Wednesday, April 23, 2025

San Diego CityPASS Vs Go Metropolis San Diego: Our Recommendation [2024]


San Diego is stuffed with theme parks, museums, excursions, and water sports activities to benefit from. Choosing the proper multi-attraction move could make an enormous distinction in your sightseeing expertise by including comfort and saving cash.

More often than not, it comes right down to evaluating San Diego CityPASS vs. Go Metropolis San Diego. I’ll present you ways these choices differ and allow you to select the very best one in your itinerary and finances. Right here’s a high-level abstract:

  • Select CityPASS if you wish to go to SeaWorld San Diego and/or LEGOLAND California and at the least two extra of its included sights. In case you are not visiting one or each of those theme parks, I’ll share why you need to as a substitute concentrate on Go Metropolis.
  • Select Go Metropolis in order for you extra selection, flexibility, or entry to each the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. I feel this move affords nice worth particularly in case you plan to bounce between Balboa Park museums.

It’s very a lot price going by means of every move’s options, advantages, and disadvantages that can assist you plan a fun-filled journey whether or not you’re heading to San Diego with household or exploring my vibrant metropolis solo. We even have reductions on each passes.

Overview of Every San Diego Sightseeing Go

I at all times inform folks that some quantity crunching is absolutely the one solution to know for certain how a lot you’ll save.

Quantity Crunching Ideas

  • Make an inventory of the sights you for certain wish to see.
  • Get the grownup and value (keep in mind the age for teenagers’ pricing modifications based mostly on the attraction).
  • Get your a calculator or use an spreadsheet.
  • Calculate how a lot it could value shopping for particular person tickets.
  • Examine that value to the sightseeing passes listed beneath that embody the actions you wish to do.
  • Coming quickly — a instrument that can assist you with this.

San Diego CityPASS Options & Advantages

San Diego CityPASS logo on top of a Torrey Pines State Beach photo.

San Diego CityPASS affords three easy packages:

What are the three sights? Effectively, you may select three from this checklist:

You additionally don’t must determine which additional three sights you’ll go to on the time of buy.

I do suppose that it’s essential go to one of many San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance parks to make these passes cost-effective.

The important thing profit is the financial savings, reaching as much as 42%. The move is legitimate for 9 consecutive days, which I can say covers the size of most San Diego holidays our shoppers take. It’s good that it doesn’t have for use on consecutive days, both.

This move is good for guests who wish to see particular sights with out being constrained by the necessity to use it throughout a set variety of consecutive days.

See additionally: My full CityPASS San Diego overview.

Go Metropolis San Diego Go Options & Advantages

go city san diego app illustration

The Go Metropolis San Diego Go (previously often called the Go San Diego Card) affords two versatile varieties of passes:

  • All-Inclusive Go: Go to over 55 sights inside a timeframe of 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days. You possibly can go to as many sights as you want so long as they’re included.
  • Explorer Go: Select 2, 3, 5, or 7 sights to go to throughout 60 days.

Both association affords a improbable selection for many who love numerous experiences. They’re particularly price contemplating in case you go to Balboa Park Museums, the place admission can add up rapidly.

I just like the Explorer Go choice for locals who wish to accompany out-of-town friends to sights however don’t wish to spend money on annual passes.

This move additionally boasts a possible financial savings of as much as 50%, together with a risk-free assure which permits refunds for any unused passes. There’s a 30-day cancellation window if the passes haven’t been activated.

See additionally: My full Go Metropolis San Diego move overview.

Evaluating San Diego CityPASS vs. Go Metropolis San Diego Go

When selecting between the San Diego CityPASS and Go Metropolis San Diego Go, it’s important to contemplate a number of elements:

  • Attraction Protection
  • Flexibility
  • Potential Financial savings

The viewers for every move additionally differs, influencing which choice affords the very best worth.

Attraction Protection

San Diego CityPASS affords entry to common spots SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California. It permits entry to 3 further sights from a restricted checklist, making it a wonderful alternative for many who prioritize main landmarks.

Go Metropolis San Diego Go gives a broader choice, that includes over 55 sights, together with theme parks, museums, outside adventures, and excursions. This move is good for vacationers looking for a mixture of well-known websites and smaller, distinctive experiences.

Many Go Metropolis San Diego customers skip the theme parks totally due to the sheer number of different sights included, from harbor cruises to bike leases and Balboa Park museums.

How SeaWorld and LEGOLAND Affect Your Alternative

  • In case you are not visiting SeaWorld or LEGOLAND, CityPASS shouldn’t be worthwhile. Select Go Metropolis.
  • SeaWorld and LEGOLAND are usually not on the Go Metropolis Explorer Go. To go to one or each parks, select Go Metropolis All-Inclusive or CityPASS.
  •  It’s essential make reservations to go to LEGOLAND however not SeaWorld.
LEGOLAND California welcome sign at the entrance.
Whether or not you go to LEGOLAND or not issues when selecting a move.

Flexibility

CityPASS is legitimate for 9 days from the primary use, permitting some scheduling flexibility inside that interval. It’s common for shorter journeys as a result of solely a handful of sights are included.

Go Metropolis San Diego Go flexibility will depend on the move chosen. The All-Inclusive should be used on consecutive days and the Explorer permits visits over an extended time-frame without having consecutive days. Th Explorer Go flexibility may be advantageous for vacationers with different schedules.

Financial savings Potential

What you really save will depend on the place you purchase your sightseeing move and how much gross sales and promo codes are on supply. You’ll have to crunch some numbers.

San Diego CityPASS saves essentially the most in case you solely go to LEGOLAND California, one of many San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Parks, USS Halfway Museum, and one different included spot. The estimated financial savings is as much as 42% in case you totally make the most of the three choices outdoors of the theme parks.

San Diego CityPASS – Unique Low cost!

Use promo code WINTER to use an additional $5 off San Diego CityPASS sightseeing passes whenever you purchase by means of our ticket web site! Examine to direct pricing.

(Go has restricted worth for households at many sights throughout Youngsters Free October in San Diego — we advocate particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as a substitute.)

Go Metropolis San Diego financial savings could be a little tougher to calculate since there are such a lot of included sights. You’ll wish to make certain that you’re visiting just a few high-value sights, and financial savings are estimated at as much as 55%.

Go Metropolis San Diego – Unique Low cost!

Use promo code GOSDO5LJM to use an additional 5% off ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes whenever you purchase by means of Go Metropolis! This low cost stacks on prime of sale charges!

(Go has restricted worth for households at many sights throughout Youngsters Free October in San Diego — we advocate particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as a substitute.)

Ease Of Use

San Diego CityPASS is simple, as tickets are accessible digitally, making it straightforward to enter main websites.

Go Metropolis San Diego Go additionally options user-friendly digital tickets through their app, which gives particulars on included sights and planning instruments.

You’ll Want Reservations

  • Each San Diego CityPASS and Go Metropolis San Diego Go require advance reservations for sure sights, resembling LEGOLAND California. The passes provides you with directions for methods to make the reservations.
  • I like to recommend making these reservations ASAP.

Goal Viewers

San Diego CityPASS is greatest for these centered SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, and both the Zoo or Safari Park (not each).

Go Metropolis San Diego Go appeals to vacationers who desire a versatile expertise, mixing iconic spots with lesser-known sights. It’s good for vacationers who need extra selection and the liberty to discover totally different features of San Diego.

Comparability Chart for San Diego CityPASS and Go Metropolis San Diego Go

Side San Diego CityPASS Go Metropolis San Diego Go
Attraction Protection Three move choices: Two move choices:
1. SeaWorld San Diego + 3 sights 1. All-Inclusive Go: 55+ sights for 1–7 consecutive days.
2. LEGOLAND California + 3 sights 2. Explorer Go: Select 2–7 sights, legitimate for 60 days.
3. SeaWorld San Diego + LEGOLAND California + 3 sights Affords a greater variety, together with theme parks, museums, outside actions, and excursions.
The three sights could possibly be: San Diego Zoo OR Safari Park, USS Halfway Museum, Birch Aquarium, Metropolis Cruises and Maritime Museum of San Diego. Consists of main sights like SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, USS Halfway, plus distinctive choices like water sports activities, bike leases, and guided excursions.
Flexibility Should select the theme park on the buy date. You possibly can determine in a while the opposite three sights. All-Inclusive Go: Points of interest should be visited on consecutive days.
Legitimate for 9 consecutive days from the primary activation. Explorer Go: Legitimate for 60 days, permitting spaced-out visits.
You possibly can go to included sights one time. You possibly can go to included sights one time.
Financial savings Potential Save as much as 42% on bundled sights. Save as much as 55% on admissions with strategic planning.
Instance: A household of 4 can save $375 (38%) when visiting LEGOLAND California, the Zoo, and two different sights. It may be overwhelming for vacationers with brief journeys or slender itineraries.
Attraction Record Dimension 9 attraction choices (select 3 along with the primary theme parks). 55+ sights with All-Inclusive Go.
Explorer Go is extra selective, specializing in smaller curated lists.
Ease of Use Cell and printable tickets obtainable. Cell tickets obtainable through the Go Metropolis app. Can print the QR code as nicely.
Requires upfront theme park attraction choice. Flexibility to determine sights later.
Goal Viewers Households centered on iconic sights like SeaWorld, LEGOLAND California, and the Zoo. Vacationers looking for selection, together with museums, outside actions, and distinctive experiences like whale watching or paddleboarding.
Guests staying in San Diego for 4–5 days who need flexibility with out visiting too many places. Energy sightseers or long-term guests who wish to discover San Diego comprehensively.
Extra Perks Can improve experiences (e.g., USS Halfway VR simulators or Maritime Museum narrated cruises) and it contains skip-the-line privileges and instantaneous digital supply. Consists of skip-the-line privileges, instantaneous digital supply, and a risk-free refund coverage for unused passes. May improve experiences.
Limitations Requires primary attraction choice at buy date, limiting spontaneity. All-Inclusive Go is legitimate for a set variety of days after first use, making it much less versatile for multi-day sightseeing breaks.

Professionals and Cons of Every San Diego Points of interest Go

Selecting between the San Diego CityPASS and Go Metropolis San Diego Go will depend on what you wish to see and do in San Diego.

Every move affords distinct advantages, so it’s key to match them to your journey fashion and pursuits.

San Diego CityPASS

  • Professionals:
    • The San Diego CityPASS is tremendous straightforward to make use of, particularly for visiting prime household sights like SeaWorld and LEGOLAND. It’s good for vacationers with restricted time.
    • The move is legitimate for 9 days, providing you with ample time to take pleasure in every location with out feeling rushed. This could be a reduction for households who desire a relaxed trip.
  • Cons:
    • The draw back of CityPASS is its restricted choice. Should you’re going to go to the Balboa Park museums, you might have to purchase a Balboa Park Explorer Go or pay a la carte, and this value may imply Go Metropolis All-Inclusive could possibly be cheaper.
    • It’s not the best choice in case you’re planning a extra numerous sightseeing expertise. Particularly, it won’t fulfill these trying to uncover hidden gems past the primary vacationer spots.
    • It doesn’t embody each the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
    • Go Metropolis Explorer could possibly be higher if it’s essential see a brief checklist of sights as a result of it has an extended use window.

Go Metropolis San Diego

  • Professionals:
    • Go Metropolis San Diego shines with its in depth checklist of a number of sights. It affords versatile choices just like the Explorer Go, permitting you to decide on the variety of sights to go to over 60 days.
    • This flexibility makes it nice for lively sightseers and native residents who wish to discover at their very own tempo, having fun with reductions with out limitations on spontaneity all through the summer season.
    • It contains each the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park in addition to a Belmont Park Trip and Play Go, Fleet Science Heart, and a lot extra.
  • Cons:
    • With so many selections, it will probably really feel overwhelming to calculate its worth. Planning is important to maximise worth, which could possibly be a bit daunting in case you’re not eager on creating an in depth itinerary.
    • LEGOLAND and SeaWorld are solely included on the All-Inclusive move.
A panda sleeping at San Diego Zoo.
Do you wish to go to the Zoo and Safari Park? Decide Go Metropolis then.

When to Select San Diego CityPASS?

  • You might be visiting SeaWorld and/or LEGOLAND plus at the least two of its three different included sights.
  • You possibly can see the whole lot inside 9 days.
  • You’ve crunched the numbers and determined this San Diego vacationer move is cheaper than Go Metropolis or shopping for particular person discounted tickets.

When to Select Go Metropolis San Diego Go?

  • You might be an lively sightseer who doesn’t wish to go to theme parks.
  • You wish to concentrate on museums or go to a number of Balboa Park museums.
  • You wish to go to each San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
  • You wish to combine in some water sports activities or excursions with main theme parks and museums.
  • You need to have the ability to use the move throughout almost two months (Explorer Go)
  • You’re additionally going to Knott’s Berry Farm (in Orange County — that is included)
Old Town Trolley drives through Balboa Park.
Each Passes embody Previous City Trolley

Ideas for Maximizing Every Go

Strategize Your Visits

To avoid wasting each money and time, plan your actions prematurely. Use the passes on consecutive days to take full benefit of sights.

I like to recommend beginning early to beat the crowds and maximize your time at every location.

Household Vacationers

When crunching numbers, take note of the age at which youngsters want tickets. For instance, all youngsters ages 2+ want a LEGOLAND California ticket (ages 0-1 are free). A baby’s ticket at San Diego Zoo is for ages 3-11 and ages 0-2 are free.

Solo Adventurers

Touring alone? You might wish to go for the Go Metropolis San Diego Explorer Go for flexibility. It lets you take pleasure in a mixture of sights at your personal tempo.

Luxurious Vacationers

Luxurious vacationers completely purchase each passes. Even in case you’re planning on, for instance, splurging on a VIP tour at San Diego Zoo, you continue to have to purchase a separate admission. Each of those passes present admission.

Notes on Public Transportation

San Diego’s transit system may be an effective way to navigate between sights with out the effort of parking, however whereas cheap, it’s restricted. Having the Previous City Trolley included on each passes helps you get round, but it surely’s just for someday.

Make the Most of Your Go as a Native

These passes aren’t only for vacationers—they’re a improbable choice for San Diego residents, too. Whether or not you’re internet hosting household and associates or trying to hold the youngsters entertained throughout summer season break, passes just like the Go Metropolis Explorer can prevent cash with out committing to annual memberships.

With an extended validity interval, they’re nice for spreading out visits to sights you won’t sometimes discover.

Conclusion & The place to Purchase

Selecting between San Diego CityPASS vs Go Metropolis San Diego Go will depend on your itinerary and the way lengthy your San Diego trip is. CityPASS is nice for SeaWorld and LEGOLAND followers. Go Metropolis affords flexibility with Explorer and All-Inclusive choices for extra selection.

San Diego CityPASS – Unique Low cost!

Use promo code WINTER to use an additional $5 off San Diego CityPASS sightseeing passes whenever you purchase by means of our ticket web site! Examine to direct pricing.

(Go has restricted worth for households at many sights throughout Youngsters Free October in San Diego — we advocate particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as a substitute.)

Go Metropolis San Diego – Unique Low cost!

Use promo code GOSDO5LJM to use an additional 5% off ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes whenever you purchase by means of Go Metropolis! This low cost stacks on prime of sale charges!

(Go has restricted worth for households at many sights throughout Youngsters Free October in San Diego — we advocate particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as a substitute.)

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