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

If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, chances are you’ll want to see the city’s highlights without breaking the bank. The Go City San Francisco Explorer Pass offers a flexible way to do just that—allowing you to pick from over 25 popular attractions, tours, and activities, and enjoy them over a 30-day period.

From our research, what really catches our eye about this pass is its convenience and cost-saving potential. It’s ideal if you want the freedom to explore at your pace, without the pressure of buying individual tickets. Plus, with the digital guide included, planning becomes straightforward—whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor.

That said, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The main one? Some of the more popular activities, like the iconic cable car rides, require advanced reservations. If you don’t plan ahead, you might miss out on certain experiences that are high on many travelers’ wish lists.

This pass is well-suited for those who value flexibility and saving money. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a couple, or a small group of travelers, it’s a solid choice if you want to tick off several top sights without the hassle of buying tickets at each location.

Key Points

• Flexibility: Valid for 30 days, so you can spread out your visits at your own pace.
• Cost-effectiveness: Save money compared to buying individual tickets—especially if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
• Digital convenience: Mobile tickets and a digital guide make planning and entry smooth.
• Variety of options: From museums and aquariums to bay cruises and tours, there’s something for all.
• Reservations needed: Popular activities require booking in advance—plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
• Range of attractions: Over 25 choices, including iconic sights like Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, and the California Academy of Sciences.

What to Expect from the San Francisco Explorer Pass

The biggest selling point of this pass is its customization. You select 2 to 5 activities from a list of more than 25 and enjoy them over a month-long period. Once you purchase, your digital pass becomes your ticket, eliminating the need for physical vouchers or tickets. You can save it on your phone and simply scan at each attraction for quick access.

The itinerary options are plentiful. For example, you could start with the famous Big Bus Tours—a classic way to get an overview of the city while hopping on and off at key sights like Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, or Alcatraz. This is especially useful if you’re new to San Francisco, as it helps you get your bearings.

Next, adding attractions like the California Academy of Sciences or the Aquarium of the Bay offers engaging experiences that appeal to both adults and kids alike. The California Academy of Sciences is often praised as a must-see, with its impressive design (named one of the New Wonders of the World), and the aquarium allows you to walk through tunnels filled with 20,000 sea creatures, including sharks.

The Bay cruises are another highlight, offering a different perspective of the city skyline and iconic landmarks. The Escape from the Rock cruise takes you under the Golden Gate and around Alcatraz, sharing stories of daring escapes, while the Bridge to Bridge cruise offers breathtaking views of both the Oakland and Golden Gate bridges.

The Ride and Tour Experiences

Many travelers appreciate the variety of experiences available—whether it’s the Walt Disney Family Museum for animation buffs, the de Young Museum and SFMOMA for art lovers, or the USS Pampanito submarine for history enthusiasts.

The Blue & Gold Fleet cruises stand out as a favorite for those wanting an immersive experience on the water. The Escape from the Rock cruise and the Bay Cruise are highly recommended, with reviewers noting their stunning views and informative narration.

Convenience and Booking Tips

Most attractions accept the digital pass without issue. However, some, like the cable cars, have specific reservation requirements. Several reviews mention the importance of planning ahead—if you wait too long, you might find spots are fully booked, which can be frustrating. One traveler noted, “Most of the popular activities require advanced reservations, check the instructions on the included digital guide, or Go City app, and make sure to place reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.”

The digital guide is a helpful tool, providing detailed information and instructions for each attraction. It’s especially useful for those unfamiliar with San Francisco, as it helps you navigate your options and timings.

The Good, the Bad, and the Practical

Our research and reviews reveal a mixed but mostly positive picture. Many travelers find the pass excellent value—some reported saving hundreds of dollars if they visit several attractions. One user shared, “We were in San Francisco for 4 days and bought the 5 attraction package. It was amazing on all the attractions that we went on.”

On the flip side, some noted challenges: booking issues and customer service hiccups. For instance, one review stated, “I bought the 4 attraction pass but when I checked out, the date was a day off. I had to pay full price for some tours.” Another highlighted difficulty with the public transit component, as the pass doesn’t include unlimited transportation, and some found it tricky to access the Muni or cable cars without additional tickets.

Parking around popular areas like Fisherman’s Wharf was another concern, with reviews mentioning it’s expensive and hard to find. This is something to keep in mind if you plan to drive.

Who Will Benefit Most?

This pass works best for independent travelers who enjoy planning and want the flexibility to visit multiple sights over several days. It’s ideal if you value savings and are okay with booking activities in advance. Families or groups with a mix of interests will also find this a practical way to cover key attractions without the hassle of buying individual tickets.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

The selected stops provide a well-rounded San Francisco experience—combining sightseeing, culture, history, and fun.

Big Bus Tours San Francisco

We love the hop-on hop-off concept. It’s one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the city’s layout and major landmarks. With a 1-day ticket, you get the freedom to explore at your own pace, hopping off at places like Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, or the Golden Gate Bridge. Many reviews mention this as a highlight; a traveler said, “Passing through the Golden Gate bridge on the Big Bus tour was an unforgettable experience.”

California Academy of Sciences

Named a New Wonder of the World, the California Academy of Sciences is a marvel—not just for its exhibits but also for its architecture. It combines an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum into one, making it a comprehensive stop. Expect to spend around 3 hours here, enjoying interactive exhibits and the rainforest dome. Many visitors describe it as “an absolute must-see,” and some say it’s more engaging than other museums.

Aquarium of the Bay

Walking through tunnels filled with sea creatures is surprisingly mesmerizing. The Aquarium of the Bay is home to 20,000 species, including the seven-gill sharks—the largest predator in the bay. It’s a good choice if you’re after a shorter visit, around 2 hours. Some reviews point out that the size of the aquarium could be bigger, but it still offers a memorable experience.

Exploratorium

For something hands-on, the Exploratorium with its 650 interactive exhibits is a hit. It’s fun for all ages, allowing you to touch, tinker, and play. Expect to spend about 2 hours here. Reviewers note that it’s “touch, tinker, and play” at its best, and a favorite among families and curious adults alike.

Bay Cruises

The Escape from the Rock and the Bridge to Bridge cruises offer completely different perspectives. The former provides a narrated experience under the Golden Gate and around Alcatraz, highlighting escape stories—a favorite among history buffs. The latter offers a scenic sail along the bay, giving epic views of the skyline and bridges. Both last around 1.5 hours and are highly recommended for stunning photo ops and relaxing rides.

Art & History

Art lovers can visit the de Young Museum and the SFMOMA, both offering impressive collections. The de Young showcases American art, while the SFMOMA features contemporary works in the largest museum of its kind in the country. Access to both is included with the pass, making for a cultural day.

Other Notable Stops

History and military enthusiasts might enjoy the USS Pampanito, a WWII submarine, or the U.S.S. Hornet aircraft carrier. For family fun, Legoland Discovery Center is nearby in San Jose, with interactive play areas and miniatures. The San Francisco Zoo offers a chance to see over 2,000 animals, making it a good option for wildlife lovers.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Pass

• Reserve early for popular activities like the cable car or specific cruises to ensure availability.
• Use the digital guide for up-to-date info, opening hours, and reservation instructions.
• Plan your days based on proximity—group attractions that are near each other to save travel time.
• Be aware that transportation (like public transit) isn’t included, so budget for that separately if needed.
• Check reviews and the digital app for any special requirements or changes—some attractions may have limited slots or specific entry procedures.
• Consider your interests—if you’re mainly into art and museums, pick the art-heavy options; for outdoor lovers, bay cruises and bike rentals are perfect.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Consider This Pass?

The Go City San Francisco Explorer Pass is a solid choice if you want flexibility, variety, and savings. It’s especially suitable for travelers who plan to visit multiple major sights and want to avoid the hassle of buying separate tickets. The ability to spread out your visits over 30 days means it’s great for those who prefer a relaxed pace rather than cramming everything into a day or two.

However, if your heart is set on specific activities that require reservations—like the iconic cable car rides—you’ll need to plan well in advance. Also, if your interests lean more towards outdoor adventures or exploring neighborhoods rather than museums or cruises, you might want to tailor your itinerary accordingly.

This pass offers a comprehensive and cost-effective way to experience San Francisco, balancing sightseeing with the freedom to explore at your leisure.

FAQs

Does the pass include transportation?
No, transportation to and from attractions isn’t included unless specified. You’ll need to arrange your own transport, or use the provided digital guide to help plan your routes.

Can I visit multiple attractions in one day?
Yes, you can. The pass is valid for 30 days, so you could visit several attractions in one day or spread them out over time.

Is the pass valid for adults only?
The information provided doesn’t specify age restrictions, so it’s generally meant for adult admission. For children, check individual attraction policies.

Are reservations required for attractions?
Many popular activities do require advanced reservations, so it’s best to check the digital guide and book early to secure your spots.

What if I want to change my selected attractions?
The pass is generally non-refundable and cannot be changed once purchased. Choose your activities carefully upfront.

How does the digital guide help?
It provides detailed instructions, attraction info, and reservation guidance to help you maximize your experience.

Is this a good value for money?
Based on reviews, many feel it’s a great value, especially if you plan to visit several attractions. However, compare the cost with your intended itinerary to ensure it fits your plans.

To sum it up, the Go City San Francisco Explorer Pass is a flexible, economical way to dive into the city’s main sights. It suits travelers who like to plan their own adventure, appreciate convenience, and want to save money while exploring. Just remember to book your reservations early and be prepared for some logistics around transportation and popular attractions. Whether you’re here for a quick trip or a leisurely exploration, this pass can help you see a lot without the hassle—and that’s a pretty good deal.