Everything you need to know about Go City’s San Francisco passes

Cable cars, bay cruises and world-class museums—unlock San Francisco’s greatest hits with one easy app and two flexible ways to explore.

Published: October 28, 2025
Golden Gate Bridge

Planning a trip to San Francisco? Think hills with personality, fog that rolls like theater, and neighborhoods that each feel like their own little world. Between Golden Gate Park’s greenery, waterfront energy at Fisherman’s Wharf and quiet corners in the Presidio, there’s a lot to fit in. That’s where Go City San Francisco comes in—with two flexible pass types and access to 30+ attractions, tours and experiences, it helps you see more for less. First-timers, weekenders, families and locals playing tour guide all find it handy—because it bends to your plans instead of the other way around.

The basics: what is the Go City San Francisco pass?

 

Go City San Francisco passes provide easy, money-saving ways to visit multiple attractions for one price. Just choose the pass type that suits your style—All-Inclusive or Explorer—and you’re all set for adventure.

All-Inclusive Pass

  • Choose a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day pass.
  • Best for packing in lots of sightseeing across a short window—great for first visits or energetic getaways.
  • Visit as much as you like from the included lineup for each day your pass is active (once per attraction).
  • Valid for consecutive calendar days starting with your first attraction scan-in, so start early to get the most out of each day.

Explorer Pass

  • Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 attractions.
  • Perfect for a relaxed pace, repeat visitors, or anyone who wants to focus on a specific handful of favorites.
  • You’ll have 30 days to use your choices from first activation, which fits well with longer trips or flexible schedules.
  • Easy to build your own lineup—mix museums, cruises, tours and family fun without locking into daily quotas.

Both passes live on your phone, unlock fast entry at included attractions and deliver serious savings compared to buying entrance tickets separately.

Buying and activating your pass

 

  1. Buy online: Purchase from the official Go City website or app to get instant delivery and the latest pricing.
  2. Download the Go City app: Your pass appears automatically via the link in your confirmation email. Use the app to browse attractions, opening hours, maps and booking links.
  3. Activate when you’re ready: Your pass activates the moment it’s scanned at your first attraction. All-Inclusive runs for the number of consecutive calendar days you choose; Explorer stays valid for 30 days from first use.

Using your pass

What’s included?

Alcatraz

With 30+ attractions, tours and experiences, San Francisco’s highlights line up nicely. A little taste of what you can do with your pass…

Bay views and boat trips

 

See the city from the water on a classic Golden Gate Bay Cruise. You’ll sail under the bridge, glide past waterfront landmarks and circle Alcatraz while listening to stories of the city’s wild past. Want to add a little more drama? The Escape from the Rock cruise includes colorful and lurid tales of the prison island as you orbit its seawalls—landing tickets aren’t included, but the views and narration are fantastic. Sunset departures add that golden glow across the bridge and Marin Headlands, with plenty of photo ops and fresh Pacific air.

Museums and culture

 

The California Academy of Sciences packs an aquarium, rainforest dome and planetarium under one living roof—great for kids and nerdy adults. Don’t miss the Philippine coral reef tank or the immersive planetarium shows. Meanwhile, the de Young Museum and Legion of Honor bring fine art across eras and continents. Climb the de Young’s observation tower for sweeping city and park views before you wander the galleries. The Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio tells the story of Walt’s early experiments, animation breakthroughs and film magic. It’s intimate, insightful and set in one of the city’s prettiest neighborhoods.

Family fun at the wharf

 

Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 spotlights local sea life with walk-through tunnels where sharks and bat rays glide overhead. Step outside afterward to greet the resident sea lions basking on the docks.

The San Francisco Flyer and 7D Experience bring motion seats, high-energy visuals and arcade-style thrills to the waterfront—great quick hits between meals and marina strolls.

Parks, bridges and fresh air

 

Grab a full-day bike rental and follow the waterfront path through Crissy Field, over the Golden Gate Bridge and down to Sausalito. Ferry back if you fancy a one-way ride, or pedal round-trip if your legs are game. Alternatively, the hop-on hop-off Big Bus is an easy way to link the sights without tackling the hills. Ride open-top between Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, the Haight and Golden Gate Park while getting the lay of the land.

For a quirky twist, book a GoCar GPS storytelling tour and steer your zippy little car past must-see viewpoints and colorful street scenes—complete with on-board narration.

Plan ahead

 

A little prep goes a long way in San Francisco. Cluster your day by neighborhood to save time (and calves). Fisherman’s Wharf pairs naturally with Aquarium of the Bay, a bay cruise and a quick ride on the historic streetcars. Golden Gate Park bundles the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young and leafy paths for a bike spin. The Presidio works well with the Walt Disney Family Museum, scenic overlooks and easy trails.

Start early, especially with an All-Inclusive Pass. Some museums close on Mondays; many attractions open later on weekends. If you’re biking over the bridge, check wind forecasts and layer up—the weather can swing from sunny to foggy in minutes. Public transit is your friend: Muni buses, light rail and the California or Powell cable car lines help you skip parking headaches. Finally, skim the app the night before to confirm hours and booking notes; that quick check might just save you a lot of last-minute scrambling on the day!

Reservations

Go City San Francisco app

Some popular spots need timed-entry or advance reservations, especially on weekends and holidays. You’ll find everything you need in the app—look for the ‘reservations’ tag on each attraction. Typical examples include California Academy of Sciences time slots, GoCar tours and certain bay cruises in peak windows. If you don’t see a booking requirement, you can go straight to the entrance and scan your pass. Plans changed? Cancel or reschedule through the same booking links to free up your slot for someone else.

What’s the main advantage of Go City San Francisco passes?

 

  • Genuine savings compared to buying separate tickets at each attraction.
  • Flexibility to choose a day-based All-Inclusive Pass or a pick-your-favorites Explorer option.
  • Instant mobile admission with the Go City app—no queues for paper tickets.
  • A single app to check hours, directions, booking details and more.
  • Freedom to try new experiences you might skip if paying full price per attraction.

Is buying a pass worth it?

Pier 39 sea lions in San Francisco

For most travelers, yes. Between bay cruises, top-tier museums, family-friendly fun on the waterfront and easy ways to get around, you can cover a lot of ground without overspending. Pick the pass that mirrors your travel style, plan your neighborhoods, snag any required reservations and start scanning. You’ll spend more time soaking up Golden Gate views and less time juggling tickets—and that’s a San Francisco win in our book.

Let’s say you get a 3-day All-Inclusive Pass and choose: 

Day 1

  • Big Bus hop-on-hop-off tour ($66)
  • California Academy of Sciences ($59)
  • Walt Disney Family Museum ($25)

Day 2

  • Golden Gate bay cruise ($39)
  • Exploratorium at Pier 15 ($39.95)
  • Aquarium of the Bay ($28)

Day 3

  • Mission district food and culture tour ($39)
  • Half-hour GoCar rental ($26)
  • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art ($30)

That’s more than $350 worth of tickets on a $179 pass. In other words, solid savings of over $170 and around 50% on a whole load of Frisco fun!* 

*prices accurate as of October 2025

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. 

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® - just choose a pass to get started!

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Continue reading

Best Beaches in San Francisco
Blog

Best Beaches in San Francisco

Heading to San Fran this year, or call the city home? Why not hit the beach? Below, we'll answer all your most burning questions about San Fran's beaches, as well as our recommendations for the best beaches in the city! So break out the sunscreen and oversized sun hats; we're going to town! Including: Does San Francisco have good beaches? Can you swim at the beaches in San Francisco? How clean are San Francisco beaches? The best beaches in San Francisco Does San Francisco have good beaches? It would be a pretty short blog if this weren't the case, but yes, you can rest easy. Not only does San Francisco have good beaches, it has some of the best beaches in the country. They're not all pearly white beaches with lashings of sun, but they provide some of the best views around that almost demand a round of clicks from your camera. Can you swim at the beaches in San Francisco? Technically yes, but most authorities (and, by extension, us) recommend that you do not. San Francisco's beaches are often surrounded by water with dangerous rip currents, causing many people to drown throughout the year. While some extreme sports fanatics see this as the perfect time to hop on a board and ride some waves, for the casual swimmer, we'd recommend staying out of the water for the most part. How clean are San Francisco beaches? Every beach in America receives a grade based not only on the cleanliness of the beach itself, but also the water around it. Like school, these grades go from A+ all the way to F. The good news is that 88% of the beaches around the San Francisco and Bay Area received an A or B grade, and some, like the first beach on our list, received an A+. Ocean Beach An A+ beach, if ever there was one, Ocean Beach is the highest-rated beach on our list for cleanliness. Right by the Golden Gate Bridge, this 3-and-a-half-mile stretch of bright white sand gives loungers the perfect views for their sunbathing antics. Running from Cliff House south to Sloat Boulevard, Ocean Beach is also a great place for walks, and those willing to burn even more calories can continue up to Golden Gate Park - you could even hire some skates when you get there and explore the park on wheels. Ocean Beach is also a frequent evening haunt, with bonfires and parties occurring on the regular. During the day, extreme sports enjoyers do partake in windsurfing, but as we mentioned before, the rip currents should keep casual enthusiasts out of the water. If you want to hit the waves, why not do it on a cruise ship instead? Baker Beach This mile-long sandy shoreline is an area in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, stretching underneath sheer cliffs. Don't worry; they're safe. They're also beautiful, a beauty matched by views of the Golden Gate Bridge across the water. Just bear in mind that the north part of Baker Beach is also nudist-friendly, so if you're planning a beach break with the kids, maybe stay away. After all, with all the new...bits and bobs...they're likely to see, you'll only have to deal with a near-endless stream of awkward questions. Crissy Field East Beach Named after the famous Crissy Field, a world-renowned sand castle designer who won multiple awards for her creations, Crissy Field Beach is one of the best beaches in San Francisco. Okay, so one of those statements is utterly false, but you have to have a little fun with it, don't you? Crissy Field East Beach is actually one of the most popular beaches in the Bay Area, with tons of locals hitting the shore every summer to relax, exercise, picnic, and even birdwatch. It's also safe for casual swimmers looking to cool off from the summer sun - just don't head too far out. Pescadero State Beach If you're looking for more from your beach-going experience, how about a nice injection of natural beauty? The sandy coves, rocky cliffs, and tide pools that call Pescadero State Beach home make it a must-visit for nature lovers. Even relaxation seekers are in for a treat, as there's plenty of sandy beach to explore and set up a towel. However, when you get bored of ray-soaking, go exploring. Hikers love the trails that snake through the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, so why not join them and burn some cals? Aquatic Park Cove Aquatic Park Cove is a magical place, and easily one of the best beaches in San Francisco. Nestled in San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park - try and say that name fast three times - it's a protected cove that also happens to be the safest place to swim in the city. The cove naturally protects the water from the surging currents beyond, leading to calm waters you won't find anywhere else. So, while it's also a magnet for swim enthusiasts, it's also a prime location for less extreme water activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and rowing. Muir Beach Okay, we might be cheating a bit with our final entry, but Muir Beach is so good it earns its place on this list of the best beaches in San Francisco. Yes, it's a 10-mile drive from the city, but the US is a car-centric country, so you'll likely have a set of wheels able to close the gap in a matter of minutes. Muir Beach is basically a beach from your favorite movie - at least one that has a beach. Volleyball, sunbathing, swimming, and more beach-based activities are there to enjoy. You can also say hi to a whole host of little critters, including hermit crabs and starfish, and even see whales off the coast if you're lucky enough. Then there's Muir Woods right next door if you fancy hiking among great redwoods. It really is the beach that does it all. And those were our picks of the best beaches in San Francisco! If you're heading to the Golden Gate City and want some extra activities to fill your vacation itinerary, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of San Fran's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Relaxing Things to do in San Francisco
Blog

Relaxing Things to do in San Francisco

Often, vacations can feel like a sprint to see and do everything in your limited time. In a new city or country, you want to immerse yourself in as much local culture as possible. But with only a handful of days there, fitting it all in can be stressful. But it needn't be. After all, vacations should also be about relaxing. So, if you want to take your foot off the gas, check out our picks of the best relaxing things to do in San Francisco and take it easy! Including: Hop-on, hop-off Bus Tour Aquarium of the Bay San Francisco Bay Cruise Exploratorium San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and more! Hop-on, hop-off Bus Tour If you're only in town for a few days, you may want to see all the sights in one afternoon. If you think that sounds stressful, think again. Because on this hop-on, hop-off bus tour of San Francisco's most recognizable landmarks, the pressure's off. The way these tours work is that a fleet of buses run every day, with each passing the same landmarks. That means that if you want to get out and explore any of them, you can! Just hop off, take a look around, and then hop on the next bus that shows up. Your ticket lasts the whole day, so you can really take your time. So, what landmarks will you be checking out? Well, there's the famous Golden Gate Bridge & Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, and plenty more! If you're looking for relaxing things to do in San Francisco, take your camera and hop on this landmark bonanza bus tour! Aquarium of the Bay What could be more serene and relaxing than wandering beneath the waves, wondering about all the exotic species that call it home? Not much, we thinks. So, if you're looking for chill things to do in San Francisco, why not visit the Aquarium of the Bay? Just go on a weekday, lest the crowds of tourists ruin the vibe. More than 20,000 marine animals live, laugh, and love within the Aquarium of the Bay's many tanks and underwater biomes. From otherworldly stingrays to cute, fuzzy otters, you'll struggle to find a more diverse crowd of water-dwelling wonders anywhere else. But perhaps the jewel in the Aquarium of the Bay's crown is its massive underwater walking tunnels. Take a stroll down them, and you'll be surrounded by wonderful flora and fauna. Each is over 300ft long, and they'll let you get up close and personal with myriad exotic species. San Francisco Bay Cruise If seeing the city by bus or underwater doesn't float your boat, why not see it all from atop the very waves themselves? On this cruise across the San Francisco Bay, you'll see the city's skyline from a different perspective - and a few surprises to boot! Get your snappers at the ready because the sea lions that call Pier 39 home are ripe for photography! Then, witness one of the modern wonders of the world as you sail up and under the Golden Gate Bridge. Next, a trip to Alcatraz Island will set you straight. The prison might be long-shut, but seeing the imposing island by boat is enough to send shivers down your spine. And finally, a jaunt past Angel Island will leave you wondering what life was like for immigrants back in the day. This hour-long cruise is a great way to see it all without having to lift a finger. Exploratorium Inquisitive minds apply within. If you're looking for a relaxing way to expand your mind while getting hands-on with some mind-blowing interactive exhibits, stroll cooly and calmly to the Exploratorium. The Exploratorium brings the weird and wonderful to life. Featuring a metric ton of what can only be described as 'scientific art', it aims to inspire and educate in equal measure. Wander its wonderful halls, and you'll discover parabolic mirrors, see microscopic cells blown up to massive proportions, and even touch a tornado, if you can believe that. Perfect, relaxing fun for kids and big kids alike; if you've got the little ones in tow, just let them loose and take a seat. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Art lovers will get a chill kick out of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Featuring modern masterpieces from modern maestros, it's one of the most lauded modern art museums in the country. And, after a recent expansion, it's also the biggest. So, set a few hours aside to see it all! Mainstay exhibits are now joined by the Doris and Donald Fisher Collection, as well as a fresh variety of special exhibitions featuring topics like graphic art, contemporary sculpture, modern film, and more. Fans of Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and other contemporaries will love it. But, like most museums, you're best bet is to head there on a weekday morning to beat the crowds. That way, you'll ensure your visit is one of the best relaxing things to do in San Francisco! Mission District Food and Culture Tour And finally, after a relaxing journey through things to do in San Francisco, you may have built up a bit of an appetite. Thankfully, this Mission District food and culture tour will hit the spot. If you've never been to San Francisco's Mission District before, you're in for a treat. It's the city's Latin Quarter, featuring walls bedazzled with beautiful murals, plenty of laid-back bars, and a ton of Mexican restaurants and street food vendors selling all manner of delicious treats. So, why not take a tour, learn about the area's culture and history from a knowledgeable guide, and go try some of it for yourself? With four food stops on the tour, you'll have plenty of time to tuck into tacos, flatbreads, guac, salsa, and fajitas. And those were our picks of the best relaxing things to do in San Francisco. Of course, you may want to up the ante at some point during your visit. Thankfully, Go City gives you access to some of the most exhilarating experiences in San Fran! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see the city's best bits for one low price.
Dom Bewley
san-francisco-city-hall-illuminated
Blog

Thanksgiving in San Francisco 2019 - Things to Do in November & More

Looking for some things to do on Thanksgiving in San Francisco? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few suggestions for local attractions that will keep you and keep the family busy all weekend. Check out these suggestions for local activities and more seasonal things to do in November. There’s something to appeal to everyone on this list, from musical performances to shopping, and beyond. Here are our suggestions for Thanksgiving in San Francisco activities, including... Hop-on Hop-off San Francisco Bus Tour SFMOMA California Academy of Sciences Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour Indigenous People Sunrise Ceremony and more! Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these San Francisco attractions is included on the Go San Francisco® pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices. Please note, some of these special November events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go San Francisco® pass. Indigenous People Sunrise Ceremony Alcatraz Island Date TBA Image credit: Native News Online. Previously known as the Unthanksgiving Day Cruise, the Indigenous People’s Sunrise Gathering, at Alcatraz is a significant event to attend this holiday season. It’s an event designed to commemorate the 1969-71 occupation of Alcatraz by the “Indians of All Tribes” and to honor the tradition of indigenous peoples in the area. It’s a good opportunity for the kids to learn about the nuanced history of this famous holiday and a chance for everyone to give thanks for the things that really matter. If you're thinking about budget, it's also nice that kids under 5 ride for free! This is the only cruise running to Alcatraz on Thanksgiving Day. Getting In: Cruise tickets to the Indigenous People's Sunrise Gathering are not included with the Go San Francisco® pass. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website. San Francisco Tree Lighting Union Square November 29, 2019 After Thanksgiving, it’s officially time to start getting excited about the holiday season. Why not all enjoy a few festive attractions that are sure to get the whole family into the holiday spirit? Check out the annual tree lighting in Union Square, scheduled this year for 6:00 pm on the Friday after Thanksgiving. While you’re in the neighborhood, consider a spin on the Union Square ice-skating rink, or at the one in the Embarcadero Center. Getting In: Admission to the Union Square tree-lighting is free. Black Friday Shopping Union Square & Westfield Shopping Center November 29, 2019 Many of us probably eschew holiday shopping on Thanksgiving itself. But it’s hard to resist the bargains of Black Friday events. The best places in San Francisco to get shopping done before the winter holidays are Union Square and the nearby Westfield Shopping Center. Union Square has a number of department stores (featuring Macy’s) and smaller independent shops as well. Westfield is a conventional mall, featuring dozens of stores with great deals. Getting In: Admission to Black Friday shopping is free. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission We listed just a few fun suggestions for things to do in November and Thanksgiving in San Francisco 2019. Of course, there are plenty of other activities to help fill your plans. Remember, many of these great options are included on the Go San Francisco® pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the November and Thanksgiving events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go San Francisco® pass. Consider adding a few of these fun options to your November weekend itineraries.
Katie Sagal

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.