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Tuesday, April 8, 2025

San Diego CityPASS Vs Go Metropolis San Diego: Our Recommendation [2025]


San Diego is stuffed with theme parks, museums, excursions, and water sports activities to benefit from. Choosing the proper multi-attraction go 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 provide help to select the perfect one in your itinerary and price range. 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 points of interest. If you’re not visiting one or each of those theme parks, I’ll share why you must as a substitute deal with Go Metropolis.
  • Select Go Metropolis if you would like extra selection, flexibility, or entry to each the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. I believe this go presents nice worth particularly when you plan to bounce between Balboa Park museums.

It’s very a lot value going by way of every go’s options, advantages, and disadvantages that will help 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 Cross

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

Quantity Crunching Suggestions

  • Make a listing of the points of interest you for certain need to see.
  • Get the grownup and worth (bear in mind the age for youths’ pricing adjustments based mostly on the attraction).
  • Get your a calculator or use an spreadsheet.
  • Calculate how a lot it might price shopping for particular person tickets.
  • Examine that price to the sightseeing passes listed beneath that embrace the actions you need to do.
  • Coming quickly — a software that will help you with this.

San Diego CityPASS Options & Advantages

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

San Diego CityPASS presents three easy packages:

What are the three points of interest? Nicely, you possibly can select three from this checklist:

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

I do suppose that it is advisable to 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 go 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 go is good for guests who need to see particular points of interest with out being constrained by the necessity to use it throughout a set variety of consecutive days.

See additionally: My full CityPASS San Diego evaluation.

Go Metropolis San Diego Cross Options & Advantages

go city san diego app illustration

The Go Metropolis San Diego Cross (previously generally known as the Go San Diego Card) presents two versatile kinds of passes:

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

Both association presents a unbelievable selection for individuals who love numerous experiences. They’re particularly value contemplating when you go to Balboa Park Museums, the place admission can add up rapidly.

I just like the Explorer Cross possibility for locals who need to accompany out-of-town visitors to points of interest however don’t need to put money into annual passes.

This go 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 go evaluation.

Evaluating San Diego CityPASS vs. Go Metropolis San Diego Cross

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

  • Attraction Protection
  • Flexibility
  • Potential Financial savings

The viewers for every go additionally differs, influencing which possibility presents the perfect worth.

Attraction Protection

San Diego CityPASS presents entry to in style spots SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California. It permits entry to 3 extra points of interest from a restricted checklist, making it a wonderful alternative for individuals who prioritize main landmarks.

Go Metropolis San Diego Cross supplies a broader choice, that includes over 55 points of interest, together with theme parks, museums, out of doors adventures, and excursions. This go is good for vacationers in search of 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 points of interest included, from harbor cruises to bike leases and Balboa Park museums.

How SeaWorld and LEGOLAND Affect Your Alternative

  • If you’re not visiting SeaWorld or LEGOLAND, CityPASS shouldn’t be worthwhile. Select Go Metropolis.
  • SeaWorld and LEGOLAND should not on the Go Metropolis Explorer Cross. To go to one or each parks, select Go Metropolis All-Inclusive or CityPASS.
  •  You’ll want to 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 go.

Flexibility

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

Go Metropolis San Diego Cross flexibility relies on the go chosen. The All-Inclusive have to be used on consecutive days and the Explorer permits visits over an extended time-frame while not having consecutive days. Th Explorer Cross flexibility could be advantageous for vacationers with various schedules.

Financial savings Potential

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

San Diego CityPASS saves probably the most when 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% when you absolutely make the most of the three choices outdoors of the theme parks.

San Diego CityPASS – Large Financial savings + Promo Code!

Unlock your financial savings with San Diego CityPASS!

(Cross has restricted worth for households at many points of interest throughout Children Free October in San Diego — we advocate particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as a substitute.)

Go Metropolis San Diego financial savings generally is a little harder to calculate since there are such a lot of included points of interest. You’ll need to make certain that you’re visiting a couple of high-value points of interest, 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 way of Go Metropolis! This low cost stacks on prime of sale charges!

(Cross has restricted worth for households at many points of interest throughout Children Free October in San Diego — we advocate particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as a substitute.)

Ease Of Use

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

Go Metropolis San Diego Cross additionally options user-friendly digital tickets by way of their app, which supplies particulars on included points of interest and planning instruments.

You’ll Want Reservations

  • Each San Diego CityPASS and Go Metropolis San Diego Cross require advance reservations for sure points of interest, resembling LEGOLAND California. The passes will provide you with directions for 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 Cross appeals to vacationers who desire a versatile expertise, mixing iconic spots with lesser-known points of interest. It’s good for vacationers who need extra selection and the liberty to discover totally different points of San Diego.

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

Side San Diego CityPASS Go Metropolis San Diego Cross
Attraction Protection Three go choices: Two go choices:
1. SeaWorld San Diego + 3 points of interest 1. All-Inclusive Cross: 55+ points of interest for 1–7 consecutive days.
2. LEGOLAND California + 3 points of interest 2. Explorer Cross: Select 2–7 points of interest, legitimate for 60 days.
3. SeaWorld San Diego + LEGOLAND California + 3 points of interest Gives a greater diversity, together with theme parks, museums, out of doors actions, and excursions.
The three points of interest 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 points of interest 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’ll be able to determine in a while the opposite three points of interest. All-Inclusive Cross: Sights have to be visited on consecutive days.
Legitimate for 9 consecutive days from the primary activation. Explorer Cross: Legitimate for 60 days, permitting spaced-out visits.
You’ll be able to go to included points of interest one time. You’ll be able to go to included points of interest one time.
Financial savings Potential Save as much as 42% on bundled points of interest. 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 points of interest. It may be overwhelming for vacationers with brief journeys or slim itineraries.
Attraction Checklist Measurement 9 attraction choices (select 3 along with the primary theme parks). 55+ points of interest with All-Inclusive Cross.
Explorer Cross is extra selective, specializing in smaller curated lists.
Ease of Use Cellular and printable tickets out there. Cellular tickets out there by way of the Go Metropolis app. Can print the QR code as nicely.
Requires upfront theme park attraction choice. Flexibility to determine points of interest later.
Goal Viewers Households centered on iconic points of interest like SeaWorld, LEGOLAND California, and the Zoo. Vacationers in search of selection, together with museums, out of doors 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 areas. Energy sightseers or long-term guests who need to discover San Diego comprehensively.
Further Perks Can improve experiences (e.g., USS Halfway VR simulators or Maritime Museum narrated cruises) and it consists of skip-the-line privileges and immediate digital supply. Consists of skip-the-line privileges, immediate digital supply, and a risk-free refund coverage for unused passes. Also can improve experiences.
Limitations Requires predominant attraction choice at buy date, limiting spontaneity. All-Inclusive Cross 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 Sights Cross

Selecting between the San Diego CityPASS and Go Metropolis San Diego Cross relies on what you need to see and do in San Diego.

Every go presents distinct advantages, so it’s key to match them to your journey model and pursuits.

San Diego CityPASS

  • Professionals:
    • The San Diego CityPASS is tremendous simple to make use of, particularly for visiting prime household points of interest like SeaWorld and LEGOLAND. It’s good for vacationers with restricted time.
    • The go is legitimate for 9 days, supplying you with ample time to take pleasure in every location with out feeling rushed. This generally is a aid 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 could have to purchase a Balboa Park Explorer Cross or pay a la carte, and this price would possibly imply Go Metropolis All-Inclusive could possibly be cheaper.
    • It’s not the most suitable choice when 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 embrace each the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
    • Go Metropolis Explorer could possibly be higher if it is advisable to see a brief checklist of points of interest as a result of it has an extended use window.

Go Metropolis San Diego

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

When to Select San Diego CityPASS?

  • You’re visiting SeaWorld and/or LEGOLAND plus at the least two of its three different included points of interest.
  • You’ll be able to see every thing inside 9 days.
  • You’ve crunched the numbers and determined this San Diego vacationer go is cheaper than Go Metropolis or shopping for particular person discounted tickets.

When to Select Go Metropolis San Diego Cross?

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

Suggestions for Maximizing Every Cross

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 points of interest.

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 toddler’s ticket at San Diego Zoo is for ages 3-11 and ages 0-2 are free.

Solo Adventurers

Touring alone? It’s possible you’ll need to go for the Go Metropolis San Diego Explorer Cross for flexibility. It lets you take pleasure in a mixture of points of interest at your personal tempo.

Luxurious Vacationers

Luxurious vacationers completely purchase each passes. Even when 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 could be an effective way to navigate between points of interest 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, nevertheless it’s just for at some point.

Make the Most of Your Cross as a Native

These passes aren’t only for vacationers—they’re a unbelievable possibility for San Diego residents, too. Whether or not you’re internet hosting household and buddies or trying to maintain the children entertained throughout summer time 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 points of interest you won’t sometimes discover.

Conclusion & The place to Purchase

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

San Diego CityPASS – Large Financial savings + Promo Code!

Unlock your financial savings with San Diego CityPASS!

(Cross has restricted worth for households at many points of interest throughout Children 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 way of Go Metropolis! This low cost stacks on prime of sale charges!

(Cross has restricted worth for households at many points of interest throughout Children Free October in San Diego — we advocate particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as a substitute.)

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