Small-Group Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco
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From $169.00
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Small-Group Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Safety measures
15 hours (Approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
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.
- Yosemite National Park day trip from San Francisco
- Travel through the Central Valley farmlands, historical Gold Country, and the Sierra Nevada foothills
- Spend hours snapping photos of Yosemite’s stunning forests, rock formations, and waterfalls
- Visit Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan on a guided van tour
- Enjoy free time to explore Yosemite’s other natural wonders by foot or bike
- Take in a breathtaking panorama from the Tunnel View overlook for an expansive view of the Yosemite Valley
- Small-group tour limited to 23 ensures a more personalized experience
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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.
Itinerary
You’ll taste a piece of California’s rich agricultural hub as we pass through a slice of the Central Valley famous for specialty fruits and nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cherries, and strawberries. Here we will also make a stop at a grocery store for you to pick up lunch and any other supplies you'll need for the day.
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
We’ll continue into the mountains as we connect with the rich history of California’s gold country, passing through some of the first settlements built during the Gold Rush. Take in the earthy forest smell as we make our way to the heart of the park. Your guide will pepper you with stories and historical facts about the different sights.
The climb through Yosemite Valley offers breathtaking views as we wind our way up to 4,500 feet above sea level. Arrive at Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, massive sequoia trees and biological diversity.
Admire famous Half Dome, depicted in famous photographs by Ansel Adams, and watch rock climbers scale El Capitan's 3,000-foot (914-meter) sheer granite rock face. Enjoy incredible vistas from the Tunnel View overlook, and end your in-coach tour near the base of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America.
Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
The suspense is over! Once we reach the drop off location, you’ll have around 3 hours of free time to explore. Want to hike or bike around? Your guide will point out the best spots on your map. You’ll have options to meander or bike down paved paths, hike the trails, engage further with the park’s history at the visitor center, or visit the Ansel Adams Gallery. Although you could spend three weeks in Yosemite, the three hours you get on your own is enough time to understand why Yosemite is one of America’s most popular national parks.
Duration: 3 hours
Admission Ticket Included
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Traveler Tips
- "Most trails are well signposted, but you do require a bit of spatial orientation to figure out where you are/where you're going." See review
- "A lot of time on the road however well worth it and a nice clean comfortable transport." See review
- "Its a bit rush for a day tour to visit this park but overall a very good experience." See review
Reviews
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Small-Group Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco
15 hours
Free Cancellation
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$169.00
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