One of the easiest ways to save money on San Diego attractions is with Go San Diego (also formerly known as a Go San Diego Card). Many readers and clients buy this sightseeing pass through me, thanks to a discount I have, so I have deep insight into how this pass is used on real-life vacations.

While this sightseeing pass is hugely popular with tourists, locals should also consider it for touring attractions during school breaks or with visiting family and friends.

To decide whether Go San Diego is worth it for you, you’ll need to understand the two pass options and how to use them. You’ll also need to crunch some numbers.

In this post, I’ll also share some answers to questions I frequently get about Go San Diego and mention some of the benefits that extend beyond the savings.

You can save on tickets, tours, and hotels through my affiliations. If you make purchases through the links in this post, I may be compensated.

PLEASE NOTE: Go San Diego passes are not qualifying tickets for the annual Kids Free San Diego promotion in October.

EXCLUSIVE LA JOLLA MOM DISCOUNT

Use promo code LJM10SDO to apply an extra 10% off ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes! This discount stacks on top of sale rates! Expires 12/31/22.

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The entrance sign at San Diego Zoo, which you can visit using the Go San Diego Card.
You can visit the San Diego Zoo with any pass

Top 10 Reasons Why I Recommend Go San Diego

1. You Can Save Up to 60% on San Diego Attractions

The best reason to buy Go San Diego is for the discounted admission. Keep in mind how much you can save will depend on what type of pass you choose and what you decide to do. Based on my research, the typical savings range from 20-60%, but this depends on the type of pass chosen.

It is difficult to get this large of a discount without this pass — especially for those who are avid sightseers or have long San Diego vacations planned.

2. There Is a Risk-Free Guarantee — Buy Now, Travel Later

If you buy Go San Diego and wind up not using it, you have 90 days from your purchase date to return any non-activated or unused passes for a refund. This 90-day policy applies to purchases after September 1, 2020. If you return the pass within 14 days, you’ll receive a full refund. Between day 15 and day 90, your refund will be subject to a small processing fee. Read the refund policy for more details.

You also have two years from the date of purchase to activate your pass.

3. All Major San Diego Attractions Participate & You Can Visit Them Once Per Day

Everything I would classify as a major San Diego attraction can be visited using Go San Diego (the full list is below), including the San Diego Zoo®, San Diego Zoo Safari Park®, LEGOLAND® California, Belmont Park, Old Town Trolley, plus the most kid-friendly museums in Balboa Park.

You may visit included attractions once per day subject to restrictions outlined in the guidebook that comes with your pass. If an attraction doesn’t require reservations, you simply show your pass at the gate for entry. If it does require reservations, you might be restricted by reservation availability.

At the time of this writing, the only major attraction that requires reservations is LEGOLAND California. Some tours do as well.

Kids drive LEGO cars around a track at LEGOLAND, a Go San Diego Card attraction.
Kids love driving school at LEGOLAND California

4. Go San Diego Saves Time

With the Go San Diego pass, you won’t have to wait in a ticket booth line when you visit San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego, or the USS Midway Museum, which saves significant time during the summer season, especially. It is quicker to present Go San Diego for entry at museums, like San Diego Air and Space Museum, than to go through a ticket purchase transaction.

Once you purchase the Go San Diego pass, you can use it in two ways. Download the Go City app, enter your login details (from your ticket purchase), and use the digital ticket generated by the app.

Tip: I often 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.

Or, a printable ticket will be emailed to you with your purchase confirmation. Print the ticket and use it as your entry. Be sure that you are printing the actual ticket and not just the confirmation email.

5. There Are TWO Flexible Pass Options

Which you choose comes down to crunching numbers based on how you think you’ll sightsee in San Diego. You’ll need to pay close attention to which theme parks, museums, tours, and more are included with each pass option.

All-Inclusive Pass

Who this is for: Avid sightseers and those who want maximum flexibility to decide their itineraries on a whim. This pass is popular with families who think they’ll visit San Diego Zoo, the Balboa Park Museums (of which there are many you’ll want to bounce in between without admission adding up), and another theme park. Or, it’s popular with families visiting San Diego with kids who intend to see all four major theme parks.

The All-Inclusive option allows users to visit all participating 55+ San Diego attractions at a reduced cost. The benefit of the All-Inclusive pass is that you can make last-minute decisions about which attractions to visit because the likelihood of them being included on this pass is high. This is handy in places like Balboa Park and downtown San Diego where many attractions are near each other.

You may also visit included attractions once per day. So, if you have 3-day All-Inclusive Pass and visit San Diego Zoo on Monday and you don’t finish touring the park, you may return on Tuesday and even Wednesday to see all of the animals on your list.

However, repeat visits may not be possible at attractions that require reservations due to the availability of reservations. You will need to read the included guidebook that comes with your Go San Diego pass in detail to understand restrictions.

The All-Inclusive San Diego City pass is available in 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, and 7-day increments, but needs to be used on consecutive calendar days.

The more you do in San Diego using this pass, the higher your savings will be.

Tip: On occasion, a 1-Day Go San Diego pass (especially using my promo code) can be less than a 1-Day admission to LEGOLAND California. I see many people using it for this option alone. You need to understand how to use this pass at LEGOLAND, which I go into more detail below. Also, do not forget that I have a 10% off promo for All-Inclusive passes that stacks on top of sale prices. Access this discount here.

Explorer Pass

Who this is for: Visitors who are planning on sightseeing primarily in downtown San Diego and Balboa Park. They do not plan to visit LEGOLAND California or SeaWorld San Diego and plan on visiting either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

You can only visit one of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Parks with this pass. If you plan on visiting both, you can buy a discounted ticket for the other park using my exclusive San Diego Zoo and Safari Park discounts (password: lajollamom).

The Explorer Pass allows you to purchase admission to 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions. You’ll have 60 days to use it after activation. Some of our major attractions are missing from the list, so you’ll want to ensure that everything you want to see is included. That being said, it’s an excellent option that can save you up to 60% off of gate pricing.

If you live in San Diego and your family doesn’t have an annual membership to our theme parks or local museums, this is a great way to save on local fun.

6. You Get Instant Digital Delivery

If you forgot to buy a Go San Diego pass and are standing in front of an attraction you’d like to visit, do not worry. You can purchase on the spot and use the pass immediately. You can use my discount on All-Inclusive passes.

Here are some tips for purchasing on the spot. Choose and purchase your pass. Screenshot the confirmation page that has your order number and email that you used on it. You will want this order number in case you need to contact customer service.

Before Go City emails you your tickets, they’ll send an email asking you to confirm your email address. Check your spam for this email if it doesn’t arrive immediately. Once you hit confirm, they will send you a second email with your tickets. You can print these tickets or pull them up on your phone.

Alternatively, you can download the Go City app. Click “Look Up Pass” to enter your order number and email address (after you’ve confirmed your email). This will pull your pass into the app for immediate use.

I recommend screenshotting your Go San Diego pass just in case the WiFi isn’t good where you are. That way, you always have the QR code accessible.

Tip: I personally tested immediate delivery twice on 7/3/21 and it worked for me (as it did when purchasing Go New York Explorer Passes when we were outside of The Metropolitan Museum of Art a few years ago). To ensure delivery of your Go San Diego passes, it’s better to purchase in advance. I did have one reader report not immediately receiving her passes.

7. You Can Skip the Theme Parks and Still Save

Do not assume that you need to visit a high-cost theme park in order to save with Go San Diego. This sightseeing pass suits all types of travelers whether you’re here to explore the outdoors or museum hop. Quite a few water sports rentals and tours can be included as options.

8. You Can Manage Multiple Passes from One Phone

It’s easy to manage multiple Go City passes on one phone if they were purchased in the same transaction and tied to your account. Load up the passes and simply swipe between them for scanning when entering an attraction (I was recently in charge of scanning our New York Explorer passes and it could not have been easier). The app also allows you to contact customer service with one tap.

After you register your purchase of a Go San Diego pass on the app, you’ll get immediate access to directions, hours, other tips for making the most of your San Diego visit, and much more handy information all in one spot.

9. The Pass Provides Cost Certainty

Many travelers buy tickets and sightseeing passes in advance because they like to spread out the costs associated with a vacation to avoid multiple larger expenses around the dates of travel.

I’ve learned over time that many people purchase this pass, particularly the All-Inclusive pass, in advance of traveling because they like the cost certainty knowing that all attractions they’d like to visit are included and won’t need to worry if the kids want to enter a museum that wasn’t budgeted for.

10. It’s an Easy Gift

Do you have family and friends coming to San Diego for a vacation? Skip the mall shopping and opt for a Go San Diego pass that can be delivered to your recipient via email. Be sure to use the recipient’s name and email address when you check out.

Many other cities offer Go City passes, too. You might be able to get Go City passes for most of the people on your gift-giving list.

Fish swim near colorful coral at Birch Aquarium which is included on the Go San Diego Card.
Birch Aquarium in La Jolla is included.

What Else You Should Know Before Buying a Go San Diego Pass

  • Most San Diego attractions do not charge admission for children under the age of 3. Children ages 3-12 enjoy a reduced Go San Diego price.
  • You will receive a guidebook that outlines how to use the pass at each included attraction. It is also accessible in the Go City app.
  • The pass is not valid on a 24-hour basis. That means if you visit an attraction at noon on Monday, the remainder of day 1 lasts until attractions close on Monday. Tuesday will be counted as day two.
  • You do not need reservations for the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, or SeaWorld San Diego. You do need reservations for LEGOLAND California and some included tours.

The most popular pass is the 5-Day All-Inclusive. Most users visit 2-3 attractions per day with this option though our theme parks are usually full-day experiences. And, if you are exploring the museums at Balboa Park, you could easily hit five attractions in a day.

List of Participating Go San Diego Pass Attractions

Participating attractions and their restrictions frequently change, but this list is accurate as of June 2021. You will need to make reservations to visit some of these attractions. Check which ones are available at the time you purchase your pass.

No reservations are required to visit San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park or SeaWorld San Diego when using Go San Diego!

Theme Parks

  • LEGOLAND California 1-Day Theme Park Ticket: Both passes <–upgrade at the park to include SEA LIFE Aquarium or the water park
  • SeaWorld San Diego: Both passes
  • San Diego Zoo: All-Inclusive and Explorer Pass (the Explorer pass allows you to visit either the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park, not both).
  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park: All-Inclusive and Explorer Pass (the Explorer pass allows you to visit either the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park, not both).
  • Belmont Park Ride and Play: Both passes

Museums

  • Birch Aquarium at Scripps: Both passes
  • Japanese Friendship Garden: Both passes
  • Living Coast Discovery Center: Both passes
  • Museum of Contemporary Art (Downtown): All-Inclusive
  • Museum of Photographic Arts: All-Inclusive
  • San Diego Air and Space Museum: Both passes
  • San Diego Art Institute: All-Inclusive
  • San Diego Automotive Museum: All-Inclusive
  • San Diego History Center: All-Inclusive
  • San Diego Maritime Museum: Explorer
  • San Diego Model Railroad Museum: Both passes
  • San Diego Museum of Art: Both passes
  • San Diego Museum of Us: Both passes
  • San Diego Natural History Museum: Both passes
  • The Fleet Science Center with IMAX: Both passes
  • The Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House: All-Inclusive
  • The New Children’s Museum: Temporarily not available
  • Whaley House: Temporarily not available
  • USS Midway Museum: Both passes

Tours

  • Flagship One-Way Coronado Ferry: All-Inclusive
  • Flagship Patriot Jet Boat: Explorer
  • Go Car San Diego Tours: 30-Minute Navigational Tour: All-Inclusive
  • Go Car San Diego Tours: 60-Minute Navigational Tour: Explorer
  • Hornblower Cruises One Hour San Diego Harbor Cruise: All-Inclusive
  • Hornblower Cruises Best of the Bay Cruise: Explorer
  • Hornblower Cruises Whale Watching Tour: Both passes
  • iRide 1-hour Electric Scooter Rental: Explorer
  • Old Town Trolley 2-Day Hop-on, Hop-off: Explorer
  • Old Town Trolley SEAL Tour: Explorer
  • Petco Park Tour: Both passes
  • San Diego Hiking Tour: Explorer
  • San Diego Speed Boat Adventures: Both passes

Water Sports

  • Coronado – 90-Minute Tandem Kayak Rental: Both passes
  • Coronado – Full-Day Bike Rental: Both passes
  • Coronado – Stand Up Paddle Board Rental: Both passes
  • La Jolla – Full-Day Snorkel Rental: Both passes
  • La Jolla – 90-Minute Kayak Rental: Both passes
  • La Jolla – Full-Day Bike Rental: Both passes
  • La Jolla – Surfboard Rental: Both passes
  • La Jolla – 90 Minute Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental: Both passes
  • Mission Beach – Jet Ski Rental: Explorer
  • Ocean Beach – San Diego Pier Fishing: Both passes
  • San Diego Harbor – 1 Hour Pedal Boat Rental: All-Inclusive
  • San Diego Harbor – 2 Hour Stand Up Paddleboard Rental: Both passes
  • San Diego Harbor – 2-Hour Kayak Rental: All passes
  • San Diego Harbor – 45-Minute Jet Ski Rental: Explorer

Other Fun San Diego Activities

  • Pure Brewing Tasting (3 locations): All-Inclusive
  • San Diego Padres Ticket: Build your Own
  • Speed Circuit Race & Ropes Combo: All passes
  • UTC Ice Sports Center (ice skating + skate rental): All-Inclusive, Explorer

Orange County and Los Angeles

  • Dolby Theatre Tours: All-Inclusive
  • The Escape Game Irvine: All-Inclusive
  • Knott’s Berry Farm: Temporarily not available
  • Knott’s Soak City Water Park: Temporarily not available
  • Hollywood Museum: All-Inclusive
  • Newport Landing Whale Watching & Dolphin Cruises: All-Inclusive
  • South Coast Plaza Shop & Dine Package: All-Inclusive
  • Universal Studios Hollywood: Temporarily not available

FAQs About Go San Diego

Here is the TL;DR (too long, didn’t read) for those who need a recap on how a Go San Diego pass can work for your vacation.

What is a Go City pass?

Go City passes help you save money while sightseeing in major cities worldwide, including San Diego. The pass is a single, multi-attraction pass that will save money because you are purchasing combined admission to a city’s top attractions, tours, and museums at a lower price than you’d pay at the gate. We personally use these passes when we travel.

There are two different types of Go City passes you can buy when you’re exploring San Diego. Go San Diego pass options include All-Inclusive passes and Explorer passes.

What is the Difference Between the Go San Diego Card and Go San Diego?

Go San Diego is also referred to as 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.

How do I use Go San Diego?

After choosing the right Go San Diego pass for your visit, download the Go City app to access it on your smartphone. You can also print a paper copy of the ticket that will be emailed to you with your purchase confirmation.

Most pass options let you enjoy perks around the city, from skipping lines to freebies to discounts at restaurants and shops. All is explained in the guidebook you receive.

What is Go San Diego used for?

You can get discounted admission to more than 55 destinations in San Diego and Southern California, including theme parks like SeaWorld San Diego and Knott’s Berry Farm (temporarily not available), plus hotspots like the USS Midway Museum, Belmont Park, Birch Aquarium, and select San Diego Harbor cruises. The more you do with your Go San Diego pass, the more you’ll save!

Do Go San Diego passes expire?

The All-Inclusive Go Pass for San Diego can be purchased in 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- and 7-day increments. The pass is activated the first time you use it at a participating attraction and valid for the number of consecutive days that you purchased. Explorer passes are valid for 60 days after activation.

You have one year from the date of purchase to begin using all passes. After one year, it will expire. You can only return unused passes for refunds for 90 days after the purchase date. Read the full terms and conditions to understand the refund policy.

Can you take money off a Go San Diego pass?

Once you’ve activated your Go City pass, you can’t make changes to your pass or deduct cash from it.

Is the Go City pass worth it?

I always tell people that it takes some number crunching to decide if sightseeing passes fit your vacation needs. You’ll need to weigh the price of admission for the attractions you’d like to see against the cost of the type of pass (All-Inclusive or Explorer) you’ll need. However, I will tell you that some people focus on its convenience aspect and cost certainty.

How do I use Go San Diego at LEGOLAND California?

The All-Inclusive and Explorer Go San Diego pass includes admission to the LEGOLAND California park only. However, it is straightforward to upgrade your day at a ticket booth or near the entrance at guest relations to include LEGOLAND Water Park and/or SEA LIFE Aquarium. However, children ages 2 and under pay a small fee to enter the water park (they are free to enter the main park, however).

The most important thing to remember to do is check the resort calendar as the parks are not open daily during the off-peak season. You can learn more in our Guide to LEGOLAND California.

Do I Need reservations at San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park if I’m Using Go San Diego?

No! You do not need to make reservations. Just show up at each park with your pass.

Can I use Go San Diego during Kids Free San Diego in October?

No. 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 San Diego is not a qualifying ticket.

Do You Have Questions About the Go San Diego Pass?

Ask them here in the comments, and I can find out the answers for you. And if you’ve used the pass, please share your experiences.

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LJM Exclusive: Use promo code LJM10SDO to apply an extra 10% discount on ALL Go San Diego passes. The discount stacks on top of sale prices. Expires 12/31/22.

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Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).

Planning a Trip to San Diego? Start Here!

And, don’t forget to save money on sightseeing with my discount tickets or a Go San Diego Card.

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71 Comments

  1. Hi, we’re visiting San Diego late June/early July, and want to buy a Go San Diego 7 day pass. Is there a better time to do it? I’m on their email list and am generally getting weekly discount codes. are there discounts of more than 10% off the pass available at a certain time? I figured there would be for Memorial Day, but it’s still 10%.

    thanks.

    Reply

    1. Hi. I rarely see it for less than that. However, I just noticed that Groupon, one of our site affiliates, has a deal for a 2-day Go San Diego Card here —>http://bit.ly/2rkWPcc

      There are some restrictions like the pass must be redeemed in 30 days, etc. With Groupon it’s important to always read the terms and conditions. If you need a longer pass, it’s probably best to redeem your 10% discount. I get notified about promos, too, from the advertising side and I haven’t yet seen anything for Memorial Day. Will advise if something comes through!

      (Edit: I just saw you need a 7-day pass so the Groupon isn’t long enough for you.)

      Reply

    1. Sometimes you can find a coupon on their site. It usually appears when you sign up for their newsletter. It is usually about 5%, however!

      Reply

  3. We bought a 4 day pass at Costco.com and it includes the 4 Big Theme Parks and it’s at a discounted price. They also sell a 2 day pass without the theme parks at a discounted price. I think you have to be a Costco member to purchase them but I’m not totally sure. We are coming for spring break this next week so I’m excited to use them! Thank you for all the great information you’ve shared on here!! It helps so much when planning our trip.

    Reply

  4. Hi, we are a family of 2 adults and 2 kids ages 8 and 6. We are coming to San Diego in October. I see most places kids are free that month. Can the adults purchase a go card and the kids get in free or do we need to pay full price at each gate for adult admission? Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Sadly, no. Each attraction has their own rules about how the Kids Go Free works and I don’t see the updated information online yet. However, rest assured that October is one of the best months for families to come because of Kids Go Free so don’t let this change your plans.

      Reply

  5. Hi! Thank you for your site. I see you mention access to an exclusive 10% discount until 5/31/2018 on the all-inclusive Go City Cards in San Diego. It shows 10% at the top of the page. However, when you enter the website per the link, the banner changes to say there is a 5% discount. None of the pricing (for example, the 3 day GOSanDiego for $209) seems to reflect any discount. Is that done at the checkout?
    Thanks for the help.

    Reply

    1. That is strange. It should show in the cart after you select the number of people you’d like to buy an all-inclusive pass for. Try this link here – www.tkqlhce.com/click-7884968-13291265

      If it doesn’t work, I’ll have them troubleshoot! Thanks for letting me know!

      Reply

  6. Hello,
    If we buy a 3 day/4 day Sandiego card, Can we use the card to visit 2 attractions on 1 day?
    We want to cover: Zoo, Safari Park, Sea World and Lego land. we have only 3 days in san diego.

    Reply

    1. Hi! You can now go to SeaWorld and other participating attractions on the All-Inclusive pass once per day for the duration of your pass.

      Reply

      1. Hi, in a number of places here you say that the All Inclusive pass is only good for 1 day’s entry to an attraction for the duration of the pass. So for example, you say you can visit Legoland for one day but not go back for a second day, even if your All Inclusive pass window has not expired.

        That is directly contradicting what Go City says in their FAQs: https://gocity.com/san-diego/en-us/faqs

        “Can I visit the same attraction more than once on my All-Inclusive Pass?
        With an All-Inclusive Pass, you can visit each attraction once per day for the duration of your pass. So, say you didn’t quite make it around a museum before closing time, you can always go back the following day (if the attraction doesn’t require a booking, of course).

        I also emailed Go City with this question and they responded by pointing me to the FAQ above.

        So, who is correct? It matters a lot for our vacation if we can use the Go City pass to visit Legoland (and Sea World) more than once on the same pass. 🙂 Can you clarify?

        Thanks!

        Reply

        1. Funny you should ask this question as I just received the answer to this. You can use the All-Inclusive pass once per day at the included attractions with some limitations. It’s not a problem at attractions that don’t require reservations as you can walk right in with the pass. However, at LEGOLAND, for example, you might be limited by their reservation system and you won’t know until after you purchase the pass because you need its number to make reservations. I sell LEGOLAND tickets also and I haven’t had any issues with people not being able to secure a reservation but there is always that possibility. You will not have any issues at SeaWorld San Diego because they no longer require reservations.

          Reply

  8. Hello! I was told that there are certain black out dates where attractions won’t accept the go cards. Is this true, if so, how do I know if my dates are blacked out?

    Reply

    1. Hi Dolly. I checked with the Smart Destinations team and they are unaware of any blackout dates in San Diego at any attractions. I also haven’t heard of anyone in San Diego experiencing a blackout date. What attraction did you hear has blackout dates?

      Reply

  9. I want to make sure I understand the GO San Diego cards… I need (4), 3 day cards. 3 adults, 1 child. If we purchase these cards, do we just scan the card at the attraction and get in? Or is it more like a coupon where we’d just get a discounted admission to each attraction? I hope this makes sense…

    Reply

  11. Is parking included in the Go San Diego Card? If not, are there discounted parking passes that can be purchased ahead of time? Any tips for parking you have is greatly appreciated!

    Reply

    1. Parking is not included. Parking at the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park is free. I do know that you can purchase parking in advance for SeaWorld San Diego but it’s the same price as if you were to pay on the day. I don’t know of any discounted parking passes unfortunately!

      Reply

  12. For the go pass, what ticket do you get with this pass for the San Diego Zoo? When I look at the Zoo website, they have several ticket options, so I was unsure as to what is included in the Go Pass Zoo ticket. Thanks!

    Reply

  13. If I purchase the 4-day pass from Costco, can I use the pass on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday or do I need to use the pass 4 days consecutively?

    Reply

    1. I am not sure of Costco pass terms and conditions, but typically you have to use it across consecutive days. I would look at the 5-day pass. I have a 10% discount that applies to sale rates so it might be a wash or close to it.

      Reply

    1. It’s $10 off of $40 as outlined here: https://gocity.com/san-diego/en-us/additional-offers-and-discounts

      Reply

  15. Hi I purchased a Build your own go pass (San Diego) and have one unused entry. How do I go about getting a refund for the pass? I purchased the pass online and received my pass via email (to my phone)
    thanks

    Reply

    1. Apologies for the delay as I am just seeing this but would like to answer because it is a good question. You will sadly not be able to get a refund for unused entries after the pass is activated.

      Reply

  16. Do you know if you buy adult Go cards during kids free October events if it counts as purchased adult ticket? Trying to determine if I need to buy them for the kids too this month

    Reply

  17. Hi, thanks a lot for your blog!
    Could you please clarify about repeated entries to the same museums on different days. If we buy a 7 day pass, can we enter LEGO land and zoo twice during this week on different days?
    Thank you!

    Reply

    1. Thanks for posting this! You receive a one-time entry to eligible attractions so you would not be able to enter an attraction two times on one pass. I hope this makes sense! (Edit 8/2021: you can now visit each attraction on the All-Inclusive pass once per day)

      Reply

  18. We would like to use the Go San Diego explorer pass tomorrow at the safari park. With COVID restrictions, can we just go there and get admitted with our pass?

    Reply

  19. Hi, so much useful information thanks so much! The link doesn’t give you an option for the build your own pass. It also looks like Legoland is not an option on the list, do you know if they are currently not participating?

    Reply

    1. Hi Karla. I just asked for clarification on Build Your Own because they just pulled that from inventory. LEGOLAND just reopened a few days ago to California residents only so it’s likely they won’t be able to participate until that restriction is removed by the state (just a hunch on my part because I’m seeing similar with other CA theme parks) because they have always particiapted.

      Reply

  20. We are visiting at the first week in August. I am wondering if I buy the go pass all of the resorts now are requiring reservations. Will the go passes have the information I need to make those reservations on each of the websites? We want to do Legoland, sea world, the zoo. Thank you

    Reply

    1. Hi! You do not need to make reservations for San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park. You do need to make reservations for SeaWorld. LEGOLAND isn’t currently listed on the pass but that’s likely because it’s just opened. It usually is. Things will likely change a little between now and the time you visit. Check this page for how to use your pass and where you’ll need to make reservations.

      Reply

  21. Can you tell me if the La Jolla Kayak attraction is a guided tour of the sea caves or just a kayak rental? Do you know which kayak rental company it is through?

    Reply

    1. Hi Holly. It’s a 90-minute kayak rental through Bike and Kayak in La Jolla Shores. If you are looking for guided tours (which I would recommend), Bike and Kayak has them also or I have a discount at Everyday California a few steps away. Use code lajollamom and click the green checkmark on the tour/rental booking page for 20% off here.

      Reply

  22. Hi! Do you know how many of these options will be open the week of May 29-June 5 due to COVID?

    Reply

    1. Hi! Go San Diego does a pretty good job of listing things that are open and included on the pass. On the pass page, where it says “What’s Included” if the attractions are not open they’ll have a banner on them that says “temporarily unavailable.” Most tours are running and all of our theme parks are open. A majority of our theme parks are open also. The one thing to note is that you may have to make reservations in a few places and that information is listed on this page. You do not need reservations to visit San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park – just go straight to the gate with the pass. Hope this helps!

      Reply

  23. Hello! We have 5 vacation days planned in San Diego, but 1 of those days we would like to spend at the beach…. preferably in the middle of the trip so we can have a break between the busier days. If I were to purchase a 5-day Go Pass, and plan to use it for 2 consecutive days, then not use it 1 day (beach day), and then use it again for 2 consecutive days… would that work ok? Or would it stop working on the day that I don’t use it (day 3)? Thanks for your help!

    Reply

    1. Hi! Yes, that would work. You don’t have to use the pass every day. It’s just good for 5 days after you first activated it so if you use it a ton on the first few days and not at all on the third day and again on the fourth and fifth day that’s okay!

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  24. Hi! The Go San Diego pass looks absolutely amazing, as I would like to visit LegoLand, SeaWorld, and a number of museums in Balboa Park. HOWEVER, there is one major problem – there is no longer a Build Your Own option available, and the LegoLand Water Park is not included in the pass — which is #1 or #2 on my most-wanted!

    Do you know if there is a way to currently add on the water park to the Go San Diego pass? I have tried reaching out to LegoLand and not been able to get an answer.

    If there is not, that would mean I’d need to buy the Pass AND whole separate admissions to Legoland…thank you! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Hi! You will need to add the water park at the park ticket booth or guest relations inside of the park. The same goes for SEA LIFE Aquarium. It’s pretty easy to do once you are there! Kids ages 0-2 though pay a small fee to enter the water park even though they don’t need a ticket to enter or a Go San Diego card.

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  26. Hi, I’m trying to use the 10% off but the price is showing pretty much the same price as the original price. Is there a promo code I could use??

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  27. Thank you so much for this great information. We are planning a trip in August and I was looking at this pass. We plan to do the big 3 for sure and then spend time at Legoland and stay at one of the Lego hotels. My question is do you know if the Legoland pass is a park hopper? Do you know if it includes the water park and aquarium?

    Reply

    1. It is not a park hopper. Go San Diego includes only the park. You can upgrade your ticket at the ticket booth or guest relations to includes the water park or SEA LIFE Aquarium.

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  28. Can you recommend hotels to stay in that are centrally located to the attractions in a Go San Diego pass? We have a 7 day pass for a family of 4 and are coming in August.

    Reply

    1. Hi Samantha. Apologies for the late reply as I wasn’t being notified of my comments! I want to answer this because it’s still August and I do not know when you are visiting. You will be okay staying anywhere in coastal San Diego since our attractions can be spread out. However, if you are looking for somewhere central with easy freeway access I like the Mission Bay area hotels like San Diego Mission Bay Resort or Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Resort. Have fun!

      Reply

  29. Hi. We bought 3 day passes and are wondering if we can visit all of the Big 3 (Legoland, SeaWorld and Safari) on 3 different days or are we only allowed one major park on our pass? I’m asking because we made Legoland reservations but weren’t able to make them for SeaWorld. Thank you soooooo much for any info you can provide.

    Reply

    1. Hi. Apologies for the late reply as I wasn’t being notified of comments for some reason! As of now, you do not need reservations at SeaWorld. With all-inclusive passes though you can visit theme parks in any order. If you visit two in one day that’s okay! You can just visit each included attraction once per day with the all-inclusive passes (some restrictions apply which are detailed in the guidebook you receive when you purchase your pass.

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  30. Katie, thanks for all of the great information. We’re traveling to San Diego in two weeks and have learned a lot from your website. However, I’ve tried clicking on all of your links to get the Go San Diego Pass, but the discount doesn’t apply. Am I doing something wrong? I’d like to buy the Explorer Pass for either 3 attractions or 4 attractions, and the price lists as either $90 or $117. I’ll be buying passes for six people, so the 10% discount would add up. How do I get it?

    Thanks.

    Reply

    1. Hi Paul apologies for the delay as I wasn’t being notified of comments to this post for some reason but I want to answer this because I’m sure other people have the same question. The discount only applies to the All-Inclusive pass, not the Explorer Pass.

      Reply

  31. Hi there!

    As of now we have to make reservations at Sea World and Legoland. 1) Does making a reservation activate the Go SD card? 2) How do we reserve our tickets at Sea World with the Go SD pass? Are we a “pass member” or “ticket holder”? 3) Are we able to reserve entry to Legoland and their Water Park with the Go SD pass? I saw that you mention above that the Go SD pass is for Legoland only.

    That’s it for now. Thanks for your help!

    Reply

    1. Making the reservation does not activate the pass. As of now, you do not need a reservation to visit SeaWorld. You would be a ticket holder though and not a pass member (pass member was for their park annual pass holders. You can upgrade your Go San Diego pass at LEGOLAND to include the water park (it’s pretty easy to do at guest relations or the ticket booth).

      Reply

  32. Can I visit San Diego Zoo for two days with the All inclusive pass? I always hear people tell me they wished they did two days at San Diego Zoo

    Reply

    1. You can visit San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park once per day for the duration of your All-Inclusive pass.

      Reply

  33. Does the all-inclusive go pass include admission to the water park at Legoland or just the theme park?

    Reply

    1. Go San Diego includes park admission only. You can upgrade it at the park though to include SEA LIFE and the water parks.

      Reply

  34. I need to buy 2 adult 2 day San Diego city pass, and one 2 day San Diego city pass for a 12 year old.

    Reply

      1. Hi Katie,

        I’ve ordered 2 times from Go City and after 3-4 days each time they canceled the order with no explanation. I’ve tried calling and emailing but they just tell me to try again. I’ve check the cards, used alternative payments, etc. Any tips? Thanks, and we love your blog–its an incredible resource!

        Reply

        1. Hi Bonnie. I haven’t heard of this at all. I’m wondering if it’s perhaps better to call to order (but the discount probably wouldn’t apply). The other route you can take is to order through aRes Travel who will accept the payment, not Go City.

          All-Inclusive: https://lajollamom.arestravel.com/attraction/single/10244/113
          Explorer: https://lajollamom.arestravel.com/attraction/single/10244/2011

          The above has a little bit of a discount built in. If you have a similar issue with aRes let me know.

          Reply

  35. Thanks for all the great information. We purchased 5 all inclusive passes and plan to visit Legoland for 2 consecutive days. I was told by Go City customer service that Legoland reservation system may not allow me to make reservation multiple times with the same Go pass number. But on their website, it states clearly multiple entry for Legoland with all inclusive. From my understanding, with Go pass, you can only make reservation for one day at a time, and then make another one for the next day after you enter the park (subject to availability). And you can visit as many days as you like during the duration of your passes. Is that right? Please clarify!

    Thanks!

    Reply