Yosemite National Park Day Tour with Optional Alcatraz

San Francisco , United States

Yosemite National Park Day Tour with Optional Alcatraz

Active

(3 reviews)

15h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Join us for a full-day trip to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco. Travel in comfort through California’s Central Valley and into the Sierra Nevada foothills. Begin your adventure with a seasonal hike through a grove of giant sequoia trees—some of the oldest and tallest living things on Earth. This hike may be unavailable in winter or poor weather.

Continue with a guided driving tour through Yosemite Valley, stopping for photos at Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and Half Dome. After the tour, enjoy up to 2 hours of free time to explore—walk to Yosemite Falls, visit the Ansel Adams Gallery, or simply relax and soak in the views.

Want more? Select the Alcatraz combo at checkout to visit San Francisco’s most notorious prison. The Yosemite tour operates on the day you book; Alcatraz takes place the following day at 12:00 PM. Your ferry tickets and the award-winning audio tour of the island are included. Return at your leisure by ferry.

Available options

Yosemite Tour with Alcatraz

Alcatraz Island Visit: This option includes a visit to Alcatraz. You will visit Yosemite on the first day and Alcatraz on the following day at 12pm.

Yosemite 1-Day Bus Tour

What's included

Guided tour in Yosemite

Comfortable transportation

Hike to Giant Sequoia grove (weather permitting)

Alcatraz audio guide in multiple languages (if option selected)

Alcatraz Island admission fee ($45.25 value) (if option selected)

Professional driver/guide

Park entrance fee

2 hours of free time in Yosemite

Detailed itinerary

Join us for a one-day adventure to Yosemite National Park, departing from San Francisco. Travel comfortably with a rest stop for lunch along the way, followed by a scenic 1-hour guided tour through the park. You will have 3 hours of free time to explore the park.

Stop 2

Take a peaceful walk through a serene forest trail to see awe-inspiring giant sequoia trees, some of the largest and oldest living things on Earth. The hike is moderate, approximately 1.5–2 miles round-trip, with some elevation gain on the return. Please note: this portion is seasonal and may be unavailable in winter or during poor weather conditions.

Stop 3

Stop at El Capitan, a majestic granite monolith in Yosemite National Park, rising over 3,000 feet and renowned as a world-class destination for rock climbing and its awe-inspiring vertical face.

Stop 4

Stop at Bridalveil Falls, a stunning 620-foot waterfall, known for its graceful cascade and mist that often creates beautiful rainbows, especially in the spring.

Once in Yosemite Valley, you'll have three hours of free time to explore at your own pace. Whether you choose to hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls, take a leisurely walk on scenic trails, or visit the museums and visitor center, there's something for everyone. A complimentary shuttle is available to help you explore other areas of the park.

Stop 6

Stop at Half Dome, an iconic granite peak in Yosemite National Park, famous for its unique shape and challenging hike, offering breathtaking panoramic views from its summit.

Stop 7

If you select the option with Alcatraz: You will take a short ride on a ferry (15min) to Alcatraz Island from Pier 33. Enjoy a 45-minute immersive audio tour to listen to the incredible history of the infamous prison. After that, you have all the time you want to explore the rest of the island. Then you can take any ferry back to Pier 33. The ferry usually runs every 30 minutes. A multi-language audio tour included is now available in nine languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German, Portuguese, and Dutch. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

What's not included

Gratuity

Food & drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We can accommodate collapsible wheelchairs and strollers

This tour is not suitable for guests with back problems

Total duration of the tour includes travel time in between attractions

Meeting point

For Yosemite Bus Tour Only:
The pickup time at the Hotel Zephyr at 250 Beach St. is at 5:30am.

Important notes

If you choose your pickup at the Hotel Zephyr at 250 Beach (Fisherman's Wharf), your pickup time will be at 5:30am.
If you choose your pickup at the JW Marriott at 515 Mason St (Downtown), your pickup time will be at 5:50am.

If you select the option with Alcatraz included, the time and date you select at checkout is for your Yosemite tour and your Alcatraz tour will take place the following day at 12 pm. You will receive an email the night before your tour with a QR code, which is your ticket. Please arrive at Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing) 15 minutes before the departure time and proceed directly to the boarding line with the QR code. Without it, you may be turned away. To prevent this, please check your email for a link to download the QR code for Alcatraz or in your Customer Portal at www.mytckts.com

About San Francisco

San Francisco, a city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep rolling hills, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its progressive values, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Golden Gate Bridge

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects San Francisco to Marin County and offers stunning views of the city and bay.

Architecture/Historical 1-2 hours for a visit, longer for a walk or bike ride Free to visit, $10-$15 for parking

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours and exhibits about its history.

Historical/Museum 2-3 hours for a tour $45.60 for adults, $30.25 for youth (12-20)

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a large urban park spanning over 1,000 acres. It features gardens, museums, lakes, and recreational facilities, offering a peaceful escape from the city.

Nature/Park Half-day to full day Free to enter, varies by attraction

Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is a bustling waterfront district known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like Pier 39 and the Sea Lions.

Entertainment/Shopping/Dining Half-day to full day Free to explore, varies by attraction and dining

Chinatown

San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America. It offers a vibrant cultural experience with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Cultural/Historical Half-day to full day Free to explore, varies by dining and shopping

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sourdough Bread

San Francisco is famous for its tangy, chewy sourdough bread, made with a unique local yeast strain. It's often served with butter or used for sandwiches and clam chowder.

Bread Contains gluten, can be made with or without dairy

Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is a local delicacy, known for its sweet, tender meat. It's often served steamed, grilled, or in crab cakes, crab louie, or cioppino.

Seafood Contains shellfish

Mission Burrito

The Mission burrito is a large, hearty burrito filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. It's a popular takeout item and a staple of San Francisco's food scene.

Main Course Contains gluten, can be made with or without meat

Ghirardelli Chocolate

Ghirardelli chocolate is a beloved San Francisco brand, known for its rich, creamy chocolate. It's available in various forms, including bars, squares, and ice cream sundaes.

Dessert Contains dairy, may contain nuts

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Marin Headlands Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge Spa day at a luxury hotel Picnic in Golden Gate Park Wine tasting in Napa Valley Visiting museums and galleries Attending a performance at the San Francisco Symphony

Best Time to Visit

September to November

This period offers pleasant weather with less fog, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.

13-22°C 55-72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog, Russian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Pacific Standard Time (PST, GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, GMT-7) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

San Francisco is generally a safe city for tourists, with a strong police presence and a commitment to public safety. However, some areas can be risky, especially at night, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or touristy areas
• Use common sense and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe

Getting there

By air

San Francisco International Airport • 22 km (14 miles) south of downtown
Oakland International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) east of downtown

By train

Emeryville Station, Richmond Station

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Salesforce Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

BART is a fast and efficient way to get around San Francisco and the Bay Area. It connects the city to airports, suburbs, and regional destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

North Beach Haight-Ashbury Mission District Castro Marina District

Day trips

Sausalito

15 km (9 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day

Sausalito is a charming waterfront town known for its historic homes, art galleries, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It's a popular destination for cycling, dining, and shopping.

Napa Valley

80 km (50 miles) north of San Francisco • Full day or overnight

Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region known for its award-winning wineries, picturesque vineyards, and gourmet dining. It's a popular destination for wine tasting, dining, and relaxation.

Muir Woods National Monument

25 km (15 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day

Muir Woods National Monument is a protected redwood forest located just north of San Francisco. It's home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.

Festivals

San Francisco Pride • June Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival • August Union Street Italian Festival • October

Pro tips

Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic and parking can be challenging
Layer your clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly
Try the local specialties, such as sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission burritos
Visit popular attractions like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions