If you’ve got a CalFresh card, you could save 90% or more on some of the Bay Area’s top attractions! That’s because many of this area’s world-class museums, zoos and destinations offer incredible EBT discounts to help low income people afford admission!
We’ve rounded up all of the EBT discounts in the Bay Area so that you can experience all that this vibrant region has to offer without breaking the bank.
Know Before You Go
There are over 100 incredible EBT discounts available throughout the state of California and your CalFresh card can unlock them all! You just need to take a few quick steps to make sure you’re prepared before you go.
- Have your EBT card and ID ready. You’ll need to show both cards at the admissions desk to receive the discount.
- Bring a backup payment method. While your EBT card will help you get a discount, you’ll need a different payment method to cover any remaining admission price. You can’t pay for admission with your SNAP food benefits.
- Plan ahead for larger groups. Many of these destinations put a limit on how many tickets you can buy with an EBT discount. The limit is usually four, so make sure to plan ahead if you have a larger group.
In our list, please note that green titles accept EBT cards from any state while black titles require you to have a California CalFresh card. The prices listed are per person unless otherwise noted.
Bay Area EBT Discounts
Embark on a Bay Area adventure without breaking the bank! Your EBT card unlocks a world of affordable fun, from interactive museums and captivating zoos to tranquil gardens and historic landmarks. Start exploring today!
Discover the Wonders of Science
If you’ve got a CalFresh card, you can score an incredible 90% off EBT discount at the USS Hornet! And that’s just the start. As a science nerd, I think these are the best discounts in our entire list.
- USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum (Alameda) – $2 per person
- Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito) – $2 per person (up to 6 people)
- California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco) – $3 per person (up to 4 people, but your library may have additional free passes too)
- Chabot Space & Science Center (Oakland) – $1 per person
- Exploratorium (San Francisco) – $3 per person
- Lawrence Hall of Science (Berkeley) – FREE
- Oakland Museum of California (Oakland) – $1 per person
(EBT discount for general admission only; special exhibitions are an additional $6)
Experience the Magic of Wildlife
Get up close and personal with amazing animals at these Bay Area zoos and wildlife centers. Their generous EBT discounts make it easier than ever for low income families to visit, since some are free and all are very low-cost.
- Oakland Zoo (Oakland) – FREE
(Oakland Zoo’s EBT Discount is for general admission only; after-hours or special events not included) - Aquarium of the Bay (San Francisco) – $3 per person
- San Francisco Zoo & Gardens (San Francisco) – $3 per person
- Lindsay Wildlife Experience (Walnut Creek) – $3 per person
- Marine Mammal Center (Sausalito) – FREE
Immerse Yourself in Art
The Bay Area boasts a rich artistic heritage, and the generous EBT discounts provided by these galleries and museums make that heritage accessible to everyone.
- Asian Art Museum (San Francisco) – FREE
- de Young Museum (San Francisco) – FREE
- Legion of Honor (San Francisco) – FREE
- International Art Museum of America (San Francisco) – FREE
- Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life (Berkeley) – FREE
Find Serenity in Nature
Escape the hustle and bustle of urban city life. Take a break and enjoy the beauty of nature at these stunning botanical gardens, many of which are free if you have a CalFresh card.
- Conservatory of Flowers (San Francisco) – FREE
- Japanese Tea Garden (San Francisco) – FREE
- Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery (Walnut Creek) – $3 per person (must arrive by 3:15pm)
- San Francisco Botanical Garden (San Francisco) – FREE
- UC Botanical Garden (Berkeley) – $3 per person (picnics are allowed)
Spark Creativity & Learning
Inspire young minds with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities at these children’s museums. Pay close attention to the pricing, because with these EBT discounts some are free, some are priced per person and others only charge for children’s tickets.
- Chico Children’s Museum (Chico) – $3 per person
- Children’s Creativity Museum (San Francisco) – FREE
- Habitot Children’s Museum (Berkeley) – $3 per child (each child can bring up to three adults for free)
- Museum of Children’s Arts (Oakland) – $4 per person
- Fairyland (Oakland) – $5 per person
(Fairyland’s EBT discount requires a referral from a Community Engagement Program partner)
Celebrate Diverse Cultures
There are many museums around the area that explore the rich tapestry of cultures that make the Bay Area so unique.
- Contemporary Jewish Museum (San Francisco) – FREE
- MoAD (San Francisco) – $3 per person
- Tenderloin Museum (San Francisco) – FREE
Explore Hobby and Craft Collections
Delve into the world of artistry and craftsmanship at these specialized museums.
- American Bookbinders Museum (San Francisco) – $3 per person
- Letterform Archive (San Francisco) – $1 per person
- Museum of Craft & Design (San Francisco) – FREE
Step Back in Time
Uncover the stories and events that shaped the Bay Area at these historical sites and museums. Thanks to their generous EBT discounts, it’s easy to visit for free!
- Camron-Stanford House (Oakland) – FREE
- GLBT Historical Society Museum & Archives (San Francisco) – FREE
- Richmond Museum of History (Richmond) – FREE
More EBT Discounts in the Bay Area
While most EBT discounts are specific to certain locations, here are a few fantastic deals you can enjoy anywhere in California with your CalFresh benefits:
- 50% Off Amazon Prime: Unlock Prime Access for half the price, giving you access to streaming, free shipping, and more. Sign up here.
- Free Cell Phone Service: The Lifeline program offers free or discounted cell phone plans, sometimes even including a free phone. Pick your plan now!
- Free or Discounted Internet: Find low-income internet plans for $10 or less per month, and potentially get it for free with the Affordable Connectivity Program subsidy. Explore these plans!
- YMCA Discounts: Many YMCAs offer reduced membership fees or community access programs for CalFresh recipients. Ask your local YMCA for details.
- MORE ADMISSION DISCOUNTS: Your CalFresh card can unlock even more incredible discounts across the state of California or even across the country. Check out our other EBT discount lists for more ways that you can save!
Relief Recap
If you’ve got a CalFresh card in the Bay Area, you can unlock some incredible EBT discounts! Make exciting new memories, enjoy attractions you’ve never seen before, and make the most of the benefits that are available to you.