Traveling to San Francisco offers a chance to explore iconic sights, vibrant neighborhoods, and unique museums. The Go City Explorer Pass provides a flexible way to see the city at your own pace, with options to choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions from a list of over 30. For $79 per person, you gain entry to highlights like the Aquarium of the Bay, a bay cruise, the California Academy of Sciences, and a hop-on-hop-off Big Bus Tour, all valid for two months.
What makes this pass particularly appealing is its flexibility and cost savings. We appreciate how you can tailor your itinerary based on your interests—whether you’re into marine life, science, or city panoramas. Plus, the convenience of instant digital delivery means you can start exploring immediately, whether on your phone or printed out.
However, you should be mindful that some attractions may require reservations, and operating hours can vary. This pass is best suited for travelers who like to plan some activities in advance but still want the freedom to adapt on the fly. If you’re someone who appreciates a good deal and a variety of options, this could be a perfect fit.
If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco and want to maximize your time while avoiding ticket lines and high costs, the Go City Explorer Pass might be just what you need. Let’s take a closer look at what’s included and how it can enhance your visit.
- Flexible selection of 2-5 attractions from over 30 options tailored to your interests.
- Significant savings compared to purchasing individual tickets, with discounts up to 50%.
- Convenient digital pass allows instant access and easy management via the Go City app.
- Self-paced exploration enables you to visit attractions over two months, fitting your schedule.
- Popular attractions include the Aquarium of the Bay, California Academy of Sciences, Big Bus Tours, and bay cruises.
- Reservations required for some activities; plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
When we first considered the Go City Explorer Pass, we appreciated how it caters to a variety of interests. Whether you’re into marine life, science, city panoramas, or historic sites, this pass offers a way to experience San Francisco authentically without the hassle of buying individual tickets or rushing to visit everything in a day. Instead, you get to set your own pace across two months, which is ideal for a city with so much to see.
The cost starts at $79 for your selected number of attractions, and the cumulative savings can be substantial—up to 50% compared to purchasing tickets separately. For families or groups, this can make a noticeable difference, freeing up funds for meals, souvenirs, or perhaps a special experience you wouldn’t want to miss otherwise.
How the Pass Works

Once you purchase your pass, you receive it instantly via email or app—no waiting in line at ticket booths. You can activate it at any included attraction or tour, which means you have flexibility on your arrival day. The pass remains valid for one year from the date of purchase, but it activates only once you visit your first attraction, giving you a generous window to plan your trip.
Your digital guide and the Go City app are packed with information about each attraction, including opening hours and reservation procedures. This is vital because some of the most popular sites like the California Academy of Sciences or Six Flags Discovery Kingdom require reservations, so planning ahead is wise.
You can check availability for your dates here:The Attractions in Detail

For broader city exploration in San Francisco, we've covered these other tours
Aquarium of the Bay
A standout for anyone traveling with kids or marine life enthusiasts, the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 features underwater glass tunnels and touch pools. We loved the way you can walk through these tunnels and feel like you’re swimming with the fish. Visitors consistently praise the informative displays and the friendly staff. One reviewer from France called it “top,” emphasizing how much they enjoyed the experience.
California Academy of Sciences
This science museum is a hub of activity, with an impressive indoor rainforest, planetarium, and natural history exhibits. It’s a must-see for families and anyone curious about the natural world. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the engaging layout, which keeps visitors of all ages entertained.
Bay Cruises and the “Escape from the Rock”
Sailing around Alcatraz with the Blue & Gold Fleet offers a different perspective on the infamous prison island. Many reviewers mention how the vessel provides excellent views of the skyline, and the narration helps you understand the history and geography of the area. The Escape from the Rock Cruise is a highlight, giving you a chance to see San Francisco from the water—a relaxing, scenic experience.
More Great Tours NearbyBig Bus Tour
The iconic hop-on-hop-off bus is perfect for those who want to get an overview of the city without exhausting themselves on foot. It’s especially useful if you’re short on time or want to get your bearings. The two-day validity allows for a leisurely exploration, and many reviews note how knowledgeable guides make the city’s history come alive.
- American Bookbinders Museum: The Story of the Book
- From San Francisco: Alcatraz Day and Yosemite Day Tour
- Best of Monterey Peninsula & Carmel-the-Sea Small Group Tour
- San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Small Group Tour
- Best of SF: Wine Country, Redwoods, and Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- From San Francisco: Napa Valley & Sonoma Private Wine Tour
Other Noteworthy Attractions
- The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a favorite for art lovers.
- The Walt Disney Family Museum offers a charming glimpse into Disney’s legacy.
- San Francisco Zoo and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom provide outdoor fun and thrills.
- Gocars and biking rentals are great options to explore neighborhoods at your own pace.
Practical Considerations

While the pass offers great flexibility, keep in mind that some attractions require reservations, especially during busy times or holidays. We recommend reserving your spots early, especially for popular sites like the California Academy of Sciences or the museum.
The operating hours for attractions can vary, so always check the latest info via the app or digital guide. Also, since your pass is valid for two months, you have plenty of time to spread out your visits, avoiding rush and making the most of your trip.
Many travelers have expressed enthusiasm for the flexibility and value of the pass. One from France said, “What was great was that the tourist bus was valid for two days, and there were lots of really interesting and varied activities on offer. I would definitely recommend getting a pass!” Another reviewer appreciated how the pass allowed them to see the city at their own pace, enjoying a boat tour, tram ride, and museum visits without the stress of ticket lines or planning each detail separately.
The knowledgeable guides featured on tours are often highlighted as a key positive. They add context and stories that bring each experience to life, making even familiar sights like Alcatraz or the Golden Gate Bridge more memorable.
This pass is ideal for independent travelers who enjoy customizing their sightseeing experience. It suits families, couples, or groups who want to explore a broad range of attractions without the hassle of individual ticketing. If you’re the type of traveler who loves saving money while maintaining flexibility, it’s a smart choice. It’s also perfect if you prefer to avoid long lines and want the convenience of digital access.
However, if your schedule is very tight or you prefer guided tours with fixed itineraries, you might find some attractions require reservations, so planning ahead is essential. The need to reserve popular attractions in advance is a small hurdle but worthwhile for the savings and flexibility it offers.
The San Francisco Go City Explorer Pass offers a practical, flexible way to experience the city’s highlights. For just $79, you gain access to a broad selection of attractions that appeal to a mix of interests—whether it’s marine life, science, art, or city views. The ability to customize your itinerary and visit attractions over two months means you’re not rushed and can truly enjoy every experience.
The cost savings and easy digital management make this pass especially appealing for travelers who want to make the most of their trip without overspending or juggling multiple tickets. The inclusion of popular attractions like the Aquarium of the Bay, California Academy of Sciences, and bay cruises ensures you’ll get a well-rounded, memorable visit.
Overall, if you’re seeking a value-driven, self-paced adventure in San Francisco—especially if you appreciate knowledgeable guides and flexible planning—the Go City Explorer Pass is a smart choice that can enhance your trip and leave you with lasting impressions of this beautiful, dynamic city.
How many attractions can I choose with the pass?
You can select from 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions, depending on the option you purchase.
What attractions are included?
The pass includes options like the Aquarium of the Bay, California Academy of Sciences, Big Bus Tours, bay cruises, and more than 30 activities. Check the digital guide for the full list.
How do I activate my pass?
Activate your pass at any included attraction or tour. Once activated, it’s valid for two months to visit the remaining attractions.
Is the pass valid for one year?
Yes, the pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase but only becomes active upon your first attraction visit.
Are reservations necessary?
Some attractions and tours require reservations—plan ahead, especially during busy periods.
Can I use the pass for multiple days?
Yes, the pass remains valid over two months, so you can spread out your visits.
How is the pass delivered?
It’s delivered instantly via email or app, allowing for digital or printed access.
What if I change my plans?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your schedule shifts.
Is this suitable for families?
Absolutely. It offers a variety of family-friendly activities and the flexibility to tailor the experience to all ages.
This detailed review aims to help you decide if the San Francisco Go City Explorer Pass aligns with your travel style. It combines practicality with the chance to enjoy the city’s highlights at your own pace, making it a compelling option for a memorable San Francisco adventure.
You can check availability for your dates here:More City Tours in San Francisco
- San Francisco City Tour in New EV Volkswagen Van
- San Francisco City Tour
- San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus Tour and Bay Cruise
- San Francisco: Half Day Wine Tour & Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
- San Francisco Private City Tour in New EV Volkswagen Van
- San Francisco: City Cruises Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise
More Tour Reviews in San Francisco
- San Francisco: Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Sonoma Wine Tour
- San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Voyage on Historic Boat
- San Francisco: North Beach Gourmet Ghost Tour
- San Francisco: Golden Gate Park Bike or eBike Rental w/ map
- San Francisco City Tour in New EV Volkswagen Van
- San Francisco: Electric Bike Rental with Ferry Option
More San Francisco experiences we've covered
- San Francisco: Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Sonoma Wine Tour
- San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Voyage on Historic Boat
- San Francisco: North Beach Gourmet Ghost Tour
- San Francisco: Golden Gate Park Bike or eBike Rental w/ map
- San Francisco City Tour in New EV Volkswagen Van
- San Francisco: Electric Bike Rental with Ferry Option
- SAN FRANCISCO: (2hr) PRIVATE Sailing Experience 6 Guests
- San Francisco City Tour
- San Francisco: Wine Tasting on the Bay
- San Francisco: Sightseeing Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus
- San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran
- San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with 17 Stops
