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

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

Exploring San Francisco becomes much easier and more affordable with the CityPASS®, which includes admission to four must-see sights over nine days. For just $89 per person, you gain entry to places like the California Academy of Sciences, a Bay Cruise, and two other popular attractions of your choice—such as the Exploratorium or the Walt Disney Family Museum.

What we love about this pass is how convenient it is; you get instant mobile tickets that you can use at your own pace, making the whole experience feel more relaxed. Plus, the 9-day validity period offers enough flexibility to spread out your visits without feeling rushed.

One thing to consider is that transportation and food are not included, so you’ll need to budget for those separately. However, if you’re someone who appreciates having a structured plan with savings built-in, this pass is perfect. It’s especially suitable for travelers wanting a comprehensive, cost-effective way to see San Francisco’s highlights at their own pace—whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor seeking to maximize your experience.

Key Points

• Significant Savings: Up to 46% off combined attraction ticket prices.
• Flexible Use: Valid for 9 consecutive days from first use, giving you plenty of time.
• Convenient Access: Mobile tickets with instant delivery streamline entry.
• Focused Experience: Includes a mix of educational, cultural, and scenic attractions.
• Customizable: Choose 2 attractions from a list to suit your interests.
• Ideal for Relaxed Planning: No need to worry about individual ticket lines once you’re there.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the San Francisco CityPASS® Experience

The Itinerary: What’s Included and Why It Matters

When you purchase the CityPASS®, you’re getting a carefully curated selection of San Francisco’s top attractions. The California Academy of Sciences stands out as a highlight—it’s an impressive natural history museum, aquarium, and rainforest habitat all under one roof. We loved the ease of access and how well it caters to both adults and kids, especially with its interactive exhibits and impressive planetarium.

The Blue & Gold Fleet’s San Francisco Bay Cruise offers a one-hour narrated tour that takes you past iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Though some travelers, like a recent visitor from France, found the foggy weather limited views of the Golden Gate, the boat passed remarkably close to Alcatraz, offering a memorable glimpse of the notorious prison island.

For your second attraction, you’ll select from options like the Aquarium of The Bay, Exploratorium, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, SFMOMA, or the Walt Disney Family Museum. Each offers a unique experience—whether you’re into marine life, interactive science, art, or history. We’ve heard from travelers that the Zoo was a hit for families, with reviews saying, “We really enjoyed the zoo, the Academy, and the Exploratorium. It was really worth it.”

What to Expect: Visiting Each Attraction

• California Academy of Sciences: Expect a world-class science museum with an indoor rainforest, an impressive aquarium, and a planetarium. It’s a place where you can easily spend half a day exploring, especially if you’re into nature and science.
• Bay Cruise: The boat departs from a convenient location and offers a narrated journey, providing scenic views and interesting tidbits about San Francisco’s maritime history. Be prepared for possible weather variations—some visitors noted fog obscuring views of the Golden Gate but still loved the proximity to Alcatraz.
• Choose Your Second Attraction: The Aquarium offers close-up marine life encounters, the Exploratorium provides hands-on science exhibits, the Zoo offers a wide variety of animals, the SFMOMA showcases modern art, and Disney’s Museum celebrates Walt Disney’s legacy. Each has its own charm and caters to different interests.

What Travelers Say

Reviews give a clear picture of what to expect. A Puerto Rican family said, “We loved it! My kids loved the boat and the zoo, and the Academy was fantastic.” They appreciated the variety and how well the attractions suited children. Meanwhile, a traveler from the US said, “Everything was awesome! Highly recommend,” highlighting the overall value and enjoyable experience.

Some reviewers mention that the pass is a great way to skip long ticket lines, especially with the mobile tickets, making the process smoother. However, it’s good to remember that attractions like the Aquarium or Disney Museum might require reservations, so planning ahead can help avoid disappointment.

Transportation, Timing, and Practicalities

Since transportation to and from attractions isn’t included, you’ll need to arrange your own. San Francisco’s compact layout makes it easy to walk between many sites or use public transit, which is inexpensive and reliable. The nine-day window allows you to visit attractions at a relaxed pace—perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with some downtime or explore neighborhoods and local eateries.

The pass is wheelchair accessible, and children under the age specified for Child tickets can often use the same pass, but some attractions might require separate reservations for child admissions. It’s wise to check those details in advance.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity of the Pass

The reviews reflect a broad satisfaction with the value this pass provides. “Very good activity… I didn’t get a good look at the Golden Gate because it was foggy, but the boat passes very close to Alcatraz,” said a traveler from France. That highlights how weather can influence certain views but also how close and accessible the sights are.

The flexibility to spread visits across nine days helps accommodate unexpected weather, fatigue, or changing interests. For families, particularly those with young children, the mix of educational and fun activities makes for a lively, memorable trip.

Cost vs. Value

At $89, the pass is a sensible investment for those planning to visit multiple attractions. The combination of main sights at a significantly lower price than individual tickets makes it a real bargain. Pair that with the convenience of mobile tickets, and it’s a smart way to avoid the hassle of buying tickets separately.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This CityPASS® appeals most to travelers who want a well-rounded San Francisco experience without the stress of planning each visit separately. It’s perfect for families, first-time visitors, or those who want to maximize their sightseeing within a limited timeframe.

If you’re the type of traveler who appreciates saving money while enjoying a curated selection of top attractions, this pass offers excellent value. It’s also great if you prefer flexibility—the 9-day window means you can take your time to soak in the sights or revisit favorites.

But if you’re looking for a guided tour with a dedicated guide or transportation included, this might not be the best fit. It’s primarily a self-guided experience relying on your planning and scheduling.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Sum Up

The San Francisco CityPASS® is a practical, cost-effective way to experience many of the city’s highlights at your own pace. It’s especially suited for those who value saving money and flexibility over guided tours or all-inclusive packages. With its focus on key attractions like the California Academy of Sciences and Bay Cruise, it offers a good mix of educational, scenic, and cultural experiences.

The reviews show it’s a popular choice for families and first-time visitors, thanks to the combination of affordability, convenience, and a variety of activities. While weather can sometimes influence the experience—especially on the bay cruise—the overall value and ease of use make this pass a smart option.

If you’re looking for an authentic, relaxed way to explore San Francisco’s best sights without the hassle of individual tickets, this CityPASS® will serve you well, allowing you to focus on making memories rather than managing logistics.

FAQ

What attractions are included in the San Francisco CityPASS®?
It includes admission to the California Academy of Sciences, Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise, and two attractions of your choice from Aquarium of The Bay, Exploratorium, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, SFMOMA, or Walt Disney Family Museum.

How long is the CityPASS® valid?
It is valid for 9 consecutive days starting from the first day you use it.

Can I buy tickets for children separately?
Yes, children under a specific age may require separate tickets, and some attractions might need reservations for child tickets. It’s best to plan ahead.

Do I need to print my tickets?
No, mobile tickets are accepted and can be scanned directly from your device at each attraction.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from attractions is not included, so plan to use public transit, taxis, or walk.

Are there any restrictions on the attractions?
Some amenities or experiences at attractions may be temporarily unavailable, so check ahead if you’re interested in specific features.

Can I use the pass on the same day I buy it?
Yes, you can activate and use it immediately on the day of purchase or at any time within the 9-day window.

Is the CityPASS® accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the pass is wheelchair accessible at all included attractions.

What’s the best way to maximize value with this pass?
Plan your visits to attractions on different days to avoid overcrowding and make sure to reserve your tickets where necessary to ensure entry.

In summary, the San Francisco CityPASS® offers a well-balanced mix of iconic sights, flexibility, and savings—ideal for those who want to enjoy the city without breaking the bank or feeling rushed. Whether you’re a family, a first-time visitor, or someone eager to explore at your own pace, this pass is a smart way to turn your San Francisco trip into an unforgettable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: