San Francisco Discount Card

Save with a San Francisco discount card, like CityPass or Go Card. Each offers their own positives, though with a Go Card you may need to plan a bit more.

Visitors to San Francisco have two main attractions passes to choose from: City Pass and the Go San Francisco Card. With City Pass, you can visit (any/all) six attractions that will take you to select areas of the city where you can further explore with a tour or by using the included map (courtesy of National Geographic Traveler magazine. What's more, you get a free public transportation pass (which includes cable cars, already $5 each ride). At $54, it can really be a good buy. As for the Go San Francisco Card, there's more selection, but less direction. If you do choose the Go Card, here are a few possible itineraries to help you get the most out of the attractions pass (for a 3-day pass).

Day 1
Trolley Hop
A 1 - 1 1/4-hour narrated tour that loops around the city. Hop on and off the trolley(s) to explore an area of San Francisco when you get the inspiration. Travel through such S.F. neighborhoods as North Beach, the Financial District, Nob Hill, and SoMa. ($18)

Haas-Lilienthal House
Built in 1886, this Queen Anne-style museum home invites guests to experience life as it was during the 19th century, complete with period furnishings and distinctive architecture. One-hour tour. ($8)

Day 2
de Young Museum
Located in Golden Gate Park, the museum exhibits American art from the 17th-20th centuries, along with art of the native Americas, Africa, and the Pacific. Founded in 1895, the new structure made its debut just two years ago. ($10, same-day admission to the Legion of Honor for free.)

Conservatory of Flowers
Also in Golden Gate Park, take the tour of this lovely, living museum, the oldest existing conservatory in the western hemisphere. ($5)

Day 3
Golden Gate Bay Cruise
Explore San Francisco Bay in 60 minutes. In that time, travel under the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoy lovely views of Sausalito, Angel Island, and the island prison of Alcatraz. ($21 / $18)

Aquarium of the Bay
Located at Pier 39, the Aquarium at the Bay explores the aquatic life of San Francisco Bay. Learn about the region’s distinctive ecosystems and what all “lies beneath the Bay.” ($13.95)

Cable Car Ride
Ticket can be picked up at two locations only (Coffee Adventures Café and Go Car San Francisco), at which time your ticket will be activated for one ride on the city’s historic cable car. ($5)

Bottom Line
Cost of a 3-day card: $71
Cost of 3-day itinerary: $80.95
Savings: $9.95, which is the price of many of the entrees at these 48 Bargain Bites chosen by the San Francisco Chronicle.

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