San Francisco City Pass

Purchasing a San Francisco City Pass is a super way to save money while visiting some of the Bay Area's most popular tourist attractions.

San Francisco is located in the northern part of California, and is a popular vacation destination due to its rich cultural heritage and wealth of tourist attractions. The Golden Gate Bridge and the city's unique cable car system are just two of San Francisco's most recognizable landmarks. The city is also famous for its hills. There are more than 50 large hills in the city limits, and many of the neighborhoods and districts are named after local hills.

There are also a host of other popular attractions that draw tourists to the city, some of which cost money to visit. Fortunately, you can take advantage of a money-saving package for tourists, called the City Pass.

So, what is the San Francisco City Pass? It's a combined attraction pass that allows buyers entrance into several museums and aquariums in addition to unlimited cable car rides. At 2010 prices a City Pass can save you roughly 60 dollars off regular admission fees.

The City Pass allows entrance into the following:

• California Academy of Sciences
• Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise
• Aquarium of the Bay
• San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
• Either the Exploratorium or the de Young Museum and Legion of Honor (if these two are visited on the same day).

The California Academy of Sciences is a four-in-one attraction, featuring an aquarium, planetarium, museum of natural history and a rainforest canopy. It is located in Golden Gate Park close to the de Young Museum. The institution is dedicated to preserving the natural world and is ecologically sound. It also features a living, breathing eco-roof.

The Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise offered via the City Pass is a one-hour sail around San Francisco Bay that approaches the Golden Gate Bridge. Unique and pleasant views of the city are part of the voyage, as are historic facts about the city. For $5 more (2010 prices), City Pass buyers have the option of upgrading to a rocketboat.

The City Pass also includes entrance into the Aquarium of the Bay. The structure features over 20,000 specimens from San Francisco Bay and several tunnels of aquatic marine displays. It also includes hands-on experiences in which visitors are able to touch animals, such as sharks, bat rays and sea stars.

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is in the Yerba Buena Gardens district. It houses one of the most extensive collections of contemporary art on the West Coast. The museum also features many special exhibits in addition to its permanent pieces. The museum store is known for its exciting, unique items and the café located inside the museum attracts locals and tourists alike with its fresh take on contemporary cuisine.

The Exploratorium is an interactive museum designed with children in mind, but is enjoyable for visitors of all ages. It combines art and science for a truly unique hands-on experience.

The de Young Museum and Legion of Honor are legendary fine arts museums in San Francisco. Located in Golden Gate Park and Lincoln Park, respectively, the de Young focuses on American art from the 1600s to contemporary times, while the Legion of Honor features pieces from the past 4000 years.

A San Francisco City Pass also allows travelers unlimited access to public transportation. This gives you the chance to visit some of the most exciting cultural and historical attractions while minimizing your expenses. City Passes are also offered in Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Hollywood, California; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New York City.