Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 971 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco worth booking?
Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco is a 14-hour experience in San Francisco, United States, from $219 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 971 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (971)
- Duration
- 14 hours
- From
- $219 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
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
- Coffee and restroom stop in Oakdale or Turlock
- Choose from two departure locations in San Francisco: Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square
- Photo stops at iconic viewpoints including Tunnel View and El Capitan
Not included
- Gratuities
- Additional food and drinks
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Government fees
What you'll see and do
Financial District
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.
Pass by without stopping
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
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.
Pass by without stopping
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 here
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.
300 minutes here
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 here · Admission included
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 here · Admission included
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.
180 minutes here · Admission included
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 here
Lower Yosemite Fall Trail
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.
Pass by without stopping
Valley Visitor Center
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.
Pass by without stopping
Sentinel bridge
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.
Pass by without stopping
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 here · Admission included
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!
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Francisco
Gray Line Fisherman’s Wharf Departure Location 2805 Leavenworth St. Arrive by 6:10 AM to check-in Bus Departs at 6:20 AM 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.
Meeting point
San Francisco
Union Square Departure Location 478 Post St. Arrive by 6:25 AM to check-in Bus Departs at 6:40 AM 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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Gray Line Fisherman’s Wharf Departure Location 2805 Leavenworth St. Arrive by 6:10 AM to check-in Bus Departs at 6:20 AM 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.
Ends at
Union Square Departure Location 478 Post St. Arrive by 6:25 AM to check-in Bus Departs at 6:40 AM 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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gray Line San Francisco
Know before you go
- 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.
- Please Note: National Park fees may apply for international visitors. If applicable, this fee is collected in-destination and not at the time of booking.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 969 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
969 verified traveler reviews for Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
It was great. Wish there...
It was great. Wish there were more detailed signs around saying what was up ahead. Charging stations. Water fountains
via Viator
Excellent Guide/Driver
Danny did an incredible job with great spirit and excellent driving skills. He is so positive and loves his job as well as the state of California.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the kind words! We’re so glad you enjoyed your experience with Danny!
via Tripadvisor
Great tour guide, but the...
Great tour guide, but the bus had issues. It had a flat tire, but they got it resolved quickly. Then the bus got hot, and in the 100 degree heat, the travel from Yosemite back to San Francisco was miserable.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the guide and apologize for the bus issues and discomfort during your return trip.
via Viator
Trip Cancelled
Gray line cancelled us agent came almost 7am to ket us know driver called sick. It’s so frustrating to know there is no back up driver for such a big company. Very annoying with our time wasted
Response from the operator: We're truly sorry for the cancellation and the inconvenience it caused. We understand how frustrating this was, and we sincerely apologize for the disruption to your plans. Thank you for your feedback.
via Viator
Great to see the highlights of Yosemite
Just back from a wonderful day at Yosemite. Cristin, our driver & guide was so knowledgeable & pointed out things of interest on our journey. It was a hot day, but the bus had fabulous air conditioning & the seats were very comfortable. We stopped 2 hours into the journey to pick up some snacks & grab a drink, use the restroom & stretch our legs. The 3 hours in Yosemite were enough for us to see what we wanted to. We were lucky & it was fairly quiet, with no delays Would absolutely recommend if you want to see the highlights of Yosemite. Thank you Cristin for a well organised & fun day.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re glad you enjoyed your Yosemite experience and that Cristin made your day informative and enjoyable. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 340
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Gray Line San Francisco, who run 19 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.2.
See everything Gray Line San Francisco runsWhy this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Francisco.
How much does Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco cost?
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Prices start at $219 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Francisco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco take?
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Plan for about 14 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Francisco is not rushed.
Is Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 971 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in San Francisco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 14-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco?
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Around 340 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Francisco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Francisco and add a light layer if any part of the 14-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Francisco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in San Francisco?
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San Francisco packs Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Napa and the bay into day-trip range, which makes booking order matter more than anywhere else in the US. Alcatraz sells out weeks ahead, wine-country vans fill on weekends, and the best food walks in the Mission and Chinatown cap at a dozen people. Our ranking favours small groups and guides who live in the neighbourhood they walk. On Outty we rank every San Francisco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz, Chinatown, North Beach, Little Italy: 7 Tastings & History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit San Francisco?
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September and October, the city's real summer, once the fog season breaks. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in San Francisco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco?
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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; Coffee and restroom stop in Oakdale or Turlock; and Choose from two departure locations in San Francisco: Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square. Not included: Gratuities; Additional food and drinks; Hotel pick-up and drop-off; and Government fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco?
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Gray Line Fisherman’s Wharf Departure Location 2805 Leavenworth St. Arrive by 6:10 AM to check-in Bus Departs at 6:20 AM Although there is no physical location. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco?
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Across 971 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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