Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco

4.1
(934 reviews)

14 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Experience the majesty of Yosemite National Park and join us as we take you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Yosemite Valley. Travel in comfort on our luxury coach bus as we depart from San Francisco on this full day trip. Upon arrival, enjoy a one-hour scenic drive through the park, complete with photo opportunities at some of Yosemite Valley's most famous viewpoints; Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan & Half-Dome. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy three hours of free time in Yosemite Valley, which offers various lunch opportunities, hiking trails, bike rentals, and museums.

What's Included

Professional driver-guide providing live commentary in English
3 hours of free time to walk, hike, and explore Yosemite Valley’s highlights
Yosemite National Park permit and entrance fees
Stops at iconic viewpoints: Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, and El Capitan
Coffee and restroom stop in Oakdale or Turlock
Choose from two departure locations in San Francisco: Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square
not included
Additional food and drinks
Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 14 hours (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    Start your tour from San Francisco downtown, surrounded by skyscrapers that dominate the skyline (Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower), there is a wealth of tech businesses and Fortune 500 companies.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Known as the Bay Bridge (or "the other bridge"), it is a complex of bridges spanning the San Francisco Bay. This double-decker bridged services an estimated 260,000 vehicles per day, connects San Francisco and Oakland cities as a part of the Interstate 80.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    Oakdale

    You'll pass through the Central Valley to have a taste of California's most productive agricultural region, providing more than half of the vegetables and fruits grown in the US. We will make a quick stop at Oakdale to purchase your supplies for the day: water, snacks, food for hiking, or your whole picnic.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Yosemite National Park

    Upon entering the National Park, the guide will commence with the 1-hour long bus tour of Yosemite National Park exploring one of the most visually stunning places on earth. Your tour will include stops at Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, el Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley.

    5 hours Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Tunnel View

    A visit to Yosemite would never be complete without a picture from the Tunnel View. It is a scenic viewpoint along State Route 41 in Yosemite National Park. Eastward views of Yosemite Valley include surrounding features, such as the southwest face of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Bridalveil Fall

    Your next stop will discover one of the most prominent waterfalls in Yosemite Valley: Bridalveil Fall. The waterfall is 617-feet tall and flows all year round. You will have 15' to walk close to the falls and take pictures that you'll never forget.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Yosemite Valley

    Once we reach the drop-off location at the heart of the Yosemite Valley, you'll have around 3 hours of free time to explore the park on your own. Don't know what exactly to do? Ask our guide for the best spots around. You'll have options to hike the paved trails, rent a bike to cover more ground, visit the visitor's center for international exhibits or head to the Ansel Adams Gallery to see works of the legendary artist. Although you may spend days in the park, the three hours you get on your own gives you enough time to understand why Yosemite is a World Heritage Site.

    3 hours Admission ticket included
  • 6
    Ansel Adams Gallery

    During your free time in Yosemite Valley, you can opt to head to Ansel Adams Gallery to see works of the legendary artist.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Lower Yosemite Fall Trail (Pass by)

    Delight in stunning views of Yosemite Falls in its entirety, with the opportunity to walk to the base of the lower fall; it roars in spring but falls silent by late summer. The trail to Lower Yosemite Fall is open year-round. When the water is at its peak in spring and early summer, you can expect to get a little wet.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Located in the Yosemite Valley, the Valley Visitor Center is the place you must visit if you are looking for books, postcards, or maps about Yosemite. It is open all year round, and the staff is always happy to assist with any of your questions.

    Admission ticket free
  • Sentinel bridge (Pass by)

    Located on the eastern side of Yosemite Valley, on Sentinel Drive, near Cook's Meadow, can be accessed at shuttle stop 11. This location is famous for providing a breathtaking view of Half Dome and its mirrored reflection in the Merced River, especially during the alpenglow.

    Admission ticket free
  • 7
    El Capitan

    After lunch and your free time, we'll pay a visit to the grasslands in front of El Capitan giving you the chance to look for climbers on the granite wall and get your last photo memory of this unforgettable day in Yosemite.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 8
    Yosemite Falls

    During our Yosemite Valley stop, make sure you save some time to hike or bike around Yosemite Falls base. The effort is well worth the amazing views you will be rewarded at the base; you will be standing in front of the 4th tallest waterfalls in the world!

    1 hour Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • The Yosemite tour takes all day. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and bring a pillow to sleep on the drive back.
Supplied by Gray Line San Francisco

Tags

Day Trips
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Viator Plus
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
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Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.1 Based on 934 934 reviews
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