Yosemite National Park Day Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Hike to Giant Sequoias (weather permitting)
- Spend more than 5 hours in Yosemite National Park
- See Inspiration Point, Yosemite Valley, El Capitan Meadow
- Selfie with Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and Half Dome
- Knowledgeable and helpful tour guide throughout the day
Full description
In Yosemite National Park you can witness some of the most amazing natural wonders, the towering granite monuments of Half Dome, Cathedral Peak and El Capitan. Enjoy the ride down into Yosemite Valley where we will make a stop at Inspiration Point, with breathtaking views of the valley. You will have some free time to grab a picnic lunch, check out the Ansel Adams Gallery or explore the Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center in Yosemite Village.
During your tour, your tour leader will provide useful information about the sights, sounds, and the history of these impressive natural wonders!
The tour departs from San Francisco, with convenient pickup from your hotel in Downtown San Francisco, Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf. We cross through California’s fertile scenery of San Joaquin Valley before climbing into the rocky Sierra Nevada mountains. Relax in your comfortable seat as you learn about the colorful gold rush history of the region.
Once we arrive at the world-famous Yosemite National Park, enjoy the ride down into Yosemite Valley where we will make a stop at Inspiration Point, a view of the valley made famous by Ansel Adams and hundreds of artists since. Take your best selfie with Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point, Cathedral Peak and Bridalveil Fall as your backdrop.
You will have enough time at your leisure to grab a picnic lunch and check out the Ansel Adams Gallery or the Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center. Yosemite Valley is also home to giant trees and more than 400 types of species of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. The Lower Yosemite Falls, Mist and Meadow Loop trailheads are guaranteed to delight hikers of any age. Enjoy nature hikes in Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias and on the Meadow Loop Trail to the Swinging Bridge (weather and trail conditions permitting).
The day at Yosemite concludes with another highlight at Valley View. Take in the breathtaking views along the banks of the Merced River framed by El Capitan and the imposing spires of Cathedral Rocks before we say farewell to the nature's grandeur that is Yosemite National Park. During your tour, your tour leader will provide useful information about the sights, sounds, and the history of these impressive natural wonders!
Please note: Exact itinerary may differ due to weather, road conditions, and the guide’s discretion and not all mentioned sights can be guaranteed for each tour.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour to Yosemite National Park in comfortable coach bus
- Hotel pick-up at major San Francisco hotels
- Helpful and knowledgeable tour guide
- Park entry fee for U.S. residents (with valid ID)
- Food (lunch) and beverages
- Tips and gratuity (recommended)
- Park entry fee for non-U.S. residents
Meeting point
Start Location
San Francisco, US
Operating hours
January 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027
- Sunday05:20 AM
- Monday05:20 AM
- Tuesday05:20 AM
- Wednesday05:20 AM
- Thursday05:20 AM
- Friday05:20 AM
- Saturday05:20 AM
Important information
Know before you book
- Itinerary and stops may change due to weather and road conditions
- Meals are not included
- Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older will be charged an additional $100 park entry fee per person after completing their booking. This fee will be collected via a payment link or on the bus at the start of the tour. “America the Beautiful Non-Resident Pass” holders are exempt, as the $250 pass covers up to four people at the entrance.
Know before you go
- Hotel pickups should be scheduled at least 5 days in advance
- Guest must reconfirm the tour by checking-in online no later than 72 hrs before
- Pickup location will be arranged at one of 5 pickup “zones” (see voucher details)
- Departure time is approx. 5:20AM
Cancellation policy
Bookings via Email: Free cancellation up to 5 days prior to departure. Bookings via API or Online Portal: Free cancellation up to 72 hours prior to departure.
Reviews
Great way to see San Francisco! The hop-on hop-off bus made it easy to visit the main attractions, and the views were amazing. The staff were friendly and the whole experience was convenient and enjoyable. Definitely recommended for first-time visitors.
My friend and I had the best half day experience to Napa Valley with Big Bus Tour Company!! Big shout out to Patrick our driver for the day who was excellent with telling us different information about all the areas we drove though, and he was honestly such great fun for the entire trip which made it all the better! We only had a small group that day (2 Ireland and 2 Wales, Patrick will know) which meant Patrick also stopped at the most scenic location on the way home for some amazing views and photos and it was a great end to the trip!! We 100% recommend the trip and if you get Patrick as your driver you are in for a great trip and some great craic! Sincerely, The two girls from Ireland!
My friend and I had the best half day experience to Napa Valley with Big Bus Tour Company!! Big shout out to Patrick our driver for the day who was excellent with telling us different information about all the areas we drove though, and he was honestly such great fun for the entire trip which made it all the better! We only had a small group that day (2 Ireland and 2 Wales, Patrick will know) which meant Patrick also stopped at the most scenic location on the way home for some amazing views and photos and it was a great end to the trip!! We 100% recommend the trip and if you get Patrick as your driver you are in for a great trip and some great craic! Sincerely, The two girls from Ireland!
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
Itinerary and stops may change due to weather, road conditions, and the guide’s discretion.
The tour is subject to cancellation during winter storms in the Sierra Nevada Mountains without prior notice.
Meals are not included; a stop about halfway to and from Yosemite is provided to buy snacks or a meal.
Sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots with rubber soles are highly recommended for a safe hiking experience
HOTEL PICK-UP:
Hotel pick-up needs to be scheduled at least 5 days prior to your travel date by following the instructions after redeeming your voucher online with the local operator. There are
CHILDREN:
A child safety seat or booster seat is required for all children under 8 years of age or 4' 9" in height, as dictated by California State Law. You need to bring your own seat. Failure to provide a seat for your child will result in forfeit of your seat on the tour without a refund.
ENTRANCE FEE:
Non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older will be charged an additional $100 park entry fee per person after completing their booking. This fee will be collected via a payment link or on the bus at the start of the tour. “America the Beautiful Non-Resident Pass” holders are exempt, as the $250 pass covers up to four people at the entrance.
U.S. residents need to present a valid photo ID to proof residency.