San Diego Explorer Pass: Save up to 50% on 45+ Attractions

If you’re planning a trip to sunny San Diego and want to get the most out of your visit without breaking the bank, the San Diego Explorer Pass might be just what you need. This digital pass offers access to over 40 attractions, museums, and tours, giving you the flexibility to see the highlights at your own pace while saving up to 50% compared to buying individual tickets.

What caught our eye are the broad choice of attractions, the convenience of a fully digital pass, and the generous 60-day window to use your entries. However, it’s worth noting that the pass isn’t valid for both San Diego Zoo and Safari Park—you need to choose one. This flexibility makes it ideal for travelers who like to tailor their days, but it requires some planning to maximize value.

If you’re a family, a couple, or a solo traveler eager to explore San Diego’s top spots without the hassle of ticket queues, this pass can truly streamline your experience. Just keep in mind that some activities, like whale watching or the hop-on hop-off trolley, require reservations ahead of time. Overall, if you want a cost-effective, flexible way to discover San Diego’s best, the Explorer Pass deserves serious consideration.

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Key Points

Flexible options: Choose between 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions based on your interests.
Great value: Save up to 50% versus buying individual tickets.
Duration: You have 60 days from your first visit to use your pass.
Digital convenience: No physical card needed; download your pass or use the app.
Top attractions included: San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, USS Midway, Birch Aquarium, and more.
Reservations: Popular activities may require advance booking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the San Diego Explorer Pass

The San Diego Explorer Pass is designed to give visitors freedom and savings. You select a set number of attractions from a list of over 40 options, then enjoy visiting them at your own pace within 60 days. This setup is especially appealing for travelers who want flexibility without the stress of purchasing multiple tickets or rushing through sights.

Once you purchase the pass, it’s fully digital—meaning there’s no need to carry a physical card. Instead, you can download it to your phone or print a copy, making it easy to show at each attraction.

Looking for more options in San Diego? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Top Attractions and Tours

The list is packed with local favorites. The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are among the most popular, though you have to pick just one of these. The zoo offers a world-renowned experience with vast enclosures and a variety of animals, while the Safari Park provides an expansive outdoor experience, which one reviewer called “super beautiful.” You might also enjoy visiting the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, which offers an immersive look into naval history, or the Birch Aquarium, perfect for marine life enthusiasts.

Other options include the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the Fleet Science Center with its IMAX films, the Maritime Museum, and even whale-watching tours, which provide a chance to see dolphins, whales, and other marine life in the wild. For families or those wanting a fun break, Belmont Park Ride & Play Pass or the Speed Boat Adventures could be hits.

How It Works in Practice

The pass is meant to be used over a two-month period, giving travelers ample time to customize their itinerary. Some reviewers mentioned how convenient it was to have everything on their phones, allowing quick access to attraction details, opening hours, and reservation instructions.

For activities like the hop-on hop-off trolley, you’ll want to reserve your seats early, as they are popular. Also, keep in mind that attraction hours are subject to change, especially during holidays, so it’s wise to double-check before your visit.

Visiting Top Attractions

One reviewer from January shared how purchasing the 7-site option was “fantastic,” saving around $100 per person, and appreciated the ability to call ahead and get suggestions on less busy times. This kind of insider tip can make a big difference in crowded spots like the zoo or the USS Midway.

Another traveler pointed out the knowledgeable guides and stunning views at some locations, adding that the ease of having a digital pass made their trip smoother. The fact that the pass can be activated at any included attraction offers a lot of freedom—whether you want to start with the zoo, the aircraft carrier, or a harbor cruise.

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What’s Not Included and What to Consider

While the pass covers admission, it doesn’t include transportation to and from attractions, nor does it cover food and drinks unless explicitly stated. If you plan to visit multiple sites, consider how you’ll get between them—public transport, taxis, or perhaps renting a bike.

Some attractions, like whale-watching tours or the hop-on hop-off trolley, require reservations, so planning ahead is essential. Also, note that you cannot visit both the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park with the same pass, as only one is allowed.

In terms of value, some reviews pointed out how the pass saved them a significant amount of money—up to $100 per person for the 7-site option—making it a potentially economical choice, especially for families or groups.

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Who Would Love This Experience?

This pass is perfect for travelers who want to explore at their own pace and not worry about individual ticket costs. It suits families, couples, or solo explorers keen on hitting multiple top spots without the hassle of ticket lines. The flexibility and wide attraction list make it ideal for those with varied interests—whether wildlife, history, science, or marine life.

It’s especially useful if you’re planning to visit multiple popular sites, as the savings can be substantial. However, if you’re a super-organized traveler who prefers fixed schedules and guided tours, some activities may require reservations, so early planning is a good idea.

Final Thoughts: Is the San Diego Explorer Pass Worth It?

The San Diego Explorer Pass offers a compelling combination of flexibility, value, and variety. For around $124, you can access some of the city’s most iconic attractions and tours, and the ability to choose between 2 and 7 sites means you can customize your experience based on how much time you have and your interests.

The digital format and 60-day window make it especially convenient for travelers who like to take their time without feeling rushed. Plus, with the potential to save up to half the cost of individual tickets, it’s an economical way to explore San Diego’s best.

That said, it’s best suited for those who are comfortable planning ahead and making reservations for popular activities. The key is to pick attractions that align with your interests and to check opening hours and availability in advance.

All in all, if you want a hassle-free way to see San Diego’s highlights and save money doing it, the Explorer Pass is a smart choice.

FAQs

Can I visit both the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park with one pass?
No, you must choose either the San Diego Zoo or the Safari Park, as both cannot be used on the same pass.

How long is my pass valid after purchase?
Your pass is valid for 1 year from the purchase date, and it only activates once you visit your first attraction. You then have 30 days to complete your visits.

Do I need to reserve specific attractions in advance?
Some popular attractions and tours, such as whale watching or hop-on hop-off trolley, require reservations. It’s best to check the instructions on your booking confirmation.

Can I use the pass for multiple visits to the same attraction?
The pass is designed for one-time entry at each selected attraction. Multiple visits would require additional tickets or another pass.

Is the pass suitable for families?
Yes, families can benefit from the savings and flexibility, especially if visiting multiple attractions in one trip.

How do I activate my pass?
You activate the pass at any included attraction by showing it on your smartphone or printed copy. It’s fully digital and easy to access.

What if I want to visit attractions outside the 40+ options?
The pass covers only the listed attractions and tours. For other activities, separate tickets would be needed.

Are transportation costs included?
No, transportation to and from attractions is not covered.

What if some attractions change their hours or close?
Attraction hours are subject to change, so check the most recent info via the Go City app or your digital guide before your visit.

Is the pass refundable?
No, this activity is non-refundable, so plan your visits accordingly.

With the San Diego Explorer Pass, exploring one of California’s most vibrant cities becomes simpler, more affordable, and more fun. Whether you’re here for the animals, history, or gorgeous harbor views, this pass makes it easier to fit everything into your trip—at a price that feels right.