San Diego is filled with theme parks, museums, excursions, and water sports activities to make the most of. 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 ways these choices differ and enable you to select the very best 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 sights. If you’re not visiting one or each of those theme parks, I’ll share why it is best to as an alternative concentrate on Go Metropolis.
- Select Go Metropolis if you’d like extra selection, flexibility, or entry to each the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. I feel this cross presents nice worth particularly in the event you plan to bounce between Balboa Park museums.
It’s very a lot value going by 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 Move
I all the time inform those who some quantity crunching is de facto the one method to know for certain how a lot you’ll save.
Quantity Crunching Ideas
San Diego CityPASS Options & Advantages

San Diego CityPASS presents three easy packages:
What are the three sights? Effectively, you may select three from this record:
You additionally don’t must determine which additional three sights you’ll go to on the time of buy.
I do assume that you should 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 sights with out being constrained by the necessity to use it throughout a set variety of consecutive days.
See additionally: My full CityPASS San Diego overview.
Go Metropolis San Diego Move Options & Advantages

The Go Metropolis San Diego Move (previously referred to as the Go San Diego Card) presents two versatile sorts of passes:
- All-Inclusive Move: Go to over 55 sights inside a timeframe of 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days. You may go to as many sights as you want so long as they’re included.
- Explorer Move: Select 2, 3, 5, or 7 sights to go to throughout 60 days.
Both association presents a unbelievable selection for many who love various experiences. They’re particularly value contemplating in the event you go to Balboa Park Museums, the place admission can add up rapidly.
I just like the Explorer Move choice for locals who wish to accompany out-of-town company to sights however don’t wish to put money into 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 overview.
Evaluating San Diego CityPASS vs. Go Metropolis San Diego Move
When selecting between the San Diego CityPASS and Go Metropolis San Diego Move, it’s important to contemplate a number of elements:
- Attraction Protection
- Flexibility
- Potential Financial savings
The viewers for every cross additionally differs, influencing which choice presents the very best worth.
Attraction Protection
San Diego CityPASS presents entry to common spots SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California. It permits entry to a few extra sights from a restricted record, making it a wonderful selection for many who prioritize main landmarks.
Go Metropolis San Diego Move supplies a broader choice, that includes over 55 sights, together with theme parks, museums, out of doors adventures, and excursions. This cross 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 completely due to the sheer number of different sights included, from harbor cruises to bike leases and Balboa Park museums.
How SeaWorld and LEGOLAND Affect Your Selection

Flexibility
CityPASS is legitimate for 9 days from the primary use, permitting some scheduling flexibility inside that interval. It’s common for shorter journeys as a result of solely a handful of sights are included.
Go Metropolis San Diego Move flexibility relies on the cross chosen. The All-Inclusive have to be used on consecutive days and the Explorer permits visits over an extended time-frame with no need consecutive days. Th Explorer Move flexibility might be advantageous for vacationers with assorted schedules.
Financial savings Potential
What you truly save relies on the place you purchase your sightseeing cross and what sort of gross sales and promo codes are on provide. You’ll have to crunch some numbers.
San Diego CityPASS saves probably the most in the event 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% in the event you totally make the most of the three choices exterior of the theme parks.
San Diego CityPASS – Large Financial savings + Promo Code!
Unlock your financial savings with San Diego CityPASS! We now have a promo code WINTER for as much as $10 off (that is the most cost effective value), or you should purchase straight.
(Move has restricted worth for households at many sights throughout Children Free October in San Diego — we suggest particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as an alternative.)
Go Metropolis San Diego financial savings is usually a little harder to calculate since there are such a lot of included sights. You’ll wish to make sure that you’re visiting just a few high-value sights, 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 once you purchase by Go Metropolis! This low cost stacks on prime of sale charges!
(Move has restricted worth for households at many sights throughout Children Free October in San Diego — we suggest particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as an alternative.)
Ease Of Use
San Diego CityPASS is easy, as tickets are accessible digitally, making it straightforward to enter main websites.
Go Metropolis San Diego Move additionally options user-friendly digital tickets by way of their app, which supplies particulars on included sights and planning instruments.
You’ll Want Reservations
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 Move appeals to vacationers who desire a versatile expertise, mixing iconic spots with lesser-known sights. It’s good for vacationers who need extra selection and the liberty to discover totally different features of San Diego.
Comparability Chart for San Diego CityPASS and Go Metropolis San Diego Move
Facet | San Diego CityPASS | Go Metropolis San Diego Move |
---|---|---|
Attraction Protection | Three cross choices: | Two cross choices: |
1. SeaWorld San Diego + 3 sights | 1. All-Inclusive Move: 55+ sights for 1–7 consecutive days. | |
2. LEGOLAND California + 3 sights | 2. Explorer Move: Select 2–7 sights, legitimate for 60 days. | |
3. SeaWorld San Diego + LEGOLAND California + 3 sights | Presents a greater variety, together with theme parks, museums, out of doors actions, and excursions. | |
The three sights could possibly be: San Diego Zoo OR Safari Park, USS Halfway Museum, Birch Aquarium, Metropolis Cruises and Maritime Museum of San Diego. | Contains main sights 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 determine in a while the opposite three sights. | All-Inclusive Move: Points of interest have to be visited on consecutive days. |
Legitimate for 9 consecutive days from the primary activation. | Explorer Move: Legitimate for 60 days, permitting spaced-out visits. | |
You may go to included sights one time. | You may go to included sights one time. | |
Financial savings Potential | Save as much as 42% on bundled sights. | 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 sights. | It may be overwhelming for vacationers with quick journeys or slender itineraries. | |
Attraction Checklist Measurement | 9 attraction choices (select 3 along with the primary theme parks). | 55+ sights with All-Inclusive Move. |
Explorer Move 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 sights later. | |
Goal Viewers | Households centered on iconic sights 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 places. | 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 prompt digital supply. | Contains skip-the-line privileges, prompt digital supply, and a risk-free refund coverage for unused passes. May improve experiences. |
Limitations | Requires principal attraction choice at buy date, limiting spontaneity. | All-Inclusive Move 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 Points of interest Move
Selecting between the San Diego CityPASS and Go Metropolis San Diego Move relies on what you wish to see and do in San Diego.
Every cross presents distinct advantages, so it’s key to match them to your journey fashion and pursuits.
San Diego CityPASS
- Professionals:
- The San Diego CityPASS is tremendous straightforward to make use of, particularly for visiting prime household sights 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 is usually a aid for households who desire a relaxed trip.
- Cons:
- The draw back of CityPASS is its restricted choice. In the event you’re going to go to the Balboa Park museums, you might have to purchase a Balboa Park Explorer Move or pay a la carte, and this value may imply Go Metropolis All-Inclusive could possibly be cheaper.
- It’s not the best choice in the event you’re planning a extra various sightseeing expertise. Particularly, it may not fulfill these trying to uncover hidden gems past the primary vacationer spots.
- It doesn’t embody each the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
- Go Metropolis Explorer could possibly be higher if you should see a brief record of sights as a result of it has an extended use window.
Go Metropolis San Diego
- Professionals:
- Go Metropolis San Diego shines with its in depth record of a number of sights. It presents versatile choices just like the Explorer Move, permitting you to decide on the variety of sights to go to over 60 days.
- This flexibility makes it nice for energetic 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 time.
- It consists of each the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park in addition to a Belmont Park Journey and Play Move, Fleet Science Middle, and a lot extra.
- Cons:
- With so many decisions, it could possibly really feel overwhelming to calculate its worth. Planning is important to maximise worth, which could possibly be a bit daunting in the event you’re not eager on creating an in depth itinerary.
- LEGOLAND and SeaWorld are solely included on the All-Inclusive cross.

When to Select San Diego CityPASS?
- You might be visiting SeaWorld and/or LEGOLAND plus at the least two of its three different included sights.
- 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 Move?
- You might be an energetic sightseer who doesn’t wish to go to theme parks.
- You wish to concentrate on 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 almost two months (Explorer Move)
- You’re additionally going to Knott’s Berry Farm (in Orange County — that is included)

Ideas for Maximizing Every Move
Strategize Your Visits
To save lots of each money and time, plan your actions prematurely. Use the passes on consecutive days to take full benefit of sights.
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 baby’s ticket at San Diego Zoo is for ages 3-11 and ages 0-2 are free.
Solo Adventurers
Touring alone? You could wish to go for the Go Metropolis San Diego Explorer Move for flexibility. It lets you take pleasure in a mixture of sights at your personal tempo.
Luxurious Vacationers
Luxurious vacationers completely purchase each passes. Even in the event 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 might be a good way to navigate between sights 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, however it’s just for at some point.
Make the Most of Your Move as a Native
These passes aren’t only for vacationers—they’re a unbelievable choice for San Diego residents, too. Whether or not you’re internet hosting household and associates or trying to hold the youngsters 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 sights you may not sometimes discover.
Conclusion & The place to Purchase
Selecting between San Diego CityPASS vs Go Metropolis San Diego Move 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! We now have a promo code WINTER for as much as $10 off (that is the most cost effective value), or you should purchase straight.
(Move has restricted worth for households at many sights throughout Children 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 once you purchase by Go Metropolis! This low cost stacks on prime of sale charges!
(Move has restricted worth for households at many sights throughout Children Free October in San Diego — we suggest particular person tickets throughout this timeframe as an alternative.)