The 10 Best National Park Trips from San Francisco

1.Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 937 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $199Our pick

Leave San Francisco at 6:20 am by bus for Yosemite, with an English-speaking driver-guide, a Central Valley supply stop, scenic viewpoints and about three hours on your own in Yosemite Valley. The day runs roughly 14 hours, but traffic can stretch it. Check the extra $103 park fee for non-US residents aged 16 and over before you book.

“Joe with Teton Floats was the best tour guide we have ever had as he was an expert in everything such as ther animals, waterfalls, ecology and the mountains!”

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2.Day Trip to Yosemite National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 883 reviews · 15 hours · from $209

Travel from San Francisco to Yosemite in a bio-fueled mini-coach with an English-speaking guide, then see Yosemite Valley highlights including El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Yosemite Falls. You get a narrated coach tour and about three hours of free time. Guides such as Kika, Sharon, Noah, and Aiden have led trips, though your guide will depend on the date.

“Our guide put into context the different highlights we passed along the way and on entering yosemite. He followed the schedule like clockwork. He was kind, helpful, and always ready to answer questions. Excellent!!!”

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3.Yosemite National Park 2-Day Tour from San Francisco with Lodging

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 412 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $619

Ride from San Francisco to Yosemite in a biofuel mini-coach with a guide, then spend a night in or near the park. The two-day route pairs a narrated valley tour and Tunnel View with free time for walks or hikes, a visit to Tuolumne Grove, and a trip to Glacier Point when conditions allow. Guides vary by departure; past groups have been led by Jay, James, Jordan, Aidan, and others.

“Went on a 2 day trip to Yosemite with Jaymes as our guide in May 2023. It was a great experience. It was the first time I had gone to a national park in the US. Jaymes shared extensively about the history and geography of Yosemite. I marveled at the immense beauty of the granite surrounding us. The walk through the Giant Sequoias was also breathtaking. Jaymes also suggested different trekking routes for persons with different physical abilities which was very kind and thoughtful. I enjoyed the trip very much and would highly recommend this!”

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4.Yosemite National Park Guided Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 197 reviews · 14 hours · from $197

This 14-hour Gray Line trip takes you from San Francisco through the Central Valley and Gold Rush foothills to Yosemite. Expect a one-hour guided park tour, photo stops at landmarks such as Tunnel View and El Capitan, then three hours of free time in Yosemite Valley. Guides have included Deb, Heather, Joseph and Alex.

“Enjoyed and relaxed in Yosemite and I liked most the nature because was beautiful.A lot of adventure and explore.”

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5.San Francisco to/from Yosemite National Park: 1-Way Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 15 reviews · from $99Best value

Ride between San Francisco and Yosemite Valley on a one-way transfer with park entry, an English-speaking driver-guide, onboard Wi-Fi, and audio guides in eight languages. Choose your outbound and return days separately, then arrange your own lodging and time in the park. The route passes historic mining towns, with a possible weather-dependent hike toward Tuolumne Grove on the San Francisco to Yosemite leg.

“Me encantó tener la opción de elegir un solo viaje para quedarme a contemplar Yosemite y disfrutar a mi propio ritmo. También compré otro viaje de Regreso a San Francisco y me recogieron en Yosemite el día que elegí. Fabulous!!!”

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6.Yosemite National Park 2-Day Winter Tour from San Francisco

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 11 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $619

Ride from San Francisco to Yosemite in a biodiesel minicoach with a guide, then spend the night at Yosemite Valley Lodge or in a heated Curry Village tent cabin. The tour includes a narrated drive, Tunnel View, and plenty of unescorted time in the valley. Guides such as Mitch and Aiden have been praised for clear commentary and thoughtful help.

“Great tour with heaps of commentary on the way into Yosemite from Aiden. Definitely recommend this experience.”

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7.Yosemite, Kings Canyon National Parks 2 Day Tour from SF

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 8 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $464

Travel from San Francisco to Yosemite, stay one night near Fresno, then visit Kings Canyon and Founders Grove before returning. The tour includes park tickets, transport, a professional driver-guide, hotel and breakfast. Park time is limited, and the long road miles are part of the bargain. Guide Antony has been praised for clear organization and friendly service.

“The end of March is still not the best season in the mountains. It was cold and we couldn't do some activities because of snow, hail, and cold rain. But the guide was very helpful and tried for us to get the most memorable experiences.”

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8.Private Yosemite National Park Day Trip from San Francisco

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 5 reviews · from $685

Leave San Francisco at 6:40 am in a private group of up to six, travel through Gold Country and the Central Valley, then spend time among Yosemite’s granite cliffs and waterfalls. Your guide leads a valley tour, with free time for walks, hikes, museums, or a bike rental. Guides have included Alex, but names are not guaranteed.

“Although it's a long drive from San Francisco, the grandeur of Yosemite is worth the drive. Our tour guide picked us up from our hotel at the time arranged and we set off in a 12 seated van. Being a small group meant we could pull into photo Read more”

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9.Curry Village 2-Day National Park Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2 days · from $599Top rated

Travel from San Francisco in a biodiesel mini-coach with a guide and up to 12 other people. Over two days, see Yosemite Valley’s famous cliffs and waterfalls, hike among Giant Sequoias when conditions allow, and sleep in Curry Village beneath Half Dome. Meals are extra, and the itinerary leaves time to explore on your own.

“Molt bona excursió de dos dies a Yosemite. L’organització genial i el guia, en Jordan, un 10/10! Si vols veure els highlights del parc en dos dies és un viatge perfecte. Si t’agrada molt fer hiking igual se’t queda curt perquè el primer dia és una caminata curta per les sequoies i veure miradors. El segon dia és lliure i pots fer excursions molt maques. L’estància a Curry village també molt bé.”

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10.From SFO-Yosemite National Park-Enchanting Full Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.6 · 3 reviews · 13 hours · from $385

Ride from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide. The 13-hour trip crosses Central Valley farmland, Gold Country and Sierra Nevada foothills, then visits Yosemite Valley sights including Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls and Tunnel View. You get guided sightseeing and free time, with private and small-group options.

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