Save big, skip the lines, and see more of the Bay.
🌉 Why Use a San Francisco City Pass?
San Francisco is a top-tier U.S. destination—and for good reason. But between iconic attractions, museum admissions, and transit fares, costs can pile up fast.
That’s why City Passes & Attraction Cards are the ultimate travel hack for anyone who wants to:
- ✅ Save money (up to 50% off regular prices)
- ✅ Simplify planning
- ✅ Access popular attractions without standing in long lines
- ✅ Bundle transit and sightseeing for total convenience
Whether you’re in town for 1 day or a whole week, there’s a pass to match your pace and priorities.
🏆 Top San Francisco City Passes to Consider (2025)
⚖️ Quick Comparison Chart
| Pass | Best For | Price Range | Validity | Includes Transit? | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CityPASS | Families & museums | ~$84 | 9 days | ❌ | Limited |
| Explorer Pass | Flexible plans | ~$64–$134 | 60 days | ❌ | High |
| All-Inclusive | Power tourists | ~$84–$219 | 1–5 days | ❌ | Medium |
| Clipper Card | Transit users | Variable | Always | ✅ | N/A |
| Sightseeing Pass | Tour lovers | ~$65–$175 | 1–30 days | ❌ | Medium |
1. San Francisco CityPASS – Classic Value
Best For: First-time visitors, families, and museum lovers
Includes:
- 🧬 California Academy of Sciences
- 🚢 Bay Cruise Adventure
- ➕ 2 choices from: Aquarium of the Bay, Exploratorium, SFMOMA, Walt Disney Family Museum, or SF Zoo
Price: ~$84 (adults) | ~$64 (kids 4–11)
Valid for: 9 consecutive days
Savings: ~45% off gate prices
Pros:
✅ High-quality attractions
✅ Generous use window
✅ Easy to follow
Cons:
❌ Only 4 attractions
❌ No transit included
2. Go City: San Francisco Explorer Pass – Build Your Own Adventure
Best For: Flexible planners, couples, return visitors
Includes (Choose 2–5):
- Big Bus Tour
- Aquarium of the Bay
- Exploratorium
- Oracle Park Tour
- Chinatown Food Tour
- Golden Gate Bike Rentals
- Escape from the Rock Cruise
- Madame Tussauds
Price: $64–$134 depending on how many attractions
Valid for: 60 days from first use
Pros:
✅ Tons of choice
✅ Long activation period
✅ Ideal for slower-paced trips
Cons:
❌ Some attractions are lower value
❌ Must plan ahead to maximize ROI
3. Go City: All-Inclusive Pass – Ultimate Sightseer
Best For: High-energy travelers who want to hit it all
Includes: All Explorer Pass attractions, plus:
- Muir Woods Tour
- Angel Island Ferry
- Guided walking tours
- SF Dungeon
- USS Pampanito
- Wine & food tastings
Price: ~$84 (1-day) to ~$219 (5-day)
Valid for: Consecutive calendar days
Pros:
✅ Great for 2- to 3-day blitz itineraries
✅ Perfect for “do it all” travelers
Cons:
❌ Must be used on consecutive days
❌ Requires detailed planning to maximize
4. Clipper Card – Your Transit Companion
Best For: Everyone using public transport
Use It On:
- BART
- Muni buses
- Cable cars
- Ferries
- Caltrain
Price: Free card; pay-as-you-go or load passes
App: Yes—Clipper App for Android & iOS
Pros:
✅ Seamless across all Bay transit
✅ No need for cash
✅ Works with Apple/Google Pay
Cons:
❌ Doesn’t cover attraction entry
5. San Francisco Sightseeing Pass – Tour Lover’s Favorite
Best For: Travelers who love tours, food, and immersive experiences
Pass Formats:
- FLEX: Choose 2–6 attractions
- DAY: Unlimited attractions for 1–5 days
Includes:
- Haunted SF Tour
- SF Dungeon
- Oracle Park Tour
- Muir Woods + Sausalito
- Madame Tussauds
- Bike rentals & more
Price: ~$65 to ~$175
Valid for: 30 days (FLEX) or consecutive days (DAY)
Pros:
✅ Strong focus on guided tours
✅ Good mix of classic and quirky options
✅ Pro Tips to Get the Most Value
- 🕒 Start early: Most attractions open at 10 AM—be there when they do!
- 🗺️ Plan by area: Group attractions by neighborhood to save time
- 💡 Use high-value options: Don’t “waste” passes on free or cheap activities
- 🚍 Bundle with Clipper: Unless transit is included, grab a Clipper Card too
- 📲 Reserve in advance: Some attractions require timed entry—even with passes
📌 Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a San Francisco trip in 2025, a City Pass or Attraction Card can seriously boost your experience—more fun, less friction, and way more value for your time and money.
Cheat Sheet:
👉 Go CityPASS for top attractions with less planning
👉 Try Explorer Pass for flexibility
👉 Use All-Inclusive if you’re doing a 2–3 day blitz
👉 Pair any pass with a Clipper Card for stress-free transit
📥 Ready to Save? Book Your Passes Here:
- 🛒 CityPASS – Save up to 45%
- 🛒 Go City Explorer – Build your trip
- 🛒 All-Inclusive Pass – Unlimited fun
- 🛒 Clipper Card – Transit made easy
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💬 Got Questions or Itinerary Ideas?
Leave a comment below —I love helping fellow travelers build smart, efficient SF trips!
