Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

• 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.

• Full Day English Tour
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  English tour

• Yosemite National Park entrance fees
• Guided bus tour of Yosemite Valley and free time in Yosemite Valley
• Transport by air-conditioned luxury motor-coach
• Driver-guide and commentary in English
• Choose from two departure locations in San Francisco: Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square

• Additional food and drinks
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

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• We offer 2 departure locations to choose from for your pick-up. Please arrive at the one closest to your hotel/stay:

478 Post Street S.F. (Union Square Area – Downtown San Francisco)
Although there is no physical location, you’ll find Encore Café situated right next door. For boarding the bus, simply head across the street to meet our representative and board the bus.
– Arrive by 6:25 AM to check-in
– Bus Departs at 6:40 AM

2805 Leavenworth St (Fisherman’s Wharf Area)
Although there is no physical location, you’ll easily spot Pomegranate Café directly across the street. Simply wait there, and our representative will meet you.
– Arrive by 6:10 AM to check-in
– Bus Departs at 6:20 AM

There will be a Gray Line San Francisco representative to assist with boarding the bus and check-in.

• You can reach us at tours@graylineofsanfrancisco.com or (415) 353-5310 between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm local time PST ONLY

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Gray Line San Francisco.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at America/Los_Angeles.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 4 Stars based on 903 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.