LA turns into a choose-your-own-adventure with one pass. The Go City Los Angeles Explorer Pass lets you swap ticket lines for a digital pass and pick 2 to 7 attractions from a list of 30+ big-name sights and tours.

I especially like that you can build your days around what you actually want: movie magic with the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, celebrity posing at Madame Tussauds Hollywood, or city views and neighborhoods with the Big Bus options. You also get a digital guide that helps you plan timing and access, which matters in LA.

One drawback to think about: a bunch of the most popular entries are labeled with an R and need reservations, so you’ll want to lock in times early instead of hoping everything works last minute.

Key things to know before you buy

• Digital access is the point: show your pass on your phone or print it at participating attractions.
• Pick your own combo: choose 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 activities, then use them over a 30-day window after activation.
• Reservations can make or break your plan: anything marked R typically needs booking ahead.
• You can mix big-ticket attractions and flexible sightseeing like Big Bus hop-on options.
• Your savings depend on your choices since savings are based on sample itineraries.
• Bike tour tipping can feel like a shock if you’re used to lower expectations—plan for that.

How the Go City Explorer Pass turns LA planning into less stress

This pass is basically a ticket bundle with room to steer. Instead of committing to one fixed tour, you choose a set number of attractions from the Explorer Pass lineup, then use your pass whenever it fits your schedule.

The appeal is practical: show your fully digital pass at the attractions and you’re in. I like that you can print it at home too, which is handy if your phone battery has other plans.

The big mental shift is this: the pass works best when you treat it like itinerary design. If you pick the right mix (especially those marked R), you’ll feel like you’re getting serious value without spending half your trip doing ticket math.

Choosing 2–7 attractions: the smartest way to avoid wasting $109

The listed price is $109 per person, and you choose whether that covers 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions. Here’s the truth: value doesn’t come from the pass alone. It comes from what you decide to include.

To get the best deal, aim for these strategies:

• Pick at least one or two attractions that usually cost more on their own, like a major studio tour, a stadium tour, an aquarium, or a whale/dolphin cruise.
• Mix a reservation-needed highlight with one flexible activity so your days stay workable.
• Don’t “shop” the lineup only for free time. LA is spread out, and time is the real currency.

If you choose only 2 attractions, you’ll want to be extra selective. Choose a couple of the higher-demand or higher-cost items, not two smaller entries. With 5–7 attractions, you have more room to include museums, viewpoints, and tours that help connect neighborhoods.

One key detail: savings are described as up to 50% versus buying individual tickets, but that’s based on sample itineraries. Your actual savings will depend on which attractions you select.

The digital pass system: phone, print, and the 30-day activation rhythm

This is a fully digital pass. You’ll get it via email, and you can activate it at your first attraction. After that, you have 30 days to use the remaining number of attractions you purchased.

You’ll also want to follow the instructions on your booking confirmation to sync the pass with the Go City app. I find that app syncing is one of those tiny steps that prevents big headaches later, especially with timed entries.

If you like paper backups, print a copy. Not every venue is equally phone-friendly, and sometimes your best plan is the simple one: have both.

Also note the pass timeline logic:

• It’s valid for 1 year from purchase date
• It only becomes activated when you use it the first time
• Then you get 30 days to use the rest of your attractions

That setup is great if you don’t want to rush. Start when you’re ready, not when you booked.

What to do with your attraction picks: studios, stars, museums, and big views

The Explorer Pass lineup is broad enough that you can build a trip that feels like you planned it, even if you didn’t lock everything months ago. Below are the attraction types to look at, plus what each one offers and what to watch for.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood (reservation) and the Dolby/Grammy Theater area

If you want LA that feels like LA, you usually end up in the Hollywood studios and showbiz zone. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is one of the biggest “Hollywood experience” plays on the list, and it’s marked R, so reserve ahead.

For show-business fans, the pass also includes:

• Dolby Theatre® Guided Tour (reservation)
• Grammy Museum
• Hollywood Museum

Why this cluster works: you can group it geographically and mentally. One day can be about how entertainment gets made. Another day can be about film history and the brands behind big TV and music moments.

Watch-out: the reservation items can eat your flexibility. If you’re building a multi-day plan, pick these first, then fill the rest around them.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood for a quick celebrity stop

Madame Tussauds Hollywood is on the list without any reservation tag shown, which usually means it’s easier to slot in. This is a good “short stop” attraction when you want something fun without committing your whole day to a guided tour.

It also pairs well with Hollywood sightseeing walks and the nearby theater/museum energy.

Big Bus tours: a practical way to see more with less backtracking

LA driving can be tiring. The pass includes two Big Bus choices:

• Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Discover Tour
• Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour (reservation)

These are useful because they match how LA is actually set up: spread out, built for car travel, and not always friendly to deep walking.

The Hop-on Hop-off version is a smart tool when you want control. You can ride, get off when something grabs you, then re-board later.

The Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour is more “guided story” focused, and because it’s labeled R, you’ll want to secure a time that matches your day.

Beverly Hills Bike Tour (and the tip reality check)

Beverly Hills Bike Tour is a standout if you want motion plus views instead of another indoor stop. But there’s one important note from real-world experience: the bike tour can come with tipping guidance that feels high if you’re used to different norms.

So do this: mentally budget for a tip and bring it ready. You’ll enjoy the ride more when you’re not doing last-second math or worrying about what’s expected.

If you like an active break and you’re comfortable biking, this is one of those “I’ll remember this” picks.

Hollywood sign energy: the Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour (reservation)

The pass includes The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour (reservation). This is for people who want the iconic photo moment but also want a real walk to go with it.

It pairs well with an early start, but since it’s reservation-needed, plan it as a fixed anchor rather than a spontaneous add-on.

Aquarium of the Pacific (reservation) and the Newport Beach whale tour (reservation)

If your plan includes ocean time, these two are strong options:

• Aquarium of the Pacific (reservation)
• Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour – Beautiful Newport Beach (reservation)

The Aquarium is a great “indoors that still feels like a destination” choice. It’s also an easy family-friendly stop if that’s in your group mix.

The whale watching option is more mood-dependent and can be a real highlight, but it’s also reservation-required. If you’re picking it, think about your day structure and how early you can commit.

SoFi Stadium Tour (reservation) for sports fans and architecture lovers

SoFi Stadium Tour (reservation) gives you a different LA flavor: modern sports and event-scale architecture. If stadiums and behind-the-scenes access are your thing, it’s an excellent counterpart to studios and celebrity sightseeing.

Again: reservation needed. Pick it early in your planning.

LA Zoo for variety and an easy second-day plan

LA Zoo is a solid “add diversity” choice. After a couple of ticketed tours, the zoo can feel like a reset—more wandering, more outdoor time, and less appointment stress.

It’s also a good option if your group mix includes at least one person who wants something less Hollywood-scripted.

Planning a simple itinerary: how to make the pass feel effortless

Here’s a practical way to structure it without overthinking:

• Choose your reservation anchor(s) first

Start with the big reservation-needed items: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour, Aquarium of the Pacific, SoFi Stadium Tour, Hollywood Sign Walking Tour, Dolby Theatre® Guided Tour, or the Newport Beach whale watch.

• Add one flexible sightseeing layer

Use Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Discover Tour to help you handle distance and timing.

• Fill gaps with museums or one fun stop

Mix in Grammy Museum, Hollywood Museum, or Madame Tussauds Hollywood where they fit.

• Keep at least one “choose the day” activity

LA runs on logistics. The zoo or another museum day can be your buffer.

If you go for 5–7 attractions, you can do this across multiple days without feeling like every hour is scheduled. If you choose 2–3 attractions, go heavier on the ones that feel truly worth paying for.

Reservations, timing, and why the R items need your attention now

Any attraction labeled with an R means you’ll need to reserve in advance. That doesn’t mean it’s complicated, but it does mean you shouldn’t rely on luck.

Your planning edge:

• Reserve your most in-demand items first.
• Build other activities around the times you secured.
• Use the Go City app guide for up-to-date opening times and access instructions.

Operating hours can change, especially around holidays. The app is where you’ll find the most current details, so treat it as your living plan.

Getting around: the pass covers tickets, not transportation

The pass includes entrance fees to the number of attractions or tours you purchased, plus the digital pass and digital guide/app. It does not include transportation or parking.

This matters in LA because distances are real. If you’re relying on ride-shares or public transit, your day order can affect cost and stress.

So I suggest grouping picks by neighborhood when you can:

• Hollywood for studios, theaters, and museum stops
• Westside/Beverly Hills for bike tour and celebrity-area experiences
• Ocean area for aquarium and Newport activities

If you plan your route early, you’ll get the full value of your pass without paying for chaos.

Price and value at $109: when this pass actually saves you

At $109 per person, this is a good deal if your attraction choices match the lineup’s ticket prices. The offer says you can save up to 50% compared to buying individual tickets, which is a strong claim—but it’s not automatic.

You’ll usually get the most value if you:

• Choose at least one major attraction like a studio tour, stadium tour, or a whale watch
• Use multiple attractions instead of stopping at only the cheapest entries
• Book reservation-required items early so you don’t miss out

A nice reassurance: this kind of pass is designed to work smoothly at the gate. The overall satisfaction signal is that the pass generally performs as intended when you use it the way it’s meant to be used—activate, sync, then show it.

Who should buy this pass (and who might not love it)

This Explorer Pass is a great fit if you:

• Want to mix big-name attractions with flexible add-ons
• Like planning ahead but don’t want to lock into one giant tour
• Are traveling with different interests (museums, studios, zoo/outdoors, and tours)

It might be less ideal if you:

• Hate reservations and want fully spontaneous days
• Only want one or two attractions and would rather pick exactly one ticket at a time
• Are tight on planning time and can’t sync your pass and reserve R items

If your trip style is structured but not rigid, this is a strong match.

Should you book the Los Angeles Go City Explorer Pass?

Yes, I’d book it if you plan to use several attractions and at least one major, reservation-needed highlight. The price is reasonable, the digital pass is convenient, and the variety lets you build an LA trip that fits your group.

Book it with a simple rule: reserve the R items early, then use your remaining picks to create smooth days. If you do that, you’ll likely feel like you spent smart, not just spent.

If you’re unsure, choose fewer attractions (like 2–3) only if you’re confident the specific picks you want are worth it. Otherwise, move up a tier so you’re not paying full price for a couple of good-but-average stops.

FAQ

How much is the Los Angeles Go City Explorer Pass?

The price listed is $109 per person.

How many attractions can I choose with the Explorer Pass?

You can choose 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 activities from over 30 attractions, tours, and activities.

How long is the pass valid after I start using it?

Your pass is valid for 1 year from purchase date, but it only becomes activated when you visit your first attraction. After activation, you have 30 days to visit the remaining attractions.

Is the pass digital or do I need paper tickets?

The pass is fully digital. You can display it on your smartphone or print it, and you’ll show it at each attraction for admission.

Do I need reservations for all attractions?

No. Some attractions are labeled with an R, meaning you need to reserve in advance. The most popular activities typically require reservations.

How do I get the pass and guide?

Your digital pass is delivered via email, and you also receive a digital guide and app with activity information and reservation instructions.

What’s included in the price?

Entrance fees to the number of attractions or tours you purchased are included, along with the digital pass and the digital guide/app.

Is transportation or parking included?

No. Transportation to and from attractions and any additional parking fees are not included.

What happens if I cancel after buying?

The activity is non-refundable.

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