San Francisco is an expensive city but for you, the traveler, it doesn't have to be.
This video is all about tourist discount passes and whether one of the many options might
be best for you.
Everyone's tastes are a little different, so not all packages are right for all people.
Luckily there are quite a few options.
We go into more detail on each of the following options on our blog post.
There's a link in the description below.
These tourist discount pass options help save money on admission and tour costs such as
the aquarium of the bay, Alcatraz, and the sights on pier 39.
We recommend that you decide in advance what you want to see, then find a path that includes
most, if not all of these activities.
The biggest mistakes travelers make is overestimate the time and energies they will have, so be
realistic.
Option one, all-inclusive paths.
An all-inclusive pass allows you to enjoy as many attractions, tours and experiences
as you can within a set number of days for one set price.
Think of an all-you-can-eat buffet.
These are the most expensive type but you could potentially save the most amount of
money.
The go San Francisco card includes interest access to 29 top attractions, tours and activities.
This pass has the potential to save you the most money, and it gives you the most flexibility,
but in order to get those savings, you will need to stay busy.
While you have unlimited access you don't have unlimited time.
Make sure you look at the days and hours of operations for each attraction, and factor
in travel time.
Option two, pick your attractions.
There are a few passes, sometimes referred to as pick passes that allow you to create
a pass by the number of attractions and activities rather than the number of days.
These passes, the Mega Pass, Explorer Pass, and the iventure card offer the option to
buy between three and five attractions.
You pick your attractions from a list, many of them among the most popular and the most
expensive.
By purchasing a pass rather than each site individually, you can save a lot.
You do not need to choose in advance which attractions you will go to or what days you
will visit them.
Another nice perk is that some attractions you will get fast-track entry, and get to
skip some of the general admission lines.
Option three, build your own pass.
This ala carte option allows you to pick and choose only the attractions you want to visit.
This one is best if you know what places you want to visit, but you're not sure you'll
have enough time to visit all the attractions that you need to make the other passes worth
the cost.
This pass is great because it's a personalized coupon book.
Be aware, you must choose the attractions at the time of purchase.
Option four, prepackaged pass.
These types of packages save you money by bundling a certain number of attractions into
one purchase with a set price.
You do have less control over what attractions are included in your package, but the options
they offer are some of the most popular sites to see.
The city passes booklet of tickets that saves you 45% off regular admission costs of the
top four attractions and grants free cable car bus transit.
Don't let the name fool you, the pier 39 combo gives you more than just the fun attractions
of pier 39.
You also get to tour the city via hop-on hop-off bus and a Bay tour.
This pass is highly rated by families.
Check out our blog posts for comparison of other prepackaged pass options.
Option five, Alcatraz combo tour.
Alcatraz is one of the most popular destinations in the Bay Area.
It's so popular that they often sell out of tickets, the island months in advance.
City sites Inc offers a pretty great combo package that makes it a lot easier to guarantee
access to Alcatraz Tour.
Big bus tours has a similar package, but there are important differences between the two.
We explain all the details and benefits on our blog posts, link below.
Lastly, don't forget our walking tours.
They're budget-friendly with or without a sightseeing pass.
We offer a variety of Tours that are a nice complement to the attractions that these passes
cover.
Leave comments or questions below.
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