Unlock Amazing EBT Discounts in the Bay Area
If you’ve got a CalFresh card, you can save 90% or more on some of the Bay Area’s top attractions! Many world-class museums, zoos, and destinations offer incredible EBT discounts, making it easier for low-income individuals and families to enjoy everything this vibrant region has to offer. Below is a comprehensive list of EBT discounts available throughout the Bay Area, ensuring you can explore 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! Here’s what you need to prepare before heading out:
- Have your EBT card and ID ready. Show both cards at the admissions desk to receive the discount.
- Bring a backup payment method. While your EBT card helps with a discount, you’ll need another form of payment for any remaining admission cost as SNAP benefits cannot be used for entrance fees.
- Plan ahead for larger groups. Many attractions limit the number of discounted tickets you can purchase, typically to four, so plan accordingly.
Note that attractions with green titles accept EBT cards from any state, while those in black require a California CalFresh card. Pricing is listed per person unless stated otherwise.
Bay Area EBT Discounts
Embark on a Bay Area adventure and experience affordable fun without financial strain. Your EBT card opens up access to interactive museums, captivating zoos, tranquil gardens, and historic landmarks. Start exploring today!
Discover the Wonders of Science
- 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; check library for additional free passes)
- 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 (discount applied for general admission only; special exhibitions are an additional $6)
Experience the Magic of Wildlife
- Oakland Zoo (Oakland) – FREE (applicable for general admission only; after-hours or special events excluded)
- Aquarium of the Bay (San Francisco) – $3 per person
- Lindsay Wildlife Experience (Walnut Creek) – $3 per person
- Marine Mammal Center (Sausalito) – FREE
Immerse Yourself in Art
- 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
- 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 allowed)
Spark Creativity & Learning
- 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 (requires a referral from a Community Engagement Program partner)
Celebrate Diverse Cultures
- Contemporary Jewish Museum (San Francisco) – FREE
- MoAD (San Francisco) – $3 per person
- Tenderloin Museum (San Francisco) – FREE
Explore Hobby and Craft Collections
- 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
- Computer History Museum (Mountain View) – FREE
- Camron-Stanford House (Oakland) – FREE
- GLBT Historical Society Museum & Archives (San Francisco) – FREE
- Richmond Museum of History (Richmond) – FREE
- Vacaville Museum (Vacaville) – FREE
More EBT Discounts in the Bay Area
In addition to location-specific discounts, here are some fantastic deals available anywhere in California with your CalFresh benefits:
- 50% Off Amazon Prime: Enjoy streaming and free shipping at half the price. Sign up for access.
- Free Cell Phone Service: The Lifeline program provides free or discounted cell phone plans, sometimes including a free phone.
- Free or Discounted Internet: Access low-income internet plans for $10 or less per month, potentially free with the Affordable Connectivity Program.
- YMCA Discounts: Many YMCAs offer reduced membership fees or community access programs for CalFresh recipients. Inquire locally for details.
- MORE ADMISSION DISCOUNTS: Your CalFresh card provides access to even more discounts statewide and possibly nationwide.
Relief Recap
If you’re a CalFresh recipient in the Bay Area, these EBT discounts can unlock incredible opportunities for memorable experiences. Take advantage of these benefits to explore attractions, learn something new, and create lasting memories with loved ones.