San Diego Explorer Pass: Save up to 50% – Includes San Diego Zoo

A pass that keeps your days flexible. The San Diego Explorer Pass bundles a menu of major sights—think San Diego Zoo, USS Midway, science at Balboa Park, and time on the bay—so you can mix animal, history, and ocean time without a tight schedule. It’s valid for a full month after you use it, which makes it easier to plan around weather and energy.

I really like the choice built into the pass. You select 2 to 7 attractions from a long list, so you’re not forced into a one-size-fits-all day. I also like how it’s built around a mobile workflow: you use the Go City app for maps and planning, and your digital pass is ready once you sync it.

One thing to consider: this is not a set itinerary with reserved time slots for everything. Some experiences may require reservations, and each attraction can only be used once, so your plan has to be a little intentional to avoid last-minute stress.

Key things to know before you go

• Pick 2 to 7 attractions from 45+ options, including San Diego Zoo-linked choices
• 30 days from first use gives you room for reroutes and rest days
• Mobile tickets + Go City app for maps, planning, and an itinerary helper
• Some activities require reservations, so check the app early
• Each attraction is one-time use, so decide what matters most

Price and value: when $124 actually makes sense

At $124 per person, the Explorer Pass is a value play. It works best when you treat it like a ticket bundle for several big-name stops, not like a discount coupon you’ll use “if you get around to it.”

Here’s the practical way to judge it: scan the attractions you’d pay for anyway—usually the Zoo, a major museum, and at least one experience on the bay (boat cruise, whale watching, or a speedboat rental). If your plan includes multiple high-demand tickets, the pass tends to feel like you’re buying convenience plus savings.

If you only want one or two attractions, you may feel like you’re carrying extra weight. The pass shines when you string together a few days and use the full menu—animal time, history time, and at least one outdoorsy coastal activity.

Also keep in mind that the pass includes admission tickets, but food, drink, parking, and gratuities aren’t included. So you’ll still want a budget for meals and city logistics.

Mobile pass setup: your best shortcut or your biggest headache

The pass is fully digital. You’ll get confirmation at booking, and your pass is available right away after you sync it in the Go City app. In practice, this matters because the day you visit an attraction is not when you want to troubleshoot apps.

My advice: before your first entry, make sure the pass is showing in the app and that you know how to pull it up quickly at the entrance. Some people run into trouble when the initial code doesn’t work as expected, and then it becomes a scramble for help. If you like things smooth, do a quick check early.

The Go City app is also where the trip becomes easier: it offers attraction info, a planner, and maps. If an activity needs a reservation, the app is the tool to use for it. The pass is designed to reduce planning stress—but you still have to spend a little attention upfront.

Your Zoo day: San Diego Zoo vs San Diego Zoo Safari Park

This pass gives you options connected to both the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. In your plan, you’ll pick one for a Zoo-linked entry rather than trying to force everything into one day.

San Diego Zoo (about 4 hours)

Expect a big, animal-heavy day with lots of exhibits and educational shows. It’s the kind of place where a “quick look” turns into several hours fast—gorillas, elephants, crocodiles, and koalas are part of the mix you’ll see across the grounds. If you’re someone who likes learning as you walk, this tends to be a strong match.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park (about 4 hours)

Safari Park is built around habitats and conservation education. You’ll see a wide range of species and learn how breeding programs tie into conservation efforts. It’s still animal-focused, but the feel is more about regions and big environments.

A simple tip: plan your second Zoo choice for a separate day if you can. Even when you only choose one Zoo option with the pass at a time, it’s easier to build your route when you’re not trying to combine every major site into one day.

USS Midway and the maritime past you can walk through

If you want history you can touch, these ship museums deliver.

USS Midway Museum (about 2 hours)

Climb aboard a long-serving aircraft carrier and explore dozens of exhibits on a self-guided route. You’ll pass through spaces like sailors’ sleeping quarters, the engine room, galley, and even a ship jail. It’s a “see how it worked” experience rather than a lecture, which keeps it moving.

Maritime Museum of San Diego (about 2 hours)

This one leans into maritime scale and odd-but-fascinating tech. You’ll find the oldest active ship in existence and the world’s deepest diving submarine, the USS Dolphin. If you like boats, submarines, or just the weird engineering side of history, it’s a good complement to USS Midway.

If you’re choosing between them, think about your interest. USS Midway is aviation and life aboard a carrier. Maritime Museum is ships and the deeper ocean side of the story.

Balboa Park science: Fleet Science Center and Museum of Us

Balboa Park is one of the city’s best clusters for planning. Two of the pass options also sit in that orbit.

Fleet Science Center (about 2 hours)

You’ll get hands-on exhibits and one included IMAX science-themed film screening. This is a great choice when you want activity without being overly structured. It also works well as a lighter day if you’ve already done something heavy like the Zoo.

Museum of Us (about 2 hours)

A cultural anthropology museum focused on the human experience from multicultural perspectives. It’s less about a single exhibit highlight and more about a thoughtful arc through the museum’s themes. If your group likes museums that spark discussion, this is a solid pick.

Pairing idea: do Fleet Science for energy and Museum of Us for a quieter, reflective turn—both are in the same larger area, so you’re not burning time cross-town.

Fossils, flying, and big-screen science: Air & Space and Natural History

San Diego’s science options are strong because they cover both “what the world is made of” and “how we fly through it.”

San Diego Air & Space Museum (about 2 hours)

You’ll see science and aviation exhibits and get access to aircraft to explore. There’s also a 4D air-and-space-themed cinema screening. If you like motion and modern science storytelling, this is a fun addition.

San Diego Natural History Museum (about 2 hours)

This is the fossil-and-theater style museum. Expect four floors of interactive exhibits, including fossils and dinosaur bones, plus rare books and animals. Your admission also includes access to films played on the museum’s giant 300-seat theater with daily 2D and 3D showings.

Practical note: with museums like these, 2 hours can feel just about right if you pick a couple sections to prioritize. If you wander every hallway equally, you might feel rushed at the end.

The bay views: cruises, whale watching, and self-driving speedboats

If San Diego has a signature move, it’s the water. The pass includes multiple ways to experience it.

City Cruises San Diego (about 1 hour 30 minutes)

A professionally narrated harbor boat tour. You’ll see Seaport Village, Shelter Island, Coronado Island, Point Loma, and Cabrillo National Monument. It covers about 20 miles-worth of landmarks and locations, so you’re not stuck at the dock.

City Cruises San Diego Whale Watching & Harbor Tours (about 4 hours)

This is the longer, more nature-focused water day. You’ll speed out on a large comfortable yacht, and you may see sea lions and dolphins while you search for blue whales. Live narration comes from the captain, plus an onboard naturalist from the San Diego Natural History Museum.

San Diego Speed Boat Adventures | San Diego Boat Tours (about 1 hour 30 minutes)

A self-driving rental experience with a 13-foot speedboat for up to two passengers. You don’t need a driving background; it’s designed to be safe and stable with a steering wheel that feels car-like and a throttle with three positions. Safety equipment is Coast Guard approved, and the motors are super-quiet and eco-friendly.

How to choose:

• If you want a low-effort, narrated sightseeing loop, do the standard harbor cruise.
• If you want a chance at whales and don’t mind waiting for wildlife, choose whale watching.
• If you want control and speed (while staying hands-on), choose the self-driving speedboat.

Downtown and navigation fun: trolley, GoCar, and bike options

Some days are best solved with wheels. The Explorer Pass includes several ways to move around with less planning.

Old Town Trolley Tours (2 consecutive days)

A hop-on hop-off trolley between top sights, with friendly local guides who add history and trivia. You get the ticket for two consecutive days, which is handy if your schedule shifts and you want to regroup without rethinking everything.

GoCar Tours (about 1 hour)

An open-air, GPS-guided kart-style car tour. The GPS directs you through major destinations in downtown San Diego or Point Loma. It’s a good pick when you want city highlights but don’t want to sit in a standard vehicle the whole time.

Unlimited Biking eBike Tour (about 2 hours 35 minutes)

An eBike route starting in the Gaslamp Quarter, then heading to San Diego Bay and Balboa Park. Your guide provides history of the areas you pass through, so it’s a mix of movement and context.

Gaslamp Quarter bike rental + unlimited biking (about 3 hours)

Explore at your own pace with a bike rental option tied to the Gaslamp area. This is simpler than a guided tour because you can stop for snacks and photos on your terms.

My suggestion: if you’re building a “first time in San Diego” plan, do one guided-style movement option early (trolley or eBike). Then use bikes or self-guided options later once you know your bearings.

Ocean time in La Jolla and beyond: aquariums, kayaking, and pier fishing

This is where San Diego feels different from other big-city trips. The pass includes multiple water-adjacent experiences you can tailor to your comfort level.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps (about 2 hours)

A marine science aquarium experience in La Jolla. You’ll learn about living coral reefs, see baby seahorses, listen to whale songs, and even pet sea stars. It’s a kid-and-adult friendly stop when you want “learn and look” without a formal lecture.

Bike and Kayak Tours — La Jolla (about 1 hour 30 minutes)

Options include a 90-minute kayak, stand-up paddle board, or surf board rental. There are also full-day options listed for snorkel adventures or full-day bike rentals.

Ocean Beach Municipal Pier (about 2 hours)

A pier fishing experience with catch and release. It’s built around learning how to fish from the pier, and you get the ocean setting as the backdrop.

Pairing idea: If you’re doing Birch Aquarium, consider pairing it with a La Jolla water activity on a different day if conditions affect water plans. If you want a calmer add-on, the pier fishing can balance a more active kayaking day.

Hiking, jet skis, bouldering, ice skating, and pool days

Not every pass stop is about sightseeing. Some are about getting out and using your body.

Mission Trails Regional Park guided hiking (about 2 hours)

A guided hike in foothills with views over the city. You can choose trails from beginner to intermediate, and the terrain includes rugged canyons and hills plus natural and developed areas. This is a great option if you want a “San Diego from above” feel without going too hardcore.

San Diego H2O Jet Ski Rentals (about 45 minutes)

A shorter, high-energy ride on a Yamaha Waverunner for 45 minutes. It’s a strong choice if your idea of a great day includes speed and ocean air.

Asylum — Outdoor Bouldering (about 1 hour)

A fully outdoor bouldering gym with a freestanding 15-foot-high boulder. Routes vary by angle and difficulty, so it’s an option for different skill levels. If you’re traveling with someone active, this can be a refreshing change from museums.

UTC Ice (about 1 hour)

Ice skating at the UTC Ice Sports Center, including rental skate hire for children ages two and up and adults up to size 15.

Plunge San Diego (1 day)

Unlimited day pass use of a large pool with seven lap lanes and an obstacle course area, plus a state-of-the-art basketball hoop. It’s a great “reset day” if you want to cool off and keep moving.

How to plan these: choose based on your energy and weather. If the day looks too hot or too windy for water activities, swap in ice or pool time or a museum-heavy day.

Belmont Park: rollercoasters plus games by the beach

Belmont Park (about 2 hours)

This is the pass stop for classic amusement-park energy by the shore. You get unlimited rides on the rollercoasters and access to activities like laser tag, sky ropes, mini-golf, a zip line, and the 7D theater.

The tradeoff is time. Belmont Park can eat your afternoon quickly because rides stack fast once you start. If your goal is to hit a lot of sites, treat Belmont Park as your main event for that block.

Museums for design lovers: art, gardens, and everyday-use collections

If your group likes aesthetics—buildings, collections, and setting—these fit well.

Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum (about 1 hour)

A zen garden setup with traditional water and stone elements, two koi ponds, and a bonsai collection. There’s also a cast bronze kannon bosatsu statue from 1735 AD. It’s calm time that breaks up busier days.

San Diego Museum of Art (about 2 hours)

Housed in a historic Spanish Renaissance building, with collections including Spanish and Italian Old Masters plus South Asian paintings and American works from the 19th and 20th centuries, along with sculptures.

Mingei International Museum (about 1 hour)

A museum focused on the art of daily use across eras and cultures. It’s in the House of Charm, a Mission Revival Style building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (about 1 hour 30 minutes)

A more modern art stop tied to exhibitions and public programs. It’s listed as sister site to a downtown location, so you might see related programming.

A good strategy: mix one “big museum” day with one “slow and beautiful” museum day. That keeps your trip from feeling like a checklist.

Old Town, ghost tours, and Gaslamp night vibes

San Diego’s storytelling isn’t only in museums. It’s in neighborhoods.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park guided walk (about 2 hours)

An expert-led tour through historic landmarks and squares. You’ll go through El Campo Santo (one of the oldest cemeteries in Southern California) and Heritage Park, with preserved Victorian architecture.

Gaslamp Quarter walking ghost tour (about 2 hours)

A night-style walk in historic Gaslamp streets with a paranormal theme. It’s a fun choice for people who like spooky stories and walking city history.

If your energy is low, stick to Old Town for history. If your group wants something more playful, add the ghost tour after dinner.

Cars, models, and the kinds of museums people won’t skip

Some stops are built for specific interests, and that’s a good thing.

San Diego Automotive Museum (about 2 hours)

A museum dedicated to American automobiles, started by car collector Briggs Cunningham in 1988. If you like cars or transport history, this is a strong use of a pass slot.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum (about 2 hours)

Miniature models and train systems across 6 permanent exhibition areas plus featured rotating ones. You don’t have to be a train person to enjoy the detail and the visual scale.

Balboa Park culture plus an extra day of Zoo-adjacent conservation

Living Coast Discovery Center (about 2 hours)

A zoo-quarium focused on coastal resource conservation, with exhibits near the coastline. There are also free nature walks on select days, which can add extra value if your timing matches.

This can work as a follow-up to other ocean-focused days, especially if you’re thinking about wildlife and conservation themes rather than thrill rides or large boats.

PETCO Park stadium tour: a “behind the scenes” type of stop

PETCO Park (about 1 hour 20 minutes)

An interactive guided tour that gives you access to restricted areas you don’t usually see. You’ll discover writer’s row in the press box and learn about the historic Western Metal Supply Co. Building, among other spots.

If you’re a baseball fan, this is the type of museum-like experience that feels extra rewarding because you can picture games in those spaces.

Should you book the San Diego Explorer Pass?

Book it if you want a flexible way to hit several big-ticket highlights—especially if your plan includes the Zoo, at least one major museum, and one water experience on the bay. The pass is built for mixing moods: animals one day, science or history another, and coastal fun when the weather behaves.

Skip it (or use fewer pass slots) if you’re the type who only wants one must-see attraction. With a one-time-per-attraction rule, the pass rewards planning. And because some activities may need reservations, you’ll get the smoothest trip if you check your choices early in the planning stage.

If you want an easy win: start with the biggest ticket items (Zoo-linked stop, a ship or Balboa Park museum, and a bay experience). Then fill the gaps with the garden, art, hiking, or amusement choices to match your energy. That’s how the Explorer Pass turns into a trip plan instead of a pile of tickets.

FAQ

How many attractions can I choose with the San Diego Explorer Pass?

You can choose 2 to 7 attractions or activities from the options shown in the Go City app.

How long is the pass valid after I start using it?

The pass is valid for 30 days from your first attraction visit. It’s activated when you use it for your first attraction.

Is the pass fully mobile?

Yes. You’ll use a digital pass on your phone, synced in the Go City app.

Can I visit the same attraction more than once?

No. Each attraction included with the pass can only be visited once.

Do I need reservations for the included activities?

Some activities require reservations. You should use the Go City app to plan your itinerary and reserve when needed.

Does the pass include San Diego Zoo?

Yes. The pass includes entry to the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, with you choosing between those options for that Zoo-linked entry.

What’s included with Old Town Trolley Tours?

It includes a hop-on hop-off trolley pass for 2 consecutive days, with admission included for the trolley tour.

Are meals, parking, and gratuities included?

No. Food and drink, gratuities, and parking fees are not included, and transportation to and from attractions is not included unless stated for a specific activity.

Is the pass refundable or changeable?

The pass is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.