Yosemite Highlights & Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco
Active
14h - 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
See more of Yosemite in less time with early park entry. This year-round guided day trip from San Francisco covers the park’s top sights, including Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Tunnel View, and the iconic Giant Sequoias of Tuolumne Grove. Spend 5 full hours in the park taking in the best views and landmarks. If you want the most complete Yosemite experience in one day, this is your tour.
Available options
Tour Korean Audio
Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour with audio tour in Korean<br/>Pickup included
Tour German audio
Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour with audio tour in German
Tour French audio
Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour with audio tour in French<br/>Pickup included
Tour Italian audio
Tour Italian Audio: Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour with audio tour in Italian<br/>Pickup included
Tour Spanish audio
Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour with audio tour in Spanish
Tour Japanese Audio
Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour with audio tour in Japanese<br/>Pickup included
Yosemite & Giant Sequoias Trip
Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Trip from San Francisco<br/>Pickup included
Tour Portuguese Audio
Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour with audio tour in Portuguese<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off from most major San Francisco hotels
Comfortable transportation with onboard WiFi
Yosemite entrance fee and daily permit
Five hours inside Yosemite Park with early bird entry
Live local expert guide (English)
Free unique geo-based audio guides in 8 languages
Detailed itinerary
1
Join us on this breathtaking tour of Yosemite National Park, whose towering granite peaks, cascading waterfalls and nature trails are perhaps the most stunning in the world. This award-winning tour spends the most time in Yosemite and includes a unique hike among ancient Giant Sequoias.
Your tour begins with a convenient hotel pick up in Downtown San Francisco.
2
Enjoy the scenic drive as your guide shares how a flash of gold in the American River sparked the California Gold Rush.
3
Stop for breakfast and grab a quick bite at a nearby supermarket or Starbucks.
4
Enjoy a scenic drive into Yosemite National Park as you head toward a breathtaking viewpoint made famous by photographer Ansel Adams.
5
Stop 5
Your first stop in the park is Tunnel View—capture a photo with El Capitan, Half Dome, and other iconic peaks in the background.
6
Stop at the base of Bridalveil Fall, where misty cascades and towering cliffs create one of Yosemite’s most breathtaking scenes.
7
Capture a perfect reflection of Half Dome in the Merced River as you drive over Sentinel Bridge.
8
Enjoy Your Yosemite Valley Adventure
Once we arrive, you'll have 2 hours to grab lunch and explore. Take a walk to Yosemite Falls, hike the Meadow Loop, or just relax and soak in the views at your own pace.
9
Stop 9
During your free time in the valley, take a walk to Yosemite Falls—one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. Enjoy the views, take photos, and soak in the power and beauty of this natural wonder.
10
Stop 10
Hop back on the bus and head to El Capitan Meadow, where you’ll stop to discover the world’s largest granite monolith and the legendary climbers who brave its towering cliffs.
11
As we are leaving Yosemite Valley, we will make our final stop at Valley View which serves up a panoramic landscape framing the Merced River, El Capitan and the imposing spires of Cathedral Rocks.
12
Stop 12
Hike through a peaceful forest to reach a grove of Giant Sequoias—some of the oldest and largest trees on Earth. Standing among these giants is a humbling and unforgettable experience.
*When the Tuolumne Grove trail is snow-covered or unsafe (November-March), we always spend extra time in Yosemite Valley.
13
Enjoy a scenic drive through the historic town of Groveland, a charming Gold Rush-era village with rustic buildings and rich California heritage.
14
On the way back, we’ll stop for dinner at a plaza with fast food, a sandwich shop, a taqueria, Hawaiian BBQ, and a supermarket—something for everyone.
15
Wrap up your adventure with a comfortable ride back and drop-off in San Francisco at your original pickup location.
What's not included
Guide Gratuities
Food and drinks
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
KO
PT
CMN
JA
IT
FR
ES
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.2
2,295 reviews
5★
1352
4★
464
3★
213
2★
142
1★
124
Tripadvisor
4.6
1,126 reviews
5★
900
4★
98
3★
48
2★
39
1★
41
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
From November to March, when the trail is unsafe due to snow and ice, we replace the Sequoia hike with extra time in Yosemite Valley.
Winter in Yosemite is much colder than San Francisco. Wear warm clothes and shoes with rubber soles and good traction.
The tour stops around 8:30am for breakfast, 1pm for lunch, and 6pm for dinner on the way back. Meals are not included.
California law requires tour guests to bring a car safety seat for all children under 8 years and under 4' 9" (1.4 meters) in height
Meeting point
Meet at the Mason Street entrance (Eastern entrance) at 5:50 am.
Important notes
• If your booking is less than 24hrs in advance please contact us immediately to re-confirm and schedule your pickup
• Free pickup at most downtown San Francisco and Fisherman's Wharf hotels between 5:20am-6:00am.
• It is recommended to check the weather forecast before this trip and dress appropriately, in summer it can be over 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit (32-38 degrees Celsius) and you may want to take swimming gear with you to cool down, in winter you may be in snow.
• During the winter months - please wear winter clothes, especially shoes or boots with rubber soles and treads, are recommended. We will always do what we can to make your trip enjoyable, but safety is "Job 1", so the route and itinerary may be changed due to snow depth, road conditions, construction projects and detours.
• Access to the Sequoia Grove can be difficult during winter months, generally October through May, and other activities may be substituted at the discretion of the guide.
• If you have an child under the age of 8 years or under the height of 4' 9", you MUST bring your own child safety seat to use on the tour. If the child is under 8 years and are 4' 9" (1.4 m) or taller they may use a safety belt in lieu of a car seat.
• As a courtesy to fellow passengers, it’s important to be on time. If you are late or miss a scheduled pickup time for the tour please contact our office IMMEDIATELY at +1 415-357-0700. An alternative pick up location may be arranged at your expense, subject to availability. Any guest who misses their tour entirely will forfeit their seat on the tour. No refunds will be issued.
• For foreign language audio: It is recommended to download files onto your device prior to the tour (as reception is not available in certain areas of the tour), please bring along your charged device and earbuds. You will receive the link details via email. If you do not receive prior to your tour, please contact the operator at: contact@extranomical.com or 415-357-0700
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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