Los Angeles: Go City Explorer Pass – Choose 2-7 Attractions

LA is for planning-smart visitors.

With the Los Angeles Go City Explorer Pass, you choose 2 to 7 attractions from a big menu (30+ options), then show a fully digital pass at each stop for entry. I like the flexibility: you can stack Hollywood, museums, tours, and even family-friendly time without locking into one “fixed day.” I also like the practical savings angle—Go City says you can save up to 50% versus buying separate tickets, and you can often go straight to the gate without extra ticket-hunting.

The main thing to watch is timing. Some of the best-known add-ons are marked R and require reservations, so you’ll want to reserve early and plan your days around whatever start times are available.

Key things to know before you buy

• Choose your hit list size (2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions) so you control cost and pacing.
• Your pass is digital: show it on your phone or print it, and activate it at your first attraction.
• “R” activities need reservations—plan ahead or you may miss your preferred slots.
• You get 30 days to finish once activated, with a 1-year validity window from purchase.
• You can mix icons and neighborhoods: studio tours, celebrity experiences, hop-on buses, biking, and more.
• Transportation and parking aren’t included, so factor in getting around LA.

How the Go City Explorer Pass Works in Los Angeles

This pass is built for travelers who don’t want to overthink tickets every time they change plans. You buy a package for one person at $109, then decide how many attractions you’re actually going to do: 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7.

After you purchase, you receive your digital pass by email. You don’t start using it right away just because you bought it. The pass is activated only when you visit your first attraction, and then you have 30 days to use the rest of the attractions you selected. The pass is valid for 1 year from purchase date, which gives you some breathing room if your trip date shifts, but the real action window is those 30 days after activation.

When you arrive at each attraction, you show your pass (phone or print) and you’re covered for admission. Go City also notes that you can pay nothing at the gate for the attractions included in your selection. If you’re the type who hates lines and paperwork, that part matters.

One more practical detail: the pass includes a digital guide and app info, including reservation instructions for items that need them. Attractions and tours can change, so you should treat the app guide as your daily source of truth for opening times and instructions.

Best ways to plan your 30 days (without getting stuck in traffic)

LA can eat your time if you plan like it’s a small town. The pass helps because you can build your own “clusters,” but you still have to choose what goes near what.

A good approach is to plan your days around themes you actually want, then plug attractions into those days:

• One day for Hollywood icons (studio vibe, celebrity stops, and Hollywood walking tours)
• One day for museums and theater visits (things like the Grammy Museum and Dolby Theatre Guided Tour)
• One day for views and moving around (Big Bus hop-on hop-off, or a Beverly Hills Bike Tour)
• One day for water or animals (Aquarium of the Pacific, or a whale watch/dolphin tour in Newport Beach)
• One day for stadium and showbiz venues (SoFi Stadium Tour and more)

Why this matters: some attractions have reservation requirements (R). If you decide late which day you’ll do them, you can lose your preferred start times. So pick your “anchor” activities first, then fill the gaps with flexible ones.

The pass gives you a digital guide, and the app should show the latest lineup and opening times. Still, I’d treat your itinerary like a draft. You’ll probably adjust as you learn what’s available for reservations.

Hollywood A-lister energy: Warner Bros., Madame Tussauds, and Hollywood Sign time

If your LA trip includes Hollywood, you’ll probably want at least one or two of these experiences.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood (R)

This is your “go behind the scenes” choice. It’s one of the most headline-attraction options on the list, but it’s also marked R, meaning reservations are likely needed. If you want studio access, make this one of your first reservations.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood

This is the celebrity-friendly stop. The big draw here is simple: you can do a selfie-style celebrity experience at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. It’s a low-friction way to get a Hollywood mood without requiring you to be in the right place at the right time for sightings.

The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour (R)

This is another R option, and it’s framed as a walking tour connected to the Hollywood Sign. It’s also described as part of hiking in the Hollywood Hills, so it’s a good fit if you like being active and want views.

How to use these together: If you do the studio tour, you might pair it with Madame Tussauds on the same general day, then plan the Hollywood Sign walking tour as your morning or late-afternoon activity so you’re not rushing between time-sensitive entry windows.

Possible downside: two items here are reservation-based. If your schedule is tight or you travel during a busy holiday period, you may need to accept alternative time slots.

Big Bus and Beverly Hills Bike Tour: moving through LA the easy way

LA is spread out. Two of the most pass-friendly ways to cover more ground are the bus tour and the bike option.

Big Bus Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour (R)

This one is marked R and is specifically about celebrity lifestyle and homes. If you want to see the idea of Beverly Hills and celebrity real estate without planning a route, this is the “set it and let it roll” option.

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Discover Tour

This is the more flexible bus choice. Hop on, hop off, and adjust as you go. It’s a good match for travelers who want options during the day, especially if you’re not sure how long you’ll spend at each photo spot.

Beverly Hills Bike Tour (R)

This is also marked R, and it’s a great pick if you want exercise plus a guided route. There’s one review note pointing out that the tip for the bike tour was very high. I can’t tell you how tipping works here from the pass details alone, but it’s smart to plan for tipping as part of your overall budget if you’re choosing a guided bike experience. Bring cash or make sure you have a way to tip the day you ride.

How I’d choose between the bus and bike:

• Pick Big Bus if you want maximum flexibility and less physical effort.
• Pick the Bike Tour if you prefer a structured ride and you’re comfortable riding during your vacation.

Studios, theaters, and awards stops: Dolby, TCL, and Grammy Museum

Not every great LA day needs a long ride. The pass includes a strong set of “showbiz venues” that work well for indoor time.

Dolby Theatre Guided Tour (R)

This is a guided experience tied to the Dolby Theatre. It’s a solid “movie industry meets venue” choice, and because it’s marked R, it’s another anchor item you should consider early.

TCL Chinese Theatre Tour or Movie with Drink

This is listed as a choice with a guided tour or a movie option with a drink. It’s a fun way to get that classic Hollywood theater feel. It also works nicely as an evening plan if you want your day’s big outdoor time to happen earlier.

Grammy Museum

If you want music-industry context without needing to add a major reservation item, the Grammy Museum is included on the list as an attraction option. Pair it with something nearby in your same day plan.

A practical strategy: Use your pass to balance the day. Studio tours and walking tours can take time and energy. Then you can add a venue tour or museum stop so you’re not spending every day in motion.

Aquarium, zoo, and whale watch: animal days that fit the pass

If you’re traveling with kids (or you just like animals), this is where the pass shines because you’ve got multiple “daytime variety” options.

Aquarium of the Pacific (R)

This is a reservation-based attraction on the list. It’s a great pick if you want something that feels like a dedicated excursion rather than just a quick stop.

LA Zoo

This gives you another straightforward option for animals. It’s a strong choice when you want a predictable day out with plenty to see.

Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour – Beautiful Newport Beach (R)

This one is reservation-based and tied to Newport Beach. If you want a water-based excursion, it’s a standout category option. Just remember: LA-area trips are all about travel time. If you pick a Newport Beach tour, plan your other activities so you aren’t constantly hopping back and forth.

The key trade-off: water tours and reservation items can add schedule pressure. But they’re often worth it if that’s the whole point of your visit.

Stadium and venue tours: SoFi Stadium and the showbiz circuit

For sports fans and for people who like big LA landmarks, the pass includes SoFi Stadium Tour (R).

This is another reservation-marked item, so it’s best used as a planned anchor. It also helps you cover a different side of LA: less Hollywood Hills, more modern landmark.

You can also connect stadium and awards venues in one broader “showbiz day,” especially if you’re already in an area where you can visit multiple indoor or landmark-focused attractions without constant long commutes.

Using the digital pass smoothly at the gate

One reason I’m a fan of these passes is that they reduce mental load. With Go City’s Explorer Pass, you don’t need to keep track of multiple physical tickets.

Here’s how to keep it smooth:

• Sync with the Go City app if the instructions on your confirmation recommend it. This is the easiest way to find access details.
• Save to your phone/tablet or print a copy, because phones die and batteries get forgotten.
• Activate the pass at your first attraction. After that, your 30-day clock starts.
• Check the app guide before you go for opening times and any access instructions, since the lineup can change.

Also note: the pass includes the entrance fees for the number of attractions or tours you purchased. You’ll still need to handle transportation and parking on your own, which is very real in Los Angeles.

Finally, if you’re choosing anything marked R, reserve as early as your schedule allows. If you don’t, you may end up with less ideal time slots.

Price and value: does $109 work for your style?

At $109 per person, this pass becomes a value play if you actually use enough of the included attractions and you pick items that match your priorities.

Go City says you can save up to 50% compared with buying separate tickets, based on sample itineraries. That doesn’t guarantee every traveler hits the same percentage, but it does give you a strong hint: the pass is designed for people who will do multiple paid attractions in a row.

Here’s how I’d judge value for your own trip:

• If you’re selecting 4, 5, or 7 attractions, you’re much more likely to feel the savings because you’re stacking admission costs into one purchase.
• If your plan includes multiple reservation-based marquee items (like studio tour or whale watch), the pass can help you pre-budget without paying every ticket separately.
• If you only use 2 attractions, the pass might still be worth it for convenience, but your savings will depend heavily on which two you pick.

Also remember the practical costs not included: getting there and parking. The pass saves money on admission, not on LA’s travel friction.

Who should choose this pass (and who should skip it)

This Explorer Pass fits best if you:

• want to mix Hollywood sights, museums, tours, and family options
• like the freedom to adjust your day by day plan
• are comfortable reserving in advance when an item is marked R
• want a digital pass system so you spend less time managing tickets

It may be less ideal if you:

• hate planning around time slots and reservations
• will struggle to move between far-apart areas (because transportation isn’t included)
• only want one or two activities total and don’t care much about optimizing admission costs

If you’re traveling during a busy stretch, double-check opening hours in the app guide before you lock in your days. The listing can change, and holidays can shift schedules.

Should you book the Los Angeles Go City Explorer Pass?

I’d book this pass if you’re the kind of visitor who wants LA coverage without spending your trip juggling ticket counters. The digital pass and the ability to pick 2 to 7 attractions give you a lot of control, and the idea of up to 50% savings can be a real win when you actually use multiple options.

If you’re picking at least a couple of “big ticket” experiences—especially those marked R—reserve early, cluster your days, and give yourself buffer time for LA driving. Do that, and this pass turns into a practical, low-stress way to see more of the City of Angels.

FAQ

How many attractions can I choose with the Explorer Pass?

You can choose 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 activities from a list of 30+ attractions, tours, and activities.

Is the pass digital?

Yes. Your pass is fully digital. You can show it on your smartphone or print it at home.

When does the pass become usable, and how long do I have?

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

Do I need reservations for every attraction?

Not every option requires reservations. Attractions and tours labeled with an R need reservation in advance.

Can I use the pass at the gate?

The pass includes entrance fees for the attractions you purchased. Go City notes that you can pay nothing at the gate for those included attractions and use your pass for entry.

Is transportation or parking included?

No. Transportation to and from specific attractions isn’t included, and you may have additional parking fees.

What if my plans change?

The cancellation policy is listed as non-refundable. If you’re unsure, check your trip dates and reservation needs first.

If you tell me your travel dates and how many attractions you’re leaning toward (2 vs 7), I can suggest a smart “day clusters” plan using options from the pass list you’ll see in the app.