Los Angeles adds up fast, so plan smart. The Go City Los Angeles Explorer Pass lets you select 2 to 7 attractions from a big local list, then use a mobile pass for admission without buying separate tickets. It is a good fit if you want a flexible trip, plus a simple way to keep costs under control.

I especially like that your pass stretches across 30 days from first use, so you can spread popular stops across the trip instead of cramming everything into one day. One key drawback to keep in mind: some of the biggest-name activities require advance reservations, and a few time-based options like hop-on, hop-off bus service may not match a tight daily schedule.

Key points to know before you buy

• Pick 2 to 7 attractions to match your trip size and your budget
• Mobile QR admission makes entry fast, and you can keep access offline
• 30-day validity from first use helps you juggle weather and timing
• Reservations are required for select top picks like Warner Bros and the Hollywood Sign tour
• You can mix zones across LA, Hollywood, Long Beach, and Santa Monica without extra ticket purchases

How the Los Angeles Explorer Pass saves you money in real life

The Explorer Pass price is $109 per person, and Go City advertises savings of up to 45 percent versus buying individual tickets. That sounds like marketing math, but the logic is straightforward. You are paying one up-front amount, then swapping in the attractions you actually care about.

The trick is choosing the right number. If you only select 2 attractions, the pass may feel like a convenience tool more than a bargain. If you go for 4, 5, or 7 attractions, the value becomes easier to feel, because you are using the pass for more paid entries in one trip window.

Also note what is not included. Food and drinks are on you, and parking is extra. In LA, that matters. If you plan to drive, your total cost can rise quickly, even with a pass. If you plan to bike, walk, or use public transit, the math gets better.

Using the mobile pass, and what to do if your phone fails

Go City says you show your pass on your smartphone for admission, and the pass is digital. That is convenient when it works. Even better, the support info you are given emphasizes two useful backups: your QR code can work offline, and you can also print your pass from your emailed confirmation.

So, do this before you head out. Save a screenshot of the QR code on your phone, and also keep a printed or email-access copy. That way, you are not stuck if your signal drops, your battery dies, or your phone goes missing.

One more practical note. Some activities specifically tell you to check your included digital guide or Go City app for reservation instructions. Treat the digital guide like your real ticket wallet. When you have it open, you avoid the most common day-of confusion.

Big Bus Tours in LA: the fastest way to get oriented, if you plan the timing

Big Bus Tours LA is one of the best ways to get your bearings quickly. You get a 1-day Classic ticket on 2 loops, and each loop has defined service hours.

• Hollywood Loop: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Beach Loop: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

This is a real advantage when you are short on time or you want to understand how neighborhoods connect. You can hop off for one landmark, then hop back on later to continue toward the next cluster.

But here is the consideration. Hop-on, hop-off only stays flexible if the schedule works with your day. If you plan an early morning start, you may find that the loop timing limits your choices. Also, stop frequency can slow you down, so build in extra travel time between major stops.

There is also a second Big Bus option on the pass: the Celebrity Homes and Lifestyle Tour. It uses a minibus with a retractable glass roof, which is a nice perk if you are trying to see up close along famous streets without being blocked by the usual window reflections.

Hollywood classics you can do in half to two hours

Some LA attractions on this pass are built for a quick, easy win. They are also well-suited if you want a break from all-day walking.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood (about 2 hours):

You get waxwork models of Hollywood legends and movie pop culture icons, plus access to the Marvel Superheroes 4D exhibit. It is a fun, light stop if you like showbiz but you do not want to spend hours in a line-heavy experience.

TCL Chinese Theatre (30 minutes):

You can pick a 30-minute guided tour or a movie with drink. Either way, you are in the pocket of classic Hollywood red carpet energy, without needing a full day commitment.

Dolby Theatre Guided Tour (about 30 minutes):

This is the Academy Awards home turf, and the guided walk is set up as a shorter VIP-style experience. If you love behind-the-scenes vibes but do not want a long tour, this is a nice fit.

GRAMMY Museum (about 2 hours):

Music fans get four floors of exhibits and interactive displays. It is a good contrast to Hollywood street-level attractions because it is more about the craft and the creative process.

Star Track Tours Hollywood night tour (about 1.5 hours):

This is a nighttime route through famous areas from Hollywood Boulevard to Mulholland Drive. It is designed for celebrity spotting energy, and it focuses on star-studded locations and homes. One important detail: reservations are required, so lock in a time that works with your other evening plans.

Big behind-the-scenes picks: Warner Bros and the Hollywood Sign hike

These are the two items that tend to feel like the reason many people buy a pass in the first place, but they also come with schedule pressure.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood (about 3 hours):

You get access to one of the busiest working studios in Los Angeles, and the whole point is to see where movie-making magic happens. This is not just props and sets. It is a live production environment. Reservations are required, so check instructions in your included digital guide and plan ahead.

A good way to use this day: pair it with something nearby before or after. If you schedule a long drive across town on the same day, you risk losing time if your tour reservation changes.

Hollywood Sign Tour (about 1.5 hours):

This is an actual hike up through the hills for 360-degree views over Los Angeles, with sightlines reaching toward the ocean. Expect a guide who tells stories about the monument and its connection to the film world. Reservations are required, and the route is designed for views, not a casual stroll.

If you are visiting in hot weather, start early if you can. The views are worth it, but you want your energy for the climb.

Long Beach and ocean time: Aquarium of the Pacific

If your LA trip includes at least one water-focused outing, this one is an easy choice.

Aquarium of the Pacific (about 3 hours):

Based in Long Beach, you explore Southern California and Baja, plus Northern Pacific and Tropical Pacific zones. It is a strong option for mixed groups, especially if you want something indoors that still feels like the outdoors.

Reservations are required for this activity, so do not treat it as a last-minute fallback. Once you lock it in, it can be a great day anchor.

Santa Monica and West LA by bike: fun, fast, and easy to schedule

LA’s best “I get it now” moments often happen along the coast. This pass includes multiple bike rental choices, which can help you see a lot without paying for another big attraction ticket.

Perry’s Café & Beach Rentals, Santa Monica 2400 (about 2 hours):

You can do a 2-hour beach bike or skate rental. Helmets and maps are included. Locks are provided with a minimal deposit, and note that one lock works for two bikes. A practical timing rule: Santa Monica bike rentals must be made one hour before closing, so do not wander in late and expect last-minute help.

Santa Monica 3-hours bike rental (about 3 hours):

This option begins near the Santa Monica Pier. You get a leisurely ride focused on top West LA sights. The longer time window is helpful if you want a calmer pace and time for photo stops.

If you are trying to pick between the two, think about your style. If you like a quick coastal burst, go with the 2-hour rental. If you want time to slow down and actually enjoy the ride, pick the longer option.

Beverly Hills without the big tour bus: Bikes and Hikes LA

This one is great if you want less main-road sightseeing and more “real streets” energy.

Beverly Hills Bike Tour, self-guided (about 3 hours):

You cycle past homes of celebrities on a self-guided route, including recognizable LA sights from films, movie-star mansions, and popular hangouts in Beverly Hills and Bel-Air. You get a helmet and safety vest, plus GPS with pre-loaded route and spoken commentary in English.

Reservations are required, and there is a start-time window: you can start any time between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm. That means you must plan your morning.

This is also a strong pick if you hate the feeling of being tied to a large group schedule.

Downtown LA culture and food: ExperienceFirst walking tour

Downtown LA can be intimidating if you only know it from headlines. This is the kind of guided day that helps you understand what you are walking past.

Downtown LA Food and Culture Tour by ExperienceFirst (about 2 hours):

You see major landmarks like City Hall, The Music Centre, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The tour also includes stops at places like The Last Bookstore and the Spring Arcade Building, plus food opportunities at Grand Central Market.

Food stops are part of the structure, but food itself is not included in the pass. Still, a guided route here can be a big value because you get the map of where to walk, what matters, and what to look for when you are on your own later.

Reservations are required, so pick a time that lets you eat without racing to your next attraction.

National landmarks and history: Battleship USS Iowa

If you want a break from LA flash, this is a solid counterweight.

Battleship USS Iowa Museum (about 2 hours):

It is described as the Battleship of Presidents and is the only battleship museum on the West Coast. You explore a major piece of American history aboard a famous ship. The format is perfect if you like hands-on spaces and you want something that feels different from the Hollywood bubble.

Animals and science learning with family appeal

LA can be a great family destination, and these choices work well for a mixed age group.

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens (about 3 hours):

You have access to a zoo with more than 1,100 mammals, birds, and reptiles from around the world, including rare and endangered species. This time length helps because a zoo is never a quick in-and-out experience. Plan for breaks and let yourself wander.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (about 1 hour):

You can see fossil halls, including dinosaur and mammal fossil areas, plus habitat dioramas and a strong collection of gems and minerals. It is a great “reset” from street-level sightseeing.

California Science Center IMAX Movie (about 1 hour), plus exhibits:

You choose an IMAX feature based on the official schedule before you go, and you also get access to explore the center afterward. The center has 150 interactive exhibits, and many are kid-friendly. There is a useful note here: save your IMAX ticket, since it is also valid for general admission to the Science Center.

This is a great choice for days when you want indoor air conditioning or when you want an activity that works even if the weather turns.

Two Bit Circus: tech play in a big top

This is a modern, playful detour.

Two Bit Circus credit (1 hour):

You get a $30 credit. The breakdown is $15 to spend anywhere in the park, including bar, boxcar café, and games, and $15 for the arcade or midway. It is interactive, tech-infused fun, and it works well as a short activity between larger tours.

SoFi Stadium and football field vibes

If you are into sports or want a different kind of LA experience, this is a good option.

SoFi Stadium Tour (about 2 hours):

You get behind-the-scenes access and a chance to sharpen your skills on the football field. Reservations are required, so treat it like a scheduled anchor event rather than a casual stroll.

History with a serious tone: Holocaust Museum LA

This is not a light diversion, but it is important.

Holocaust Museum LA (about 1 hour):

The museum was founded in 1961 by Holocaust survivors and is located in Pan Pacific Park. It is described as thought-provoking, and the time window is short enough that you can pair it with other nearby cultural stops.

Reservations are required, so plan it thoughtfully and give yourself time afterward to decompress.

Quick decision guide: who should buy this pass, and who should not

This pass fits best if you want a planned menu but real freedom. I think it is especially strong for first-time visitors who want Hollywood, at least one museum day, and a taste of LA’s outdoor side.

It is also a solid choice for families, since some attractions are timed in ways that work for breaks, and the science and zoo options are described as kid-friendly.

If you hate scheduling and you refuse to book ahead, you may feel frustrated. Reservations are required for multiple popular picks, including Warner Bros Studio Tour and several others. And if your day is packed minute-by-minute, hop-on, hop-off timing can throw you off.

Also, if you are the type who only wants one or two attractions, you might do better buying individual tickets, because the pass shines when you use more of its included value.

Before you book: a fast checklist to avoid the common headaches

• Choose 4 to 7 attractions if you want the savings to feel real at $109
• Look for reservation-required activities first, then build the rest around them
• If you plan to bike in Santa Monica, check the rental timing rules and closing cutoffs
• Keep the pass accessible on your phone, and consider a printed backup so you are not stuck
• Budget for food and parking since those are not included

Should you book the Go City Los Angeles Explorer Pass?

I’d book the Go City Los Angeles Explorer Pass if you want an organized way to hit LA highlights without buying a stack of individual tickets, especially when you are choosing multiple attractions across different parts of the city. The mobile pass makes entry easy when you have it ready, and the 30-day validity gives you room to adjust.

Skip it or reconsider if your plan relies on very early starts every day, or if you dislike reservation-based experiences. Also, if your entire LA trip revolves around only one or two must-dos, the pass may feel less like a win.

If you want a mix of classic Hollywood, hands-on museums, and at least some outdoor time, this pass can be a practical, cost-smart way to build your own LA day plan.

FAQ

How many attractions can I choose with the Los Angeles Explorer Pass?

You can choose any 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions.

How long is the pass valid?

Your pass is valid for 30 days from your first use.

Do I need reservations for Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood?

Yes. Reservations are required for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, and the instructions are provided in your included digital guide.

Which activities require reservations?

The information provided shows reservations are required for Big Bus? (no), Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Aquarium of the Pacific, Bikes and Hikes LA, Hollywood Sign Tour, Star Track Tours Hollywood night tour, Dolby Theatre guided tour, GRAMMY Museum, Downtown Los Angeles Food and Culture Tour, SoFi Stadium tour, Holocaust Museum LA, and the LA Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County does not list a reservation requirement in the provided details.

How do I use the pass at attractions?

You display the digital pass on your smartphone for admission, and the pass can also be printed using your emailed confirmation. Go City also states the QR code works offline.

What is not included in the pass price?

Food and drinks are not included, and parking fees are also not included.