Yosemite in a Day Tour from San Francisco

First, you'll experience the magnitude of the giant redwoods up close, then visit a spectacular viewpoint before visiting Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and more. Then you'll enjoy free time for lunch, hiking, and relaxation before beginning your journey back to San Francisco.

Yosemite from San Francsico Tour Description

Your 14-hour small group day trip includes:

• Morning pick-up from most central San Francisco hotels

• Comfortable round-trip transportation by modern minivan

• Admission to Yosemite National Park

• Stroll through giant redwood forests

• See El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and more

• Free time for lunch, hiking, and relaxation (lunch not included)

• Fun, knowledgeable local guide

• Maximum group size of 13

Please be aware that the exact itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions or other factors, but your expert guide will ensure you make the best possible use of your time in Yosemite.

Hotel Pick-up and the Journey to Yosemite

It's an early start this morning, but not to worry because pick-up at your San Francisco hotel is included. Your friendly guide will welcome you aboard and you'll drive east across the San Francisco Bay Bridge with views of San Francisco, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Head through the Central Valley (San Joaquin Valley) of California, the largest food-growing region in the United States, and see past almond, walnut, cherry, and other fruit and nut orchards. Soon you'll be approaching the Sierra Nevada foothills and California’s gold country, where you'll drive through the historic gold country town of Groveland before reaching the mountains and Yosemite National Park.

Along the way, your guide will keep you entertained with amazing photos, videos, and stories about the incredible places you'll see today. There will also be a rest break along the way to buy snacks and use the bathrooms.

Please contact us after booking with your hotel name for pick-up. We'll reach out with an alternative meeting point if your hotel isn't covered.

See 3,000-Year-Old Redwoods Up Close

Once in the park, you'll spend some time walking among the biggest living things on land, the giant redwood trees also known as Sequoias. Yosemite’s massive redwoods always amaze and astound—the largest tree is over 40 feet in diameter at its base, almost 300-feet tall, and lives to well over 3,000 years.

The Ultimate View of Yosemite

After your hike to the trees, you'll continue on to Yosemite Valley and drive to Tunnel View Vista Point, where you will experience one of the most spectacular views of Yosemite Valley. Get your camera ready for a truly magical view that includes Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome.

Bridalveil Falls and El Capitan

After taking in the magnificent views from afar, you'll hop back into the minivan for the scenic drive to Bridalveil Falls and El Capitan. El Capitan is the largest exposed piece of granite in the world, rising 4,000 feet above the valley floor. There, we may even spot some of the climbers as they ascend the sheer granite wall.

In a park with so many waterfalls, Bridalveil Falls stands out as one of the most spectacular. It plunges 620 feet (188 meters) down the cliff face creating a thunderous sound and gentle mist all around it.

Half Dome and Yosemite Falls

Next, it’s on to see Half Dome—a true Yosemite icon. This massive granite dome is a definitive feature of the park, and attracts hikers and climbers from across the world. Nearby, you'll also visit one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, Yosemite Falls with its 1,000-foot (300 meter) drop.

Free Time for Lunch, Hiking, or Relaxation

After all that exploring, it must be time for lunch! You'll make a stop at the Yosemite Lodge where you can buy yourself something hearty to eat, and you'll also have plenty of free time to explore on your own. During your free time, you might hike along stunning trails, relax at the base of Yosemite Falls, or visit charming Yosemite Village.

Return to San Francisco

After you've enjoyed your free time in Yosemite, it's time to get back on the road. Get comfortable and enjoy the views as you start your journey back to San Francisco, with another quick stop in the Central Valley for snacks and restrooms along the way. You'll be dropped back at your hotel in the evening, in time to get some dinner in the city or kick back and order room service!