As a local travel advisor who helps people save on San Diego attractions, one of the most common questions I get from readers is whether the Go City San Diego pass is actually worth the money.
My answer is almost always a resounding yes, but with a crucial caveat: you have to pick the right pass for your trip.
Go City uses a three-pass system, and understanding the differences is key to maximizing your savings. This guide is my personal, in-depth breakdown of each option to help you decide which pass, if any, is the best fit for your vacation.
The Go City San Diego Passes:
- The Essentials Pass (Choose a few top attractions)
- The All-Inclusive Pass (Visit as much as you want, excluding major theme parks)
- The All-Inclusive Pass Plus (The ultimate pass, including all major theme parks)
Go City San Diego – Exclusive Promo Code
Get an extra 5% ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes when you buy through Go City! This discount stacks on top of sale rates! Use promo code GOSDO5LJM.
(Pass has limited value for families at many attractions during Kids Free October in San Diego — we recommend individual tickets during this timeframe instead.)
At a Glance: Which Go City San Diego Pass Is Best for You?
Choosing the right pass can be confusing. I’ve created this table for a quick comparison to help you see which option best matches your San Diego vacation.
| Feature | Essentials Pass | All-Inclusive Pass | All-Inclusive Pass Plus |
| Pass Model | Pick by Attraction | Pick by Day | Pick by Day |
| Best For | Short trips with one major theme park and a few other key sights. | Visitors focused on museums, tours, and activities, who will not visit the major theme parks. | The ultimate, all-access San Diego vacation, including all major theme parks. |
| Total Attractions | 3 Attractions (1 Premium + 2 Standard) | 45+ Attractions | 50+ Attractions (Includes all 5 Premium Parks) |
| Premium Park Access? | Choose 1 of 5: SeaWorld, Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, or Knott’s Berry Farm. | No Premium Park Access. | Yes, all 5 Premium Parks included. |
| Validity | 30 days from first use. | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 consecutive calendar days. | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 consecutive calendar days. |
| Flexibility | High (choose attractions as you go over a 30-day period). | Moderate (visit as much as you want, but must be on back-to-back days). | Moderate (visit as much as you want, but must be on back-to-back days). |
| Starting Price (Adult) | From $154 | From $104 | From $154 |
A Deep Dive: How Do Go City Passes Work?
Let’s review each option individually to help you determine which one best suits your trip.
What is the Essentials Pass?
The Essentials Pass is Go City’s choice-based pass, and in my opinion, it’s perfect for travelers with a focused plan.
How it Works
You get admission to three attractions. The structure is very specific: you choose one premium theme park and two standard attractions from a list of the most popular tours and sights.
Who Should Get It?
- Visitors on a short weekend trip.
- Families who want one big theme park day, plus a couple of smaller San Diego experiences.
- Travelers on a tighter budget who still want a big-ticket attraction without the full gate price.
My Favorite Feature
The flexibility. Once you scan your pass at the first attraction, you have a full 30 days to visit the other two. This is fantastic for longer trips or even for locals. You also don’t have to pick your two standard attractions when you buy; you can decide as you go.
Is It a Good Value?
Yes. A single adult ticket to LEGOLAND can be $129 at the gate. Add the USS Midway Museum ($39) and a Harbor Tour ($41), and you’d pay $209 separately. The Essentials Pass for all three starts at $154, an instant savings of over $50.
What is the All-Inclusive Pass?
This pass is for visitors who want to pack their days with museums, tours, and activities. But it has one very important limitation.
How it Works
This is a day-based pass. You pick a duration (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 days) and can visit as many of the 45+ included attractions as you want during that time.
The Critical Limitation
The most important thing to know is that the standard All-Inclusive Pass does not include SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park, LEGOLAND, or Knott’s Berry Farm.
Who Should Get It?
- Return visitors who have already done the big theme parks.
- Budget travelers who want a packed itinerary of museums and tours.
- Culture-focused tourists planning to explore Balboa Park and the waterfront.
Key Usage Rule
This pass works on consecutive calendar days. If you first use a 3-day pass at 4:00 PM on Monday, Monday counts as day one.
Pro Tip
Activate your pass first thing in the morning to maximize its value. Don’t activate it the night before, or you’ll lose a day.
What is the All-Inclusive Pass Plus?
This is Go City’s top-tier pass and the one I recommend for the ultimate San Diego vacation. It’s the most comprehensive sightseeing pass they offer.
How it Works
The All-Inclusive Pass Plus includes everything the standard All-Inclusive Pass does, PLUS admission to all five major theme parks: SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, LEGOLAND California, and Knott’s Berry Farm. It is ideal for covering these plus kid-friendly San Diego museums.
Who Should Get It?
- First-time visitors who want to see everything.
- Families with kids who have the theme parks on their must-do list.
- Travelers who want total freedom to mix big park days with smaller tours and museums.
Is It a Good Value?
While it’s the most expensive option, it offers the biggest potential savings. A family can visit San Diego Zoo in the morning and take a harbor cruise in the afternoon on the same day, all for one price. The savings add up quickly, and the price per day drops the longer the pass you buy.
You will also need to compare against buying discounted theme park tickets individually. If you’re exploring San Diego with kids, you’ll typically purchase Essentials or All-Inclusive Plus.
10 Reasons I Still Recommend the Go City San Diego Pass
The pass system has changed, but its core value remains the same. Here are the top reasons I continue to recommend it to my readers.
- Real Savings: You can save up to 50% compared to gate prices if you plan your days well. Plus, I have a promo code to help you save more.
- Tailored for You: The three-pass system provides a suitable option for nearly any travel style or budget.
- All Major Parks Included (With the Right Pass!): The All-Inclusive Pass Plus is your ticket to the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, and Knott’s Berry Farm.
- Buy with Confidence: Plans change. If you buy directly from Go City, you can get a full refund on non-activated passes within 30 days.
- Save Time: You can skip the ticket-buying lines at many attractions, like the San Diego Zoo, and head straight for the entrance.
- Instant and Digital: Your pass is delivered to your phone instantly via the Go City app. You can even buy it while standing in line for your first attraction.
- Be Spontaneous: You don’t have to lock in your plans beforehand. If you finish early somewhere, open the app and find another fun activity nearby.
- Budgeting Made Easy: Pay one price upfront, and all your attraction costs are covered. It makes vacation budgeting predictable.
- Discover Hidden Gems: The pass encourages you to try things you might have otherwise skipped, like kayaking in La Jolla or visiting the Maritime Museum.
- Simple to Use: No more paper tickets. Just show the QR code in the app at each attraction entrance.
My Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Pass
Getting the most value from your pass means understanding the rules. Here are my essential tips.
My #1 Tip: Purchase Directly.
Buy from the Go City website if the official 30-day return policy is important to you. Authorized resellers can have different, non-refundable policies. For example, we sell Go City on my ticket site for less, but they are non-refundable tickets.
Download the App.
The Go City app is your best friend. It has the official list of attractions, hours, and reservation info.
Critical Advice: Make Reservations!
Many popular tours and attractions require advance reservations. This includes LEGOLAND, whale watching, and harbor cruises. Book these as soon as you buy your pass to avoid disappointment.
Understand Activation.
Your pass activates when it’s first scanned. This starts the clock on its validity period (30 days for Essentials, or consecutive days for All-Inclusive). You have two years from the date of purchase to activate it.
Master the “Calendar Day” Rule.
For All-Inclusive passes, a “day” is a calendar day, not a 24-hour period. It expires at midnight. Always start your pass in the morning.
Official Cancellation Policy.
Go City offers a full refund on non-activated passes within 30 days of purchase. If you don’t buy directly from Go City, check the refund policy with the third-party seller you select.
Know When Kids Are Free.
Ages 2 and under (1 and under in the case of LEGOLAND California) enter most of our theme parks and museums for free. October is Kids Free San Diego month, where sightseeing passes may not offer the best value.
To get free kids’ admission, a qualifying adult ticket is required. In 2024, the Go City San Diego pass counted as a qualifying adult ticket for the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
Tip: I screenshot this ticket and add it to my camera roll just in case I have trouble pulling up the app due to spotty cell phone service.
Complete Go City San Diego Attraction List
Knowing what’s included is crucial. Here’s the breakdown. (Gate prices are approximate and subject to change.)
Premium Attractions
(Choose one with the Essentials Pass. Get all with the All-Inclusive Pass Plus. Not included with the standard All-Inclusive Pass.)
| Attraction | Normal Adult Gate Price (Approx.) | Pass Availability |
| LEGOLAND California | $119-129 | Essentials, All-Inclusive Plus |
| SeaWorld San Diego | $126.99 | Essentials, All-Inclusive Plus |
| San Diego Zoo | $78 | Essentials, All-Inclusive Plus |
| San Diego Zoo Safari Park | $78 | Essentials, All-Inclusive Plus |
| Knott’s Berry Farm | $110 | Essentials, All-Inclusive Plus |
Standard Attractions
(Choose two with the Essentials Pass. Included with All-Inclusive and All-Inclusive Plus.)
| Attraction | Category |
| USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum | Museum / History |
| 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off San Diego Trolley | Tour |
| Birch Aquarium at Scripps | Aquarium |
| 90-Minute Best Of The Bay Harbor Tour by City Cruises | Tour / Cruise |
| Belmont Park Ride & Play Pass | Amusement Park |
| Semi-Private Bay Cruise | Tour / Cruise |
| San Diego Natural History Museum | Museum |
| Maritime Museum of San Diego | Museum |
| Petco Park Tours – Home of the San Diego Padres | Tour |
| San Diego Air and Space Museum | Museum |
| Whale Watching by City Cruises | Tour / Cruise |
| La Jolla – 90-Minute Kayak Rental | Water Sports |
Expanded Attractions
(Available on the All-Inclusive and All-Inclusive Pass Plus only.)
| Attraction | Category |
|---|---|
| GoCar San Diego Tours: One-Hour Navigational Tour | Tour |
| The Fleet Science Center with IMAX | Museum |
| Knott’s Soak City Water Park (Seasonal) | Water Park |
| The Flagship Patriot Jet Boat | Tour / Cruise |
| Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego – La Jolla | Museum |
| Museum of Us | Museum |
| Mingei International Museum | Museum |
| Japanese Friendship Garden | Garden / Culture |
| San Diego Automotive Museum | Museum |
| San Diego Museum of Art | Museum |
| Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art | Museum |
| San Diego Model Railroad Museum | Museum |
| Living Coast Discovery Center | Museum / Wildlife |
| The Whaley House Museum | Museum / Historic |
| Plunge San Diego | Activity |
| Asylum Outdoor Bouldering | Activity |
| San Diego Pier Fishing | Activity |
| La Jolla: Full Day Bike Rental | Rental |
| La Jolla – Full Day Snorkel Rental | Water Sports |
| La Jolla – Surf Board Rental | Water Sports |
| Coronado – 90-Minute Tandem Kayak Rental | Water Sports |
| Coronado – 3 Hour Bike Rental | Rental |
| Best of San Diego eBike Tour | Tour / Rental |
| Gaslamp and Balboa Park Bike Rental | Rental |
| One Way Coronado Ferry | Transportation |
| Historical Old Town Walking Tour | Tour |
| Gaslamp Walking Ghost Tour | Tour |
| Haunted Old Town Walking History + Paranormal Investigation | Tour |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are my answers to the most common questions I receive.
What’s the biggest difference between the All-Inclusive and All-Inclusive Pass Plus?
Access to the five premium theme parks. The All-Inclusive Pass Plus includes SeaWorld, the Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, and Knott’s Berry Farm. The standard All-Inclusive Pass does not.
Is the Explorer Pass still available?
The Essentials Pass is the main choice-based pass on the official Go City website. You might see the old multi-choice Explorer Pass on third-party sites, but I recommend sticking to the official offerings.
How does the Essentials Pass work?
You visit three attractions: one premium theme park and two standard attractions. You have 30 days to visit all three after your first scan.
Do I have to use my All-Inclusive Pass on back-to-back days?
Yes. The All-Inclusive and All-Inclusive Pass Plus are valid for the number of consecutive calendar days you buy.
How long do I have to use my pass after I buy it?
You have two years from the purchase date to activate your pass.
Do I need reservations for the San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld?
No. You don’t need a reservation for San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, or SeaWorld.
Do I need reservations for LEGOLAND California?
Yes, LEGOLAND California requires advance reservations for Go City pass holders. Go City San Diego has an easy reference page for making reservations.
Can I use Go City San Diego during Kids Free San Diego in October?
It depends. Kids Free San Diego is our annual October event where kids stay, play, and eat for free with a paying adult at over 100 hotels, attractions, and restaurants throughout the county.
To take advantage of these savings at theme parks and museums, you must purchase a qualifying ticket. Go City San Diego is not a qualifying ticket for most parks. In 2024, it was a qualifying ticket for San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Can I upgrade at LEGOLAND California to include the Water Park or SEA LIFE Aquarium?
Yes. Visit Guest Relations near the park entrance and request a pass upgrade.
Children under age 2 pay a small fee to enter the water park (they enjoy free admission to the main park). The most important thing to remember is to check the resort calendar, as the parks are not open daily during the off-peak season.
What is the Difference Between the Go San Diego Card and Go City San Diego?
Go City San Diego is also referred to as Go San Diego, Go San Diego Card, San Diego Go Pass, San Diego Go Card, and Go Card San Diego. Rest assured that these names all refer to the same sightseeing pass.
The card part has been dropped from the name since, well, it’s no longer a physical card but rather a pass that can be printed or accessed digitally.
What About the Old Explorer Pass?
If you’re a returning reader, you might be looking for the Explorer Pass, which let you pick a set number of attractions to visit over 60 days.
Although you may still find the Explorer Pass on third-party sites like Expedia, Go City’s official website has streamlined its offerings and now features the Essentials Pass as its primary choice-based option.
The Essentials Pass is a simpler, more structured pass, and it’s important to know how it works. I think it’s going to sell very well based on the numbers I’ve run.
Final Verdict: Which Go City San Diego Pass Should You Buy?
For me, the decision comes down to one simple question: Which major theme parks are on your list?
Here’s my simple guide to choosing:
- Buy the Essentials Pass if you’re here for a quick trip and want to visit just one major theme park, plus two other classic sights, such as the USS Midway or a harbor cruise.
- Buy the All-Inclusive Pass if you are not visiting SeaWorld, the Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, or Knott’s Berry Farm. This pass is perfect for a packed trip focused on museums and tours for one set price.
- Buy the All-Inclusive Pass Plus if you’re a first-timer, a family with kids, or anyone who wants the complete, no-limits San Diego experience. This pass is the only one that grants access to all the major theme parks, as well as over 45 other attractions.
Regardless of which option you choose, the Go City San Diego pass is a fantastic way to save money. By doing a little math and picking the right pass, you can lock in your budget and focus on enjoying your vacation.
Tip: I recently tested immediate delivery twice and found it to be effective (as it was when I purchased Go New York Explorer Passes outside The Metropolitan Museum of Art a few years ago). To ensure the timely delivery of your Go City San Diego Passes, I recommend purchasing in advance. I did have one reader report not immediately receiving her passes after an on-the-spot purchase.
Do You Have Questions About Using the Go City San Diego Pass?
Please ask them here in the comments, and I’ll find the answers for you. And if you’ve used the pass, please share your experiences.
Go City San Diego – Exclusive Promo Code!
Use promo code GOSDO5LJM to apply an extra 5% off ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes when you buy through Go City! This discount stacks on top of sale rates!
(Pass has limited value for families at many attractions during Kids Free October in San Diego — we recommend individual tickets during this timeframe instead.)
Katie Dillon
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