San Diego Explorer Pass: Save up to 50% – Includes San Diego Zoo

If you’re planning a trip to San Diego and looking for a flexible way to see the city’s highlights, the San Diego Explorer Pass might catch your eye. This pass promises access to anywhere from two to seven attractions, all for a bundled price, and it’s valid for 30 days after your first use. It sounds like a great way to maximize your time and save some money, especially if you’re someone who loves variety in your sightseeing.

What we really like about this pass is the versatility it offers—you can pick from a broad selection of activities and attractions, ranging from the world-famous San Diego Zoo to boat tours, museums, and even outdoor adventures like biking and kayaking. Plus, the fully mobile ticket system makes it convenient to carry around without the hassle of paper tickets or multiple bookings. On the flip side, some users have mentioned that it can get a bit complicated to navigate, especially if you’re new to the city or the app, which is something to keep in mind.

If you’re the kind of traveler who appreciates having a set of options and the freedom to craft an itinerary on the go, this pass could be a good fit. That said, it’s not necessarily for someone who prefers pre-planned, tightly scheduled tours or who is only interested in just one or two major attractions. Let’s walk through what makes this pass worth considering—and where it might fall a little short.

Key Points

• Flexible selection: Choose from 2 to 7 attractions from a list of over 45 options.
• Long validity: The pass is valid for 30 days after activation, giving you plenty of time to explore.
• All-in-one convenience: Fully digital, including an app with maps and itineraries.
• Cost savings: Can save up to 50%, especially if you plan to hit multiple sites.
• Variety of options: From zoos and aquariums to boat tours, museums, and outdoor activities.
• Some complexity: Navigating reservations or technical issues can be a bit frustrating.

What’s Included and How It Works

When you purchase a San Diego Explorer Pass, you get a digital pass you can activate at your first attraction. From there, you have 30 days to visit up to seven attractions, which is perfect if you want a relaxed pace or want to spread out your sightseeing over several days.

The pass also grants you access to the Go City app, which is packed with useful info—attraction details, itineraries, maps, and reservation options if needed. This is especially helpful because some attractions require advance reservations, and you’ll want to plan ahead to avoid missing out.

The price for the pass is $124 per person, which might seem steep initially, but when you consider the number of attractions you can visit, it often becomes a good deal. For instance, the San Diego Zoo alone costs around that much, so bundling it with other activities can add real value.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The wide selection of attractions is a real highlight, and you can tailor your experience based on your interests. Here’s a rundown of the types of activities you might choose:

The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park

These are the marquee attractions, and most visitors’ main goal is to see animals like koalas, gorillas, elephants, and crocodiles. The San Diego Zoo is famous for its extensive exhibits and educational shows, making it a solid choice for families or animal lovers. The Safari Park offers a more expansive experience with 13 different habitats and a focus on conservation.

We saw reviews from visitors praising the zoo’s beauty, with one mentioning that their experience was “wonderful” and “amazing,” despite some challenges like using a walker. The park’s focus on endangered species and breeding programs adds an educational element that many travelers find worthwhile.

Museums & Educational Spots

If you’re into science and history, options like the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium, Fleet Science Center, and San Diego Natural History Museum provide engaging experiences. The USS Midway offers a self-guided tour with 60 exhibits, giving you a good feel for naval history. The Birch Aquarium is praised for its marine exhibits, including coral reefs and whale songs, making it a relaxing and educational visit.

One reviewer noted that most attractions are accessible and enjoyable, even with mobility aids, though some may be a little challenging depending on your condition. The Fleet Science Center includes hands-on exhibits and a 4D cinema, plus a free IMAX film—if you love interactive learning, this is a good stop.

Outdoor and Adventure Activities

If you prefer outdoor fun, the pass includes options like Belmont Park, with rides, laser tag, mini-golf, and a zip line. You might also rent bikes, kayaks, or even a speedboat. One visitor described the self-driving speedboat tour as “excellent value,” and many appreciated the thrill of exploring San Diego’s waters or coast.

The Petco Park tour is perfect for sports fans wanting an insider look at the baseball stadium, while the Maritime Museum offers the chance to see historic ships including the USS Dolphin submarine.

Tours and Sightseeing

The Old Town Trolley offers two days of hop-on-hop-off service, making it easy to get around the city’s top sights without worrying about transportation. Reviews mention guides being friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the experience.

Unique Experiences

The pass also includes some more niche options like the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Gaslamp Quarter Ghost Tour, and whale watching tours, which are ideal if you want a varied trip. The whale watch tour, for example, lasts four hours and might be the highlight for wildlife enthusiasts—many reviews noted the captain’s narration and dolphin sightings.

Practical Aspects and Tips

The pass’s flexibility is a double-edged sword. While you can visit attractions over a 30-day period, some users have found the process of booking reservations and using the app to be a little tricky. For example, a reviewer shared that their QR code didn’t work initially, requiring assistance at the entrance. Others noted that some attractions needed reservations, so planning ahead is a good idea.

Pricing-wise, the pass is a solid deal if you plan to hit multiple high-cost attractions like the zoo, USS Midway, and aquarium. If your plans are more limited, you might find better value just paying for individual tickets.

The duration of each activity varies—some are quick visits like walking tours, while others, like the whale watching or sailing tours, last several hours. Be sure to factor in travel time between attractions, especially if you’re trying to see a lot in one day.

Parking fees and food expenses are not included, so budget accordingly. Most attractions are near public transportation, which helps avoid additional costs.

User Feedback and Common Challenges

Reviews provide a mixed picture. Many travelers praise the value and the variety of attractions, with some delighting in the ease of use and the amazing views. One reviewer mentioned, “The zoo was very nice… We enjoyed the day,” confirming that popular attractions are as good as expected.

However, some frustrations surface, like the complicated reservation process or technical issues with QR codes. For instance, one user shared a negative experience, saying they only managed to visit two attractions out of seven, and their pass had expired before they could use it all, despite assurances from customer service.

A few reviews mention unexpected costs like parking fees or the need to upgrade tickets directly at some attractions, which can diminish the overall savings.

Who Should Consider the San Diego Explorer Pass?

This pass works best for travelers who want flexibility and plan to visit multiple attractions in a short period. If you’re someone who prefers spontaneous adventures and enjoys selecting activities on the go, this is a good option. The inclusion of popular spots like the zoo, USS Midway, and the aquarium makes it attractive for families, couples, or groups of friends.

It’s also ideal if you’re interested in outdoor activities, marine life, or cultural experiences—there’s a good mix of options. On the other hand, if your schedule is tight and you only want to see one or two sites, buying individual tickets may be more cost-effective.

Be prepared for some logistical planning, especially regarding reservations and app navigation. The pass isn’t for those who dislike planning or want a straightforward, single-activity experience.

Final Thoughts

The San Diego Explorer Pass can offer a convenient, cost-effective way to explore the city’s highlights, especially if you enjoy a mix of outdoor fun, educational stops, and cultural spots. Its flexibility allows tailoring your trip to your interests, and many users have praised the value for money — particularly for major attractions like the zoo or USS Midway.

That said, it’s important to factor in reservation requirements and potential tech hiccups. It’s not a “turnkey” solution, but with some planning, it can significantly enhance your San Diego visit.

For those who love variety, appreciate the freedom of exploring at your own pace, and don’t mind a bit of pre-trip planning, this pass could be a smart choice. If you prefer a more structured or limited itinerary, look into single tickets or specific tours instead.

FAQs

Can I visit multiple attractions in one day with this pass?
Yes, you can visit multiple attractions over the 30-day validity period, but each attraction can only be visited once, and some may require reservations.

Is the pass suitable for families or children?
While not specifically marketed as a family pass, many attractions like the zoo, aquarium, and outdoor parks are family-friendly, and reviews note that children generally enjoy the experience.

What happens if I can’t use all my attractions?
Your pass is valid for 30 days after first use, but attractions can only be visited once. If you don’t use all your selected sites, the remaining visits will be lost.

Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?
Parking fees, food, drinks, and optional ticket upgrades are not included. Some attractions may also require reservations, which could involve additional steps.

Do I need to plan my itinerary in advance?
While you can be flexible, planning ahead for reservations, especially for popular attractions, will ensure you get the most out of your pass.

Is the Go City app easy to use?
Most reviews suggest the app is helpful, providing maps and itineraries. However, some travelers have experienced initial technical issues, so patience and early planning are advisable.

Can I upgrade or add additional experiences at the attractions?
Yes, some attractions offer upgrades that can be purchased directly on-site, but these are not included in the pass price.

In the end, the San Diego Explorer Pass offers a practical way to see a wide range of San Diego’s highlights without breaking the bank. With some planning and flexibility, it can make your trip both memorable and less stressful.