Planning a trip to San Francisco? From iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge to world-class museums, the city offers endless attractions for every traveler. While there are plenty of free activities to enjoy, such as exploring Chinatown or strolling along Pier 39, the must-see spots like cable cars, Alcatraz, and renowned museums can get pricey. That’s where the San Francisco CityPASS comes in—offering significant savings on some of the city’s top attractions.
In this review, we’ll dive into how the CityPASS works, what’s included, and whether it’s a good investment for your trip.
How the San Francisco CityPASS Works
The San Francisco CityPASS gives you access to four of the city’s major attractions for one set price. The pass includes two must-see attractions and offers you a choice of two more attractions from a list of five. It’s easy to purchase online, and once you’ve bought the pass, you’ll receive your tickets digitally. You can either keep a digital version on your phone or print the tickets out.
Once you receive your pass, it’s simple to use: just present your pass at any of the attractions, and you’re good to go. Your pass will be activated the first time it’s used and remains valid for 9 consecutive days, giving you plenty of time to explore the city.
Attractions Included with the San Francisco CityPASS
The CityPASS includes admission to four key attractions in the city. The following are part of the package, with their regular adult ticket prices:
- California Academy of Sciences – $46
- Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise – $38
Additionally, you can choose two of the following attractions:
- Aquarium of the Bay – $31.75
- Walt Disney Family Museum – $25
- Exploratorium – $39.95
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens – $25
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) – $25
Note: As of July 2023, some attractions may require reservations or have limited hours, so be sure to check in advance.
Pricing and Savings
So, what does this pass cost?
- Adults (ages 12+): $84
- Children (ages 5-11): $64
For just $84, adults get access to four major attractions, which works out to about $21 per attraction. Since most of the included attractions cost between $25 and $46 individually, you’re getting a solid deal. The CityPASS offers up to 46% savings on entry fees.
For instance, if you choose the Aquarium of the Bay and the Exploratorium—the more expensive options—you’ll save $71.70 for each adult pass. The combined regular admission would be $155.70, but with the CityPASS at $84, that’s a 46% savings.
However, teenagers don’t get as much value. Even though they pay the adult price for the CityPASS, many attractions offer discounted rates for teens, so the total savings will be around 36%, which is still a good deal but less impressive than for adults and younger children.
What Attractions Does the San Francisco CityPASS Cover?
Let’s take a closer look at the included attractions:
- California Academy of Sciences: This renowned spot offers a mix of exhibits, including a living rainforest, planetarium, and an aquarium. CityPASS holders get access to all exhibits and a 15% discount at the store.
- Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise: A one-hour narrated cruise that takes you under the Golden Gate Bridge, along San Francisco’s waterfront, and around Alcatraz Island. It’s the perfect way to see the city’s iconic landmarks from the water.
- Aquarium of the Bay: With over 24,000 marine animals on display, including sharks and octopuses, this attraction offers an immersive underwater experience. Kids can interact with sea creatures in the “Touch the Bay” exhibit, which makes it a hit for families.
- Walt Disney Family Museum: This museum offers an in-depth look at the history of Disney, featuring early sketches, movies, and interactive exhibits. It’s not just for kids—Disney fans of all ages will appreciate the history.
- Exploratorium: A hands-on museum focusing on science, art, and perception. It’s a fun, interactive space for both kids and adults, with exhibits ranging from science experiments to art installations.
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens: Home to over 2,000 animals, the zoo offers a chance to see giraffes, penguins, and more. The 100-acre property is a great option for families and animal lovers.
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA): A must-see for art lovers, this museum features a vast collection of modern and contemporary art. It’s home to over 33,000 pieces, including works by artists like Andy Warhol and Frida Kahlo.
Other CityPASS Benefits
- Valid for 9 Days: The CityPASS is valid for 9 consecutive days, so you have plenty of time to explore the attractions at your own pace.
- Mobile Pass: You can opt for a mobile pass, so you don’t have to carry around paper tickets.
- Streamlined Entry: In many cases, the CityPASS lets you skip the regular ticket lines, saving time at popular attractions.
What Are the Drawbacks?
While the San Francisco CityPASS offers great value for some, it has a few limitations:
- Limited Attractions: The CityPASS only covers a small selection of attractions, and you can only visit four. If you’re interested in seeing more than the included sites, you might be better off with a different pass or paying for individual tickets.
- Teen Discounts: Since many attractions offer discounts for teens, purchasing the CityPASS may not provide the best value for families with teenagers. It’s important to factor in these discounts when deciding whether the pass is a good deal for you.
- No Alcatraz Tour: While you can take a cruise around Alcatraz Island, the CityPASS doesn’t include access to the actual Alcatraz tour. If that’s a priority for you, it’s an additional cost.
Who Should Consider the San Francisco CityPASS?
- First-Time Visitors: If it’s your first trip to San Francisco, the CityPASS offers access to some of the city’s top attractions, helping you make the most of your visit.
- Families: The pass offers great value for families with kids under 12, thanks to the significant savings and kid-friendly attractions.
- Leisurely Sightseers: With 9 days to use your pass, the CityPASS is ideal for those who like to take their time exploring.
Who Should Skip the CityPASS?
- Power Sightseers: If you’re trying to see as many attractions as possible in a short period, you may not get the best value from the CityPASS. You might prefer an all-inclusive pass for broader coverage.
- Budget Travelers: While the CityPASS offers savings, travelers looking for more affordable options might find that sticking to free activities or paying for individual tickets could be a better choice.
Final Thoughts
The San Francisco CityPASS can be a great deal for first-time visitors, families, or anyone planning to visit a few key attractions over several days. With savings of up to 46%, it’s an affordable way to see some of the city’s best sights. However, if you’re aiming to visit a wider variety of attractions or if you’re traveling on a tight budget, it may not be the best option for you. Be sure to plan your visit and pick attractions that offer the best savings for your needs!
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