San Francisco CityPASS®

Discover the ultimate way to explore San Francisco's top attractions with the convenient and cost-effective San Francisco CityPASS®, which offers a range of customizable options.

San Francisco CityPASS® is an excellent option for visitors looking to explore the city’s top attractions efficiently and economically. With a comprehensive package that includes prepaid admission to must-see sites, travelers can customize their experience by selecting from a range of additional attractions. While the pass offers substantial savings and convenience, there are a few key details to consider when planning your San Francisco adventure.

Key Points

San Francisco CityPASS® - Key Points

  • San Francisco CityPASS offers prepaid admission to top attractions, including the California Academy of Sciences and Blue & Gold Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruise.
  • Visitors can choose two additional attractions from a selection of five, including the Aquarium of the Bay and Exploratorium.
  • The CityPASS provides excellent value with significant savings compared to purchasing individual attraction tickets.
  • The pass is valid for 9 consecutive days and non-activated tickets expire in one year, making it ideal for first-time and repeat visitors.
  • Attractions are conveniently located near public transportation, and the CityPASS enhances the overall visitor experience with mobile tickets and accessibility options.

Overview

The San Francisco CityPASS is a popular sightseeing pass that provides visitors with prepaid admission to some of the city’s top attractions.

With over 363 reviews and a 91% traveler recommendation, the pass offers excellent value by saving time and money.

The pass is valid for 9 consecutive days, and any non-activated tickets expire one year from the purchase date.

Whether you’re visiting San Francisco for the first time or a repeat traveler, the CityPASS can help you explore the city’s renowned landmarks and experiences conveniently and cost-effectively.

Inclusions and Highlights

San Francisco CityPASS® - Inclusions and Highlights

The San Francisco CityPASS provides visitors with prepaid admission to some of the city’s core attractions as well as a choice between several other popular destinations.

The core attractions included are the California Academy of Sciences and the Blue & Gold Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruise.

Visitors can then choose two from the Aquarium of the Bay, Exploratorium, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), and The Walt Disney Family Museum.

This flexibility allows travelers to customize their experience and maximize their time in the city.

More Great Tours Nearby

Ticketing and Access

San Francisco CityPASS® - Ticketing and Access

San Francisco CityPASS offers mobile tickets that can be presented on a mobile device or printed for easy entry to the included attractions.

The pass provides wheelchair and stroller accessibility, with attractions conveniently located near public transportation.

The meeting point for the pass is in San Francisco, California, USA.

Visitors can take advantage of these benefits:

  • Mobile tickets for seamless entry
  • Wheelchair and stroller accessibility
  • Proximity to public transportation
  • Centralized meeting point in San Francisco

This flexible and convenient ticketing option enhances the overall CityPASS experience, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the city’s top attractions.

Visitor Experiences

San Francisco CityPASS® - Visitor Experiences

Though the San Francisco CityPASS has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with 91% of travelers recommending it, some visitors have encountered issues or found certain attractions underwhelming.

Many praised the overall value and variety of included activities, enjoying their experiences at the core attractions like the California Academy of Sciences and the Bay Cruise.

However, a few reported problems with ticket validity and access, while others felt some optional attractions didn’t meet their expectations.

To maximize the CityPASS, visitors should plan ahead, make reservations when needed, and familiarize themselves with local transportation options.

Savings and Value

San Francisco CityPASS® - Savings and Value

One of the primary benefits of the San Francisco CityPASS is the significant savings it offers visitors.

With prepaid admission to major attractions, travelers can save time and money compared to purchasing individual tickets.

The CityPASS provides tremendous value by including:

  • California Academy of Sciences
  • Blue & Gold Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruise
  • Choice of 2 additional attractions, such as the Aquarium of the Bay, Exploratorium, or SFMOMA
  • Nonactivated tickets that are valid for 1 year from purchase

Planning Your Visit

San Francisco CityPASS® - Planning Your Visit

When planning a visit to San Francisco using the CityPASS, it’s essential to start early to maximize the time and value of the pass.

Carefully review the included attractions and plan your itinerary to ensure you can access everything you want to see. Some attractions, like the Aquarium of the Bay, may require advance reservations, so be sure to check and book as needed.

Plus, familiarize yourself with the local transportation options, such as bus routes and apps, to efficiently move between attractions.

Attraction Reservations

San Francisco CityPASS® - Attraction Reservations

While some San Francisco CityPASS attractions offer direct entry, others may require advance reservations to guarantee admission. This is important for visitors to keep in mind when planning their itinerary:

  • Timed entry slots are recommended for the California Academy of Sciences and the Exploratorium to avoid long lines.
  • The Walt Disney Family Museum advises reserving tickets in advance, as same-day availability may be limited.
  • For the Aquarium of the Bay and San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, CityPASS holders can skip the regular admission lines by presenting their passes.
  • SFMOMA also accepts CityPASS, but visitors should check the museum’s website for any special exhibition reservation requirements.

Transportation Considerations

San Francisco CityPASS® - Transportation Considerations

San Francisco is a compact and walkable city, but visitors using the CityPASS will likely need to navigate the city’s public transportation system to fully experience the included attractions.

The CityPASS offers convenient access to major transit options, including the iconic cable cars, Muni buses, and BART trains.

Downloading transit apps like Muni Mobile or using online journey planners can help plan efficient routes between attractions.

Plus, familiarizing oneself with the local transit system and purchasing a Clipper card for seamless travel are recommended to make the most of the CityPASS experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Citypass Be Purchased at Any of the Included Attractions?

The CityPASS can’t be purchased at the included attractions. It must be purchased in advance, either online or through the mobile app. This ensures visitors get the full benefits and discounts offered by the pass.

Is There a Time Limit to Visit Each Attraction With the Citypass?

There’s no time limit to visit each attraction with the CityPASS. The pass is valid for 9 consecutive days, allowing visitors to explore the attractions at their own pace within that timeframe before the unused tickets expire.

Can the Citypass Be Shared Among Multiple People in a Group?

The CityPASS can’t be shared among multiple people in a group. It’s a single-use ticket that’s valid for the named cardholder only. Using it for someone else would violate the terms and may cause issues at the attractions.

Are There Any Blackout Dates for Using the Citypass?

There are no blackout dates for using the CityPASS. The pass is valid for 9 consecutive days from the first day of use, and the nonactivated tickets expire one year from the purchase date.

Can the Citypass Be Refunded or Exchanged if Not Used?

The CityPASS can’t be refunded, but it can be exchanged or extended if it hasn’t been activated. Visitors should contact CityPASS customer service to discuss options if they don’t plan to use the pass.

The Sum Up

The San Francisco CityPASS® offers an ideal solution for visitors seeking to maximize their time and budget while exploring the city’s top attractions. With pre-paid admission, a customizable experience, and a high traveler recommendation rate, it provides exceptional value and convenience. Whether a first-time or repeat visitor, the CityPASS® simplifies planning and ensures travelers make the most of their San Francisco experience.