Yosemite National Park Full Day Tour from San Francisco

One day to see why Yosemite is a World Heritage Site

A full-day tour from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park with a professional guide, park entry included, and a one-hour scenic drive past Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan and Half Dome. You get three hours of free time in Yosemite Valley to hike, bike, visit the Ansel Adams Gallery, or explore at your own pace before the return drive to the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each7 stops

1. Bay Bridgepassing by
2. Tunnel ViewEntry included15m
3. Bridalveil FallEntry included15m
4. Yosemite ValleyEntry included3h
5. Ansel Adams Gallery10m
6. El CapitanEntry included15m
7. Yosemite FallsEntry included1h

Full day Yosemite National Park tour

• Depart from San Francisco downtown
• Pass Bay Bridge to Oakland
• Travel through Central Valley
• Stop at Oakdale for supplies
• Enter Yosemite National Park
• One-hour scenic bus tour in park
• Stop at Tunnel View viewpoint
• Stop at Bridalveil Fall waterfall
• Arrive at Yosemite Valley drop-off
• Enjoy three hours free time in Yosemite Valley
• Visit Ansel Adams Gallery (optional)
• Hike or bike around Yosemite Falls base
• Visit grasslands in front of El Capitan
• Return to San Francisco

The experience

The tour departs from either Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square in San Francisco and crosses the Bay Bridge into California's Central Valley, stopping in Oakdale or Turlock for coffee and supplies. Once you enter Yosemite National Park, a guide takes over with live commentary during a one-hour scenic loop through the valley, hitting the major viewpoints: Tunnel View looks east across the valley floor to Half Dome and El Capitan's granite face; Bridalveil Fall, a 617-foot waterfall that runs year-round, gets a 15-minute stop to walk close and photograph; El Capitan appears again on the drive out, where you can watch climbers on the rock.

The real shape of the day is the three hours you spend alone in Yosemite Valley. You can hike the paved trails to the base of Yosemite Falls (the fourth tallest in the world), rent a bike to cover more ground, visit the Valley Visitor Center for maps and books, or step into the Ansel Adams Gallery to see the photographer's work. The guide will point you toward the best spots if you ask. A meadow on the eastern side of the valley, near Cook's Meadow, offers a view of Half Dome mirrored in the Merced River, especially striking during alpenglow. The three hours is enough time to understand the place without rushing.

The return journey to San Francisco takes the same route back. The whole day runs 14 hours from pickup to drop-off. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a pillow if you want to sleep on the drive. Non-resident visitors aged 16 and over will pay a $103 U.S. National Parks fee at the destination, collected when you arrive.

What’s included

• Professional driver-guide with live English commentary.
• Yosemite National Park permit and entrance fees.
• coffee and restroom stop in Oakdale or Turlock.
• photo stops at Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome.
• three hours of free time to walk, hike, bike, or visit galleries and the visitor center in Yosemite Valley.

Information

Lasts 14h, runs every day at 06:20, from US$ 199.29 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:20

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.1 with pickup ›

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gray Line San Francisco

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see Yosemite's major viewpoints without renting a car or navigating the park alone. The three hours of free time lets you choose whether to hike, bike, or explore at a slower pace, rather than following a fixed schedule through every stop. Wear comfortable shoes and bring layers. The valley floor is cooler than San Francisco, and the drive back is long enough that a pillow helps.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is Tunnel View and why do people stop there?

Tunnel View is a scenic overlook along State Route 41 where you can see the entire Yosemite Valley spread out eastward: the southwest face of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls all in one frame. It's the classic postcard angle and the tour includes a photo stop there.

Can I actually hike during the three free hours, or is it just a quick walk?

You have time for real hiking. The paved trail to the base of Yosemite Falls is open year-round and gives you a proper walk. In spring and early summer the water is at its peak and you may get wet. You can also bike around the valley floor to cover more ground, or simply walk the meadows and visit the galleries.

How long is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite?

The total tour is 14 hours from pickup to drop-off. The drive to the park takes several hours, then you get the one-hour scenic loop with the guide, three hours free in the valley, and the return drive to the city.

Do I need to bring my own food, or are meals included?

Food and drinks are not included, but you'll stop in Oakdale or Turlock on the way to buy supplies: water, snacks, or a picnic for the day. Yosemite Valley has various lunch spots, though bringing your own gives you more flexibility during your free time.

What's the difference between the two departure points?

You can choose to start from Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square in San Francisco. Both are included in the tour price. Pick whichever is closer to where you're staying in the city.