San Diego: CityPASS® Save up to 46% at Must-See Attractions

Planning a trip to San Diego? Our review of the CityPASS® program offers a clear picture of how you can explore this vibrant city’s top sights while saving a significant amount of money and time. Whether you’re a family looking for kid-friendly adventures or a culture enthusiast eager to soak up history and marine life, this pass is designed to streamline your visit.

We particularly appreciate how flexible it is—being able to spread visits over nine days means you don’t have to cram everything into one hectic day. Plus, the inclusion of iconic attractions like the San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum is a real bonus. On the flip side, some travelers have noted issues with ticket validation at LEGOLAND, so a little patience might be required. This pass suits travelers who want an easy, budget-friendly way to see the best San Diego has to offer without the stress of individual ticketing.

Key Points

• Flexible 9-day validity allows you to explore at your own pace.
• Significant savings of up to 46% on major attractions.
• Includes top spots like the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, USS Midway Museum, and more.
• Mobile ticket delivery makes access quick and contactless.
• Choose your favorite among attractions like the Safari Park or Zoo and customize your itinerary.
• Ideal for families, couples, and first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive San Diego experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the San Diego CityPASS® Experience

If you’re visiting San Diego, the CityPASS® promises a straightforward way to visit many of the city’s top attractions without breaking the bank. With a focus on flexibility and value, this pass lets you skip the long lines and plan your days with ease. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer to set their own pace and mix different types of attractions—from wildlife parks to historical ships.

What we love most is how instant the mobile tickets are delivered—no need to wait for snail mail or worry about printing. Plus, the ability to spread out visits over nine days ensures you can take your time, avoiding the common rush to see everything in one day. However, some travelers have experienced hiccups like ticket rejection at LEGOLAND, which highlights the importance of verifying your tickets before arriving.

This pass is best suited for those who value convenience and cost savings, especially families or groups with varied interests, eager to experience San Diego’s diverse offerings without the hassle of buying individual tickets.

What to Expect From the CityPASS® Itinerary

The San Diego CityPASS® is designed to give you access to six major attractions, with options to customize based on your interests. Here’s what a typical experience looks like:

Major Attractions Included

• San Diego Zoo or Safari Park: The pass includes a one-time admission to either the zoo or the safari park. The zoo offers a one-day pass with additional perks like unlimited bus, gondola, and Skyfari rides, plus scheduled shows. The Safari Park focuses on African animals and includes the Africa Tram rides. One reviewer noted that the zoo “has a lot of exhibits and scheduled shows,” making it great for families.

• USS Midway Museum: This historic aircraft carrier offers a fascinating glimpse into naval history, with a 3D holographic movie about the Battle of Midway adding an immersive element. Visitors can also take an audio tour in six languages, making it accessible for international travelers.

• SeaWorld San Diego: Known for its marine life shows and rides, SeaWorld offers a fun-filled day with opportunities to see dolphins, orcas, and sea lions up close. The ticket is valid for a single day, so plan accordingly.

• LEGOLAND California: Perfect for families and LEGO enthusiasts, this theme park features rides, shows, and interactive areas. Travelers have noted that the ticket process at LEGOLAND might require some patience, as “my pass was rejected” initially, but CityPASS customer service was helpful in resolving issues.

• Additional Attractions: You can choose between a Bay Tour with City Cruises, which covers over 20 miles of sights and 50 landmarks, or a visit to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, which offers a close-up look at marine life in a beautifully designed setting. Also included are the Old Town Trolley with unlimited reboarding and the Maritime Museum, enhancing your understanding of San Diego’s maritime roots.

Inside the Experience: What You’ll Love

The flexibility of the nine-day window is a game-changer, giving you time to savor each attraction without feeling rushed. We loved how you can visit attractions in any order, according to your mood or weather. For example, if one day is drizzly, you might spend more time at the USS Midway or the aquarium.

The instant mobile ticket delivery makes it easy to access your passes upon arrival—no fuss, no waiting in lines for tickets. This convenience is especially appreciated when dealing with large crowds or last-minute plans.

In terms of value, the significant savings of up to 46% mean you get more for your money. Considering the individual prices of attractions like the zoo, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND, the pass becomes a savvy choice—especially for families or groups.

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The Attractions in Detail

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park

The zoo is consistently ranked among the best worldwide, thanks to its lush habitats and extensive collection of animals. The Skyfari Aerial Tram offers a panoramic view of the zoo, making it easy to cover more ground. The Safari Park, on the other hand, delivers an African safari experience with rides like the Africa Tram. One review mentioned the zoo’s scheduled shows and exhibits as highlights, reinforcing why this attraction is a must-see.

USS Midway Museum

This aircraft carrier transforms history into a compelling experience. The holographic movie about the Battle of Midway adds a cinematic touch that elevates the visit. Visitors can explore the flight deck, engine room, and command tower, gaining a tangible sense of what life was like aboard this floating city.

SeaWorld San Diego

The thrill rides, marine life shows, and interactive exhibits make SeaWorld a lively stop. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love the close encounters with dolphins and sea lions. Plus, it’s a day packed with entertainment that balances education with fun.

LEGOLAND California

A favorite among families, LEGOLAND offers rides, interactive play areas, and live shows. While some found the entry process tricky at times, overall, it remains a highlight for children and LEGO fans. The ticket includes a full day of activities, so pace yourself to enjoy the rides and exhibits.

Optional Attractions:

• Bay Tour and Harbor Cruise: Covering over 20 miles, you’ll get a fresh perspective of San Diego’s skyline and landmarks.
• Birch Aquarium: Offers a chance to see marine life up close in a well-designed setting, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Pass

• Plan your days around the attractions you most want to see, but stay flexible for weather or unexpected delays.
• Verify reservations if required, especially at popular spots like LEGOLAND, to avoid surprises.
• Download your mobile tickets early to ensure quick access.
• Spread out your visits over the nine days to avoid burnout, particularly if traveling with children.
• Check opening hours and special events at each attraction to maximize your experience.

Travelers have appreciated the ease of use, but some have experienced inconvenience, like ticket rejection at LEGOLAND. One reviewer noted that CityPASS customer support was helpful in resolving issues after a wait. This highlights the importance of checking your tickets ahead of time and having patience if problems arise.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This CityPASS® is most suited for families with kids, as it offers access to several kid-friendly attractions like LEGOLAND and the zoo. It’s also great for first-time visitors who want to cover a lot of ground without the hassle of buying individual tickets. Budget-conscious travelers will find the savings of nearly half the price appealing, especially given the inclusion of multiple top-tier attractions.

Couples or small groups who prefer a flexible schedule will benefit from the 9-day window to explore at their own pace. However, if you’re looking for a very curated, guided experience, this is more of a self-led adventure.

This pass balances cost-efficiency with diversity, providing access to cultural, historical, and entertainment sights that showcase the best of San Diego.

Final Thoughts: Is the San Diego CityPASS® Right for You?

For travelers who want to make the most of their time in San Diego without the hassle of planning each ticket separately, the CityPASS® offers a compelling package. It’s especially valuable if you’re visiting with family, as the savings can add up quickly when multiple attractions are involved. The flexibility to spread out visits over nine days means you can enjoy the city comfortably, without feeling rushed.

However, be prepared for the occasional hiccup, like ticket validation issues, and verify your reservations beforehand. The pass’s variety ensures that you’ll see a broad cross-section of San Diego’s highlights, from wildlife parks to naval history and marine life.

If you’re someone who appreciates convenience, savings, and a flexible itinerary—this experience could be just what you need to unlock the best of San Diego in a way that feels enjoyable rather than overwhelming.

FAQ

Can I visit multiple attractions in one day?
Yes, there’s no limit to how many attractions you can visit in a single day, though spreading them out over nine days allows for a more relaxed experience.

How long is the CityPASS® valid?
It is valid for 9 consecutive days starting from your first attraction visit, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

What if I want to visit LEGOLAND California?
You can choose to include LEGOLAND in your pass. Be aware that some travelers have experienced ticket rejections but found customer support helpful in resolving issues.

Are the tickets delivered instantly?
Yes, mobile tickets are delivered right away, making it easy to access your passes and head straight to the attractions.

Is this pass suitable for international travelers?
Absolutely. The USS Midway Museum offers an audio tour in six languages, making it accessible for a diverse range of visitors.

Can I visit the San Diego Zoo with this pass?
Yes, the pass includes a one-day admission to the zoo, along with extra perks like the Skyfari and bus tours.

What about transportation?
Transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange travel between attractions on your own.

Is this experience refundable?
No, the CityPASS® tickets are non-refundable, so plan your dates carefully.

In summary, the San Diego CityPASS® offers broad access to the city’s top attractions with significant savings, making it a smart choice for most travelers looking to maximize their visit without the stress of individual ticket purchases. Whether you’re traveling with young kids or exploring solo, it’s a flexible, value-packed way to enjoy the city’s highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby