worth It?

The value proposition is compelling. Paying $89 per person for access to four major attractions plus the flexibility to choose two more, all within nearly two weeks, makes it an attractive deal. It’s especially good for those who want to avoid the hassle of buying individual tickets on the spot and prefer having a clear plan.

The included attractions are popular for a reason—they offer a mix of educational fun, scenic views, and local culture. And with the ability to plan at your own pace, you won’t feel rushed. If you’re traveling with kids or just love having options, this pass provides a good combination of convenience and savings.

However, keep in mind that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to budget for getting around the city. Also, some attractions may require reservations, so checking ahead is advisable.

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking a straightforward way to explore San Francisco’s highlights without breaking the bank, the CityPASS stands out as a sensible choice. Its combination of significant savings, flexible timing, and easy access to top attractions makes it particularly appealing for those who want to maximize their sightseeing with minimal hassle.

If you’re the type who enjoys planning your days and prefers to keep things simple, this pass offers a well-rounded selection of experiences. It’s especially suited to first-time visitors, families, or anyone wanting a relaxed pace over a 9-day window.

While the absence of included transportation might be a downside for some, the overall value and convenience make the CityPASS a solid option for many travelers. Just remember to check attraction reservations and plan your days accordingly—you’ll be rewarded with a memorable San Francisco adventure.

FAQ

Does the pass cover transportation?
No, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan your travel around the attractions separately.

How long is the pass valid?
It’s valid for 9 consecutive days starting from the first day you activate it.

Can I buy tickets for children separately?
Yes, if you choose not to purchase a CHILD CityPASS®, children under a certain age might need separate tickets for some attractions.

Are the tickets delivered immediately?
Yes, your mobile tickets are sent instantly, making it easy to start planning right away.

Is the pass suitable for families?
Yes, many attractions, like the zoo and the California Academy of Sciences, are family-friendly and enjoyable for kids.

What attractions are included?
The pass includes California Academy of Sciences, Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise, plus two of these: Aquarium of The Bay, Exploratorium, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, SFMOMA, or Walt Disney Family Museum.

Does the pass offer discounts on food or souvenirs?
No, food and drinks aren’t included in the pass price.

What if I want to see more attractions?
You can purchase additional tickets separately at each attraction or plan your visit to include other sights outside the CityPASS.

If you’re heading to San Francisco and want a mix of ease, savings, and variety, the CityPASS could be your ticket to an enjoyable trip without the stress of planning every detail.

You can check availability for your dates here: