San Francisco Pass: Save up to 50% – Includes Big Bus Tours

If you’re planning a trip to the iconic city of San Francisco, a San Francisco Pass might be just what you need to see the sights without breaking the bank. For $104 per person, you gain access to more than 25 attractions and tours, all bundled into a flexible digital pass valid for one, two, three, or five days. Whether you want to glide across the bay, visit world-class museums, or hop on the famous cable cars, this pass promises a convenient and budget-friendly way to see the city.

What we love about this experience is first its incredible flexibility. With direct mobile entry, you can hop from the Golden Gate Bridge to Chinatown, or explore world-renowned museums, all with just a tap on your phone. Second, the Big Bus Tours included give an excellent overview of the city, with the freedom to hop on and off at your own pace, making it a perfect way to get your bearings.

However, a notable consideration is that not all attractions are always available, and some reviews mention issues like app glitches or activity restrictions. This means it’s wise to plan ahead, especially if certain sites are high on your list. This pass suits travelers who enjoy customized itineraries and want to maximize their time and savings—especially first-timers eager to see a broad swath of what San Francisco offers.

Key Points

• Flexible Validity: Choose from 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days—great for tailoring your trip.
• Unlimited Visits: You can visit each attraction only once per day, but can visit as many as you like within that limit.
• Includes Top Tours: Hop-on hop-off Big Bus Tour, bay cruises, museums, and bike rentals are covered.
• Mobile Convenience: All tickets are stored on your phone; no paper vouchers needed.
• Good Value: Saving up to 50% on combined attraction admission prices.
• Potential Drawbacks: Some reviews mention app issues or attraction restrictions; planning is key.

An In-Depth Look at the San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass

What’s Included and How It Works

The San Francisco Pass is designed as a “one-stop-shop” for city sightseeing. Once you purchase your pass, it’s immediately accessible on your smartphone—no need to wait for a physical card. This digital approach makes it ideal for last-minute bookings or spontaneous adventures.

You can select the pass duration that best matches your trip: 1, 2, 3, or 5 days. With each, you get unlimited access to over 25 attractions and tours. Interestingly, you can visit each attraction only once per day, which encourages you to plan your route carefully to avoid wasting valuable time. This setup is particularly beneficial if you want to explore at your own pace or focus on specific interests.

The Itinerary and Attractions

The itinerary outlined in the tour offers a broad scope of San Francisco’s highlights. Let’s break down some of the most notable stops and what they bring to your experience:

Big Bus Tours San Francisco
This classic hop-on hop-off service is highly praised for its comprehensive city overview. The 1-day ticket allows you to explore attractions from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge, with the flexibility to hop off and explore on foot or hop back on later. Several reviews highlight the bus as “a great way to see the city,” with helpful drivers and timely service.

California Academy of Sciences
Named one of the New Wonders of the World, this museum complex is a marvel of natural sciences. It combines an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all in one place. Expect a day of wandering through lush rainforest exhibits, viewing fascinating marine life, and catching engaging educational programs. Reviewers rave about its “educational value” and the fact that it’s a must-see for any science lover.

Aquarium of the Bay
A family favorite, this aquarium immerses visitors in marine life of San Francisco Bay. Walking through glass tunnels filled with 20,000 species, including sevengill sharks, offers a memorable experience. Reviewers mention it as “perfect for spending the day enjoying and learning about marine life.”

Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruises
The Escape from the Rock cruise is a highlight, sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz. It’s a 90-minute tour filled with stories of infamous escape attempts and the island’s history. Many reviewers found this cruise to be “a must-do,” especially for the scenic views and historical insights.

Exploratorium
This interactive science museum is a hit with all ages. Visitors can “touch, tinker, and play” with over 650 exhibits. It’s a fantastic way to spend an afternoon exploring the innovative side of San Francisco’s culture. Reviewers describe it as a “learning laboratory for all ages.”

Bike Rentals from Blazing Saddles
Exploring San Francisco on a bike is a classic experience. The all-day bike rental offers routes like “Bike the Bridge to Sausalito & Tiburon,” which allow you to experience the city and coastline at your leisure. The bikes are described as “easy to ride” and perfect for a self-guided adventure.

Cultural and Educational Stops
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), de Young Museum, Walt Disney Family Museum, and Asian Art Museum are all included, offering a deep dive into art and culture. Reviewers often mention the impressive collections and the convenience of visiting multiple museums with the pass.

Unique Experiences
Other stops, like the USS Pampanito submarine, Legoland Discovery Center, and GoCar GPS Tours, add a fun and unique flavor to your trip. These attractions appeal to families and those looking for something a bit different.

What’s Great About the Pass?

Travelers consistently mention the value for money and the ease of use. Several reviews highlight that bundling different activities saved them over $100, making the pass a cost-effective way to explore. The digital ticketing process is straightforward, and the included guide helps plan your day efficiently.

The Big Bus Tour is repeatedly praised for its helpful guides and nice views, making it an excellent introduction to the city for first-timers. Many visitors also appreciate the inclusion of bay cruises, which provide picturesque views of landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.

Potential Challenges

That said, some reviews point out issues like app glitches or attraction restrictions. For example, one reviewer notes that some activities are not always available, and another experienced trouble with the app saying her pass was expired. In addition, a few travelers mention that some attractions may be closed on certain days, so careful planning is advised.

Another common theme is that the attraction limit of once per day can be restrictive if you want to revisit a site or if you’re hoping for multiple visits to a particular attraction. Also, some travelers felt that not all vendors accepted the pass, leading to disappointment.

The Bottom Line: Who Is This Pass Best For?

This all-in-one San Francisco pass is perfect for first-time visitors or those who want a structured yet flexible way to see many highlights efficiently. It’s especially ideal if you enjoy self-guided exploration, with options to hop on and off buses, bikes, and boats. If you’re someone who plans to visit several major attractions in a short span, the savings and convenience will serve you well.

However, if you’re a traveler who prefers spontaneous or less structured experiences, or if you’re keen on visiting specific attractions not included, you might consider purchasing tickets separately or verifying availability in advance.

The Sum Up

The San Francisco Pass offers great value and flexibility for those eager to see a broad swath of the city’s sights. Its inclusion of top tours like the Big Bus and bay cruises makes it a practical choice for first-timers, while the wide selection of museums and unique attractions adds rich variety to your itinerary.

It is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of guided and self-guided experiences, and who don’t mind planning ahead to avoid attractions being closed or app glitches. The digital format makes it easy to use on the go, and the savings can be substantial, especially if you’re planning to visit multiple sites.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a convenient, budget-friendly way to explore San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods, landmarks, and cultural treasures, this pass might just be your best travel companion.

FAQs

Is the pass valid for multiple days or just one?
You can choose from 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days, giving you flexibility based on your trip length and interests.

Do I need to print anything?
No, all tickets are stored digitally on your mobile device, making entry easy and contactless.

Can I visit attractions more than once in one day?
No, the pass allows you to visit each attraction only once per day, but you can visit multiple attractions within your ticket’s validity.

Are all attractions included in the pass open every day?
Some attractions may be closed on certain days, so it’s wise to check availability and plan ahead.

What if I encounter technical issues with the app or pass?
Some reviews mention app glitches, but customer support is available—just contact the provided email or support line for assistance.

Is it worth the cost?
Most users find the pass provides substantial savings—up to 50%—especially when visiting multiple sites and tours.

Can I use the Hop-On Hop-Off bus multiple times in a day?
The pass generally allows one ride per day, but the bus is a great way to get an overview. Check specific terms for your selected pass.

What types of attractions are included?
A mix of museums, boat tours, bike rentals, cultural sites, and unique activities like submarine tours and themed museums.

Whether you’re a first-timer eager to tick off major landmarks or a seasoned traveler wanting to maximize your time, this San Francisco Pass offers a practical, cost-effective way to enjoy this vibrant city. Just plan ahead, make the most of the included tours, and get ready for an adventure filled with unforgettable views and experiences.