Want to know how to make the most of San Diego’s attractions with kids? The San Diego CityPASS is your key to visiting at a fraction of the cost.
San Diego is one of the best places to visit with your family. With its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and many activities for kids, it’s no wonder your family will love coming here. But with so many fun attractions for kids in San Diego, the cost of tickets can add up quickly.
Can you believe a ticket for a 2-year-old toddler to enter Legoland costs as much as $129 if you purchase it at the gate?
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That’s where the San Diego CityPASS comes in. This pass is a great way to save money while visiting some of the top San Diego attractions with your family. It includes entry to several popular attractions, making it easier—and cheaper—for families to explore San Diego.
In this article, we’ll dive into what the San Diego CityPASS is, what attractions it covers, and why it might be the perfect option for your next family trip. I’ll also share with you how we used our San Diego CityPASS during our visit to San Diego.
What is the San Diego CityPASS?
So, what exactly is the San Diego CityPASS? It’s a handy little pass that gives you access to some of San Diego’s best attractions—all for one flat price. Instead of buying tickets for each place you want to visit, you get a single pass covering them all.
The San Diego CityPASS lets you visit family favorites like the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, and SeaWorld San Diego. And the best part? You get to skip the lines at some attractions, making it a real time-saver when traveling with kids!
The pass is digital, so you can carry it with you on your phone (make sure you have data roaming options if you’re traveling from outside the USA).
Once you activate it, you’ll have a set number of days to use it (usually 9 days). This gives you the flexibility to plan your visit without feeling too rushed.
In short, the San Diego CityPASS is a great way to see more and spend less on your family trip to San Diego!
CityPASS is also available in many other cities, so if you’re planning a trip to another major city in the USA, you can also save up on attractions.
Key San Diego Attractions Covered by the CityPASS
With the San Diego CityPASS, you get access to some of the most popular family-friendly attractions in San Diego. Let’s look at what’s included and why your kids will love them!
It’s important to note that there are 3 different options with the San Diego CityPASS:
- SeaWorld San Diego (+ 3 Attractions)
- LEGOLAND California (+ 3 Attractions)
- SeaWorld San Diego + LEGOLAND California (+ 3 Attractions)
During our stay in San Diego, we had the last option, the CityPASS SeaWorld San Diego + LEGOLAND California (+ 3 Attractions). You can check my son’s honest feedback on the attractions we did here:
✅ Ready to start planning your next family adventure in San Diego? Consider getting the San Diego CityPASS and make the most of your trip! You can purchase the pass online through the official CityPASS website.
SeaWorld San Diego
This attraction was our family’s favorite. And to be honest, I didn’t think I would personally enjoy it as much. There is a bit of controversy around aquariums and zoos and it’s not my typical travel activity, but it was SO fun.
SeaWorld combines fun, thrilling rides with amazing marine life shows. Your kids can see dolphins, sea lions, orcas perform incredible tricks. We made sure to participate in all shows on the day we visited.
There are also hands-on exhibits where kids can touch sea creatures like starfish and stingrays, making it a fun and educational experience.
💡 You’ll want to plan an entire day for SeaWorld. Also, note that it’s a paid parking lot, and the parking fee starts at $32.00.
LEGOLAND California
This park is a great alternative to Disneyland for younger kids who love LEGOs. Everything here is themed around those famous LEGO bricks, and there are tons of rides and interactive experiences designed just for them.
My oldest son begged us to bring him to LEGOLAND. But to our big surprise, it’s more like a theme park than a land built in LEGO. We had a wonderful time, but overall, we preferred SeaWorld.
From building your own mini Lego boat to exploring themed areas like LEGO Ninjago World, there’s something for every little LEGO fan.
💡 Note that you need to reserve your spot in advance on the CityPASS app for this attraction.
Choice of three (3) attractions
The CityPASS also includes options to visit three of the following attractions:
- City Cruises
City Cruises offers a unique way to experience San Diego from the water. With options like harbor tours, dinner cruises, and whale-watching expeditions, you can enjoy stunning city skyline views, sea lions basking in the sun, and even spot whales during the migration season. It’s a fun, relaxing way to explore the city’s beautiful coastline and learn about its rich maritime history.
We didn’t do this attraction, so I don’t know how kid-friendly it is.
💡 Note that you need to reserve your spot in advance on the CityPASS app for this attraction.
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Located in La Jolla, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps is a fantastic family destination. The aquarium is home to more than 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates and has hands-on exhibits where kids can learn about ocean science and conservation.
You can even see the smallest penguins and enjoy the tide pool, where you can touch sea stars and other creatures.
We did this attraction, and it was really nice. You can plan to visit the aquarium for an hour or two. It’s quite small, not like the aquarium in Quebec City, but it’s still a lot of fun, especially with little ones.
- Old Town Trolley Tours
Old Town Trolley Tours offers a convenient and informative way to explore San Diego’s most iconic sites. You can hop on and off the open-air trolley as it stops at key attractions like the historic Old Town, Balboa Park, and Coronado.
With engaging commentary from knowledgeable guides, the tour provides a great overview of the city’s history, culture, and must-see spots.
We did this tour and didn’t find it the best option with kids. We started at the OldTown market, which was the best idea because the trolley was full, so few people could get on from other stops.
We ended up doing the entire tour (more than 2 hours) without hopping on and off the trolley because we didn’t have to be stuck in one location with four tired kids.
I think it’s a beautiful way to glimpse the city, but more targeted to families with older kids (in my opinion).
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego is perfect for history buffs. The museum has one of the world’s largest collections of historic ships, including the famous Star of India, the oldest active sailing ship.
You can explore a variety of vessels, from submarines to tall ships, and learn about San Diego’s maritime heritage through interactive exhibits and guided tours.
We didn’t do this attraction, but we were told it was an amazing maritime museum. If we visit San Diego again, we will stop by.
- San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park. It’s one of the most famous zoos in the world, known for its vast collection of animals and dedication to conservation and education.
It’s home to over 3,700 animals representing more than 650 species and features expansive, naturalistic exhibits that mimic the animals’ natural habitats.
One of the zoo’s new highlights is the arrival of the giant pandas (which we sadly missed during our visit). The Africa Rocks exhibit and the Skyfari Aerial Tram, which offers a bird’ s-eye view of the zoo’s lush landscapes, are also great places to visit.
💡 For the San Diego Zoo, you’ll want to plan an entire day.
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers a unique wildlife experience to see animals roam freely in expansive, naturalistic habitats. Located in Escondido, the park features a range of safari tours, from truck safaris to zipline adventures, where you can see giraffes, rhinos, and antelopes up close.
It’s an exciting and educational outing for families, allowing them to learn about wildlife conservation in a setting that mimics the animals’ natural environments.
We didn’t do this attraction, but someone recommended visiting the San Diego Zoo instead, so that’s what we did.
- USS Midway Museum
Step aboard the USS Midway Museum and dive into the rich history of America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Located on San Diego’s downtown waterfront, this interactive museum offers a hands-on experience with over 30 restored aircraft, flight simulators, and exhibits that cover everything from life on the ship to epic naval battles.
With audio tours narrated by former Midway sailors, it’s an engaging way for visitors of all ages to explore U.S. naval history.
We didn’t do this attraction, but we were told it was an amazing maritime museum.
👉 With all these options, the San Diego CityPASS offers various ways to explore the city’s best attractions. As you can see, there’s something for everyone!
We decided to visit the San Diego Zoo, the Birch Aquarium, and the Old Town Trolley. If we were to do it all over again, we would probably skip the Old Town Trolley and visit the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Is the San Diego CityPASS worth it for Families?
Yes! Definitely, yes, if you plan to do more than one of the main San Diego attractions with your kids
One of the families’ biggest questions is whether the San Diego CityPASS is worth the price. Let’s examine how it can help you save money and time on your trip.
The San Diego CityPASS can offer significant savings compared to buying individual tickets at each attraction. For example, buying separate tickets for each can add up quickly if you’re planning to visit the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, and SeaWorld San Diego.
With the CityPASS, you get access to these attractions for a lower price, often saving up to 30% or more. For families with multiple kids, these savings can make a difference!
| Attraction | Cost (Adult) | Cost (Children) |
| SeaWorld | $123 USD | $123 USD |
| LEGOLAND | $129 USD | $129 USD |
| San Diego Zoo | $74 USD | $63 USD |
| OldTown Trolley | $52 USD | $34 USD |
| Birch Aquarium | $30 USD | $25 USD |
| TOTAL COST | $408 USD | $373 USD |
| CityPASS COST | $236 USD 42% saving | $214 USD 42% saving |
✅ Ready to start planning your next family adventure in San Diego? Consider getting the San Diego CityPASS and make the most of your trip! You can purchase the pass online through the official CityPASS website.
Pros of the CityPASS for Families
There are several advantages to using the San Diego CityPASS. First, it’s super convenient—you only need to buy one pass to cover multiple attractions. This means less hassle and more time to enjoy your vacation.
The pass also allows you to skip the ticket lines at some attractions, which is a huge plus when traveling with impatient kids.
Plus, the CityPASS bundles popular attractions together, so you don’t have to pick and choose which ones to visit—you get access to all of them!
Cons to Consider
However, the CityPASS may not be the best choice for every family. If not all the included attractions interest you, or if you only have time to visit one or two places, you might not get the full value out of the pass.
The pass is most cost-effective when you visit multiple sites, so if your schedule is tight or your kids have their hearts set on just one place, you might want to consider buying individual tickets instead.
👉 Ultimately, the San Diego CityPASS is worth it if you plan to hit several top attractions. It can save you both money and time, making your family trip to San Diego more enjoyable and less stressful!
How to Purchase and Use the San Diego CityPASS
Getting your San Diego CityPASS is easy, and using it is even simpler! Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.
Where to Buy the Pass
You can purchase the San Diego CityPASS online through the official CityPASS website or other travel sites. Buying online is usually the most convenient option, as it allows you to set everything up before your trip.
How to Use the Pass
Once you’ve purchased your pass, you’ll download the CityPASS app, which saves the digital version of your tickets on your smartphone. This makes it easy to access and hard to lose.
When you arrive at an attraction, show your pass the entrance for scanning, and you’re all set to enter!
Tips for Activating and Using the Pass
The San Diego CityPASS activates the first time you use it at any included attraction. After that, it’s valid for a set number of days (usually 9 consecutive days), so plan your visits accordingly.
Be sure to check each attraction’s hours and any special requirements ahead of time to make the most of your visit. And remember, some attractions may require reservations, especially during peak seasons, such as Legoland. So it’s a good idea to check their policies as well.
By following these simple steps, you can make purchasing and using the San Diego CityPASS a breeze, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for your family.
Conclusion: San Diego Attraction Pass
So, is the San Diego CityPASS worth it for families?
For most families, the answer is a resounding yes. The pass offers great value by bundling some of the most popular attractions in San Diego at a discounted price, saving you money and making it easier to plan your visit.
With the convenience of skipping ticket lines and having a single pass to access multiple attractions, the CityPASS can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable, especially when traveling with kids.
Overall, the San Diego CityPASS is a smart choice for families looking to experience the best of San Diego without the stress of buying separate tickets and managing different reservations. It’s all about convenience, savings, and maximizing your family fun!
✅ Ready to start planning your next family adventure in San Diego? Consider getting the San Diego CityPASS and make the most of your trip! You can purchase the pass online through the official CityPASS website.
