How to Save Money on the Top Tourist Attractions in the US

Would you like to save money on your next vacation? Do you ever limit the things you want to do in a city because you just can’t afford everything? You can still visit top tourist attractions in the US and stick to your budget.

We are going to share with you how we have managed to save money on multiple vacations by getting cheaper tickets to top tourist attractions.

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| How to Plan Your Vacation on a Budget

How to save money on top tourist attractions in the US with CityPASS

If you like to go to a lot of top tourist attractions when visiting a big city, then CityPASS is a GREAT deal for you!

We have gotten CityPASS when we visited Houston, Chicago, and Seattle.

When we visit a big city, we like to go to some of the main attractions. It can add up quickly with zoos, museums, and different landmarks. We have saved a lot of money by using CityPASS.

How CityPASS works

You purchase tickets online or at certain places in the city itself.

These are tickets to main attractions in the city at discounted rates. Plus, they often include free perks like seeing an IMAX movie, going into a special exhibit at a museum, seeing a special exhibit at an aquarium, or even jumping to the front of the line at attractions that are busy.

Once you purchase your pass, you will be emailed the tickets for each person in your party.

The tickets are good for 9 consecutive days once you use your first ticket. The passes are good for up to a year from the purchase date. You do not have to use them in a certain order.

Some attractions may require reservations in advance, so make sure you read them information that CityPASS provides on their website.

What Cities Currently Have CityPASS?

CityPASS is currently available in 15 cities/regions at this time.

Note: All the places are in the US except for Toronto (which is in Canada)

These are the places you can go:

Atlanta (save up to 44%)
Boston (save up to 50%)
Chicago (save up to 48%)
Dallas (save up to 47%)
Denver (save up to 43%)
Houston (save up to 49%)
New York City (save up to 46%)
Orlando (discounted tickets for Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, & LEGOLAND® Florida Resort)
Philadelphia (save up to 49%)
San Antonio (save up to 35%)
San Diego (save up to 43%)
San Francisco (save up to 46%)
Seattle (save up to 46%)
Southern California (discounted tickets for Disneyland® Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood™, SeaWorld® San Diego, LEGOLAND® California Resort, & San Diego Zoo® and Safari Park)
Tampa Bay (save up to 52%)
Toronto (save up to 39%)

What top tourist attractions in the US can I visit with CityPASS?

There are tons of things you can do with CityPASS. Each city has several different places you can visit.

When we visited Chicago, we were able to do all the things we wanted to plus more!

For the Chicago CityPASS, you have two different options for what type of pass you can buy.

Option 1: Chicago CityPASS

This pass saves you up to 48% on 5 attractions.

The adult pass is $134 and a child pass (ages 3-11) is $104.

Pass admission includes:

Shedd Aquarium – all-access admission including special exhibit, seasonal Stingray Touch, and a 4-D Experience
Skydeck Chicago – includes admission and expedited entry

You also get to choose 3 from the following options:

Field Museum – includes access to all permanent and regularly priced ticketed exhibitions as well as a 3D film.
Adler Planetarium – admission and two sky shows
Art Institute of Chicago – includes fast pass admission to permanent collection and non-ticketed special exhibits
Museum of Science and Industry (admission includes Science Storms, Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze, You! The Experience, & a one timed-entry experience of your choice)
360 Chicago Observation Deck – express entry admission
Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour – includes river tour

The regular price for 5 of these attractions is $257.55 for an adult and $209.04 for a child, so you save 48% by using CityPASS.

Option 2: Chicago C3

In this option, you get more flexibility but less of a discount. This pass is better if you are taking a shorter trip to Chicago with less time to see attractions.

You can save up to 33% off of 3 attractions.

The adult pass is $96 and a child pass (ages 3-11) is $72.

Pass admission includes your choice of 3 of the following 8 attractions:

Shedd Aquarium – all-access admission
Skydeck Chicago – general admission
Art Institute of Chicago – general admission
Museum of Science and Industry – general admission including Science Storms, Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze, You! The Experience
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck – general admission
Adler Planetarium – admission and two sky shows
Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour – architecture river tour
Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier – includes centennial wheel admission

We liked being able to do some of the extra things like special exhibits or movies at the museums. Otherwise, we don’t usually pay extra money for them because it is too expensive when our whole family goes.

Also, because CityPASS chooses what attractions are available on the pass, you might get to visit a place you never thought about going to before. For example, when we visited Seattle, we took a harbor cruise that we would have never done otherwise. You might get to try something new that you didn’t even know you would like!