Yosemite: 2-Day Tour from San Francisco with Lodge Stay

Summary

Wander Yosemite’s valleys & groves, rest under the stars, ride from San Francisco

You’ll wake up surrounded by Yosemite’s wild beauty after a smooth ride from San Francisco with hotel pickup. Wander through ancient sequoia groves, feel the spray of Yosemite Falls on your skin, and stand quietly at Glacier Point while your guide shares stories only locals seem to know. This two-day tour lets you slow down and breathe in the park’s rhythms — there’s space to explore or just sit still beneath those towering trees.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not ready for that climb back up,” our guide Sam grinned as we started down into Tuolumne Grove. He was right — I wasn’t. The air smelled sharp and green, like pine needles after rain, and my shoes crunched over last year’s leaves. There was this hush between the sequoias that made everyone talk softer. We’d left San Francisco that morning (hotel pickup was easy, even though I forgot my phone charger), and by lunch I was munching a peach from a Central Valley farmstand under trees older than any country I’ve ever lived in.

I’d seen photos of Yosemite Falls before but standing at the base, you get hit with this cool mist on your face — it’s louder than you expect, too. Sam pointed out where Ansel Adams took his famous shots; I tried to frame one on my phone but mostly just stared. Later, wandering through the Ansel Adams Gallery (and kind of wishing I’d brought a better camera), I watched a local ranger explain how the light shifts across Half Dome at sunset. People gathered quietly outside the lodge as dusk settled in — someone played guitar near Curry Village and it felt like summer camp for grown-ups.

The next morning, after coffee so strong it made me blink twice, we drove up to Glacier Point. The view really does make you stop talking for a second — El Capitan looked almost close enough to touch but also impossibly far away. On the way back down, Sam told us stories about early climbers and how some folks still try to spot bears along the river (I didn’t see any — maybe next time). The ride home was quiet; everyone sort of lost in their own thoughts or dozing off as we rolled back toward the city lights. I still think about that hush among the sequoias sometimes, especially when things get noisy again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel and explore Yosemite highlights

• Leave San Francisco and cross Bay Bridge
• Stop for groceries in Central Valley
• Arrive at Yosemite National Park entrance
• Hike Tuolumne Grove among Giant Sequoias
• Take narrated tour through Yosemite Valley
• Stop at Tunnel View for photos
• Explore Yosemite Falls area and Yosemite Village
• Visit Ansel Adams Gallery
• Overnight at Yosemite Valley lodging

Day 2 — Full day in Yosemite and return

• Choose morning activities with guide
• Visit Glacier Point for panoramic views
• Stop for dinner in Central Valley
• Return to San Francisco hotel

Top questions

How long is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite?

It takes approximately 3-4 hours by mini-coach from San Francisco to Yosemite's entrance.

Is accommodation included in this 2-day Yosemite tour?

Yes, you can choose between staying inside Yosemite Valley or just outside at Yosemite View Lodge.

Are meals provided during the tour?

No meals are included; you'll stop for groceries and snacks en route and have options for meals inside the park.

Does this Yosemite day trip include hotel pickup in San Francisco?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in San Francisco are included with your booking.

What if there aren’t enough people booked for my date?

If minimum numbers aren’t met, you'll be transferred to a similar winter tour with adjusted pickup details.

Can I bring more than one bag?

No, only one small overnight bag per person is allowed due to limited space on the mini-coach.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, but some walks (like Tuolumne Grove) involve moderate uphill climbs; guides offer options based on ability.

Are guided tours provided both days?

Yes, guided narration is provided both days along with free time to explore on your own.

What’s included

Your two-day journey includes roundtrip transportation from San Francisco in an eco-friendly mini-coach with hotel pickup and drop-off arranged for you. You’ll stay overnight either inside Yosemite Valley or nearby at Yosemite View Lodge (depending on availability), enjoy fully guided tours both days including stops at Glacier Point and Tuolumne Grove (weather permitting), plus plenty of time to wander at your own pace through iconic spots like Yosemite Falls and Tunnel View before heading back home in comfort.