Yosemite National Park Full-Day Tour from San Francisco
From$199.29
12 hours
San Francisco, USA
About this activity
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park on a full-day guided tour from San Francisco, visiting iconic landmarks and learning about the park's rich history.
Highlights
- Explore Yosemite Valley's stunning landscapes
- Marvel at El Capitan's towering granite cliffs
- Witness the beauty of Bridalveil Fall
- Discover the rich history of Yosemite's landmarks
- Enjoy a comfortable ride with expert guides
Full description
Join us for an unforgettable adventure to Yosemite National Park, departing from San Francisco. This full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the park's most iconic sites, including the majestic El Capitan and the serene Bridalveil Fall. Led by knowledgeable guides, you'll delve into the rich history and natural wonders of Yosemite Valley. Comfortable round-trip transportation ensures a stress-free journey, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the park's stunning landscapes and captivating stories. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories in one of America's most cherished national parks.
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from San Francisco
- Guided tour of Yosemite Valley
- Visit to iconic landmarks like El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Pass by: 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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Pass by: 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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
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.
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
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.
Duration: 5 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
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.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: YES
6
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.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: YES
7
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.
Duration: 3 hoursAdmission: YES
8
During your free time in Yosemite Valley, you can opt to head to Ansel Adams Gallery to see works of the legendary artist.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
Pass by: 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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10
Pass by: 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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11
Pass by: 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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
12
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.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: YES
13
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!
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour involves moderate walking; ensure you're comfortable with this level of activity.
- Meals and beverages are not included; consider bringing your own or purchasing along the way.
- Check the weather forecast before your trip to dress appropriately.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a camera to capture the park's breathtaking scenery.
- Pack a light jacket, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- 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.
Traveler reviews
4.1957 reviews
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A day at Yosemite
It is a long day, but an incredible experience. The driver was so knowledgeable and friendly. The park is wonderful and you have a lot of time to yourself to explore.
Kevin_RJul 6, 2026VIATOR
Getting lost ,
Driver good easy going and waiting for us, even though we were late getting back to bus due to getting lost in park. However, we did not receive her contact #, and the viator office very difficult and not helping us Suggest give folks driver #, and providing clearer instructions , we were told not to take shuttle back to our pick up location then we were told to take it to get back, and that is exactly what we needed to do.
Louise_DJul 6, 2026VIATOR
It’s a long day, but...
It’s a long day, but definitely worth it. The bus was comfortable, with air conditioning, power outlets, and spacious reclining seats. Debby was a friendly and helpful guide who pointed out landmarks along the way, shared some historical background, and answered questions throughout the trip. We had around 2 hours and 45 minutes of free time in Yosemite Valley, which gave us a good opportunity to explore independently. I’d recommend planning a few possible walks or viewpoints in advance to make the most of your time there.
Matthew_MJun 22, 2026VIATOR
The tour guide, Deb, was...
The tour guide, Deb, was very personable and kept the tour running on time. We were able to make all the stops for photos and had plenty of time to explore the Yosemite Valley sites.
Suzanne_DJun 14, 2026VIATOR
Our tour was good, we got...
Our tour was good, we got to see a few spots and had time to walk around Yosemite, this tour was contracted out to grey line and wasn't the usual Viator tour. The guide was very sweet but she didn't offer that much about what we were passing or what we were looking at.
Debra_GJun 14, 2026VIATOR
Additional information
The Yosemite tour takes all day. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and bring a pillow to sleep on the drive back.