San Diego: CityPASS® Save up to 44% at Must-See Attractions

San Diego is a big place; the right pass helps. With 9 consecutive days and mobile tickets, San Diego CityPASS keeps you from cramming everything into one rushed itinerary. I like how it lets you spread visits across the week, in any order, so the day you feel like doing more, you can.

My favorite part is the mix of major attractions with real payoff. The USS Midway Museum includes the 3D holographic movie Battle of Midway Theater and an audio tour in six languages, and if you pick the Zoo option you also get Skyfari Aerial Tram time plus guided bus and Kangaroo Bus rides.

One thing to think about: this ticket plan is non-refundable, so it pays to start with a realistic rhythm and confirm any timed reservations you might need through my.citypass.com.

Key things that make this pass work

• 9 days, starting when you first use it: give yourself breathing room instead of one packed mega-day
• Mobile tickets that scan at each attraction: less fumbling, more show-up-and-go
• Pick Zoo or Safari Park: your pass choice changes the included transit style (Skyfari vs Africa Tram)
• USS Midway’s 3D Battle of Midway Theater: a standout add-on you’d likely pay for separately
• Old Town Trolley with 11 stops and unlimited reboarding: flexible sightseeing when you want structure without stress

CityPASS in San Diego: why 9 days beats one big ticket day

San Diego can chew up time. Distances, parking, and the simple fact that you might want one slower morning can throw off even a well-planned day. The CityPASS format is built for that reality: it’s valid for 9 consecutive days, and that clock starts on the day you first use the pass.

What that means for you is simple. You can stack attractions on your best-energy days and keep lighter days for things like aquariums, self-guided museums, or trolley rides. There’s also no limit to how many included attractions you can visit in a day, so if you and your group are “hit it early” people, the pass won’t block you. If you’re more “one great thing a day,” it still works.

The other practical win is the “in any order” setup. Instead of bending your trip around a fixed sequence, you can arrange your must-dos based on your lodging location, weather, or how long you like to linger.

Price and value: how the math usually works out

This pass is listed at $178 per person, with savings noted as up to 44% at major San Diego attractions. You should think of CityPASS less like a discount coupon and more like a way to buy “a bundle of big-ticket days” up front.

Here’s how I’d judge value for your trip:

• If you plan to do at least one major theme park day (SeaWorld and/or LEGOLAND), and you want one or two big headline attractions (Zoo/Safari, USS Midway, or a cruise/trolley day), the bundle tends to make sense.
• If you only want one attraction total, you’re probably better buying single tickets. CityPASS works when you use multiple inclusions.

Also, the ticket choices matter. The Zoo vs Safari Park option isn’t just a label; it changes what you get inside that day. And USS Midway includes the 3D Battle of Midway Theater, which is the kind of extra that can feel like a “bonus” compared to a basic museum admission.

Getting in fast: mobile tickets and simple scanning

You’ll receive instant mobile ticket delivery and use it at each included attraction by presenting your CityPASS mobile ticket for scanning. There’s no separate paper voucher to chase, and you don’t have to remember a pile of tickets for every stop.

Before you go, check my.citypass.com because reservations can be required for certain attractions. The pass is designed for low-friction entry, but it’s still smart to confirm whether any of your chosen inclusions need a time slot.

A small planning tip: because the ticket validity is 9 consecutive days starting with your first use, I like to decide which attraction you’ll use on Day 1. That choice sets the pace for the whole trip window.

Choosing your animal day: San Diego Zoo vs Safari Park

This pass gives you one-time admission to either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The differences are important because the included transit experience changes.

San Diego Zoo option: Skyfari plus guided transport

If you choose the Zoo, your day includes:

• Unlimited use of Guided Bus Tour and Kangaroo Bus
• Skyfari Aerial Tram
• Admission plus regularly scheduled shows and exhibits
• Exclusions: special ticketed events/attractions

If you like a zoo day that mixes walking with transport and guided viewpoints, this is the smoothest choice. Skyfari adds that “ride” element, which often turns a zoo visit from a long stroll into an easier flow.

Safari Park option: Africa Tram and a different pace

If you choose Safari Park, your day includes:

• Admission plus regularly scheduled shows and exhibits
• Unlimited rides on the Africa Tram
• Exclusions: parking and special ticketed events/attractions

Safari Park tends to feel like more open-country exploring, and the Africa Tram is central to that. If you’d rather ride your way between highlights and keep walking manageable, this option can fit better.

Either way, plan on spending real time. These are full-day style attractions with shows and exhibits, not quick in-and-out stops.

USS Midway Museum: the 3D Battle of Midway Theater is the star

The USS Midway Museum option is one of the easiest “worth it” inclusions to justify. Your general admission includes:

• The 3D holographic movie Battle of Midway Theater
• An audio tour available in six languages

This is a solid choice if you want a break from animals and theme parks, but still want something that feels like a big centerpiece. The audio tour is especially helpful for pacing: you can stop when you want, move on when you’re ready, and keep the experience from turning into a blur of exhibits.

A practical consideration: plan enough time to see the 3D presentation and then walk the museum afterwards. Many people underestimate how long it takes to read signs, look closely, and keep moving through the ship spaces.

SeaWorld and LEGOLAND: theme park days on your terms

CityPASS includes entry tickets for SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California, but only if you select those options (listed as single-day admissions). If you’re the type who wants a guaranteed theme park day without recalculating ticket prices each time you plan, these options can be the backbone of your 9-day schedule.

A key “value” point here: the pass is most useful when you’ll actually commit to a park visit within the 9-day window. If your trip timing or energy level makes theme parks a maybe, consider whether you’ll still use both days—or just one.

City Cruises Best of the Bay: 50 landmarks over 20 miles

If you’d like a change of pace, the cruise inclusion is a strong swap-in day. CityPASS includes Best of the Bay Tour, which covers:

• 50 local landmarks
• Over 20 miles of sights

This is a nice option when you want sightseeing without constant walking. It also plays well as a “connector day” between heavier attractions. You can pair it with aquarium time on either side, or with a trolley day when you want a structured overview of neighborhoods.

One thing I’d keep in mind: cruises can be affected by weather and timing, so check your schedule and give yourself some flexibility during your 9-day window.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps: a calm, flexible pick

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is included as general admission. It’s a great option when you want something calmer than a theme park and more relaxed than a big museum slog.

This one fits perfectly into the middle of your pass usage, when your group is still excited but you want an attraction that doesn’t require sprinting across the city. If your day includes a longer drive or a theme park the day before, the aquarium can act like a reset button.

Maritime Museum of San Diego: self-guided and straightforward

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is included as general admission (self-guided). That self-guided format matters: you can go at your own speed, linger where you want, and skip what doesn’t grab you.

If you’re building your 9-day plan and want an attraction that doesn’t depend on timed show schedules, a self-guided museum is a practical choice. It’s also a good match if you’re mixing interests, like combining history/ships with the kind of maritime storytelling you might enjoy at the USS Midway.

Old Town Trolley Tours: 11 stops and unlimited reboarding

One of the pass inclusions that often gets overlooked until people start using it is the trolley. CityPASS includes Old Town Trolley Tours for 1 day with unlimited reboarding and 11 Hop-on, Hop-off stops.

This is a great way to manage sightseeing stress. You get:

• A built-in route overview
• The ability to hop off where something interests you and hop back on when you’re ready

I also like the feel of trolley days when the drivers are friendly and provide clear commentary. The tone matters on a long loop, and with unlimited reboarding, you won’t feel punished for taking a longer look at a stop.

Build a simple 9-day game plan without overthinking

You can visit included attractions in any order, and there’s no cap on how many you can do in a day. Still, a little structure makes the pass feel effortless.

Here’s a practical way to spread things out:

• Day 1 (start your 9-day clock): Zoo or Safari Park, since it’s your big “day theme” and you’ll want full energy.
• Day 2: USS Midway Museum, centered on the 3D Battle of Midway Theater plus the audio tour.
• Day 3: Old Town Trolley Tours for an easy overview of areas you might want to explore further on foot.
• Day 4: Birch Aquarium at Scripps, especially if you want an attraction that doesn’t require rushing.
• Day 5: City Cruises Best of the Bay, for a change of scenery and a low-walking sightseeing day.
• Day 6: Maritime Museum of San Diego as a self-paced museum day.
• Days 7–9: Use SeaWorld and/or LEGOLAND here, depending on what you selected and how your energy holds up.

If you want to do more than one attraction in a day, you can. But if you try to go “all day, every day,” you can end up exhausted instead of happy. The 9-day window is there so you don’t need to.

Small costs to remember: food, transport, and parking exclusions

CityPASS is mainly about admission. It does not include transportation or food and drinks. That means your biggest extra budget items will be:

• Getting from place to place
• Meals and snacks
• Any parking fees you choose to pay

There are also specific exclusions tied to the animal parks: Safari Park excludes parking, and the Zoo option excludes special ticketed events/attractions. So keep some wiggle room in your budget and plan around the likely reality of parking costs depending on where you base yourself.

Who should book this pass

This is a great fit if you:

• Want multiple major attractions in one trip without constant ticket-shopping
• Like having a plan that still lets you shift order based on weather or timing
• Are traveling with kids and want big “wow” days plus simpler add-ons
• Know you’ll do at least one headline experience like USS Midway and a Zoo/Safari day

It may not be the best choice if your interests are narrow and you only plan to use one or two attractions total. CityPASS shines when you actually take advantage of the bundle.

Should you book the San Diego CityPASS?

If your San Diego plan includes Zoo or Safari Park plus at least one other major attraction—especially USS Midway, a cruise, or the Old Town trolley—then booking CityPASS can be a smart move. The mobile ticket ease and the 9-day window make it feel less like a squeeze and more like a flexible itinerary.

If you’re unsure you’ll use multiple included stops, wait or compare single-ticket prices for your exact mix. But if you want a steady route to the city’s biggest highlights without overplanning, this pass is built for you.

FAQ

How long is the CityPASS valid?

The San Diego CityPASS is valid for 9 consecutive days, starting with and including the first day you visit an attraction.

Do I have to visit the attractions in a specific order?

No. You can visit included attractions in any order during the validity period.

What do I need to enter each attraction?

Present your CityPASS mobile ticket at each attraction to be scanned for entry.

Are SeaWorld and LEGOLAND included automatically?

They’re included only if you select those options. SeaWorld is listed as a single-day ticket, and LEGOLAND California is listed as 1-day admission.

Which Zoo-related option can I choose?

You can choose San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park as one of your included 3 attractions.

What attractions are included besides the Zoo/Safari choice?

Your CityPASS includes one-time admission to 3 attractions total, chosen from the listed options such as USS Midway Museum, City Cruises Best of the Bay Tour, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Old Town Trolley Tours, and the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

Is there a limit on how many attractions I can visit in one day?

No. There is no limit to how many attractions you can visit in a day.

Are food and transportation included?

No. Transportation and food/drinks are not included.

Can I get a refund if my plans change?

No. This activity is non-refundable.

Is the pass wheelchair accessible?

Yes. It’s listed as wheelchair accessible.