Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco
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San Francisco, USA
- 15 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Known for its steep granite cliffs, waterfalls, towering sequoia groves, and diversity of wildlife, Yosemite National Park is something you don’t want to miss. On this small group day trip, you can leave the logistics to a tour guide so all you have to do is enjoy the great outdoors. You have both guided sightseeing and free time, ensuring you see the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s major attractions, like Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite Valley, with the chance to explore more of the park however you wish.
- Visit Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan on a guided van tour
- Spend hours snapping photos of Yosemite National Park's highlights
- Enjoy free time to explore Yosemite’s other natural wonders by foot or bike
- Take in a breathtaking panorama from the Tunnel View overlook
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from select SF hotels
- Full-time professional, knowledgeable guide
- Transport by biofueled mini-coach
- Yosemite National Park entrance fee
- Narrated in-coach tour of Yosemite (1.5 hrs)
- 3 hours of free time in the Valley
- Meals (stops will be made to purchase food)
- Bike rental (available for purchase)
- Guide gratuity
- Entrance fee - Non-resident fee for Yosemite National Park for those 16 years and older (includes processing fees)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
Select a meeting point
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End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.6:00 am
Itinerary
You may think you don’t have time for a Yosemite trip during your stay in San Francisco, but this full-day tour by luxury biodiesel van provides a stress-free way to do so. Your day trip starts with early morning hotel pickup for the drive across the Bay Bridge toward California’s Central Valley, one of the country’s largest farming regions.
During the drive, stop briefly to purchase some local nuts or fruit, lunch, or any other necessities (own expense). Continue the drive past horse and cattle ranches as you make your way into the foothills of the Sierras and Gold County, where ambitious pioneers panned for gold during the 1849 Gold Rush.
When you arrive at Yosemite National Park, start your visit with a driving tour of the park’s main natural attraction, Yosemite Valley. Stop often for photo ops of this glacial valley known for its rock formations and waterfalls, and enjoy access to some areas that big-bus tours can’t reach. See Half Dome, Yosemite’s most iconic feature, and observe daring rock climbers ascend the 3,000-foot (914-meter) sheer granite face of El Capitan. Visit Bridalveil Falls, check out the Tunnel View overlook for an expansive view of the Yosemite Valley, and head to Yosemite Falls, North America’s tallest waterfall.
You have time to buy lunch here at one of the various eatery options, and then enjoy free time to experience the park however you wish. Perhaps go for a hike, or rent a bike to cover more ground. If you’re not feeling active, make your way to the visitor’s center for informational exhibits, head to the Ansel Adams Gallery to see works by the legendary photographer, or visit the Ahwahnee Hotel for some Yosemite history.
In the late afternoon, meet back up with your group for the return drive to San Francisco, which includes one short rest stop. Arrive in the city in the evening, enjoying a twinkling view of the downtown skyline and the bay before hotel drop-off.
During the drive, stop briefly to purchase some local nuts or fruit, lunch, or any other necessities (own expense). Continue the drive past horse and cattle ranches as you make your way into the foothills of the Sierras and Gold County, where ambitious pioneers panned for gold during the 1849 Gold Rush.
When you arrive at Yosemite National Park, start your visit with a driving tour of the park’s main natural attraction, Yosemite Valley. Stop often for photo ops of this glacial valley known for its rock formations and waterfalls, and enjoy access to some areas that big-bus tours can’t reach. See Half Dome, Yosemite’s most iconic feature, and observe daring rock climbers ascend the 3,000-foot (914-meter) sheer granite face of El Capitan. Visit Bridalveil Falls, check out the Tunnel View overlook for an expansive view of the Yosemite Valley, and head to Yosemite Falls, North America’s tallest waterfall.
You have time to buy lunch here at one of the various eatery options, and then enjoy free time to experience the park however you wish. Perhaps go for a hike, or rent a bike to cover more ground. If you’re not feeling active, make your way to the visitor’s center for informational exhibits, head to the Ansel Adams Gallery to see works by the legendary photographer, or visit the Ahwahnee Hotel for some Yosemite history.
In the late afternoon, meet back up with your group for the return drive to San Francisco, which includes one short rest stop. Arrive in the city in the evening, enjoying a twinkling view of the downtown skyline and the bay before hotel drop-off.
San Francisco Bay (Pass By)
1
Oakdale
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Tunnel View
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Yosemite Valley
3 hours • Admission Ticket Included
4
Yosemite Falls
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
5
Ansel Adams Gallery
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
San Francisco (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- Minimum number of passengers required to operate this tour.
- Please Note: National Park fees may apply for international visitors. If applicable, this fee is collected in-destination and not at the time of booking.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 23 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Olga_K
Truly recommend to everyone. A long but pleasant ride, a good minibus, amazing views all along. But who made it happen? The guide! Jordan was outstanding: fun, with lots of knowledge and supercool! 10 out of 10
Reviews
4.4
based on 751 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Jamie_W, Jul 2026
It was a very hot day! I wish I would have taken a swim suit.
Tips are expected, I think they should pay their tour guides more since it is not cheap for this tour. It was a great day a long bus ride but so worth it!
You don’t get very long at the park so take the bus!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're glad to hear you had a great day in Yosemite and that you felt the trip was worth it despite the long drive. Summer temperatures can definitely get warm, and bringing a swimsuit is a great tip for guests who may want to enjoy the water during their free time. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the guide experience and will share it with our team. Thanks for traveling with us!
Kirsty_S, Jul 2026
Even with a little hiccup the ride was enjoyable! Highly suggest using the 3 hours wisely as it goes so quickly!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your review! We're glad you still had an enjoyable experience despite the little hiccup. You're absolutely right—time in Yosemite goes by quickly, and making the most of your free time helps you experience even more of this incredible park. Thanks for traveling with us!
Trey_H, Jul 2026
First off I recommend this if you’re staying ANYWHERE in the Bay Area, because I was staying in San José and had zero issues finding an uber there quickly. Now Jayms is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, He even stopped at a fruit stand and old western gold rush town on the way, helped the trip to stretch. The view driving in is beautiful through the sierra range, then you come to tunnel view which is absolutely breathtaking, then drop into the valley. They give you the perfect amount of time to hike two trails next to the northern face and the falls, or if you’re a serious hiker Jayms will drive you up to a steeper trail. Can’t say enough about Jayms, clearly done this 1000 times an absolute pro and the park beats expectations.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear you had such a memorable Yosemite experience. Jayms will be delighted to hear your kind words—his knowledge, enthusiasm, and attention to making the journey special are exactly what we love about our guides. We're glad you enjoyed the scenic stops along the way, the breathtaking views, and the time to explore the park at your own pace. Thank you for traveling with us and for sharing your experience!
Narelle_H, Jun 2026
Excellent day. Saw all the main parts of Yosemite that I wanted to see. Ben was an unreal guide, thank you!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your great review! We're so glad you got to see all the highlights of Yosemite. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Ben. We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
Amber_W, Jun 2026
Was absolutely everything i dreamed it would be. My tour guide Ben was very insightful and knew all the cool picture spots and cool stories. He also was my family’s tour guide for Muir Woods and just was amazing with my loud family. The 3 hours to yourself was nice got to hike some and see the waterfalls and views. Just want too say thank you again too my amazing tour guide he was truly amazing. -Amber
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much, Amber! We're so happy to hear your Yosemite trip was everything you hoped it would be. Ben will be thrilled to hear your kind words—he loves sharing the park's history, stories, and favorite photo spots. It sounds like you made the most of your time exploring the Valley, and we're grateful you chose to spend the day with us. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience!
Victoria_F, Jun 2026
nice and easy trip through Yosemite with a tour guide who knows his stuff. jayms was great and super friendly.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your kind review! We're so glad you enjoyed your time in Yosemite and that Jayms made the experience even better with his knowledge and friendly attitude. We'll be sure to share your feedback with him. Thanks for joining us!
Julia_G, Jun 2026
Fantastic trip, recommend to the friends
Fantastic trip, recommend to the friend
Amazing experience to the park
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you had a fantastic experience exploring Yosemite. It means a lot that you'd recommend the trip to your friends. Thanks for traveling with us!
Sofezant, Jun 2026
Our guide Ben was very knowledgeable and made everyone feel welcome! Great narration during the drive to Yosemite. Once inside the park, Ben gave excellent recommendations on hiking trails and his favorite views. Highly recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed the journey to Yosemite and that Ben helped make the experience so memorable. He’ll be happy to hear your kind words about his knowledge and recommendations. We really appreciate your recommendation!
Cindy_V, Jun 2026
It’s a long day, but it is filled with beautiful sites. Our tour guide Ben was very informative and gave us great experience.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your kind review! We're glad you enjoyed the beautiful sights and had a great experience with Ben. He’ll really appreciate your feedback. Thanks for joining us!
Steve_W, Jun 2026
This trip was awesome. However, if I were doing it again I would do the 2 day one with an overnight. It was 4+ hours each way in a van, and only about 5 hours to see the highlights of Yosemite. I absolutely don't regret doing it, but I wish I had had more time. Sara, out driver and guide was awesome!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your thoughtful review! We're so glad you had an awesome experience and that Sarah helped make the trip so enjoyable. We completely understand your wish for more time in Yosemite, and that's exactly why many guests choose our overnight tours for a more relaxed pace. We really appreciate you sharing your experience, and we're so happy you enjoyed your day with us!
Melissa_T, May 2026
It was a great tour, a long day but well worth it. You won’t be disappointed and our guide was fantastic.
Vonda_M, May 2026
It was a great experience. It was well worth the price. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we had enough time to view the scenery.
Deborah_B, May 2026
Ben Wood was an excellent guide and the whole day was so worth the money. Saw so much and even rock climbers on the way out of the park. Ben explained what to see for maximum time enjoyment and was a pleasure to spent the day with. Answered any questions we asked. Would highly recommend to others
Leroy_M, May 2026
Ben our guide was pleasant and knowledgeable. He gave us great information. I liked that he emphasized on key areas.
KevinMcdonald, May 2026
What can I say? Booked it, but our transport didn't turn up. Huge disappointment. Lady on phone said to say we didn't show up. But we had proof we were there. So they had no choice but to give us a refund.
John_V, May 2026
Absolutely incredible trip to Yosemite. Long day of traveling to and from, but comfortable transportation. Made midway stop for break to and from Yosemite, could pick up food, drinks in grocery store or several fast food restaurants. Dropped us off at our hotel. Really nice guide. Highly recommend!
Sonia_M, May 2026
It’s all good like the description and the staff is good, I have a very good trip like I would.
Recommended
Marian_S, Apr 2026
Wow... This tour was amazing. Our tour guide Brendan was so knowledgeable & helpful. I would recommend this tour to everyone, don't miss it.
Adrian_W, Apr 2026
Amazing trip and Ryan was amazing. Yosemite is something else…must go if in SF! The waterfalls, half dome and walking around for 3 hrs was just amazing!
Xulin_C, Apr 2026
I had a wonderful experience on my Yosemite tour. The scenery was breathtaking, and the entire trip was very well organized. Our guide was incredibly friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, making the journey even more enjoyable. He shared many interesting stories, helped us take great photos, and made sure everyone felt comfortable throughout the day. I truly appreciated his patience and the way he explained everything with such passion. This tour was the perfect way to experience Yosemite, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a smooth, memorable, and well-guided adventure.
Jerzy_C, Apr 2026
That was a very pleasant experience. Our guide was very friendly and experienced. And views were breathtaking .
Nathaniel_M, Mar 2026
Sharon was an incredible guide! We were a bit nervous about whether or not this trip would be worth it due to the long travel time, but it ended up being a highlight of our trip. Totally worth it!!!
Rhiannon_K, Mar 2026
This trip was epic. It was a very long day, but so well thought through and gave us the chance to visit Yosemite even though our time in San Francisco was limited. Jo managed our time brilliantly and we had the chance to hike too! Bucket list sights - El Capitan , The Half Dome, just awesome.
Zirui_Z, Mar 2026
Perfect!! The tour guide is very nice!!!!!!!! The scenery is very beautiful!!!!!! gain a lot entertainment from the trip
Jackie_H, Mar 2026
It was an excellent tour! Even the long 4 hour ride from SF was enjoyable- the countryside is truly beautiful to see too
Solomon_S, Mar 2026
Be prepared to be out all day, but the travel is well worth it to go and explore being unfamiliar with what your doing. The views are amazing and you get plenty of guidance from the guide.
Hogan_S, Mar 2026
Sharon was incredible!! I wish I had more cash so that i could have tipped her more! She's an amazing tour guide and I had no idea that my trip was going to be this good!
The day couldn't have been better. She was so knowledgeable about the different sites that we passed on the way to Yosemite. It made the drive up way more fun than if I had done it myself, eveyone enjoyed the ride up. Some of us slept because it was so early in the morning.
I learned and saw a lot with the group. She's really kind and very thoughtful. She will take notice of things and proactively help or take action. I got a little car sick and she asked me if I would sit up front. I felt much better. She did many little things like that that added a whole new layer to the great experience we had.
Another example was, letting us explore while she dropped off two of our group members that were staying overnight. I hope shes getting paid top dollar. Because shes the definition of a professional tour guide.
Giovanna_R, Feb 2026
It was wonderfult to visit the park in one day, to get inspired and spend more days in the future. The Tour guide was very knowledgeble, kind and patience.
The issue is the mini bus, very uncomfortable, not good for travel. very bumpy, feels everything on the road, the air conditioner was not stronog enough for the small bus. only certain areas were cool a bit, not much. The rest of the seat did nto get any air.
If they have a different type of translportation would be 10 out 10. but due to this issue, 4-5 hour one way sitting under this conditions is not good for the health. end up with body aches, head ache.
nogaliyo, Jan 2026
I traveled solo and was looking for a convenient way to visit Yosemite. It did not disappoint. It’s a full day with alot of walking but completely worth it. Had a great time.
Han_K, Dec 2025
Know where you want to hike and visit before joining this trip. You have less than four hours in Yosemite. Much of the time is spent on the drive between the Bay Area and Yosemite.
From $209.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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