San Diego Explorer Pass: Tickets to 2-7 Attractions

When it comes to exploring San Diego, having a flexible, cost-effective way to see the city’s highlights is a game-changer. The San Diego Explorer Pass from Go City offers just that—an all-in-one ticketing solution that unlocks access to over 40 attractions, museums, and tours. Whether you’re into wildlife encounters, military history, or scenic cruises, this pass aims to streamline your trip and maximize your experience without breaking the bank.

What makes this pass stand out? First, the customizable choice of 2 to 7 attractions means you can tailor your itinerary to your interests and pace. Second, the up to 60 days to use the pass gives you plenty of flexibility, even if your plans shift. Third, the advertised savings of up to 50% on combined entry fees help you get more for less.

However, a possible consideration is that some attractions, like the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, can’t be used on the same pass—so you’ll need to choose wisely. This pass is an excellent fit for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a broad taste of San Diego without the hassle of buying multiple tickets.

Good To Know

• Flexibility: Choose between 2-7 attractions from over 40 options.
• Extended Validity: Enjoy your pass for 60 days from first use.
• Savings: Up to 50% off compared to buying individual tickets.
• Convenience: Fully digital, no physical card needed.
• Variety: Includes top experiences like the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway, and whale watching.
• Best for: Visitors wanting a customizable, budget-friendly San Diego itinerary.

The San Diego Explorer Pass is designed to give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Once purchased, you receive a digital pass and a handy app that acts as your ticket. You can activate it at any attraction on the list, then have 60 days to visit your selected sites. This means you’re not rushing through your trip—your schedule can be flexible, which is especially helpful if weather or crowds influence your plans.

Using the pass is straightforward: show your digital ticket at the entrance, and you’re in. Many attractions, including popular spots like the USS Midway Museum and the Birch Aquarium, allow quick scan-ins, saving you time. The pass also offers a digital guide via the app, providing directions, hours of operation, and reservation details for some experiences, which is very useful for planning.

One of the standout features, based on reviews, is how easy it is to manage your itinerary. As one traveler from Marlo D noted, “It was so convenient to have the passes on my phone wallet. It was easy to call up the site I was going to visit and get suggestions on least busy times.” However, some reviewers faced minor hiccups, like difficulty scanning at certain venues or confusion over non-date-specific passes, but these seem manageable with a little planning.

The real strength of this pass is the diversity of included activities. Here’s a closer look at some of the highlights:

• San Diego Zoo or Safari Park: You get to choose one, but not both, which is a key point. The Zoo is famous worldwide for its lush habitats and wide variety of animals, while the Safari Park offers a more expansive, open-area experience, often praised for its naturalistic enclosures. Reviewers like Marlo D appreciated how the passes saved them around $100 and made the process seamless, especially when checking busy times or getting directions.

• USS Midway Museum: This aircraft carrier museum is a favorite, with knowledgeable guides and plenty of impressive aircraft displays. Many reviews mention that the staff is friendly and eager to share insights, making it more engaging for visitors.

• Birch Aquarium at Scripps: For marine life lovers, this is a must-see. Reviewers highlight the stunning views and the variety of exhibits, making it a perfect family stop.

• San Diego Air and Space Museum: Expect fascinating exhibits and interactive displays that appeal to both kids and adults, with some reviewers noting the helpful staff.

• Harbor Tours and Whale Watching: With options like the 90-minute Bay Harbor Cruise or the whale watching tours, you’ll get a chance to see San Diego’s stunning coastline from the water. Guests often comment on the knowledgeable guides and the breathtaking sights.

• Hop-on Hop-off Trolley: This flexible transportation option is popular for getting around quickly and comfortably, especially useful if you want to hit multiple attractions in a day.

• Science and Cultural Spots: The Fleet Science Center, Japanese Friendship Garden, and the Maritime Museum are varied options that cater to different interests, each offering engaging experiences.

The pass is fully digital, making it easy to carry and use—no worries about losing a physical card. Once activated, you have 30 days to visit your remaining attractions, giving ample time to plan your San Diego exploration without feeling rushed.

Reservations are required for some popular activities, like whale watching or certain museum visits, so booking ahead via the instructions provided in your app or confirmation is highly recommended. This avoids disappointment on the day of your visit.

The pass’s flexibility is especially appreciated by reviewers. Anett from Germany mentioned how “buying, downloading the app, uploading the voucher, and showing it took less than 10 minutes,” making it super user-friendly. On the flip side, a few users noted challenges with scanning codes or confusion over free entry periods for children during certain times, but these are generally manageable with a bit of advance planning.

It’s worth noting that transportation to attractions isn’t included, so plan for parking, rideshare, or public transit accordingly. Also, the attractions’ hours can vary, especially around holidays or seasonal changes, so double-check opening times before heading out.

Given the price of $124 per person for the 2 to 7 attractions, the pass offers substantial savings if you plan to visit several sites. For example, many individual tickets for top-class attractions like the Zoo or USS Midway alone can be costly, so bundling can significantly reduce your overall spend.

Several reviews emphasize the convenience and cost-effectiveness. Marlo D shared, “It was fantastic and saved us each $100,” which is a clear sign of the value. The ability to choose your attractions means you can tailor your trip, focusing on what interests you most—be it wildlife, history, or maritime adventures.

On top of that, the feedback suggests the pass is well-suited for travelers who prefer a flexible itinerary. You can start with one attraction, then, based on weather or crowds, decide what to visit next. This is especially useful in a city like San Diego, where outdoor activities are weather-dependent.

This pass is ideal for first-time visitors eager to see a broad swathe of San Diego’s attractions without the stress of buying multiple tickets. Families will appreciate the savings and flexibility, as kids often enjoy diverse experiences from zoos to aquariums and cruises.

Travelers who prefer to avoid long lines and last-minute ticket purchases will find the digital system handy. Plus, those who want to structure their trip around specific interests—like marine life, aviation, or history—will find plenty of options to customize their visit.

However, if your plans focus solely on one attraction—say, just the Zoo or just whale watching—buying individual tickets might be more straightforward. Also, keep in mind that some popular activities require reservations, so planning ahead is key.

The San Diego Explorer Pass offers a compelling way to explore this vibrant city with plenty of choices and savings. Its flexibility allows you to craft a personalized itinerary, whether you’re in town for a weekend or a longer stay. The ability to visit top spots like the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway, and Birch Aquarium, all with a single digital pass, makes for seamless sightseeing.

The pass shines most for those who want variety without the hassle of buying separate tickets for each attraction. Plus, the reviews confirm that many travelers have found it easy to use, with knowledgeable guides and stunning views adding to the experience. The main thing to watch out for is the need to plan some reservations in advance, especially for the most popular sites.

In essence, this pass is a smart choice for travelers seeking economical, flexible, and diverse ways to enjoy San Diego’s best. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, history buff, or water lover, you’ll find something that makes your trip memorable—and budget-friendly.

Can I use the pass for the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park?
No, you can only choose one of these attractions per pass, not both.

How long do I have to use the pass after I activate it?
You have 60 days to visit your chosen attractions from the day you activate the pass.

Is the pass valid for a full year?
Yes, the pass is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase, but it only becomes active once you visit your first attraction.

Can I buy the pass and use it immediately?
Yes, once purchased, you can activate it at any included attraction, then have 60 days to complete your visits.

Are attraction hours fixed or flexible?
Operating hours can vary, so it’s best to check each attraction’s schedule via the app or confirmation details before visiting.

Do I need reservations for popular attractions?
Some activities require reservations, so it’s recommended to book ahead using the instructions provided in your digital guide.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from attractions is not included, so plan accordingly for parking, public transit, or rideshares.

Can I use the pass for tours like whale watching or harbor cruises?
Yes, options like whale watching and harbor cruises are available and included among the many experiences.

Is the pass mobile-only?
Yes, it’s fully digital. You can download it to your phone or print it at home for convenience.

What if I encounter issues with scanning or reservations?
Most reviewers found the process smooth, but if problems occur, support is available via the app or the activities’ instructions.

This comprehensive guide aims to help you decide if the San Diego Explorer Pass is right for you. With its wide range of attractions, flexible use, and clear savings, it’s a solid choice for making the most of your San Diego adventure.