Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco

Incredible Adventures765 Pennsylvania Ave.San Francisco, CA 94107
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Starting at
$209.00
Total Price: $213.18 (USD)
INSTANT CONFIRMATION
NO SERVICE FEES

Overview

Your dream of exploring Yosemite National Park is about to come true. Enjoy a guided day tour through the magnificent natural wonder and experience the majestic waterfalls, stunning rock formations, and so much more. This is the perfect way to spend your day in California. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime at the beautiful Yosemite National Park.

up to 15 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • See iconic landmarks such as El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Falls.
  • The tour typically lasts about 14-15 hours, so be prepared for a full-day excursion.
  • Tour includes transportation, a knowledgeable guide, a 1.5-hr narrated in-coach tour of Yosemite, park entrance fee, and 3 hours of free time in the Valley.
  • Pick-ups are available from several locations in San Francisco, including major hotels and central spots.
  • Dress for comfort and in layers, as temperatures can vary greatly from San Francisco to Yosemite and throughout the day.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, as there will be opportunities for short hikes and walks.
  • Meals are not typically included, so plan to either bring your own or purchase food at designated stops.
  • Yosemite is known for its breathtaking scenery, so a camera or smartphone for photos is a must.

Description

Yosemite is a magnificent wilderness only a few hours’ drive from San Francisco. A Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco will complete your trip to Northern California.

Your day in Yosemite Park includes a guided in-coach tour of Yosemite Valley with an informative and professional guide providing history and insight into one of the earth’s best examples of a glaciated valley.

The day begins with select hotel pick-ups between 6:15 am and 7:00 am. Heading east across the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge offers great views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge. En Route to the park you will cross through the Central Valley, where you will stop at a fruit stand for some local produce.

Famous for its rich volcanic soil, the Central Valley is the largest agricultural region in the United States. The section you will drive through is best known for specialty fruits and nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cherries, and strawberries. After this quick rest stop, you will enter the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

Continuing into the mountains brings you to California gold country and the gold rush town of Groveland before you will wind your way into Yosemite National Park. Maps in hand, you begin with a one and a half hour in-coach narrated tour of Yosemite's glaciated valley. You will see famous waterfalls and rock formations including Yosemite Falls—the tallest waterfall in North America—El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Dome, and much more. During the tour, you will see Yosemite Valley from a number of great vantage points, the best of which is perhaps Inspiration Point. At 4,500 feet above sea level, this viewpoint gives you a commanding view east up the valley. Yosemite is a mecca for rock climbers and the sight of people climbing El Capitan's 3,200 ft. (1000m) the sheer rock face is quite amazing.

Because of small group size, you will be incorporate with multiple photos stops into your tour so you can better enjoy your time in the park. After the tour, you will stop for the afternoon near the base of Yosemite Falls, where there are a variety of options for lunch (not included). After eating, you will have 3-4 hours of free time to explore the valley as you choose.

You can walk to the base of Yosemite Falls, check out the visitor center, visit the Ansel Adams Gallery, stop in at the Ahwahnee Hotel, rent a cruiser bike, or hike some of the trails that originate from the valley. Although you could spend three weeks in Yosemite, the three hours you get on your own is enough time to understand why Yosemite is one of America's most popular national parks. Regrouping again in the late afternoon, you will head for San Francisco, stopping for a short break before arriving back in the city and dropping you at your lodging between 8:30 pm and 9:00 pm.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Yosemite National Park Day Tour

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour offers complimentary pick-up and drop-off from select San Francisco hotels. Departure locations include: 6:35 am - RIU Plaza Fisherman's Wharf (2500 Mason St.) North Point Street side 6:50 am - Hilton San Francisco Union Square ((333 O’Farrell St.) Mason Street side 7:10 am - InterContinental San Francisco (888 Howard St.) 7:45 am - Dublin BART Station (5801 Owens Dr Pleasanton, CA)

How long is the tour?

The Yosemite National Park one-day tour is approximately 14-15 hours long.

What should I bring on the tour?

The operator recommends the following items: camera and charger/batteries, cash for lunch and other expenditures, sneakers or hiking boots. swimwear, a towel, sandals (optional), bug spray, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle. During the colder months (November through April) dress in layers or warm outdoor attire such as gloves, a knit hat, and a jacket.

What should I wear? Are sneakers ok or do I need hiking shoes?

Dress comfortably and prepared for the weather. For footwear, most guests wear sneakers on the tour. Hiking boots work great as well if you need more ankle support.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes complimentary pickup/drop off from your San Francisco hotel, a full-time professional, knowledgeable guide, an narrated in-coach tour of Yosemite (1.5 hrs), 3 hours of free time in the Valley, Yosemite Park entrance fee, and transportation to/from Yosemite in biofuel mini-coach.

Is food and water included?

This tour does not include food or water. However, your guide will make stops and point out options for purchasing drinks and snacks while at the stops. You are also welcome to bring food and a refillable water bottle with you ahead of time.

How far is it from San Francisco to Yosemite?

The route is generally about 192 miles one way and takes 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic. The guide will break up the long drive with comfort stops along the way.

Are gratuities included?

No, gratuities are not included in the tour price but are always welcome and appreciated. It is recommended to tip 10 to 20 percent of the tour cost.