San Diego Explorer Pass: Save up to 50% on 45+ Attractions

Planning a trip to San Diego? The San Diego Explorer Pass offers a flexible way to see the city’s highlights without breaking the bank. Whether you’re into wildlife, history, or captivating views, this pass provides access to over 40 popular attractions, museums, and tours. With options to choose from 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions, it suits a variety of schedules and interests.

What immediately catches your eye is the potential to save up to 50% compared to buying individual tickets — a real boon for travelers eager to maximize their budget. Plus, the pass is valid for 60 days from your first visit, giving you plenty of flexibility to plan your adventures at your own pace. The convenience of a fully digital ticket makes navigating the city smooth, especially when juggling multiple attractions.

A few considerations are worth mentioning. The pass cannot be used for both the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park on the same ticket, so you’ll need to pick your favorite animal adventure. Also, it’s essential to reserve popular attractions in advance, as some experiences require booking ahead to secure a spot. Lastly, transportation to attractions and food are not included, so plan accordingly.

This Explorer Pass is ideal for visitors who love the idea of customized itineraries and want the freedom to explore without the stress of ticket lines or fixed schedules. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who value flexibility and savings.

Key Points

• Flexible options: Choose between 2 to 7 attractions from over 40 choices.
• Long validity: Use your pass within 60 days of first activation.
• Cost savings: Up to 50% off compared to buying tickets separately.
• Diverse attractions: From the San Diego Zoo to USS Midway, and harbor cruises.
• Digital convenience: No physical card needed, just download or print your pass.
• Reservation tips: Popular experiences may require advance booking.

Exploring the San Diego Explorer Pass

What’s Included and How It Works

The San Diego Explorer Pass by Go City grants access to a wide range of attractions, all with a single digital ticket. You can select from over 40 options, including the iconic San Diego Zoo, San Diego Safari Park, USS Midway Museum, and the Birch Aquarium. The flexibility to pick 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions gives you control over your itinerary, whether you’re in town for a weekend or a longer stay.

Once you activate your pass at your first chosen attraction, you have 60 days to visit the remaining venues. This means you can spread out your visits, fitting in a quick zoo trip or a harbor cruise between more relaxed museum visits.

The Value of the Pass

The main draw is the savings—up to 50% off what you’d pay if buying each ticket separately. For example, if you plan to visit the San Diego Zoo and the USS Midway Museum, you’d pay full price for both, but with the pass, you save a significant chunk. Reviewers, such as Marlo D, confirmed how much this saved her family—around $100 per person—and made the journey much more cost-effective.

The App and Digital Access

Your pass is fully digital. You simply download it to your smartphone or print it out. The Go City app also offers a digital guide, giving detailed information about each attraction, including opening hours, reservation instructions, and tips on the best times to visit. This feature is particularly helpful for planning your day to avoid crowds or long lines.

How to Use Your Pass

To make the most of your experience, follow the instructions on your confirmation voucher to sync your pass with the Go City app. Many attractions, like the USS Midway or the San Diego Zoo, may require reservations, so it’s a good idea to book those in advance. Once at an attraction, show your digital pass for quick access, avoiding ticket lines and saving time.

What Attractions Are Available?

Some of the most popular options include:

• San Diego Zoo or Safari Park (choose one)
• USS Midway Museum
• Birch Aquarium at Scripps
• San Diego Air and Space Museum
• 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off San Diego Trolley
• The Fleet Science Center with IMAX
• 90-Minute Bay Harbor Tour
• Japanese Friendship Garden
• Whale Watching Tours
• Maritime Museum San Diego
• Automotive Museum
• San Diego Speed Boat Adventures
• San Diego Natural History Museum

The list continues with many more, ensuring you can tailor your trip to your interests.

In-Depth Look at Key Attractions

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park

These are the crown jewels of San Diego’s attractions. The zoo is world-famous for its lush, spacious habitats and wide variety of animals. The Safari Park offers an immersive experience with open-air safari tours. Remember, you can only pick one of these for your pass, so consider your preferences—whether you prefer the classic zoo experience or the expansive safari.

According to reviews, visitors love the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views of the animals. One reviewer mentioned how their guide made the experience memorable with interesting facts and stories.

USS Midway Museum

Exploring this aircraft carrier-turned-museum is like stepping back into military history. The free-flowing exhibits, aircraft displays, and audio tours make it a fascinating visit. Travelers report that the guides and staff are very helpful, with some describing the experience as “super beautiful.” It’s a highlight for history buffs or those interested in military technology.

Harbor Cruises and Whale Watching

The 90-minute Bay Harbor Cruise offers stunning views of San Diego’s skyline and harbor. Some reviewers noted the informative narration and the excellent views of naval ships and the coastline. Whale watching tours, available via City Cruises, are seasonal but highly recommended if you’re visiting at the right time.

Museums and Other Experiences

The San Diego Air and Space Museum and the Fleet Science Center provide interactive exhibits and engaging displays, perfect for families or curious minds. The Japanese Friendship Garden offers a peaceful escape with beautiful landscaping, while the Automotive Museum appeals to car enthusiasts.

Hop-on Hop-off Trolley and Tours

For those wanting a broader overview, the 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off Trolley is a great way to see many neighborhoods and points of interest without the hassle of individual tickets. The Best of The Bay Harbor Tour by City Cruises adds a relaxed, scenic dimension to your trip.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Pass

• Plan ahead for popular attractions like the zoo and USS Midway—reservations are often required.
• Use the Go City app to access real-time updates, attraction times, and reservation instructions.
• Consider starting with attractions that are less busy early in the day, based on suggestions from the app.
• Remember, transportation is not included, so plan your routes, especially if you’re visiting multiple sites spread out across the city.
• For maximum value, combine a couple of attractions in the same area on the same day — e.g., the Maritime Museum and the USS Midway near downtown.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Melanie simply described her experience as “Super beautiful”, which hints at the scenic and engaging nature of the attractions. On the flip side, one reviewer expressed dissatisfaction, claiming their experience was “Ruined. Absolutely ruined,” emphasizing the importance of planning and reservation, especially for busy sites.

Marlo D’s review sums up the pass’s convenience perfectly: “It was easy to call up the site we were going to visit and get suggestions on least busy times, information on time to be spent, addresses, etc.” She also highlighted how the pass saved her family about $100 each, making it a smart choice financially.

The Sum Up

The San Diego Explorer Pass offers incredible value, giving travelers the freedom to customize their itinerary while saving a significant amount of money. If you’re someone who enjoys flexible planning and wants to explore a variety of attractions without the stress of individual ticketing, this pass is a smart investment.

This experience is best suited for families, couples, or solo adventurers who love the idea of discovering San Diego at their own pace. The digital format, combined with the broad selection of attractions, means you can craft a personalized journey—whether you’re into animals, history, science, or scenic cruises.

While reservations for popular sites are recommended and transportation isn’t included, the overall convenience, savings, and variety make the Explorer Pass a compelling choice. It’s especially perfect if you want to experience San Diego’s highlights without the hassle of ticket queues or rigid schedules.

FAQ

Can I visit the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park with the same pass?
No, you have to choose either the San Diego Zoo or the Safari Park, as they cannot be used on the same pass.

How long is my pass valid?
Your pass is valid for up to 60 days from your first attraction visit and is usable within one year from the purchase date.

Do I need to reserve attractions in advance?
Some popular attractions require reservations, so it’s best to follow the instructions on your confirmation voucher to book early.

Can I use the pass for multiple days?
Yes, you can spread your visits over the 60-day window, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Is the pass physical or digital?
It’s fully digital—simply download it to your smartphone or print a copy. No physical card is needed.

Are transportation costs included?
No, transportation to and from attractions is not included, so plan your routes accordingly.

Can I buy the pass for a specific start date?
Yes, check availability and start your pass on the date that suits your travel schedule, but remember it’s valid for 2 months after activation.

In sum, the San Diego Explorer Pass is a smart way to explore the city’s top sights while keeping your costs in check. Its flexibility and wide selection of attractions make it especially suited for travelers who want a personalized experience without the hassle. Just remember to plan ahead for reservations and enjoy discovering everything San Diego has to offer.