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

Planning a trip to San Diego? If you want to pack in the city’s highlights without breaking the bank, the San Diego CityPASS® offers a practical and flexible way to do it. This pass grants access to the city’s top attractions over nine consecutive days, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

What we really like about the CityPASS® is how it simplifies planning. Instead of juggling tickets or rushing from one site to another, you can distribute your visits over several days—perfect for those who prefer a relaxed vacation. Plus, the significant savings—up to 46%—make it especially appealing for families and budget-conscious travelers.

However, there are some considerations. The pass is non-refundable, so if your plans change or you encounter unexpected issues (like a pass rejection at Legoland), you might face some hassle. Also, transportation, food, and drinks are not included, so you’ll need to budget additionally for those.

This tour is ideal for visitors who want flexibility and value, and who are excited to experience a variety of San Diego’s attractions without purchasing separate tickets for each. It suits families, first-timers, or anyone eager to maximize their time and savings in this vibrant city.

Key Points

• Flexible 9-day validity allows you to spread out your visits at your own pace
• Includes major attractions like San Diego Zoo, USS Midway, and Legoland
• Mobile tickets make access quick and easy, reducing wait times
• Choose your preferred attraction (San Diego Zoo or Safari Park) as part of your package
• Significant savings, potentially up to 46% compared to buying tickets separately
• Wheelchair accessible and easy to use, with clear instructions for reservations

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the San Diego CityPASS® Experience

This is a ticket option designed to make seeing San Diego easier and more affordable. At its core, it offers admission to several major attractions over nine days, giving visitors the chance to enjoy each spot without the pressure of a single-day rush. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, the flexibility can be a real time-saver.

The pass includes general admission to attractions like the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, and Birch Aquarium. You also have the option to choose between the San Diego Zoo or the Safari Park—a thoughtful feature for those with specific animal interests or preferences for outdoor safari experiences. Plus, the pass covers SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California, two of the city’s most popular theme parks.

How the Ticket Works and Its Practical Benefits

Once purchased, your mobile tickets are delivered instantly, which means no waiting in line or worrying about losing paper tickets. You simply present your phone at each attraction to be scanned—convenient and straightforward.

The nine-day window is generous. You can start your adventure on any day, and the tickets remain valid for consecutive days from the first use. This setup is perfect for travelers who prefer to take their time, maybe exploring one or two attractions per day without feeling rushed.

What’s Included?

The pass covers admission to three attractions of your choice—either the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park, plus SeaWorld or LEGOLAND, depending on your selection. It also includes one-time admission to the USS Midway Museum, a bay cruise, and access to the Birch Aquarium, along with the Old Town Trolley for a hop-on, hop-off experience.

What’s Not Included?

Transportation and meals are not included, so plan for those separately. If you rely on public transit or rideshare, you’ll want to budget for that outside the pass. Also, special ticketed events or exhibits are excluded from the general admission, so if certain activities are on your must-do list, check whether they’re included beforehand.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring the Major Attractions

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park

The San Diego Zoo is world-famous for its lush enclosures and wide variety of animals. The pass includes one-day unlimited access to the zoo, along with the Guided Bus Tour, Kangaroo Bus, and Skyfari Aerial Tram. These features help you see more of the expansive zoo without wearing out your feet.

Alternatively, the Safari Park offers a more outdoor, safari-style experience with unlimited rides on the Africa Tram and diverse exhibits. Choose what fits your interests—both are highly rated, though the zoo tends to have a broader appeal for families.

One reviewer mentioned that, “I liked that I could just show up and the barcode was scanned and everything worked seamlessly,” but also noted some hiccups, like a rejected pass at Legoland that required a call to customer service. It’s worth keeping that in mind, especially when visiting busy parks.

USS Midway Museum

A highlight for many visitors is the USS Midway Museum, where you can walk through a historic aircraft carrier. The experience includes a 3D holographic movie about the Battle of Midway, which adds an interactive dimension to the visit. Many reviewers have praised this attraction, calling it “authentic” and “fascinating,” especially if you enjoy military history or ships.

Legoland California

For families and Lego enthusiasts, Legoland is a hit. The pass provides one-day admission, giving you plenty of time to explore the rides, LEGO displays, and rides like the Dragon Coaster or Miniland USA.

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld offers marine animal shows, rides, and exhibits. It’s a lively park with a mix of educational and entertainment experiences. If you select this option, you’ll gain access to the single-day ticket, giving you a full day to enjoy the shows and rides.

Other Attractions

• Birch Aquarium offers a close look at marine life, perfect for a relaxing morning or afternoon visit.
• The Old Town Trolley provides a hop-on, hop-off tour covering 11 stops, making it easy to explore San Diego without worrying about transportation.
• The Bay Cruise gives you a scenic 20+ mile tour of the harbor and notable landmarks, giving you a different perspective on the city.

The Experience in Practice: What Travelers Say

While most reviews are positive, a few highlight potential pitfalls. One traveler from Canada shared, “I did not like that at Legoland, my pass was rejected and nobody knew what to do,” which underscores the importance of verifying your tickets and sometimes being prepared for minor hiccups.

On the upside, a German visitor raved, “Todo,” meaning they found the process straightforward and enjoyable. The mobile tickets and simple scanning process really do streamline entry, saving time so you can focus on the fun.

Most visitors appreciate the value for the price, especially compared with purchasing individual tickets. The ability to visit multiple attractions over nine days means you can tailor your itinerary—perhaps doing the zoo on one day, SeaWorld on another, and a boat tour midweek.

Timing is generally flexible, but it’s wise to check if any attractions require advance reservations, especially during busy seasons or weekends. The pass is non-refundable, so careful planning is essential.

Practical Tips for Maximizing Your Visit

• Start early at popular attractions like the zoo or Legoland to avoid crowds.
• Use the Old Town Trolley to familiarize yourself with the city and plan your days.
• Remember to reserve any attractions needing reservations via the provided link or by visiting their website.
• Keep your mobile tickets handy; most scanners work smoothly, but always have a backup in case of connectivity issues.
• Allocate time for meals and transportation outside the ticketed attractions—San Diego has plenty of good options, but they’re not included.

Who Should Consider the San Diego CityPASS®?

This pass is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive experience of San Diego without the stress of buying individual tickets. It’s particularly good for families, first-time visitors, or groups aiming to see a broad cross-section of the city’s highlights.

If you prefer to take your time and explore at your own pace, the 9-day validity offers significant flexibility. However, if your schedule is tight and you’re looking to hit just a few spots, individual tickets might be better.

The pass also appeals to those who value saving money upfront—especially when visiting multiple major attractions. If you’re comfortable with basic planning and reservations, this package offers a lot of convenience.

The Sum Up

In essence, the San Diego CityPASS® packs a lot of value into a flexible, broad-reaching package. It’s a logical choice for travelers who want to maximize their experience without overspending and who enjoy the freedom to craft a personalized itinerary. With access to top spots like the zoo, USS Midway, and Legoland, along with scenic cruises and aquariums, it offers a well-rounded taste of San Diego.

While not without minor hiccups—like ticket rejections or the need for pre-reservation—the overall experience is positive. It encourages you to explore at your own pace, which is often the best way to really soak up the local vibe.

Whether you’re traveling with kids, a history buff, or someone eager to see the city’s highlights without the hassle of individual tickets, this pass is worth considering. Just plan ahead, keep your mobile tickets ready, and enjoy the variety of San Diego’s most loved attractions.

FAQ

Does the CityPASS® include transportation?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own means of getting around, whether by car, public transit, or rideshare.

How long is the pass valid?
The pass is valid for nine consecutive days starting from the first day you visit an attraction. It remains valid for up to a year from purchase.

Can I visit multiple attractions in a single day?
Yes, there’s no limit to how many attractions you can visit in one day, so you can pack a lot into your trip if you prefer.

What attractions are included?
You get general admission to major sites like the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium, and more. You also choose among certain options for your three included attractions.

What should I do if my pass gets rejected?
One reviewer experienced this at Legoland and had to call CityPASS customer service, which took some time. It’s wise to carry extra confirmation or arrive early to resolve any issues.

Are there any age restrictions or accessibility options?
The pass is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all ages, including families with children. Specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned, but most attractions cater to a wide age range.

Is the pass refundable if I change my plans?
No, the activity is non-refundable. Make sure your travel dates are firm before purchasing.

This detailed pass offers an excellent way to experience San Diego’s highlights efficiently and affordably—just plan ahead and enjoy your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: