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San Diego CityPASS Vs Go Metropolis San Diego: Our Recommendation [2024]


San Diego is filled with theme parks, museums, excursions, and water sports activities to benefit from. Choosing the proper multi-attraction cross 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 the way these choices differ and enable you to select the very best one in your itinerary and finances. Right here’s a high-level abstract:

  • Select CityPASS if you wish to go to SeaWorld San Diego and/or LEGOLAND California and not less than 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 an alternative give attention to 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 cross provides nice worth particularly for those who plan to bounce between Balboa Park museums.

It’s very a lot price going by way of every cross’s options, advantages, and disadvantages that can assist 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 Go

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

Quantity Crunching Ideas

  • Make an inventory of the points of interest you for positive wish to see.
  • Get the grownup and value (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 could price shopping for particular person tickets.
  • Evaluate that price to the sightseeing passes listed beneath that embody the actions you wish to do.
  • Coming quickly — a software that can assist you with this.

San Diego CityPASS Options & Advantages

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

San Diego CityPASS provides three easy packages:

What are the three points of interest? Properly, you’ll be able to select three from this listing:

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

I do assume that it’s worthwhile 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 cross 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 cross is good for guests who wish 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 evaluate.

Go Metropolis San Diego Go Options & Advantages

go city san diego app illustration

The Go Metropolis San Diego Go (previously referred to as the Go San Diego Card) provides two versatile varieties of passes:

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

Both association provides a implausible selection for many who love numerous experiences. They’re particularly price contemplating for those who go to Balboa Park Museums, the place admission can add up rapidly.

I just like the Explorer Go choice for locals who wish to accompany out-of-town company to points of interest however don’t wish to spend money on annual passes.

This cross 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 cross evaluate.

Evaluating San Diego CityPASS vs. Go Metropolis San Diego Go

When selecting between the San Diego CityPASS and Go Metropolis San Diego Go, it’s important to think about a number of components:

  • Attraction Protection
  • Flexibility
  • Potential Financial savings

The viewers for every cross additionally differs, influencing which choice provides the very best worth.

Attraction Protection

San Diego CityPASS provides entry to well-liked spots SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California. It permits entry to a few extra points of interest from a restricted listing, making it a superb alternative for many who prioritize main landmarks.

Go Metropolis San Diego Go gives a broader choice, that includes over 55 points of interest, together with theme parks, museums, outside adventures, and excursions. This cross is good for vacationers looking for a mixture of well-known websites and smaller, distinctive experiences.

Many Go Metropolis San Diego customers skip the theme parks completely 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 are usually not on the Go Metropolis Explorer Go. To go to one or each parks, select Go Metropolis All-Inclusive or CityPASS.
  •  It’s essential 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 cross.

Flexibility

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

Go Metropolis San Diego Go flexibility relies on the cross chosen. The All-Inclusive should be used on consecutive days and the Explorer permits visits over an extended timeframe with no need consecutive days. Th Explorer Go flexibility may be advantageous for vacationers with diversified schedules.

Financial savings Potential

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

San Diego CityPASS saves essentially the most for those who 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% for those who absolutely make the most of the three choices outdoors of the theme parks.

San Diego CityPASS – Unique Low cost!

Use promo code WINTER to use an additional $5 off San Diego CityPASS sightseeing passes while you purchase by way of our ticket website! Evaluate to direct pricing.

(Go has restricted worth for households at many points of interest throughout Youngsters Free October in San Diego — we suggest particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as an alternative.)

Go Metropolis San Diego financial savings generally is a little tougher to calculate since there are such a lot of included points of interest. You’ll wish to make sure that you’re visiting a number 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 while you purchase by way of Go Metropolis! This low cost stacks on prime of sale charges!

(Go has restricted worth for households at many points of interest throughout Youngsters Free October in San Diego — we suggest particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as an alternative.)

Ease Of Use

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

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

You’ll Want Reservations

  • Each San Diego CityPASS and Go Metropolis San Diego Go require advance reservations for sure points of interest, resembling LEGOLAND California. The passes offers you directions for make the reservations.
  • I like to recommend making these reservations ASAP.

Goal Viewers

San Diego CityPASS is finest for these targeted SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, and both the Zoo or Safari Park (not each).

Go Metropolis San Diego Go appeals to vacationers who need 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 facets of San Diego.

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

Side San Diego CityPASS Go Metropolis San Diego Go
Attraction Protection Three cross choices: Two cross choices:
1. SeaWorld San Diego + 3 points of interest 1. All-Inclusive Go: 55+ points of interest for 1–7 consecutive days.
2. LEGOLAND California + 3 points of interest 2. Explorer Go: Select 2–7 points of interest, legitimate for 60 days.
3. SeaWorld San Diego + LEGOLAND California + 3 points of interest Gives a greater variety, together with theme parks, museums, outside actions, and excursions.
The three points of interest may very well be: San Diego Zoo OR Safari Park, USS Halfway Museum, Birch Aquarium, Metropolis Cruises and Maritime Museum of San Diego. Contains 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 may resolve in a while the opposite three points of interest. All-Inclusive Go: Points of interest should be visited on consecutive days.
Legitimate for 9 consecutive days from the primary activation. Explorer Go: Legitimate for 60 days, permitting spaced-out visits.
You may go to included points of interest one time. You may 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 principle theme parks). 55+ points of interest with All-Inclusive Go.
Explorer Go is extra selective, specializing in smaller curated lists.
Ease of Use Cellular and printable tickets out there. Cellular tickets out there through the Go Metropolis app. Can print the QR code as properly.
Requires upfront theme park attraction choice. Flexibility to resolve points of interest later.
Goal Viewers Households targeted on iconic points of interest like SeaWorld, LEGOLAND California, and the Zoo. Vacationers looking for selection, together with museums, outside 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 wish 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 instantaneous digital supply. Contains skip-the-line privileges, instantaneous digital supply, and a risk-free refund coverage for unused passes. May also improve experiences.
Limitations Requires foremost attraction choice at buy date, limiting spontaneity. All-Inclusive Go is legitimate for a set variety of days after first use, making it much less versatile for multi-day sightseeing breaks.

Execs and Cons of Every San Diego Points of interest Go

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

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

San Diego CityPASS

  • Execs:
    • The San Diego CityPASS is tremendous straightforward 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 cross is legitimate for 9 days, providing you with ample time to take pleasure in every location with out feeling rushed. This generally is a aid for households who need 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’ll have to purchase a Balboa Park Explorer Go or pay a la carte, and this price may imply Go Metropolis All-Inclusive may very well be cheaper.
    • It’s not the best choice for those who’re planning a extra numerous sightseeing expertise. Particularly, it may not fulfill these seeking to uncover hidden gems past the principle vacationer spots.
    • It doesn’t embody each the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
    • Go Metropolis Explorer may very well be higher if it’s worthwhile to see a brief listing of points of interest as a result of it has an extended use window.

Go Metropolis San Diego

  • Execs:
    • Go Metropolis San Diego shines with its intensive listing of a number of points of interest. It provides versatile choices just like the Explorer Go, 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 wish to discover at their very own tempo, having fun with reductions with out limitations on spontaneity all through the summer season.
    • It consists of each the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park in addition to a Belmont Park Experience and Play Go, Fleet Science Middle, and a lot extra.
  • Cons:
    • With so many selections, it may possibly really feel overwhelming to calculate its worth. Planning is important to maximise worth, which may very well be a bit daunting for those who’re not eager on creating an in depth itinerary.
    • LEGOLAND and SeaWorld are solely included on the All-Inclusive cross.
A panda sleeping at San Diego Zoo.
Do you wish to go to the Zoo and Safari Park? Choose Go Metropolis then.

When to Select San Diego CityPASS?

  • You might be visiting SeaWorld and/or LEGOLAND plus not less than two of its three different included points of interest.
  • You may see every little thing inside 9 days.
  • You’ve crunched the numbers and determined this San Diego vacationer cross is cheaper than Go Metropolis or shopping for particular person discounted tickets.

When to Select Go Metropolis San Diego Go?

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

Ideas for Maximizing Every Go

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 children want tickets. For instance, all children 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 wish to go for the Go Metropolis San Diego Explorer Go 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 for those who’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 may be an effective way to navigate between points of interest with out the trouble of parking, however whereas cheap, it’s restricted. Having the Previous City Trolley included on each passes helps you get round, but it surely’s just for sooner or later.

Make the Most of Your Go as a Native

These passes aren’t only for vacationers—they’re a implausible choice for San Diego residents, too. Whether or not you’re internet hosting household and associates or seeking to hold the youngsters entertained throughout summer season 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 may not usually discover.

Conclusion & The place to Purchase

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

San Diego CityPASS – Unique Low cost!

Use promo code WINTER to use an additional $5 off San Diego CityPASS sightseeing passes while you purchase by way of our ticket website! Evaluate to direct pricing.

(Go has restricted worth for households at many points of interest throughout Youngsters Free October in San Diego — we suggest particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as an alternative.)

Go Metropolis San Diego – Unique Low cost!

Use promo code GOSDO5LJM to use an additional 5% off ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes while you purchase by way of Go Metropolis! This low cost stacks on prime of sale charges!

(Go has restricted worth for households at many points of interest throughout Youngsters Free October in San Diego — we suggest particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as an alternative.)