tours from san francisco to sequoia national park

The Lifestyle Dove

Beautiful Road Trip from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park 

A road trip from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park is a spectacular road trip that takes you from the bustling city to the serene wilderness of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking natural wonders, charming towns, and, of course, the iconic giant sequoia trees. This road trip covers approximately 450 miles and can be completed in a weekend or extended for a more leisurely adventure. Here’s a detailed itinerary to help you make the most of this unforgettable journey.

Table of Contents

How long does it take to drive from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park?

The driving time from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park varies depending on the specific route and current traffic conditions. On average, it takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to drive the distance, covering approximately 240 to 260 miles. Keep in mind that travel times may fluctuate, so it’s advisable to check real-time traffic updates and plan accordingly.

How many days do you need to see Sequoia National Park?

To fully experience Sequoia National Park, it’s recommended to plan for at least 2 to 3 days. This allows you sufficient time to explore key attractions, take in the majestic sequoia trees, and engage in outdoor activities. However, the ideal duration can vary based on individual preferences and interests. Whether you’re into hiking, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of the park, allocating a few days will ensure a more comprehensive and enjoyable visit.

Planning your Road Trip  from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park

It’s important to plan your trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Start by deciding on the best time to visit. Spring and fall are great times to avoid the crowds and enjoy mild weather. Summer is the peak season, but also the busiest time of the year. Winter can be challenging due to snow and road closures, but it’s a great time to see the parks’ snowy landscapes.

Road Trip from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park Logistics 

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The route takes you through beautiful scenery, including the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Along the way, there are plenty of stops to make, including historic towns, scenic vistas, and local eateries.Now, let’s break down the journey into sections, highlighting key stops, hidden gems, and activities along the way.. 

Disclaimer: First and foremost bring a vomit bucket, gum or any anti nausea medication for someone that might get carsick, also let them take the front seat.  Some roads will be very windy for very long. 

Day 1: San Francisco to Monterey

Distance: 119 miles

Driving Time: 2 hours

Places to Stop Between San Francisco and Monterey

Stop #1: San Francisco

Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of San Francisco. After taking in the iconic sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, hit the road towards San Jose via US-101 South.

While this part of the journey is relatively short, there are a few intriguing stops to consider: Alcatraz Island , Fisherman’s Wharf , and Lombard Street, if you haven’t already.

Stop #2: Santa Cruz

Your next stop on this road trip from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park is Santa Cruz. A city just one hour south of San Francisco, offers a wide range of fun activities for both locals and visitors. 

Santa Cruz has plenty of beaches where you can stretch your legs and walk around for a bit before you get into the car again. 

I really enjoyed going to Natural Bridges State Beach. It was free to enter! It was not crowded. I went on a weekday around 9 am and it was just blissful. There are bathrooms, picnic areas and a parking lot available just off West Cliff Drive. You can park on the street and walk down to the beach.

Also, before you head down to the beach stop at Verve Coffee shop for a hot cup of coffee! 

Feeling hungry or need to stock up snacks and yummy fruits for the road trip? Santa Cruz has a vibrant farmers’ market scene. Check out the Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market for fresh, local produce and artisanal goods. We loved their bread. They are open on Saturdays starting at 9. 

Related Reads: Remarkable Road Trip from SF to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Stop #3: Monterey

About 1 hour south of Santa Cruz you will reach the final destination of the first day of this road trip: the beautiful Monterey. Monterey, California, is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning scenery, marine life, and rich history. 

There are so many fun things to do and see in Monterey that it could take up a whole 3 pages, but I have condensed it enough to spare your eyes. Here are some things to do while in Monterey.  You can Do the 17-Mile Drive .

This is a very beautiful drive with plenty of stops to view the scenery or go for a walk or a swim in the (cold) ocean. It’s a world-famous route that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, iconic golf courses, and landmarks like the Lone Cypress. Cost is 15.00 to enter (2023 prices). 

Visit Cannery Row and explore this historic waterfront street filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll and to soak up the maritime atmosphere. It’s a great place to grab lunch and stretch your legs while looking at amazing sights. Parking is not free and usually you have to pay. 

Hike along the trails and enjoy the stunning landscapes, rocky coastline, and diverse wildlife at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

It’s a fantastic spot for photography and nature enthusiasts. Parking is 10.00 if you decide to park in the lot, however you can get in for free if you park outside the park which is about a 0.3 mile walk. 

We loved our whale watching experience with Monterey Whale Watching Tour . It was an incredible experience I’ll never forget. Monterey Bay is famous for whale watching. Various tour operators offer boat tours to see humpback whales, gray whales, orcas, and dolphins.

Where to Eat in Monterey

By now you are probably hungry and wondering where to eat, being the foodie I am, I have some amazing options for you 

1. Passionfish: Known for its sustainable seafood and farm-to-table cuisine, this restaurant offers a diverse menu with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

2. Old Fisherman’s Grotto : Located on Fisherman’s Wharf, this restaurant offers seafood dishes with great views of the harbor.

4. Cultura Comida y Bebida:  My personal favorite and by far the best Mexican food I have had on the west coast. It’s a must visit. It offers a modern twist on traditional Mexican dishes in a stylish setting. I am still thinking about the food to this day. 

Where to Stay Overnight in Monterey 

You will only be spending one night in Monterey and then continue on to more beautiful spots on this road trip, so why not make that one night special by staying at one of these dreamy hotels that I have personally loved. 

1. Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa: This luxury waterfront hotel offers stunning views of the bay, excellent amenities, and a relaxing spa.

2. Portola Hotel & Spa : Located in downtown Monterey, this hotel provides easy access to local attractions and features a great spa and dining options.

3. InterContinental The Clement Monterey : A waterfront hotel with beautifully appointed rooms and an excellent on-site seafood restaurant.

4. Hotel Pacific : A boutique hotel within walking distance of Cannery Row and offering comfortable accommodations.

5. Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa: A larger resort with golf courses, spa services, and a beautiful pool area. The spa services were extremely special and would be highly recommend

Remember to book accommodations well in advance, especially during the tourist season, to ensure you have the best options available. 

Day 2: Monterey to Pinnacles National Park

Distance: 60 miles 

Driving Time: 1.5 hours 

As you leave Monterey in the morning stop by at one of these cute coffee shops in Carmel by the Sea for some long lasting energy before you hit the road to Pinnacles National Park.

Places to Stop between Monterey and Pinnacles

Stop #1: Carmel by the Sea

Carmel by the Sea is a quick stop when you are heading out of Monterey. It is not exactly on the way to Pinnacles but it’s worth the small detour. It is just 5 miles south of Monterey and will leave you feeling very inspired. We got our coffee and then headed to Carmel Beach just to enjoy the coastal beach one last time before we went inland. It was superb. 

Stop #2: Pinnacles National Park

The next stop on day 2 of this road trip from San Francisco to Sequoia  is Pinnacles National Park . It is the hidden gem of this route, known for its rugged rock formations, caves, and diverse wildlife. Take a hike through the unique landscape, explore Bear Gulch Cave , and keep an eye out for California condors soaring above.  

You could easily spend half a day exploring the park, just be sure to go when it is a bit cooler outside as the park reaches temperatures of 100 F during summer months. We went in December and for us it was perfect. 

Pro-Tip: I recommend getting a national parks pass for 80.00, that gives you access to national parks nationwide without having to pay an entry fee. Usually the entrance fee for national parks is $30. For $80, you can get access to all national parks for one year. 

*Cost: $30 per vehicle* 

(I highly recommend you get a one year National Parks Pass , where you can enter all National Parks for one year for just $80.00)

Where to Stay in Pinnacles National Park 

Pinnacles is one of the smaller National parks and does not have any lodging within the park other than the campsites. There are tent cabins available in the park and range anywhere from $41 to $130. 

Alternatively, you can spend the night in one of these cozy airbnb s outside the park. They serve as an excellent overnight stop before venturing deeper into the national parks.

Related Reads: Extraordinary Road Trip from San Francisco to Mammoth Lakes

Day 3: Pinnacles National Park to Sequoia National Park & Kings Canyon

Distance: 150 miles

Drive Time: 3 hours 

Places to Stop Between Pinnacles and Sequoia National Park

Now, the real adventure begins as you head towards Sequoia National Park. The nearest coffee shop won’t be for another 100 miles, so I recommend you fuel up on coffee and on gas before you hit the road. 

For the first 35 miles, you will be on CA-25, which is very very country and calming. 

After that, you will be driving mainly on highway 198 of California which is an amazing drive with smooth road surface, lots of rolling hills , valleys and mountain views. Some of the more interesting roads in CA are the ones that run east-west, since they’re less traveled. More remote, fewer tourist amenities and wilder in general. 

It’s mostly wide open, and almost no traffic. It is also mostly a two-lane road and it’s not the easiest one to drive, as it’s very windy. This highway is one of the roads that makes California unique! It is a highway that is rather untouched and does not show any inclination to please touristic needs.

For instance, Priest Valley Tavern is the only place to get food and drinks along the 50-mile stretch between Highway 101 and Coalinga.

If you have a problem with two lane highways which become narrow, and trucks passing in the opposite direction, this is not the road for you.

Make sure you are filled up on gas as there are no gas stations. Also, we did not have any cell service on this road. 

Stop #1: Coalinga

Stop in Coaling for some lunch at Fatte Alberts Pizza in Coalinga about 1.5 hours from Pinnacles on highway -198.  They’ve got some amazing deep dish pizza. 

Cafe 101 in Coalinga is also an appetizing lunch. The interior is very homey and the food is great. And there is coffee to consume for more of your adventures. 

Stop #2: Visalia

After you have visited Coalinga, the next and last stop for today will be Visalia.   Visalia, located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

From exploring its historic downtown to immersing yourself in nature, there’s plenty to see and do and it’s a great overnight stop as it is just 45 minutes from Sequoia National Park.  

Stroll Main Street: Explore the charming downtown area with its historic architecture, boutiques, and local shops.

Spend the night watching a live performance at Fox Theatre

Have a dinner picnic at Mooney Grove Park , an outdoor recreation park where you can relax. It has a picnic area, walking trails and a lake. 

Spend the evening doing a nature walk at Kaweah Oaks Preserve . Take a peaceful walk through this nature preserve with trails and bird watching opportunities.

If your in town during September, Visalia offers free stargazing events. You can check them out here.  

Where to Eat in Visalia, CA

• Location: 129 E Main St, Visalia, CA 93291
• Cost: $10 – $20 per person
• Highlights: A casual pizzeria offering a variety of pizzas, salads, and sandwiches.
• Location: 300 S Bridge St, Visalia, CA 93291
• Cost: $8 – $15 per person
• Highlights: A popular spot for authentic Mexican street tacos and other Mexican dishes.

The Vintage Press

• Location: 216 N Willis St, Visalia, CA 93291
• Cost: $25 – $50 per person
• Highlights: A fine dining restaurant in a historic building, known for its upscale American cuisine 

Jack & Charlie’s:

• Location: 204 E Oak Ave, Visalia, CA 93291
• Cost: $15 – $30 per person
• Highlights: A classic American steakhouse offering a range of dishes, including steaks, seafood, and pasta.

Note: The cost estimates provided are approximate and can vary based on individual preferences, menu choices, and any additional items such as beverages or desserts. Additionally, prices are subject to change, so it’s recommended to check the latest menu and pricing information at each establishment before dining.

Where to Stay in Visalia

Visalia Marriott at the Convention Center:

• Address: 300 S Court St, Visalia, CA 93291
• Highlights: Conveniently located in downtown Visalia, offering comfortable rooms and amenities.

Lamp Liter Inn:

• Address: 3300 W Mineral King Ave, Visalia, CA 93291
• Highlights: A locally-owned inn with a retro vibe, featuring a restaurant and comfortable rooms.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Visalia/Sequoia Gateway:

• Address: 5438 W Cypress Ave, Visalia, CA 93277
• Highlights: Offers a range of amenities including a pool, fitness center, and free breakfast.

Cute, homely, inexpensive AirBnB’s 

Day 4:  Arrival to Sequoia National Park 

Distance: 35 miles

Drive Time: 45 minutes 

As you approach Sequoia National Park, you’ll be entering a world of giants. This park is home to the largest trees on Earth, including the General Sherman Tree. Here’s an overview:

Park Overview

• Size: Approximately 404,064 acres.
• Elevation: Varies from 1,370 feet to 14,494 feet (Mount Whitney).
• Notable Features: Giant sequoias, rugged mountains, underground caves, and diverse wildlife.

Cost Estimates

• Entrance Fee to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the entrance fee for a private vehicle was $35 and was valid for seven days. Please check the current fees on the official National Park Service website.
• Camping Fees: Campground fees vary but are generally in the range of $20-$30 per night.
• Activities and Tours: Prices for guided cave tours, horseback riding, and other activities vary, so check with the park for current rates.
• Food and Dining: Budget around $20-$40 per person per day for meals at restaurants, or less if you cook your own food

Things to Do at Sequoia National Park

Visit General Sherman Tree

Upon entering Sequoia National Park, make a beeline for the Giant Forest, home to the world’s largest trees The world’s largest tree by volume, standing at 275 feet tall and approximately 2,200 years old. Take a short hike to witness these towering giants up close and learn about their incredible history.

See Moro Rock

A granite dome offering panoramic views of the park. For the adventurous at heart, Moro Rock offers a thrilling climb with breathtaking panoramic views. The short but steep trail takes you to the summit, where you can marvel at the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

See Crystal Cave

Explore a marble cave filled with stunning formations on a guided tour.

Drive Through Tunnel Log 

Don’t miss the chance to drive through the famous Tunnel Log, a fallen giant sequoia that serves as a unique tunnel. It’s a fun photo opportunity that’s hard to come by anywhere else.

Day 5: Sequoia National Park to Kings Canyon National Park 

Distance: 70 miles via Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

From Sequoia, head deeper into the wilderness as you make your way to Kings Canyon.

The drive along CA-180, also known as Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, is a treat in itself. You’ll pass through towering cliffs and lush forests, with the Kings River gushing alongside. Several viewpoints offer opportunities to stop and capture the beauty of the canyon.

Things to Do at Kings Canyon National Park 

Zumwalt Meadow Trail

For a leisurely hike with remarkable views, try the Zumwalt Meadow Trail. This easy loop trail takes you through meadows and along the Kings River, offering excellent photo opportunities and a chance to spot wildlife. Definitely bring your binoculars to see wildlife

After exploring Kings Canyon, take a detour to the serene Hume Lake. It is about 50 miles from Kings Canyon. This picturesque alpine lake is nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and offers a refreshing change of scenery. 

Hume Lake is perfect for a peaceful afternoon. You can enjoy picnicking by the lake, swimming, fishing, and hiking around the area. If you’re interested in water sports, rentals are available.

Where to Stay at Sequoia National Park 

If it’s in your budget and there’s availability, I’d really encourage you to stay inside the parks if at all possible.

On my first visit, I stayed in the John Muir Lodge  in Grant Grove Village which is technically in Kings Canyon NP. But it’s centrally located to both Kings Canyon and Sequoia. (Note that Grant Grove Village is about an hour and fifteen minute drive to the actual canyon in Kings Canyon. It’s also about an hour drive to some of the major attractions in Sequoia.) 

Here are my other recommendations and suggestions: 

• Many stay south of the park in Three Rivers or nearby, but the drive into the park (and back to your lodging) is on the twisty, slow-driving Generals Highway. If you’re making that commute twice a day, you’ll be eating into your time in the park. 
• Three rivers will afford you relatively quick access to the park and will allow you to avoid the high rates of inns/motels that are closer to the actual park itself. Not to mention it has a few hidden gems of its own – be sure to check Reimer’s for some good ice cream!
• Consider staying inside the national park at Wuksachi Lodge .I have not stayed at the Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia yet, but it seems to be a popular spot that’s more convenient to the attractions in Sequoia NP.
• Located in Sequoia National Park, Lodgepole Campground offers tent and RV camping options.
• Located in Kings Canyon National Park, Grant Grove Cabins offers rustic cabins and tent cabins. It is very basic, but very affordable. 
•  Find hotels and motels in towns along the route, with various price ranges.
•  Look for cozy cabins and vacation homes for a more secluded experience.

One last note. 

There is NO gas availability within the boundaries of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. There is gas in Hume Lake, a small retreat community about 10 miles from Grant Grove Village and the Stony Creek Resort gas station which is along Generals Highway but outside the park boundary and usually closed in the winter. 

So make sure your car is topped off with gas before you enter the park. 

No matter where you choose to stay, it is important to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel season.

What to Pack

When preparing for a road trip from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon, it’s important to pack the right gear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Here are some essential items to consider bringing.

Clothing and Accessories

• Comfortable and breathable clothing suitable for hiking and outdoor activities
• Sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes or boots
• Warm layers, such as a fleece jacket or sweater, as temperatures can drop at higher elevations
• Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun’s harmful rays
• Insect repellent to ward off bugs and mosquitoes
• Swimsuit and towel if planning to swim or soak in hot springs

Camping Gear

• Tent , sleeping bag, and sleeping pad if planning to camp in the park
• Camp stove, fuel, and cooking utensils for preparing meals
• Cooler and ice for keeping food and drinks cold
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries for navigating in the dark

Miscellaneous Items

• Maps and guidebooks to help navigate the park and plan activities
• Camera or smartphone for capturing memories and scenic views
• Portable charger for keeping devices charged on the go
• Cash and credit cards for purchasing food, gas, and park entrance fees

Conclusion 

Embarking on a road trip from San Francisco to Sequoia National Park is a fantastic way to experience the diverse beauty of California. From the vibrant coastal towns along the Pacific Coast Highway to the awe-inspiring giants of Sequoia National Park, this journey offers something for every traveler. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this road trip promises to be an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to explore the wonders of California’s central coast and the magnificent forests of the Sierra Nevada. Your epic adventure awaits!

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• Tours in San Francisco
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• Yosemite National Park Tours
• Hotels Rooms
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Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco

• Departure Daily, year-round.
• Duration 14 - 15 hours
• Transportation Eco-friendly, comfortable transport in a biofuel mini-coach

Explore glacially-formed cliffs, admire meadows speckled with wildflowers, and hike to the towering Sequoias in the heart of Yosemite’s dynamic wilderness.

Just a few hours’ drive from San Francisco, Yosemite is the ideal break from the distractions of the city. Since John Muir’s first glimpse of Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite has captivated and inspired people from all over the world.

Today, more than 5 million people visit this extraordinary place every year. And on one of our day-long Yosemite guided tours from San Francisco, you can immerse yourself in this truly extraordinary place.

One of our professional guides will lead your group through Yosemite Valley before taking in the unforgettable sight of the ancient Giant Sequoias of Tuolumne Grove.

You’ll see endless skylines, rock formations, and cascading waterfalls as you enjoy an overview of how this unique landscape was formed, who came before, and how Yosemite became the first ever protected national park in the United States.

Next, strap up your hiking boots and embark on the 2.5-mile (4 km) round-trip hike down to Sequoia Grove, which most day tour visitors do not get the chance to see.

With 1.5 hours of free time in Yosemite Valley, you’ll also have the opportunity to wander through the picturesque meadows, check out the Visitor’s Center, or just find a serene overlook to sit and reflect.

Discover the resilience and beauty of a place that has captured the hearts of visitors throughout the ages.

Do you have any pre-booking questions for us? Please don’t hesitate to make a reservation inquiry .

Yosemite Park Tour — Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias

Located on Tioga Road just east of Crane Flat, the Tuolumne Grove has about two dozen mature Giant Sequoias. They are only visible after a one-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation loss.

It’s important to note that the one-mile hike back to the parking lot gains 500 feet and is strenuous. Water is not available; bring drinking water for everyone in your group who will be hiking this trail.

Due to the time constraints of this Yosemite guided tour from San Francisco, you must be able to complete the full hike within 1.5 hours. For most active travelers, this is not a problem.

If you feel like this hike may be too much for you, you can join our standard Yosemite Day Tour for an equally enjoyable and memorable experience!

Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour from San Francisco in Winter

Typically from November to May, depending on the current snowpack, our tours cannot access Sequoia Grove. For this reason, if you are booked on one of these dates, we will automatically rebook you on one of our regular Yosemite Day Tours .

Instead of visiting the grove, you will have more time in Yosemite Valley to explore the wintery sights.

For more details or to ask about current conditions, feel free to get in touch .

And for even more adventure inspiration, check out our full range of San Francisco tours !

• 6:20am – Hilton San Francisco Union Square (333 O’Farrell St) Mason Street Side
• 6:55am – Dublin BART Station (5801 Owens Dr Pleasanton, CA)

Yosemite and Giant Sequoias tour from San Francisco highlights

• Hike among ancient Giant Sequoia Trees
• Witness towering El Capitan
• Marvel at both Yosemite Falls & Bridalveil Fall.
• See iconic Half Dome
• Look for climbers from El Capitan Meadow
• Explore Yosemite Village
• Stop at Tunnel View for postcard-worthy pictures
• 1.5 hours free time

Price Includes

• Complimentary pickup/dropoff from Hilton Union Square
• Full-time professional, knowledgeable guide
• Self-guided hike to see the Giant Sequoia in Tuolumne Grove
• Narrated in-coach tour of Yosemite (1.5 hrs)
• 1.5 hours of free time in the Valley
• Yosemite Park entrance fee
• Transportation to/from Yosemite in biofuel mini-coach

Price Excludes

• Meals (stops will be made to purchase food)
• Guide Gratuity (customary 15-20% of tour cost as per TripAdvisor tipping guide)

Why Our Guests Love This Tour

“I did the 1 day trip to Yosemite to see the Giant Sequoias and the National Park itself and it turned out to be an amazing decision, absolutely worth the long journey time! (minibus was super comfy) It was spectacular in every way! If you’re thinking about it, don’t hesitate, multiple bucket list items checked off in one day, Giant Sequoias, El Capitan, Half Dome, Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, everything I wanted to see. Jonny our guide was awesome, everything was super easy and seamless, just the right amount of time in each spot to explore and take photos. Highly recommended if you have a day in SF and want to check out Yosemite.”

Yosemite Guided Tour from San Francisco Itinerary

**Sample Itineraries: We do our best to follow our itineraries as written, but don’t control the weather (yet) and we can’t make promises about special events or traffic conditions in Yosemite. The benefit of having small groups is allowing our guides the flexibility to tailor your itinerary to best suit the needs of the group. While we guarantee that we’ll do our best to provide you with all of the highlights within this itinerary (conditions permitting), we do not guarantee them in this specific order. **

Morning – Drive to Yosemite and hike to the Giant Sequoias

6:15 – 7:00am:.

We’ll take off after we pick up the adventure crew for the day from the prearranged locations listed on the vouchers. Make sure to arrive 15 minutes early!

7:00 – 9:00am:

As you settle in for the journey, we’ll pass by some exceptional San Francisco sights. Catch views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and the incomparable San Francisco Skyline as we head east on the Bay Bridge. You’ll taste a piece of California’s rich agricultural hub as we pass through a slice of the Central Valley famous for specialty fruits and nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cherries, and strawberries.

9:00 – 10:30am:

We’ll continue into the mountains as we connect with the rich history of California’s gold country, passing through some of the first settlements built during the Gold Rush. Take in the earthy forest smell as we make our way to the heart of the park. Your guide will pepper in stories and historical facts about the different sights. Be sure to listen for the logistics as we get ready for the day tour!

Approx 10:30am – 12:00pm

Arrive to Yosemite and make your way on a self-guided hike to Tuolumne Grove! Head down the scenic paved path to the enchanted Tuolumne Grove consisting of dozens of Giant Sequoia trees. But don’t be fooled by this moderate downhill stroll. Make sure you bring some water to sip as you enjoy your time among the giants as you have a bit of climb ahead of you to get back to the shuttle. Your hard work will be rewarded however, as we descend into the famous Yosemite Valley to take in views of Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome and more.

Afternoon – Free time in Yosemite Valley

The climb through Yosemite Valley offers breathtaking views as we wind our way up to 6,200 feet above sea level. We’ll stop at Tunnel View and take in the eastern expanse of Yosemite Valley.

The suspense is over! Once we reach the drop off location, you’ll have around 1.5 hours of free time to explore. Want to hit some trails? Your guide will point out the best spots on your map. You’ll have options to meander down paved paths, hike around Yosemite Falls, engage further with the park’s history at the visitor center, or visit the Ansel Adams Gallery. Although you could spend three weeks in Yosemite, the hour you get on your own is enough time to catch just a glimpse of why Yosemite is one of America’s most popular national parks.

Once we’ve had our time to explore, we’ll come together in the late afternoon and set our course back to San Francisco, stopping for a short break before arriving back in the city. You will arrive back at your hotel by around 8:30 – 9:00 p.m. to sleep off the days’ adventures.

Book a Private Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour from San Francisco

We understand how important quality time with your friends and family is. We also understand the hesitation some customers may have in sharing a vehicle with people they don’t know. While we love the ease of travel & new friendships that shared tours provide, we have adapted to bring our customers more options when it comes to booking a tour.

This tour is now available to book as a  private excursion   for up to 22 guests .  You’ll receive the same itinerary and inclusions that our typical tour would provide, plus personal one-on-one attention from your guide and the ability to choose exactly who you’ll bring with you.

Feeling like making some changes or additions to the itinerary?  Contact us  and we can create a quote for any custom experience you’d like to partake in anywhere in the 50 states.

Reserve your  Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Tour  as a private excursion now!

Our rates are based on group size. After clicking below and choosing an available date, elect how many travelers will be in your group.

Private tour for  1-13 guests : $2,159 total Private tour for  14-22 guests : $3,209 total

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Yosemite & Giant Sequoias Tour from SF

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Giant Sequoia Tour in Yosemite

When it comes to cliffs and trees, Yosemite National Park truly is the Land of the Giants. Some notables that you’ll see during your one-day experience include El Capitan, standing at just over 3,600 (1,100 meters) feet from base to summit, it stands as tall as three Empire State Buildings stacked on top of each other! You’ll also have a chance to see the tallest waterfall in North America in Yosemite Falls; Bridalveil Falls; and, of course, the jewel of the Sierras, the Giant Sequoias standing silent sentry, watching over the park as they have for thousands of years. Nature has never looked so good!

Your Yosemite Giant Sequoias Tour begins with a pickup in San Francisco, then heads east crossing through California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley and into the rocky Sierra Nevada mountains. See 170-year-old mining towns and learn the colorful history of the region.

After entering Yosemite National Park, we’ll make our way to a scene made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. Take a moment at Tunnel View. Capture yourself with  El Capitan ,  Half Dome , Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point, and Cathedral Peak as your background.

In winter, when conditions on the Tuolumne Grove trail are snow-covered or unsafe, we substitute this experience with other attractions.

After having free time in the valley to take a hike around Sentinel Meadow or have a picnic lunch at the base of towering Yosemite Falls, you’ll re-board the tour bus to head back to San Francisco, with a couple more photo stops on the way out of the park. A perfect end to a perfect day.

What’s Included:

• Hike to Giant Sequoias (Conditions permitting)
• Stunning views
• Free time to explore Yosemite Valley
• Local expert
• Foreign language audios (8 languages)
• Daily departures
• Convenient pickup at many San Francisco hotels
• WiFi on board the bus
• Park entry fee included at checkout

Not Included:

• Meals or beverages
• Guide gratuity
• Chevron down Tour Itinerary

05:20 AM to 10:30 AM

• Convenient hotel pickup
• Breakfast stop. Pick up snacks and lunch for the park
• Your guide prepares you for a day in Yosemite Park

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

• Enter Yosemite National Park
• Stop to photograph Tunnel View
• Marvel at the beauty of Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome

12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

• Enjoy free time to explore Yosemite Valley
• Explore the trail to the Lower Yosemite Falls
• Have lunch (meal not included)

2:00 PM to 2:45 PM

• Stop at El Capitan Meadow to spot some climbers
• Capture the Merced River among granite peaks at Valley View

2:45 PM to 4:30 PM

• Make the scenic drive to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
• Hike in the Grove of Giant Sequoias (conditions permitting)

4:30 PM to 9:00 PM

• Descend the Sierras as you return to San Francisco
• Break for dinner
• Enjoy the ride as we return to your pickup location

** Times listed are approximates only. Traffic and other unforeseen issues can cause delays or changes in these times which are out of our control. Please do not make flight/travel arrangements on the same day as your tour.

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Yosemite and Giant Sequoias One Day Tour from San Francisco

Limited Time Summer Offer: Get 10% off your future tour! Use code SUMMER10 at checkout to ensure an incredible adventure awaits you!

Be moved beyond words by Yosemite’s Half Dome, waterfalls, and Giant Sequoias

The only 1-day Yosemite tour from San Francisco to deliver more than you dreamed at Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls and on a hike to Giant Sequoias.

• Skip the line. Enter Yosemite at the commercial tour group gate
• Early bird arrival increases access to popular viewing areas like Tunnel View, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan Meadow and Valley View
• The most time in Yosemite National Park—over 5 hours
• Unique Giant Sequoias hike in Tuolumne Grove (conditions permitting)
• 2 hours of free time to explore Yosemite Valley
• Fully guided by a Yosemite Park expert

What’s Included

• Pick up at major San Francisco hotels
• Park reservation and entry fee (pay at checkout)
• Park expert guide (English)
• Foreign language audios in 8 languages

What’s Not Included

• Meals or beverages
• Guide gratuity

Please note: This season’s greatest-of-all-time waterfalls have led to a surge in Yosemite park visitors. So you can have the best possible experience, our new “early bird” itinerary is designed to beat the crowds and avoid delays at the popular attractions. Please note the new earlier hotel pickup times.

Description, experience yosemite one day tour from san francisco.

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 guided tour begins with a convenient hotel pick up in San Francisco. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as your guide explains how glitter in the American River sparked the California gold rush; what geological forces made Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes; and the role John Muir played in the formation of America’s first protected wilderness.

Be Blown Away by Awe-Inspiring Valley Views

After entering Yosemite National Park, we’ll make our way to a scene made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. Take a moment at Tunnel View. Capture yourself with El Capitan , Half Dome , Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point, and Cathedral Peak as your background.

Once you’ve had your fill of photographs from this perch overlooking the valley, the tour will arrange a memorable stop where you can get eye to eye with wispy Bridalveil Fall .

Have Your Own Yosemite Valley Adventure

After arriving to our stop in Yosemite Valley , you will have 2 hours for lunch and exploring on your own. The free time options include hiking to Yosemite Falls , meandering through Sentinel Meadow, checking out the Ansel Adams Gallery and more.

Take a Moment with More Iconic Monuments

Your Yosemite experience stops next at El Capitan Meadow to learn more about the world’s largest granite monolith and its climbing culture. 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.

Feel the Quiet Grandeur of Giant Sequoias

The highlight of our tour is still ahead of you as we head to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. In this beautiful grove, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the largest and oldest trees on earth.

When the Tuolumne Grove trail is snow-covered or unsafe (November-March), we always spend extra time in Yosemite Valley. 

By the end of the day, you’ll have experienced some of the most incredible landscapes in the world and captured memories to last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Yosemite National Park with us.

05:20 AM to 10:30 AM - Hotel Pickup, Head to Yosemite

• Convenient hotel pickup
• Breakfast stop. Pick up snacks and lunch for the park
• Your guide prepares you for a day in Yosemite Park

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Admire Views of Yosemite Valley

• Enter Yosemite National Park
• Stop to photograph Tunnel View
• Marvel at the beauty of Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome

12:30 PM to 2:00 PM - Explore the Valley On Your Own

• Enjoy free time to explore Yosemite Valley
• Explore the trail to the Lower Yosemite Falls
• Have lunch (meal not included)

2:00 PM to 2:45 PM - Stops at El Capitan and Valley View

• Stop at El Capitan Meadow to spot some climbers
• Capture the Merced River among granite peaks at Valley View

2:45 PM to 4:30 PM - Hike to Giant Sequoia Redwoods

• Make the scenic drive to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
• Hike in the Grove of Giant Sequoias (conditions permitting)

4:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Return to San Francisco

• Descend the Sierras as you return to San Francisco
• Break for dinner
• Enjoy the ride as we return to your pickup location

Times listed are approximations. Traffic and unforeseen events can cause delays.  Please do not make flight/travel arrangements on the same day as your tour

What Our Guests Are Saying About Us

Amazing views and a smooth tour arrangement.

This tour was great! I can warmly recommend taking it on a weekday to avoid park-visiting crowds. The hotel pickup was smooth and the trip to and from the park was narrated with interesting info at a reasonable frequency. Thanks to it being a Tuesday we had very little traffic, which contributed to a very smooth trip.

Read Full Review

KCB, TrustPilot

The stops for bathroom breaks and snack opportunities were well planned, I appreciate that they stopped at outdoor shopping centers with a grocery store and a selection of not-too-pricey eateries (although we opted to bring our own cooler bag with meals and snacks). Stops for photo ops were sufficiently long to take in the scenery - the views are absolutely breathtaking on a clear day. We had a great driver (Ken) and guide (Randall) who both did a fantastic job, particularly with kind and clear reminders for participants to be back on time.

It's a great tour!

We had a female tour guide who was also our bus driver. I don't remember the name but she is excellent at her job. Entire tour she shared enough information related to the history of the place etc. It made the tour all the more engaging and entertaining. We had a female tour guide who was also our bus driver. I don't remember the name but she is excellent at her job.

Nikunj B , TripAdvisor

Entire tour she shared enough information related to the history of the place etc. It made the tour all the more engaging and entertaining. If you choose Extranomical Yosemite Tour, ask for this tour guide and no other. You will get more bang for the buck. Yosemite is magical and one day tour isn't enough. But if you are short of time and get the most from your day, choose this tour. Few things to keep in mind. Keep your water bottles and food with you. Go on weekdays for better all round experience. If you want to travel solo and website doesn't seem to allow solo booking, contact their customer support and convince them.

It was a good tour, especially if you do not have so much time

Our guide was super nice and friendly. And Yosemite is a beautiful place for nice memories. Tip: Bring some food or buy on the way. I do recommend it!

Alexander Juarez , TrustPilot

This solo trip was booked as a special trip for my birthday

Communication from the team in the office was great! The park was sublime and our guides showed us all the best spots. The tour was well paced and set out and my guide on the 2nd day was far superior. Excellent jokes, knowledge and attention to detail. I'd recommend this trip wholeheartedly.

Lacey Pitcher, TrustPilot

Beautiful day at Yosemite with Rob!

Rob, our tour guide and driver, took us to the best spots at Yosemite today! He drove safely, was very nice and had great humor. He was accommodating and even took us to viewpoints not included in the itinerary, which presented awesome photo opportunities. Rob, our tour guide and driver, took us to the best spots at Yosemite today!

490treenas , TripAdvisor

He drove safely, was very nice and had great humor. He was accommodating and even took us to viewpoints not included in the itinerary, which presented awesome photo opportunities. He seemed really passionate in showcasing Yosemite and SF in general. Overall a fantastic day out! Thank you

Just a great experience!

The driver / tour guide and his assistant Ollie were fantastic!!!! Helpful, funny, engaging and informative. Couldn’t rate them highly enough!!!! Outstanding and thank you. I fully recommend the tour to Yosemite. The tour takes the hassle out of the drive. We greatly enjoyed our tour and would highly recommend Extranomical Tours!

Michael Clarke, TrustPilot

The driver and tour guide were very friendly

The driver and tour guide were very friendly, the pre-trip information and customer service were very good, and the timing of the trip was very accurate, which made our trip very nice.

Shihying Yang, TrustPilot

Amazing trip!

My wife & I had an amazing trip with this company & our driver was the best ! Very informative & polite. Took us to many different spots so it felt like we were able to get as much of the experience with the time we had. Thank you very much !! Rob was our driver and he was top of the line ! 5 stars for Rob too !

Safari Steve, TrustPilot

We really enjoyed our trip to Yosemite Valley and the giant sequoias grove.

Everything went smoothly and on time. We were picked up very close to our hotel, which was very convenient, as we left nice and early. Our guide, Brad, was great, very kind, giving us lots of interesting info. The valley itself is just breathtaking, majestic beauty.

Luisa Campos, TrustPilot

El Gran Capitán, the Half Dome, all the gorgeous Falls, the meadows, the river and the forests were just beautiful. And the giant sequoias are amazing. All in all, a great unforgettable experience.

Yosemite is a magical place

Yosemite is a magical place that would best be experienced over a few days staying in the valley. However, if you have one day, then this tour is the one. It's an early start and a lot of driving, but the things you'll see and feel will stay with you. Our driver Rob was a one man show, his love of Yosemite and his knowledge about the park shine through from the minute he picks you up.

Annie Middleby, TrustPilot

Rob is an everyday guy who uses comedy and lived experiences to make this a truly memorable tour. He's also driving the bus. The stop off for groceries to keep the day running smoothly is also an efficient part of the tour. I met some fantastic people, walked miles, saw world class scenery of mountains, forests, water falls and wildlife Rob was the icing on the cake. An unexpected diamond in the rough. He makes an exhausting 17 hour day worthwhile. Well done Rob and Extranomical.

Well planned tour!

The schedule is well planned, with lots of fantastic and amazing view. The tour guide provided adequate time for us to take photos at specific destinations. It was not rush at all. The tour guide, Gino Zernitskiy is funny and passionate, his uplifting altitude really brings us to immerse and enjoy the nature with our whole heart.

Joyce Tung, TrustPilot

The schedule is well planned, with lots of fantastic and amazing view. The tour guide provided adequate time for us to take photos at specific destinations. It was not rush at all. The tour guide, Gino Zernitskiy is funny and passionate, his uplifting altitude really brings us to immerse and enjoy the nature with our whole heart. If you join this tour, you will never regret on it!

Knowledgeable Guide!

Yosemite is incredible and it was well worth it. Our tour guide, Rob, was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and genuinely cared about providing us with the best possible experience, and gave us a real feel for the Park and the region. We were well looked after and he provided us with clear instructions throughout the day.

Sarah Lees, TrustPilot

This is a great way to see Yosemite for those with limited time. I was in two minds due to the cost, but I'm so glad I went. It was an amazing day, Yosemite is incredible and it was well worth it. Our tour guide, Rob, was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and genuinely cared about providing us with the best possible experience, and gave us a real feel for the Park and the region. We were well looked after and he provided us with clear instructions throughout the day. The San Francisco tips were also appreciated as well! Thanks Rob!

Enthusiastic Day!

Our tour guide David was enthusiastic, funny and very friendly. He was always willing to help and get us to the right spots for photo ops. When in Yosemite, you’re in awe of its beauty so there is no wrong spot but we definitely appreciated his knowledge of Yosemite.

ROSALIA HARO , TrustPilot

Surpassed our expectation!

Yosemite and the Giant Sequoia Tour was incredible! Our driver, Gino, welcomed everyone warmly, shared interesting stories, was informative, and entertaining! This tour experience surpassed our expectations. We wouldn't hesitate to tour again with Gino and Extranomical.

Devin Elliott, TrustPilot

Perfect Day

I had a brilliant day-trip to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco! Tony was our bus driver and tour guide, and he did an excellent job! He was very knowledgeable regarding the Park, and he took us to all the best places for photos. We were also given several hours to explore the Park on our own. Thank you!

Tim Bird, TrustPilot

Informative guide!

The guide had lots of information to share on the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite. So, there was plenty to learn about the various places we drove through. The day was well paced and we got to see some spectacular sights.

Ray McGinnis, TrustPilot

The guided tour to Yosemite was excellent. I hadn't been, but now I know why photographer Ansel Adams took so many pictures of the stunning scenery. The guide had lots of information to share on the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite. So, there was plenty to learn about the various places we drove through. The day was well paced and we got to see some spectacular sights.

Very informative guide!

Gino was very informative and detailed in his explanation about the area so I feel like I learned a lot during the trip. He will make sure we pay attention to the main attraction that he was explaining about and some times he told us very hilarious and quirky jokes. Very fun trip I shall say!

ichbinmelle, TripAdvisor

I can't even begin to describe my feelings as I arrived in this heaven. Gino was our tour guide, very fun, very informative and very strict about time which helped us cover every single hot spot of what Yosemite could offer, every single of it. Gino was very informative and detailed in his explanation about the area so I feel like I learned a lot during the trip. He will make sure we pay attention to the main attraction that he was explaining about and some times he told us very hilarious and quirky jokes. Very fun trip I shall say! We first went to Tunnel View oh my god I was in awe. We even dropped by Bridalveil Fall, longer stop was at Yosemite Waterfall around 2 hrs and it was amazing and more than enough for me to take all the photos I needed and to bask in the Yosemite sunshine, soaking in its breeze. Make sure to have a good lunch here because after that you'll head to see Sequoias. And next, we even got to see El Capitan up close!! It was surreal oh god. Then after, we head to hike to see Sequoia. For me, the time allocated for hike in Sequoias which was just around 1hr 20mins should be stretched to maybe 1hr 30mins instead. The hike downhill was fairly okay but I gotta advise you to really sprint until you see the Sequoias since you will want to buy as much time as you can to hike back up to the tour bus. Please go see it, it's really worth it! The place was magical and felt like as if fairies live there lol I'm not even exaggerating. And also stick to your group tour mates for solo travelers as it helps so that you won't get left behind and they can help you take photos too! (Thank you to all my group tour mates for the wonderful photos and wonderful time!!).

Smooth trip!

An amazing tour with amazing tour guide Andy! The day was long, but went by smoothly with plenty of stops on the way, lots of information, and an animated and lively tour guide. I absolutely salute the organization of the day and how all activities and stops were kept running smoothly with clear and accessible information

Anya_O, TripAdvisor

An amazing tour with amazing tour guide Andy! The day was long, but went by smoothly with plenty of stops on the way, lots of information, and an animated and lively tour guide. I absolutely salute the organization of the day and how all activities and stops were kept running smoothly with clear and accessible information. The Yosemite park was stunning, I mean, with clear blue skies through the day, it was seriously hard to take a bad picture. The sequoia forest was impressive and I think lots opted to keep their energy for that hike which was indeed quite arduous coming back from due to the steep inclination (there were 2 offered during the day, a 2 hours one walking on flat terrain at the park, and the one required to go see the sequoias, both optional and much opportunities to enjoy the fresh air of the forests if not taking them); our guide was very diligent and ensured both hikes were well-described in terms of perks and difficulties and I think all had a great time. All in all plenty of time to explore, plenty of time to browse gift shops, plenty of time to exercise and follow the group into the more active parts of the day, and just enough resting time between activities. I also really appreciated that the 2 food stops of the day included the option of a grocery store, alongside interesting restaurants, and the park’s cafe.

We joined the Yosemite 1-day tour and it was just a wonderful experience. Especially the guide Gino was awesome with great experience and knowledge around the park to make flexible planning to make the day the best for everyone!

Sohei Fujimoto, TrustPilot

We joined the Yosemite 1-day tour and it was just a wonderful experience. Especially the guide Gino was awesome with great experience and knowledge around the park to make flexible planning to make the day the best for everyone! Also small points like managing the time and making sure everyone is there before the bus leaves was impressing. I really recommend if you have to join a tour for Yosemite, to choose his tour.

Excellent photo stops!

Rob was our driver/guide. He showed us some excellent photo opportunities and we even got to see the GG bridge by night. He was a great driver and we really appreciated the lovely clean windows on the bus - this makes such a difference when taking photos on the move.

Karen Fry, TrustPilot

A long but wonderful day out to Yosemite. Rob was our driver/guide. He showed us some excellent photo opportunities and we even got to see the GG bridge by night. He was a great driver and we really appreciated the lovely clean windows on the bus - this makes such a difference when taking photos on the move. A little more time at the dinner stop would have been nice but understand the time constraints.

Clever guide!

The vehicle was luxurious, equipped with wifi. And although there was a slight glitch with the break system; the expertise of our driver-&-guide solved the issue in no time. Now coming to our driver-&-guide Rob.. he made the trip more fun with insightful information, fun facts and great suggestions for photos.

Banerjee, TrustPilot

The company has a great follow-up system post booking of the trips.. they stay in touch with updates about the trip like pick-up time etc., and also happily address all queries on part of the customer with very little response time. The pick-up timings are almost always a little delayed.. and although they do try to reach out with the delay information.. the lack of internet connectivity for most tourists makes it hard to always become aware of these slight issues. The vehicle was luxurious, equipped with wifi. And although there was a slight glitch with the break system; the expertise of our driver-&-guide solved the issue in no time. Now coming to our driver-&-guide Rob.. he made the trip more fun with insightful information, fun facts and great suggestions for photos. He drove us safely through the winding roads, helped us reach our destinations on time and overall crafted a wonderful experience for us.

Entertaining trip

We had a tour to Yosemite park with Rob. He is very genuine & passionate. He looked after everyone & did commentary during the long driving to keep us entertained. A great trip with him.

QING CAI, TrustPilot

Amazing Experience!

David our guide was wonderful, keeping us all engaged throughout the tour. He makes sure to guide through the tour, accompanying us on the Giant Sequoia walk.

Alina A, , Google

Good experience. We were picked up at Hilton Union Square at 6 AM. The trip is ideal for someone who wishes to visit Yosemite but does not have the time to stay over. Through the tour the guide (In our case David) takes you to various photo points/breathtaking locations. Post that, one goes on the Giant Sequoia trail (it's a slightly uphill walk back - but should be fine even for those with moderate health) David our guide was wonderful, keeping us all engaged throughout the tour. He makes sure to guide through the tour, accompanying us on the Giant Sequoia walk. He even put on a movie on the way back showcasing a climber on the El Capitan at Yosemite. Truly cares about the customer's experience. Overall, this trip is for you if you are short on time/want a quick visit to Yosemite. However, in case you are looking to explore at a more leisurely pace would suggest you make the journey on your own.

Book With Confidence

Award-winning tours & customer service, money back guarantee, worry free cancellation, thousands 5-star reviews, ½ million happy guests since 2002, what do i need to know about the giant sequoias hike.

The hike is only available when trail conditions are safe, usually April to October. The hike is a 2-mile round trip on a paved trail with a steep incline on the return. Individuals with respiratory issues or not used to strenuous exercise may skip the hike and wait in the outdoor seating area at the Tuolumne Grove stop.

What is the best time of year to visit Yosemite Valley?

Each season in Yosemite Valley offers its own advantages. Summer is the best chance for sunny and warm hikes, Fall offers peace and solitude at the popular attractions, Winter means a blanket of snow over all the rock monuments and Spring features the peak of the annual Yosemite Valley waterfall show.

Is a day trip enough time to see Yosemite?

Our incredible 1-day tour to Yosemite from San Francisco visits all the top attractions, like Tunnel View, El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and (conditions permitting) the Giant Sequoias. A longer, multi-day tour allows time to enjoy longer hikes, bike riding, swimming in the Merced River, the night’s brilliant stars and more.

How can I travel around the park during my free time?

Walking is the best form of transportation in the Valley. We do not recommend public transportation or park shuttles during your free time since you cannot be certain about getting back to the tour vehicle on time. The most popular attractions are a short distance from the drop-off point near Yosemite Valley Lodge.

Can I use my annual pass for the United States National Parks to enter Yosemite for free?

Sorry, but no. The entrance fee we pay to Yosemite National Park is based on the vehicle and not on the individuals, and the entrance is located at a toll gate – not on foot. Therefore, the tour cost includes the admission fee.

Do you pick up outside of San Francisco?

Our 1-day Yosemite tour picks up in San Jose in the South Bay (make the reservation here), and Livermore in the East Bay. If you are staying near the San Francisco airport or another location away from the downtown area, we recommend using a ride-sharing service or public transportation to the Hilton Union Square hotel. Our pickup for that location is outside the Mason Street side entrance of the hotel.

Do you offer this tour in different languages?

Our Yosemite tour has live narration in English, but we offer complimentary recorded audio guides in 8 languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, and Portuguese. If an audio guide is required, please specify the language when booking.

What should I bring with me on tour?

The weather in the Sierra Mountains can be unpredictable and you will be spending 4-5 hours outdoors enjoying nature. We recommend that you dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes or hiking sandals (not flip flops). Bring along a light water-resistant jacket, camera or phone, 1-liter water bottle, hat and sunscreen, sturdy umbrella (if the forecast calls for rain), and some cash or a credit card for meals, snacks and souvenirs.

Are meals included? Can I buy or bring my own?

Meals are not included on this tour. We do make a stop about halfway to and from Yosemite, where you can buy food and beverages. There are a few restaurants and a food court in Yosemite Valley. They are usually crowded, so it’s a good idea to bring or purchase a picnic lunch prior to arriving in the park.

What stops do we have for photographs?

Your Yosemite tour will make 5-6 stops for you to exit the vehicle and take some photographs although weather and traffic conditions may require your driver to alter the itinerary slightly. The usual stops are: Tuolumne Grove of Sequoias, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Valley View, El Capitan Meadow, and Yosemite Valley View lookout.

What can I do during my free time in Yosemite Valley?

Nice and easy hikes through Cook’s Meadow or to Lower Yosemite Falls or the Swinging Bridge can all be done during your free time. On clear days, biking to Yosemite Village, Mirror Lake or the Ahwahnee Hotel are great choices. Finally, the Ancel Adams Gallery is a wonderful showcase of the artist’s work. We do not recommend taking the park shuttle since the timing of the return trip can be unpredictable.

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Yosemite and Sequoia: John Muir's California

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Select small group departures (averaging 24 Tauck guests), or classic departures, and the year you would like to travel.

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Filmed vignettes by filmmakers Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan that tell the stories of the history and ideals of the people behind the creation and preservation of the national parks

Meet a naturalist from the Sequoia Field Institute to hear stories about John Muir's discovery of the Giant Forest before discovering it yourself on guided walks, drives and a hike to the top of Moro Rock

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Explore the incredible landscapes of Muir Woods, Sequoia and Yosemite national parks, from the famed Giant Sequoias and redwoods to mountains, lush forests, amazing waterfalls...

Discover the night sky over Sequoia National Park as a naturalist guides you through the spectacular constellations that are visible in the absence of "light pollution"

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Legendary Journeys and Adventures

At his first breathtaking view of Yosemite in 1869, young John Muir had a life-changing moment – a surge of euphoria as he wandered, overwhelmed in the great natural beauty of a landscape unlike anything he had seen before…

Sequoia national park at night, observe the night sky over sequoia national park with a naturalist.

When John Muir first wandered into the Sierra Nevada in 1869, the power of the otherworldly landscape – cathedral-like groves of towering Sequoias, glacier-clad mountain peaks, plunging canyons, crystal lakes and torrential waterfalls – transformed him forever. The self-made naturalist and conservationist then made it his mission to explore and document every natural wonder in the region, including what he called the "Giant Forest" – today's Sequoia National Park. During your visit, a naturalist from the Sequoia Field Institute reveals how Muir found and documented his "Giant Forest" in 1875, and another guides you through the spectacular constellations that fill Sequoia's night skies in the absence of "light pollution."

Stay inside Sequoia and Yosemite national parks

Enjoy multiple-night stays at acclaimed lodgings in sequoia and yosemite national parks.

On Tauck's "Yosemite and Sequoia: John Muir's California," you'll experience these two great national parks of the West as a true insider, with multiple-night stays at sought-after lodgings situated right inside the parks – the contemporary cedar and stone Wuksachi Lodge® in the heart of Sequoia National Park; and the magnificent Majestic Yosemite Hotel (formerly The Ahwahnee®), a historic 1920s gem set amidst the treasures of Yosemite National Park.

Fairmont San Francisco

Grace and grandeur atop san francisco's nob hill.

With a panoramic view of the city and the Bay from high atop Nob Hill, Fairmont San Francisco presents an unmatched blend of an ideal location, luxurious accommodations and superb services in the heart of this extraordinary city… and has done so for over a century, since its opening in 1907… exactly one year after the great San Francisco earthquake.

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All the information you need for this journey at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights and more.

Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Overnight Accommodations

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Palace hotel.

San Francisco, California

Wuksachi Lodge®

Sequoia National Park, California

The Ahwahnee

Yosemite National Park, California

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Travel Documents

Yosemite & Sequoia: John Muir's California begins and ends in the U.S.

Real ID Act - Effective May 7, 2025

Beginning in May 2025, some state IDs will no longer permit you to board a domestic flight. Currently, some states are compliant, some have received extensions, and some are not compliant.  Click here  to see the status of your state. If your state license is not compliant, you can use a passport in lieu of a valid state ID. 

Please Note:  The federal government has extended the deadline to May 7, 2025 for domestic airline passengers to secure a Real ID driver's license for use as identification at the airport. Travelers without a verified license or ID card will also have the option of showing other identity documents, such as a passport or military ID to board a plane.

If you are traveling by air to join and/or depart from this tour within the U.S., please read the section entitled Airline Security Measures under Additional Information to determine what travel documentation is required.

If you are frequent traveler to the U.S. from Canada, you may benefit from the NEXUS program, which is a joint initiative between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency that allows pre-screened and approved travelers faster processing at designated highway lanes in high-volume border crossing locations, at a NEXUS kiosk at several airports, and at certain marine reporting locations in the Great Lakes and Seattle regions. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet website by clicking here .

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally,   you should contact an embassy or consulate of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation is necessary. You may also log on to the U.S. State Department's Internet site by clicking  here.

We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. We also recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposit & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $350 per person

Final Payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck 90 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement for up to $5,000 to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $349  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPDOM .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

90 days or more before departure = $350 per person

89-8 days before departure = $600 per person

7-1 days before departure = $900 per person

Time of cancellation  will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control,  Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Fee Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of another country traveling to or within the U.S., we suggest that contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information regarding vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases for which you might be at risk when you reach your destination in the U.S. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.

Most decisions regarding your choice of sightseeing activities will be made at the beginning of your journey at an orientation meeting with your Tauck Director, who will explain procedures as well as provide guidance to make choices.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey! You can view the reading list  here .

The coastal climate of San Francisco is cooler than the desert-like conditions of inland California where the heat of the day may drop 30 °F (17 °C) by evening. The average high temperature along the coast in summer is approximately 67 °F (19 °C); the average low temperature is 52 °F (11 °C). The average high temperature in Yosemite in summer is 87 °F (31 °C); the average low temperature is 52 °F (11 °C).

You may encounter occasional fog in San Francisco and along the coast; it can be quite breezy and a bit chilly in the summer months.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here .

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

The coastal climate of San Francisco is cooler than the desert-like conditions of inland California where the heat of the day may drop 30 °F (17 °C) by evening. We suggest that you dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A light sweater and jacket will provide warmth on a chilly early morning walk or a late night stroll. For the welcome and farewell receptions, casual resort wear is appropriate; formal wear is never required. Most important are lightweight walking shoes with ankle support. You may even opt for hiking boots or all-weather shoes as temperatures can fluctuate from snowy to high heat even across the same dates due to the differences in elevation on this itinerary. You may come across muddy or even snowy conditions depending on time of year.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

We suggest that you pack the following items your journey:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Hiking boots or all-weather shoes
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm functions (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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San Francisco to Yosemite

Yosemite and giant sequoias 1-day tour from san francisco.

An inspiring 1-day tour to Yosemite National Park and its Giant Sequoias from San Francisco.

   Time & Duration

Departs daily between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM Return daily around 9:30 PM 15 hours

Adult $219 Child $187

  Tour Includes

• Hike to Giant Sequoias (conditions permitting)
• Stunning views of Half-Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls
• Free time to explore the valley floor
• Local expert guide (English)
• Foreign language audios in 8 languages
• Guaranteed daily departures
• Pickup at most San Francisco hotels
• Park entry fee included at checkout

Visit Yosemite from San Francisco

An inspiring 1-day tour to Yosemite National Park and its Giant Sequoias from San Francisco. The most trusted Yosemite tour for over 15 years. This tour offers the most time in the park and the opportunity to experience a grove of giant redwood trees in California. Guaranteed departures every day of the year.

See the itinerary and additional details below.

Tour Itinerary

Tour details.

Towering granite cliffs and Giant Sequoias headline this one-day Yosemite National Park tour from San Francisco but our expert guides will make sure you don’t miss the history, geology and wildlife that make Yosemite Valley the jewel of the U.S. National Parks.

Travel and Hospitality Awards named this the best Yosemite tour from San Francisco for its jaw-dropping natural beauty. The tour has earned more 5-star guest reviews because we include the Giant Sequoias among the attractions in Yosemite Valley.

Your Yosemite Giant Sequoias Tour begins with a pickup in San Francisco, then heads east crossing through California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley and into the rocky Sierra Nevada mountains. See 150-year-old mining towns and learn the colorful history of the region.

Soon after entering Yosemite, you will experience the solitude of the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. You won’t doubt for a second that these are the largest living creatures on the planet. No picture does them justice, but that should not keep you from trying!

In winter, when conditions on the Tuolumne Grove trail are snow-covered or unsafe, we substitute this experience with other attractions.

Your heart (and cameras) will be racing as you enter Yosemite Valley and enjoy a stop at Inspiration Point (also known as Tunnel View). Take a moment and then some selfies with El Capitan , Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall as your backdrop.

During your free time in the valley, grab a bite to eat at the Valley Lodge food court, check out the souvenirs at the gift shop, take a quick hike around Sentinel Meadow, or see the towering Yosemite Falls.

Special requests? Help with photos? Just ask. Last year, Extranomical earned more 5-star reviews at Yosemite National Park than anyone. Guests can enjoy our signature Yosemite One Day Tour 365 days a year.

We’re so confident that our Yosemite Valley Tour will amaze all year round

*During Winter Months*

Winter clothes, especially shoes or boots with rubber soles and treads are recommended for your Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias trip.

Note: The Giant Sequoias hike on the Yosemite Giant Sequoia Tour is dependent on snow levels and trail conditions and may not be available from October to May.

Tour Specific FAQs

Can i make changes to my reservation.

There are many websites across the internet where you can book a tour with us. They all have different terms. When possible, we request that you book directly here on our website. This enables us to not only provide you the best pricing available, but it also enables us to provide a much more customized level of service. Just give us 12 hours notice, and it’s our pleasure to accommodate any possible changes to your tour.**Please note Alcatraz tours must be changed 7-days in advance.

What is your cancellation policy?

Payments: Please note our site is secure and offers SSL security on all credit card purchases.

Cancellations: We offer a 100% refund if you cancel at least 12 hours (or more) in advance of your scheduled tour**. All tours cancelled within 12 hours of scheduled departure are non-refundable. We also offer rescheduling options for a future tour date without penalty.

**Please note for any tour including Alcatraz we require 7-days notice.

Important Tour Details

Duration: 15  hours

Departure Time: 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM

Departure/Return Location: Most San Francisco Hotels

Price Per Person:

• Adult (12 yrs+) $199
• Child (0-11yrs old) $179
• Meals or beverages
• Guide gratuity

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4-Day San Francisco to Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon, Sequoia National Park and San Francisco City Tour (Free Airport Pickup)

Tour code: gol-sfo-260a, duration: 4 day(s) / 3 night(s).

Tour Guide: Chinese, English

Quality: Budget

• 7 Days left

Departure City

Destination, return city, departure location.

Experience: UNESCO, Family

Extra (Excluded): Wifi, Meal etc...

Join us on a guided bus tour from San Francisco and get a chance to explore Bridal Veil Fall, El Capitan, Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Sequoia National Park, Half Dome, Livermore Premium Shopping Outlets, Kings Canyon, Lombard Street, Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks and much more with free airport pickup at San Francisco Airport. Tour price includes bus transportation and one night hotel accommodation.

• Only the guides and drivers who have COVID 19 negative can provide services from now onwards. Drivers and Guides will wear the mask. They will disinfect the bus daily. Travelers will have to wear the mask and their temperature will be monitored regularly. Travelers will be provided with hand sanitizer and wipes. We recommend travelers to bring their own hand sanitizer also. Bus sitting will be based on the standards set by the Government.

Day 1 City of Departure – San Francisco

You can meet the tour guide in the Arrivals Lobby of San Francisco International Airport if you arriving between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. After this time you can avail the paid airport pickup service. Moreover, some hotels also offer complimentary shuttle service. If you are arriving after 6:00 pm then ask us for hotel details and take hotel shuttle (if available) to self-check-in on the first day of the tour.

Hotel: Red Roof Inn or Similar.

Day 2 San Francisco – Yosemite National Park – Fresno

Today we will head to Yosemite National Park in the morning and explore it in detail. At the National Park, we will explore the most popular points which include El Capitan, Bridal Veil Fall, and Tunnel View Point. We will also view the Half Dome but from some distance. Finally, we will also witness the beautiful waterfall; Yosemite Falls. For our night stay, we will head to Fresno.

Note: When the weather situation is not good or roads are closed we will go to Monterey Bay instead of Yosemite.

Hotel:  Wyndham Garden Fresno Yosemite Airport or similar

Attractions

Bridal Veil Fall is one of the most popular and prominent waterfalls that are located in California. It is popular place for visitors to see the beauty of the 188 meters high waterfall that flows all year.

A vertical rock formation located on the northern side of Yosemite Valley and National Park is called El Captain. It is linked with the mountain range of Sierra Nevada.

Half Dome is located at Yosemite National Park in the famous state of California; it is basically a granite dome, the crest of the granite is 4,737 ft. above the floor of the valley.

Tunnel View is a fabulous place with lush scenes, situated on State Route 41 in Yosemite National park. The beautiful and scenic view of this marvelous valley from the view point have been watched and certified by tourists since it was initialized in 1933.

In Yosemite National Park, there is a highest waterfall known as Yosemite Falls. It has a height of 739 meters and 1.647 meters of elevation.

The Sierra Nevada Mountains of California are linked with the range of Mountains towards Yosemite National Park. The Tunnel View, Ancient sequoias and giant mountains are the reason that grabs tourists towards this place.

Day 3 Fresno – 50 miles – Kings Canyon National Park – Sequoia National Park – Livermore Premium Outlets – San Francisco

Today after leaving our hotel in the morning we will head to Kings Canyon which is reckoned the deepest canyon in the country. From there will visit the beautiful Sequoia National Park which houses world’s largest living things like General Sherman tree and General Grand Tree. They are as tall as 84 meters. Then we will leave the National Park and head to Bay Area. On our way, we will stop at the Livermore Premium Outlets to do some shopping.

Note :  When the weather situation is bad and roads are closed then for safety purpose we will replace Sequoia National Park and General Sherman Tree with Kings Canyon National Park and General Grant Tree.

Hotel:  Red Roof Inn or similar

Kings Canyon National Park is located close to Sequoia National Park in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is prominent for its huge sequoia trees, predominantly; towering granite canyon walls surround the gigantic General Grant Tree in Grant Grove., Cedar Grove, to the east. The park is home to bears, rattlesnakes, and cougars.

If you just simply love shopping then San Francisco Premium Outlets are the place for you. It is a place where you can find outlets of your favorite brands and shop freely.

San Simeon, United States is a town and a concentration of population place (identified by the US) on the Pacific coast of San Luis Obispo country. The most famous feature of the place is the Heart castle.

This National Park is filled with vast canyons and giant trees. Within the parks, there is a striking range of cold alpine peaks to warm foothills. The sequoias here grow at snowy mid elevations and are several plants to watch that live in varied conditions.

Day 4 San Francisco – Next Destination

On our last day, travelers will enjoy a beautiful trip to San Francisco. Major attractions we will cover are Union Square, City Hall, Fisherman’s Wharf and you can enjoy Bay Cruise on a separate fee. Later, our tour bus will lead you to the Lombard Street, Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, and Twin Peaks. Chinatown, St. Mary’s Cathedral are pass by attraction.

The Castro located in San Francisco; California is one of the first openly gay neighborhoods that existed in US.It is very famous in the LBGT community and is one of the prominent symbols for their rights.

The China Town of San Francisco is the oldest China Town in North America and also has the largest Chinese community outside Asia. It was established in 1848 and since then it has been an important part of history and culture.

A tourist destination that starts from Van Ness Avenue to Kearny Street in San Francisco is known as Fisherman’s Wharf. It is one of the attractive tour locations in California.

A suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate Strait is known as Golden Gate Bridge. It connects the Pacific Ocean with San Francisco Bay.

The Golden Gate Park is considered the largest urban park in San Francisco. It holds several best attractions for visitors, like: The Japanese Tea Garden, the Music Concourse, the Stow Lake, the windmills, the Bison Paddock and many more.

Refers to the famous east-west street in California, the street is popular for its eight hairpin turns. The street was actually named by Jasper O Farrell, who was actually a surveyor from San Francisco.

A monumental structure constructed for the Panama-Pacific Exposition in 1915 is called Palace of Fine Arts. It is situated in San Francisco.

San Francisco Bay is in the U.S. state of California, surrounded by a contiguous region known as the San Francisco Bay Area dominated by the large cities San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.

San Francisco City Hall, United States is the seat of government for the City and County of San Francisco, California. It is well known for its architecture and the life at night.

San Francisco, United States founded in 1979 in north California is the cultural, commercial and financial centre of the city and the only consolidated city in California.

Twin Peaks is an independent society in California, US, situated on California State Route close to Lade Arrowhead. It has a post office initialized in 1916. Fantastically touristy place to have great time with friends and family!

The Union Square tour will give you the view of the 2.6 acres of manicured garden and the granite platforms. It will enlighten you about the historic activities that took place here when the supporters of the Union troops just before the Civil War rallied here. In the center of the park stands a towering monument commemorating the 1898 triumph of Adm. George Dewey during the Spanish- American War at Manila Bay.

Itinerary - Important Notes

What's Included

What's excluded.

Important: We never encourage customers to purchase admission packages from outside sources and try using them in this tour with discount. If they do, they must arrange transport on the same day. If you skip some attraction, you cannot do it on your own. You can sit near the bus or visit some nearby place, but you will not be allowed to sit in the bus.

Attraction Prices

Pricing - important notes, return location, important notes.

• Free Airport Pickup from SFO between 09:00 AM to 6:00 PM (After this time there will be additional charges of $65 for 1-2 person and $10 for each additional person)
• Meet the tour guide at the baggage claim area for Domestic arrivals and For international arrivals meet the guide outside at customs exit.
• Kindly book your flights after 9:00 PM from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
• Cancellation
• Reservation Booking

Responsibility

Cancellation and refund policy.

No matter what the reason of cancellation is no refund or reschedule for any cancellation request made with in last 7 days of departure date. Even if the cancellation request comes in because of COVID. No matter the reason for the cancellation, we are forced to carry costly charges from out travel and hotel providers in the form of penalties and fees that re-incurred when there is a cancellation of confirmed or pending bookings. As such, there are cancellation penalties or fees incurred. Determination of the time of cancellation will be done when the notice is received and confirmed by our office. You must make any notice of cancellation directly to GoldenBusTours by email or webmail at the Contact Us section.

We reserve the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure with respect to operating requirement or circumstances beyond control. In case a cancellation is made at any given moment in time before departure, our only liability as GoldenBusTours will be to refund you, the passenger with the amount we received for the booking of the tour. We will try our best to re-book the same or similar tour. We are not responsible for any cancellation penalties that may have been incurred on any other travel arrangements inclusive of separate purchase of air tickets.

We are not liable for any other travel arrangements that have been affected as a result of the cancellations.

Cancellation Charges

⇒ 15 days or more prior to departure, $20 per person.

⇒  8 to 14 days prior to departure, 25% of the tour fee per person.

⇒  4 to 7 Days prior to departure, 50% of the tour fee per person.

⇒  Within 3 days prior to departure, 70% of the tour fee per person.

⇒  48 Hours before departure date, 100% tour fees.

Any Amount paid in cash to the Tour Guide is not refundable.

There is no refund for unused features. You forfeit the entire payment when you are a no-show on the departure date and unable to join the tour for any reason including COVID.

Cancellation or Reschedule charges are applicable even if you are NOT able to take the tour because of visa rejection.

In order for there not to be a cancellation, a minimum number of participants are required. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip although every effort is made by us to ensure that normal operations are maintained.

For any refund case, we do include the discount offered already. This is where GoldenBusTours is playing its role to make sure its customers get the best available deal at an affordable price.

No refund request or complaint will be entertained after 30 days of tour departure. You have to send a formal complaint through email. Cancellation charges are applicable to original departure date if in case you later reschedule your tour and cancel it.

An add-on fee of 6% for handling fees is charged in addition to the above penalties. No matter what the reason of cancellation is this processing fee will be deducted on each refund.

Note:  More 30 days after the completion of the tour, we cannot grant any refunds.

⇒   In the case of free passenger cancellation kindly update us 7 days before the departure. 

⇒   In the case of late cancellation request or free passenger does not show up on tour day then $128 will be charged.

Reservation, Booking & Redemption

Terms & Conditions

Any travel service purchases indicate your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions set out herein.

You are advised to carefully read through and understand these Terms & Conditions before making your booking.

Tour Confirmation

You will get an email immediately once you place an order. Tour Confirmation usually takes 2, 3 days except for urgent order. Urgent orders can be confirmed in a day or even few hours, but we can’t assure success in these cases. On fewer occasions, some of the others may require a longer period of time for confirmation. You are advised not to book airline tickets unless you have received the confirmation.

E-Ticket (Mandatory to be on bus)

Your e-ticket includes complete operator information such as local telephone numbers at your destination. You are required to print the e-tickets and bring them along with you on the trip. They will be needed as proof of purchase.

Changes in Booking

You may incur a fee for any revisions or alterations made to the reservation when the booking has already been confirmed. Cancellation fees may be applied to things such as name changes or corrections. They may also apply to tour date changes or tour itinerary changes. Please note that no departure changes are permitted 72 hours before departure.

Changes in Tour Itinerary

We are continuously striving to improve tour itineraries and features. In the event of unforeseen circumstances that are beyond the control, we do reserve the right to vary the itineraries and to substitute hotels. Duplicate departures may operate during certain peak periods, sometimes in reverse order. As such, hotels may vary from those included on the itinerary pages.

⇒   $25/Transaction reschedule fee will be incurred if the reschedule occurs 8 days or more before the departure date.

⇒   $50/Transaction reschedule fee will be incurred if the reschedule occurs 4 to 7 days before the departure date.

⇒   No request to make any change will be entertained if request is sent 3 days before the departure date.

1.  One room can accommodate maximum 4 people. Even if you are 5 people including 1 month old baby you still need 2 rooms.

2.  If you can carry your child up to 2 years of age then you do not need to book seats for him. It may vary from one tour to another.

3.  Service providers hold the right to change the itinerary and hotel arrangements without any notice.

4.  Child (0-9 years) and Single traveler going on the tour have special rates. These prices vary from one tour to another.

5.  Meals and Attractions are not included. You can ask your tour guide to try to arrange the meal for you as per your requirements. For attractions, admission fees pay it to the tour guide on the tour.

6.  Prices may change without any notice because of prices fluctuation in the market.

7.  All prices mentioned on the website are in US dollars.

8.  In Case of Bank Wire Transfer customer have to bear Wire transfer fee.

9.  Tour package price is inclusive of taxes.

10.  Tour Prices are every individual and in view of room inhabitance.

Child rates are applicable for children between (0-12 years) of age. Parents are advised to bring car seats for the safety of their child.

Buy 2 Get 3rd discounted: Get 3rd Ticket on special discounted rates on the purchase of 2 tickets.

Leave Feedback

what could have been gone worse that having a stormy rainfall on the day of our trip. When we reached Yosemite National Park it rained and we didn’t get to visit some of the places which we were scheduled to. But instead of that, we had a great experience because the tour people were so nice to all of the people on board. Quality attractions and excellent service just made me appreciate the efforts of tour management. My few relatives were boarded with me, and to see Golden Gate Bridge, Yosemite Falls& Park as well, andHearst Castle for the first time is really amazing. Thank you for making our trip so wonderful.

Michael M. Jefferson

I admit that my family and I had fun on our days of the tour. I never took my family on a bus tour but instead I drove the car to take them anywhere worthy of touring. Now that I have realized that we could  save much struggle and efforts to make our trips wonderful by taking the scheduled bus tours, the plus point of it is the that it quite ranges in a standard budget. The service we receivedon the tour good including the hotel stays. You know what they that Yosemite Park is a heaven on earth, is 100% true. Good experience!

Recommend This Tour To A Friend

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The 5 Best Yosemite Tours From San Francisco [2024 Reviews]

Enjoy yosemite national park with these tours from san francisco.

No trip to California would be complete without taking in the beauty and majestic splendor of Yosemite National Park.

With these hugely popular Yosemite National Park day tours from San Francisco you won’t have to chose between a visit to the city or the country.

Opting for a comprehensive, widely-acclaimed Yosemite National Park tour will allow you to experience the best of both worlds in style.

Best Yosemite Tours

Be sure to see our reviews of wine tours to Napa & Sonoma Valley , Muir Woods and Alacatraz tours .

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Tours of Yosemite Park For 2024

• Best Value Tour: Yosemite National Park from San Francisco
• Best Full Day Tour: Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias Hike From San Francisco
• Best Multi-Day Tour: 2-Day Yosemite Park Tour at Cedar Lodge From San Francisco
• Best Small Group Tour: Full Day Yosemite Tour from San Francisco
• Best Sightseeing Tour: Yosemite National Park Day Trip from San Francisco

We have reviewed the 5 top rated Yosemite tours from San Francisco, providing overviews and highlighting the details of each. We also make recommendations on visiting San Francisco .

Yosemite Day Tour Reviews

1. best value tour: yosemite national park from san francisco.

• Departure Point: Gray Line Office at Union Square
• Departure Time: 6 a.m. (approx.)
• Duration: 14 hours (approx.)
• Includes: Guided tour, National Park fees, luxury motor coach

This popular, family-friendly day tour is among the best Yosemite tours from San Francisco, offering you the chance to experience one of the nation’s most treasured State Parks.

You will see some of the most famous Yosemite landmarks, experience the park close-up and personal with a 1-mile walk and enjoy free-time to wander and relax.

The Yosemite day trip from San Francisco begins with hotel pickup or pickup at the Parc 55 Hotel as pre-arranged.

You’ll quickly get to know your friendly, informative tour guide driver and fellow travelers onboard a comfortable minivan, as numbers are limited to 15 participants to ensure the highest quality Yosemite National Park tours.

En route you’ll have plenty of amazing views to take in, starting with crossing the San Francisco Bay Bridge from where you can experience a panorama encompassing San Francisco, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

After crossing the bay you’ll delve into San Joaquin Valley with its many fruit and nut orchards, before making a quick halt for snacks and a brief leg stretch.

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On arrival at Yosemite via Groveland, your Yosemite National Park tour will begin with a one-mile hike, giving you the opportunity to wander amongst Yosemite’s giant sequoia trees, before traveling on to Yosemite Valley and the incredible Tunnel View vantage point.

Have your camera at the ready to capture some of Yosemite’s most spectacular sights such as El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall.

Your informative guide, specialized in Yosemite National Park tours, will point out all you need to know and really make your Yosemite National Park tour that bit extra special.

Free time for lunch allows you to relax, explore or just soak in the magic of a Yosemite day trip from San Francisco, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

The drive back includes another quick stop for refreshments and your 14-hour San Francisco to Yosemite National Park trip ends with a drop-off at your hotel or pick-up location.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other san francisco experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best full day tour: yosemite national park & giant sequoias hike from san francisco.

• Departure Points: Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Departure Time: Between 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
• Includes: Hotel pickup and drop-off (or at Hilton Union Square if your hotel is not listed), expert guide, tour commentary, Yosemite National Park entrance fee, Wi-Fi on board tour vehicle.

This spectacular Yosemite day tour from San Francisco will reenergize you with a visit to the Tuolumne Grove containing some of Yosemite’s largest sequoias.

This type of tree, also known as a redwood, includes some of the world’s largest and most long-living trees.

There will also be plenty of other famous sights to take in, making this one of the most comprehensive Yosemite tours from San Francisco.

After pickup, as prearranged, you will enjoy a comfortable drive to Yosemite, with many sights along the way, including excellent views of San Francisco, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge from the Bay Bridge.

The journey through the Sierra Nevada gold rush towns will be brought to life by your tour guide’s lively commentary, before a late-morning arrival at Yosemite.

Weather permitting, a guided walk will allow you to experience the true size and beauty of the sequoia trees, with highlights such as the “Grizzly Giant” and the “Californian Tree Tunnel”.

Your Yosemite National Park tour from San Francisco continues with a visit to Inspiration Point, where you will marvel at the vista of the whole valley below. From this vantage point, you can see the famous landmarks Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls.

To make the most of your Yosemite day trip from San Francisco, you can choose how to spend your lunch break and additional one or one and a half hour’s free time.

Whether you opt to picnic or to visit one of the restaurants at Yosemite Lodge (cost not included) you are sure to make the most of the stunningly beautiful scenery before it’s time to head back to San Francisco.

Please note that Yosemite National Park tours are subject to change depending upon the weather. The Yosemite Day Trip from San Francisco with Giant Sequoia Visit is best undertaken from May through October to ensure that the trees can be visited.

Should weather prevent visits, other activities may be offered as an alternative for your safety and well being.

Search For San Francisco Experiences You May Enjoy:

3. best multi-day tour: 2-day yosemite park tour at cedar lodge from san francisco.

• Departure Point: Hotel pickup
• Departure Time: Between 6:15 a.m. to 7 a.m.
• Duration: 2 days (approx.)
• Includes: SF hotel pickup and drop-off, National Park entrance fees, bio-fueled mini-coach transportation, tour guide, overnight accommodation at Yosemite Valley Lodge or Cedar Lodge.

Experience the true splendor of Yosemite National with this Two Day San Francisco to Yosemite National Park trip, one of the most complete and immersive Yosemite National Park tours available.

As this tour is fully-guided you will gain valuable insights into all aspects of the park and the chance to discover all of its most famous landmarks, visiting both the famous Yosemite Valley, as well as discovering areas of the park that lie more further afield.

Your Yosemite National Park tour from San Francisco begins with an early departure from your San Francisco hotel on day one. Enjoy the views of the bay from a comfortable mini-coach as you cross the Bay Bridge taking in the vista of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and San Francisco, before crossing Central Valley’s orchards, Sierra Nevada and Gold Country.

After the journey from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park, you will hike down to the park’s famous giant sequoia trees for a picnic lunch, followed by a fully guided tour through the valley lasting an hour and a half.

There will be plenty of opportunities to stop to admire the numerous rock formations and cascades, followed by free time at Yosemite Falls. You’ll be free to choose whether to hike to the base of the falls, to take a trip to the visitor’s center or to go swimming, hiking or biking.

In the evening, you’ll head to your accommodation to dine and relax. If you’re staying at Cedar Lodge near to the Merced River you can take a riverside walk or a visit to the pub. There’s also private beach access for guests as well as indoor and outdoor pools and a jacuzzi, so whatever the weather, you’re guaranteed to have a relaxing time.

Guests staying at Yosemite Lodge, at the foot of Yosemite Falls, can focus upon enjoying the stunning natural setting and the falls themselves. The lodge provides an ideal place to escape from the stresses of modern living and to reconnect with nature.

Wake up refreshed after your overnight stay on your Yosemite National Park tour and get ready for another fun-packed day of discovery with a drive to Glacier Point with its breath-taking views of the Yosemite Valley.

Choose to hike back down to the valley or return in the mini-coach and spend the day by the river, relaxing, hiking or biking, it’s your call.

On the return trip to San Francisco there will be a stop for food (own expense) and plenty of time to look over your photos of El Captain, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls and other famous landmarks. Arrival at San Francisco is scheduled around 9 p.m.

What to Take:

• Small non-rigid overnight bag (approx. airline carry-on dimensions)
• Camera/Smartphone and charger(s)
• Comfortable footwear suitable for hiking (sneakers or hiking boots)
• Change of clothes
• Swimwear and towel
• Sun cream & insect repellent
• Refillable water bottle
• Warm layers (cool evenings)

Trips to Yosemite National Park made in early spring or late fall will also require:

• Hiking boots or waterproof sneakers/durable footwear
• Warm layers
• Waterproof jacket & pants
• Gloves, warm hat & socks.

4. Best Small Group Tour: Yosemite National Park Full-Day Trip From San Francisco

• Departure Points/Times: #1. Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf – 6:20 a.m. #2. Le Meridien – 6:35 a.m. #3. Hilton Union Square – 6:50 a.m. #4. Holiday Inn Civic Center – 7:10 a.m. #5. Dublin BART Station – 7:45 a.m.
• Duration: 15 hours (approx.)
• Includes: Hotel pickup & drop-off, guide/driver with live commentary, National Park entrance fees, luxury bio-fueled van transport.

Taking the Small-Group San Francisco to Yosemite National Park Tour is a fantastic way to get the very most out of your trip to San Francisco.

Luxury van transport and an experienced tour guide, alongside three hours free time to explore, make this one of the very best Yosemite National Park tours from San Francisco.

Your journey begins in style, crossing the Bay Bridge with its unparalleled panorama of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco and Alcatraz.

From the comfort of a luxury 20-seater bio-diesel van you’ll watch the orchards of Central Valley, one of the largest agricultural areas in the country, fly by. After a quick refreshment stop, you’ll continue on through Gold Country and the Sierra Nevada.

Once the journey from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park is complete, the visit begins with an hour and a half long guided tour of Yosemite Valley, a fascinating glacier-carved valley, complete with extraordinary rock formations and cascades.

There will be multiple occasions for photo stops, especially on arrival at Tunnel View Overlook with its incredible vantage point. The tour pauses for lunch near to the base of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America.

Your Yosemite day tour from San Francisco continues after lunch (not provided) at your own pace.

With three hours free time to explore the park, take in the many sights, go for a hike or just relax around the visitor center, where there’s a huge amount you can learn about the park’s history, its present and plans for the future.

The group reconvenes at a set time for the return journey with a quick refreshment stop halfway. This popular Yosemite day tour from San Francisco strikes a perfect balance with its invaluable and informative guided tour combined with plenty of free time for a personal encounter with the great outdoors.

5. Best Sightseeing Tour: Yosemite National Park Day Trip from San Francisco

• Departure Point: Gray Line Visitor Center, 478 Post Street or pickup at selected hotels (prior to departure time)
• Departure Time: 7 a.m.
• Includes: Hotel pickup, Yosemite National Park entrance fee, transport (in luxury motor-coach with a/c, restroom, Wi-Fi and power outlets), 1 hour guided tour, 3 hours free time at the park.

A popular way to relax away from the city, while exploring a national treasure, this Yosemite day trip from San Francisco offers you the flexibility to chose how you spend your day at Yosemite National Park.

Your San Francisco to Yosemite National Park trip begins with pickup at your hotel or at the Gray Line Visitor Center, before crossing the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge with its stunning views across San Francisco, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

As the journey progresses through gold mining country, brought to life by your informative tour guide, you’ll be able to make the most of the Yosemite day trip from San Francisco on board a luxury motor-coach complete with Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

Upon arrival at Yosemite you’ll have a total of approximately four hours to spend at the park, with an optional hour-long guided hike to the base of Yosemite Falls.

During this free time, you’ll have plenty of options, such as renting a bike, looking around the visitor center, visiting the Ansel Adam’s art gallery or watching handicraft demonstrations at the Indian Village of Ahwahnee.

Alternatively, you could choose to go for a walk, take in the sights along the river, picnic or just relax in the great outdoors.

Famous landmarks you will see on your Yosemite National Park tour include El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls, Cathedral Spires and Half Dome among others.

Your Yosemite day tour from San Francisco finishes at 4 p.m. when the group meets up to board the motor-coach and return back to the city.

This is undoubtedly one of the most relaxing and flexible day trips to Yosemite from San Francisco, leaving you free to plan your own schedule and to do as little, or as much, as you want.

Traveler’s Guide to San Francisco

Airports & entry, planning tips, restaurants & eating out, nightlife & entertainment, getting around, accommodation, attractions.

San Francisco center can be easily reached from both San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK). Both airports are served by the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) for a quick and inexpensive journey. If you’re flying into SFO, you can also take a SamTrans bus to the city.

As with any major city, there are also taxis, ride-shares, private van and shuttle services and limousines available, you can either reserve prior to arrival or on arrival at the dedicated reservation boards in the airport complex.

It is also possible to fly into San Jose Airport (SJC), you can then take the Airport Flyer Bus to the Santa Clara Caltrain Station and then the Caltrain directly to stations on either 22 nd Street or 4 th Street in San Francisco. There are also several shuttle options available run by private companies.

Where possible, make reservations and book any tour trips in advance to be sure not to miss out. Pack a windproof jacket and comfortable, durable footwear for exploring the city and any trips further afield.

Plan what you really want to see, but don’t make a rigid schedule, you never know what you’ll come across in San Francisco and you’ll definitely want time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

San Francisco has a huge variety of eateries, whatever your tastes are, you’ll be amazed with the level of quality and choice on offer. Try an authentic Chinese in the oldest Chinatown, taste Sicilian delicacies at Alioto’s #8 on Fisherman’s Wharf or breakfast at the Hollywood Café, there’s an excellent range of cuisines for all occasions.

No trip to San Francisco would be complete without a visit to a classic San Francisco deli, such as the popular Molinari’s. Offering great value hearty sandwiches, this traditional-style deli is good for quick, fuss-free food-on-the-go.

Relax and wind-down at the Fog Harbor Fish House, on Pier 39 and enjoy fine sustainable seafood with an ocean view that includes the Golden Gate Bridge. Or for that real holiday sensation, tuck into a custom ice cream sandwich at the Baked Bear.

Fun and quirky, romantic, fine-dining, cheap and cheerful, there’s an eatery for every occasion in San Francisco.

There’s no shortage of good pubs, bars and clubs to visit after a busy day sightseeing. If you’re into beer, you should definitely check out City Beer on Folsom Street for a great selection of local and regional beers for purchase. There’s also a hangout area where the locals gather to chat and try out the latest beers on tap. If you’re looking for an easy going, historical-style bar with great cocktails, try out Twin Peaks Tavern in Castro Street for a relaxed start to the evening.

On the entertainment front, you can’t go wrong with a visit to a cabaret show or live music venue. The Speakeasy, 644 Broadway, is a 1920s cabaret show that comes highly recommended, not only for its immersive theater style and the fact you’re encouraged to dress up, but also for its great ambiance.

If you’re looking for something more soul searching, check out Biscuits and Blues, one of San Francisco’s premier Blues bars. This Jazz bar features some of the best Blues musicians around and great table service, for an unforgettable evening.

Driving in San Francisco can be a real challenge and parking is often expensive and hard to find. So rather than spending precious vacation time searching for parking lots, make the most of Muni, San Francisco’s excellent public transportation system.

Purchasing a Muni CityPASS will give you access to unlimited Muni buses, Muni metro, cable cars and San Francisco’s famous historic street cars, saving you time, hassle and money. Any trip to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without a street car ride, so make travelling around the city’s 49 square miles a central part of your vacation. For information on routes, stops and any other transport related questions, call 511 or use the Munimobile app. CityPASS and regular tickets can be purchased throughout the city.

As in any many city, there are plenty of taxi services and ride-sharing options. Taxis can be reserved in advance or hailed directly, if you want to use a ride-sharing service, download the appropriate app and follow the instructions and recommendations.

The surrounding area is well served with regular tours that will really help you to make the most of your visit if you want to check out the surrounding area. If, however, you do need to reserve a hire vehicle, you’ll find all major vehicle rental companies represented in or nearby the center.

There’s no shortage of places to stay in San Francisco, with accommodation available to suit all tastes and budgets. Hotels range from reasonable 2-stars to lavish 5-stars, check prices, location and availability online to make sure you’re getting one that’s just right for you.

If you’re looking for more cost-effective or quirky options why not try one of the many comfortable B&Bs for a chance to get a real feel for the city. There are also numerous hostels, vacation apartments and home rentals. You will seldom be so spoilt for choice!

The Metro Hotel is a great friendly place, which won’t blow your budget, while the newly refurbished, luxury Hotel Nikko, near to Union Square has plenty of amenities including a jacuzzi and swimming pool.

Temperatures in San Francisco generally range between 40°F and 70°F, with year-round mild weather. With its temperate marine climate, layering clothes is recommended, as is a windbreaker. July through September are the hottest months, with the amount of daily sunshine peaking in July with an average of 14 hours.

There’s plenty to see and do in San Francisco. It’s well worth making a list of must-sees, and then factoring in a few optional sights to take in if you can, leaving yourself a little time to relax, browse and explore off the beaten track.

Popular must-see sights and activities include: Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, a trip on a historic cable car, a visit to the oldest China town, shopping in Union Square, exploring North Beach and a visit to see the sea lions at Pier 39 in Fisherman’s Wharf.

Tour Guides

The Yosemite in a Day Tour from San Francisco is our Editor's Choice for the best Yosemite tour with its combination of sites seen, tour guides and value.

Krysha Thayer

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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Sequoia National Park Itinerary

Last Updated on January 11, 2024

by Sarah Dittmore

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning the a 2 to 3 days in Sequoia National Park itinerary is a great option if you want to visit a ore “odd the beaten path” California national park. Sequoia is a stunning 404,000-acre National Park in the Sierra Nevada.

Unlike its more famous northern neighbor, Yosemite National Park , Sequoia is a much less crowded destination compared to Yosemite for those curious about the beauty of the Sierras. While famous for its giant sequoia trees, there’s tons to do here beyond that.

With 2 to 3 days here, you can hike through the massive trees, visit the 1,200-foot waterfall, enjoy a stunning sunset, and spend a day splashing in the lake.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Sequoia National Park?

When planning a trip, one of the first questions that comes up is how many days to spend in Sequoia. While it would take several days to visit every corner of the park, 2 days in Sequoia National Park is plenty of time to see all the major sites, such as the largest tree in the world and a gorgeous marble cavern.

For those who want to spend a day splashing in the mountain lake and driving through one of the deepest canyons in North America, you’ll want 3 days in the Park. No matter how many days you spend, you’re going to fall in love with the massive trees and striking blues and greens that make up this incredible park.

Getting To & Around Sequoia National Park

Those driving south to Sequoia National Park will take Highway 180 to the Big Stump Entrance while those driving north via Highway 198 will use the Ash Mountain Entrance.

No matter which way you enter, you’ll have to pay the entrance fees for Sequoia and Kings Canyon, which vary depending on your length of stay and the type of vehicle you’re driving.

Once inside, it’s pretty easy to get around the park as there’s really only one made road through the park (Generals Highway) with a few side routes that take you to different viewpoints and trailheads.

While there are shuttles within the park, I highly recommend driving your own car or renting a car for your trip to Sequoia. The roads don’t get overly crowded, so you can easily park and drive around from site to site.

Plus, having your own car will allow you to get to some of the more hard-to-reach destinations or make a detour to nearby Death Valley National Park.

If you need to rent a car for this trip you can check out Rentalcars.com which aggregates prices across several different companies. Alternatively, if you prefer camping, you can rent an RV or campervan from Outdoorsy.

2 to 3-Day Sequoia National Park Itinerary

Whether you’ve chosen to spend 2 days or 3, there are plenty of sites and activities in the park to fill your day. Between short hikes to stunning viewpoints and ancient pictographs from early Indigenous tribes, this route covers all the best things to do in 2-3 days.

Day 1 – Tunnel Rock, Crescent Meadow, Congress Trail, and More

The first day of our itinerary takes you to some of the most famous landmarks of the park. You’ll get a chance to learn about the Indigenous people who lived there thousands of years ago, stand at the base of the tallest rock in the world, and drive through a tunnel carved out of a giant sequoia tree.

Tunnel Rock

When entering Sequoia National Park via Generals Highway, your first stop will be Tunnel Rock.

A fallen granite boulder balances above the road and though vehicles can no longer drive under the rock, it’s still a great photo op as visitors are welcome to walk under or climb atop the rock! Dug in 1930, this tunnel continues to be a top attraction on any trip to Sequoia National Park.

Hospital Rock

Another famous Sequoia rock is Hospital Rock. So named for the dramatic red streaks that paint the surface of the rock, the area surrounding Hospital Rock was home to hundreds of Indigenous people as far back as 1350 CE.

In addition to outdoor exhibits that educate visitors on life for the Indigenous tribes of the area, you can see the ancient pictographs that cover Hospital Rock.

Crescent Meadow Loop

No trip to Sequoia would be complete without a few hikes. After viewing Tunnel Rock and Hospital Rock, head over to Crescent Meadow to the trailhead for the Crescent and Log Meadows Trail . This 1.8-mile loop is a fairly easy trail that takes about 44 minutes to complete.

Make sure to stop by Tunnel Log on your way to the trailhead for the opportunity to drive through a fallen tree. Halfway through your hike, you’ll pass Tharp’s Log. This cabin was built in 1861 by Hale Tharp out of a giant sequoia tree.

You’ll see the towering Moro Rock throughout your 2 days in the Park, but to get the most out of your visit, make sure you head to the viewing area atop the rock.

A stone staircase climbs 350 steps up from the parking lot to the top of Moro Rock where you can get a sweeping view of the surrounding nature.

Congress Trail

Keep heading north through Sequoia National Park and you’ll hit the start of Congress Trail , a 3-mile paved loop that takes you to the base of General Sherman Tree.

While Congress Trail takes about 1.5 hours to complete, those who are looking for less hiking in their Sequoia itinerary can take the half-mile walk from the parking lot to General Sherman.

The General Sherman Tree is the largest tree in the world, standing at 275 feet tall and 36 feet wide.

Continue along the trail to see many other giant sequoias in the heart of the Giant Forest.

Sunset Rock

End the first day by getting a stunning view of the sunset at the aptly named Sunset Rock . It’s about a mile out on a flat trail to the viewpoint, which takes just over 20 minutes to complete and is well worth it.

Once you get out there, you’ll end at a large, flat rock where you can settle for a picnic and a view of the orange skies that cover the park during sunset. 

Day 2 – Beetle Rock, Big Trees Trail, and Tokopah Falls

During day 2, you’ll see more giant sequoia trees, explore the marble cavern, and hike to Sequoia National Park’s famous waterfall. Plus, if you’re up to it, there’s a great sunrise view waiting for you!

Beetle Rock

Beetle Rock is an easy quarter-mile walk on a paved trail from the Giant Forest Museum and a wonderful place to start the day. If you’re an early riser, start day two by watching the sunrise at Beetle Rock.

It likely won’t be crowded thanks to the early hour, so you’ll have the spot to yourself while you watch the morning sun paint the sky. If early rising isn’t your thing, it’s still worth a quick visit for the stunning viewpoint of the park.

Giant Forest Museum

Walking back from Beetle Rock will drop you right at the front of the Giant Forest Museum. The museum is totally free and tells the long and storied history of the sequoias.

From understanding the giant sequoia trees to learning the history of the Sequoia National Park, the Giant Forest Museum is a great place to deepen your knowledge of the area.

Big Trees Trail

Just north of the Giant Forest Museum, you’ll find the trailhead for the Big Trees Trail .

This 1.3-mile trail is an easy, paved, flat loop that takes about half an hour to complete. In addition to taking you by some gorgeous giant sequoia trees, the Big Trees Trail is full of educational displays that tell you more about the history and science of these incredible trees.

There are benches and picnic tables along the trail, so pack a picnic lunch and spend some time eating alongside the trees during day 2 of your itinerary!

Crystal Cave

When people think of Sequoia National Park, they think about the giant trees and stunning views. But one of the park’s most unique attractions is the Crystal Cave.

This marble cavern is full of picturesque stalagmites reaching covering the roof. Due to the fragile nature of these formations, tours are required to visit. You can buy tickets for the 50-minute through Sequoia Parks Conservatory , but make sure to book ahead, because tickets sell out quickly!

Tokopah Falls

To wrap out your first 2 days in Sequoia National Park, head over to Tokopah Falls. This 1,200-foot mountain waterfall can only be viewed via a short hike, but it’s well worth the effort.

The 4-mile out-and-back hike takes almost 2 hours to complete (one hour each way) and takes you right to the base of these stunning falls. The trailhead can be found on Lodgepole road. The largest falls in the park, Tokopah Falls are a necessary part of any Sequoia itinerary.

Day 3 – Hume Lake, Boyden Canyon, and Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

For those spending 3 days, the last day will take you further north where you can enjoy a picturesque mountain lake and even visit Kings Canyon National Park for a visit to another marble cavern, a drive through one of North America’s deepest canyons, and more!

If you’re spending 3 days, Hume Lake is a great destination for your last day. Surrounded by emerald pines, this crystalline lake is surrounded by sandy shores that make for a wonderful lake day.

Fish for rainbow trout, take out a canoe, bike the nearby trails, or try your hand at the Ponderosa ropes course. However you choose to spend the day, you can kill a full day resting on the beach, playing in the water, and enjoying the famous California sunshine.

Grant Grove Village

The western portion of Kings Canyon National Park is made up of Grant’s Grove. You can eat, shop, and get to know the area a bit more at Grant Grove Village. From the parking lot, you can access a 1/3-mile paved loop that takes you through many stunning trees, including the General Grant Tree.

Also known as the Nation’s Christmas Tree, this tree is around 1,650 years old and is the second-largest sequoia tree in the world.

Boyden Cavern

Whether you got a chance to tour Crystal Cave or not, Boyden Cavern is a great addition to your itinerary. This spectacular marble cavern showcases incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and more that lie deep below the 2,000-foot-high walls of the famous Kings Gate and Windy Cliffs.

The tours last about 45-60 minutes and take you through the cavern. Be sure to book in advance as they often sell out. While worth a visit any time, make sure you put this on your route.

Kings Canyon Scenic Byway

From Hume Lake, drive up the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway into Kings Canyon National Park. Sequoia’s northern neighbor, Kings Canyon makes a great addition to your Sequoia National Park itinerary. Your entry pass for Sequoia will get you into Kings Canyon as well.

The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is a 2 to 3-hour round-trip drive that takes you to Kings Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in North America. On the drive, you can also pass Cedar Grove and the beautiful Zumwalt Meadow.

Where to Stay near Sequoia National Park

Parks Inn – This lovely bed and breakfast offers a range of comfortable rooms within driving distance of the entrance of Sequoia NP. There is a seasonal pool and hot tub for guests to enjoy.

Sequoia Resort – This resort offers a range of houses that can accommodate different group sizes including larger families. Each house has self-catering facilities as well as outdoor dining and a BBQ. It is also pet friendly!

Private Rental – There are a range of private rentals to choose from near Sequoia National Park such as this romantic riverfront cabin that can be a great option if you want to self-cater primarily during your trip.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options near Sequoia National Park!

Whether you spend 2 or 3 days in the Park, there’s tons to do and see in Sequoia. From towering trees to mountain waterfalls, it’s truly a magical destination that shows off what makes the Sierra Nevada such a special place.

Are you planning to visit Sequoia National Park? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Sarah Dittmore

Sarah is a writer for The World Was Here First. A California native, she loves travelling around her home state as well as visiting places further afield. She has spent over a decade travelling the world and writing stories inspired by the people and places she encounters along the way.

Booked 4 nights at the Wuksachi in Sequoia in May and discovered this wonderful itinerary. You made my trip. It’s perfect.

Excellent suggestions, great photos and inspiring.

Thank you for the itinerary suggestions. I would like to visit in 2022, but still need to plan for it. It’s been on my bucket list! Your very detailed description of the trails, what to expect and best times will be very helpful.

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Sequoia National Park Tour

Kings canyon national park tour, giant sequoia tour, winter wonderland tour.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Sightseeing Tours

Experienced former park rangers, welcome to keifer's giant sequoia tours.

We offer our guests premier private tours of the highest standards and service into  Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks . Relax! Let us do the driving in a comfortable, luxurious SUV, as you experience the largest trees in the world, along with wildlife, majestic canyons and vistas.

We are a fully licensed and commercially insured tour company.

FULL DAY TOUR

Half day tour, why our guests love us.

First class! Keifer was amazing. From the beginning of the tour he was friendly and open to our requests. He gave us an incredible tour of the sequoia trees, his love and knowledge of the area shines through. He took us to places we would never have found by ourselves and was a wealth of information. We loved the clean and comfortable SUV, the leather seats made us feel like VIP's. Thanks for a magical experience in the sequoias!

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These Two Seasons Are Hands-Down the Best Times to Visit Sequoia National Park

There are few places as exceptionally colorful as Sequoia National Park in autumn.

Jul. 18 2024, Updated 2:23 p.m. ET

The famous fallen Tunnel Log from 1937 is pictured along Crescent Meadow Road in Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park.

The towering trees of Sequoia National Park afford visitors a canopy that shields them from the midday sun, the heavy rainfall, or the infamous snowpack from the demanding Sierra Nevada mountain range . Sequoia National Park features the highest point in the contiguous U.S. , offers a photogenic famous tunnel from a tree fallen a century prior, and boasts a remarkable array of colors in its forests.

But when is the best time to visit Sequoia National Park to see such wondrous sights?

If you're planning a road trip to view the breathtaking redwoods and sequoias in the U.S., or you're seeking some of the best hiking trails across the entire state of California , you'll want to make sure you visit Sequoia National Park to observe the natural beauty throughout the seasons.

When is the best time of year to visit Sequoia National Park?

The summer and fall are the best seasons to visit Sequoia National Park.

The US Park Pass declares the summer season as the best time to visit Sequoia National Park due to the manageable temperatures, lack of road closures due to snow, and beautiful blooming wildflowers against the backdrop of thousands of gigantic trees.

Per US Park Pass , the aptly named Giant Forest features more than 8,000 sequoia trees, which offers visitors much-needed shade during the summer season.

With more than 400,000 acres, Sequoia National Park features four unique regions with differing characteristics, ranging from land teeming with wildflowers to forests with gargantuan sequoia trees to hiking spots with unfathomably beautiful mountainous views.

Naturally, with everything in bloom and few weather-related restrictions in place during the summer, tourists abound. For some, that means other seasons may be more attractive for various reasons.

What Sequoia National Park is like in winter:

There are few phrases more alluring to an outdoor enthusiast than "giant sequoia trees blanketed with freshly fallen snow." Indeed, Sequoia National Park is one of the best national parks to visit during the winter season .

The area is a sight to behold, as the heavy snow throughout the Sierra Nevadas leads to scenic views of many trees that, thankfully, aren't barren during the cold season.

According to the National Park Service, winter activities abound . When weather restrictions force road closures during the winter, visitors can ski and snowshoe their way through the Giant Forest and various groves, while families can enjoy snowball fights and hikes alike across various trails.

What Sequoia National Park is like in summer:

Some parts of Sequoia National Park will still have snow during the summer, but road restrictions are far fewer (if at all) and temperatures may reach the 70s at their highest and low-40s or 30s at night. According to the Visit Sequoia National Park & Kings Canyon National Park website, there are some afternoon thunderstorms and occasional lightning storms, but sunscreen is a must when out on the trails.

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What Sequoia National Park is like in fall:

Per the Visalia Convention & Visitors Bureau, the tree leaves start to turn "golden yellow and orange" and fewer tourists brave the cooling temperatures of the fall season .

Because the fall season precedes the impending snowfall, hiking for longer durations is made more bearable thanks to cooler temperatures, and the midday sun provides respite from the comparably crisper weather.

There may be no better season than fall to witness the world-famous Tunnel Log against a backdrop of beautiful colored trees. Per the Visit Sequoia website, the 275-foot-tall fallen sequoia is estimated to be more than 2,000 years old.

Located on Crescent Meadow Road in the Giant Forest, the tree fell in 1937; a tunnel was crafted through the tree the next summer, and it has been a charming, mesmerizing attraction ever since.

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What Sequoia National Park is like in spring:

The spring season might be the best for those looking to combine some of the best aspects of Sequoia National Park throughout the year. Per the Well Planned Journey blog, colder temperatures at night give way to milder temperatures during the day, but visitors should prepare for winter-like snowy conditions at some points during the spring .

It is also the rainiest season at Sequoia National Park, and towards the end of the season, the blooming of wildflowers is a breathtaking sight to behold.

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Epic National Parks near San Francisco

T he San Francisco area is rich in American History. It is also blessed with multiple National Park Sites. Check out the epic National Parks near San Francisco plus a few National Parks within a half-day drive!  

National Parks near San Francisco

Whether you love scenic views, big trees, or history there is a National Park for you near San Francisco. 

The 3rd most visited National Park Site in the United States is located in the heart of San Francisco...Golden Gate National Recreation Area, more than 13 million people visited the park last year! 

One thing that may surprise you is a few of the least visited National Park Sites are also near San Francisco.

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial only received 568 visitors last year.

While Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front NHP had less than 20,000 visitors and it is one of our favorite parks we have visited. 

California is home to 28 National Park Sites including 9 National Parks! You can truly find something for everyone in these parks.

We have included both National Park Sites including historic sites, historical parks, and memorials along with full-fledged National Parks.

We truly feel that each park is worth visiting and offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about history, nature, or the area around them. 

Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.

The park pass covers everyone in the car for per vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy on  REI.com  and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park

Distance from San Francisco - 0 miles, Located on the waterfront in San Francisco

Top Attractions - Historic Ships, Visitor Center, Maritime Museum

San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park is located in the Fisherman's Wharf Neighborhood and provides visitors the opportunity to experience the sights, smells, sounds, and stories of the Pacific Coast Maritime History.

You can step aboard several ships including the Hercules Tugboat or perhaps take in an interpretative program.

Entrance Fee - $0.00, There is no fee to visit the park. 

Lodging - Argonaut Hotel is located next to the park visitor center. Book online

Camping - There is no camping in the park. 

Park Address - The visitor center is located at 499 Jefferson Street at the corner of Hyde Street

• Fort Point National Historic Site

Distance from San Francisco -  The park is located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge

Top Attractions - Historic Fort

Fort Point Historic Site defended the San Francisco Bay following California's Gold Rush through World War 2.

This is a great place to take in the Golden Gate Bridge, attend a special program like a cannon loading demonstration, or watch a movie Fort Point-Guardian of the Golden Gate. This is also a great time to visit the Presidio of San Francisco!

Entrance Fee - $0.00, there is no fee to visit the park. 

Lodging - There is no lodging within the park

Camping - There is no camping within the park. 

Park Address - Long Ave & Marine Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129

• Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Distance from San Francisco -  7 miles from downtown San Francisco

Top Attractions -  Alcatraz Island , Golden Gate Bridge, 

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is more than just one AMAZING Bridge! Let's not discount this is one epic bridge too!

The Muir Beach overlook has incredible sweeping views of the Pacific. There is also a short walk out to the point which makes for a beautiful picnic location.

You can take cell phone tours, touch the historic 16-inch gun at Battery Townsley, take a wildflower walk, watch the sky for migratory birds of prey and even search for red-legged frogs in ponds at Mori Point!

Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse, and the first U.S. built a fort on the West Coast!

This island is best known for its Federal Penitentiary which was said to be inescapable. Several men tried, a few even made it off the island, but they were all presumed dead from drowning.

Some of Alcatraz's most famous inmates included Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, and Robert Stroud "The Birdman of Alcatraz."

Lodging - The Inn at the Presidio is located in the heart of the Presidio 

Cavallo Point Lodge is located at Fort Baker, Sausalito. - Book Online

Camping - Golden Gate NRA has 4 campgrounds, Bicentennial Campground, Hawk Campground, Haypress Campground, and Kirby Cove Campground.

All campgrounds need reservations on recreation.gov 

Park Address - Presidio Visitor Center - Building 210 Lincoln Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94129

• Muir Woods National Monument

Distance from San Francisco - 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge

Top Attractions - Old Growth Coastal Redwoods

If you are planning to visit Muir Woods, we highly suggest going early in the morning.

There is just something special about walking along the Redwood Creek Trail. I found all the worries of the world washed away and found a complete Zen moment walking amongst the Redwoods. It is one of my truly special moments exploring America's National Parks!

There is a visitor center and a self-guided nature walk within the park. The park is open from 8 am to sunset year-round. There are six miles of trails within Muir Woods park. The main, canyon floor trails are paved and mostly level.

Entrance Fee - $15 Adults, Kids 15 and under are free. National Park Passes are accepted. 

Parking/Shuttle Bus Reservations - Reservations are required for all personal vehicles and shuttle riders visiting the park. Make a reservation online

Lodging - There is no lodging within the park. 

Park Address - 1 Muir Woods Rd

• Point Reyes National Seashore

Distance from San Francisco - 35 miles from downtown San Francisco

Top Attractions - Point Reyes Lighthouse, hiking trails, Pacific Coast views, Tule Elk Reserve

Point Reyes National Seashore is located just north of San Francisco. Bear Valley visitor center is very informative with great exhibits and the Earthquake trail (6/10 mile loop trail) that talks about the San Andreas Fault.

A forty-five-minute drive away is the Historic Lighthouse and visitor center. Fog and wind are common here, and you can take the stairs, all 308 steps to the lighthouse when the stairs are open.

Keep your eyes out for hawks on the fence posts; they can be found all over the fields around Point Reyes.

Entrance Fee - $0.00, There is no fee to visit the park

Camping - Point Reyes NS offers backcountry and boat-in campsites. Reservations can be made on Recreation.gov

Park Address - Bear Valley Visitor Center - 1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

Rosie the Riveter/ WWII Home Front National Historical Park

Distance from San Francisco -  18 miles from downtown San Francisco 

Top Attractions - Visitor center and museum, Meet a real Rosie WWII home front worker

The Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park is a fantastic place to take the entire family. The exhibits are great for adults and kids.

There is a short film talking about Rose the Riveter along with a lot of great informative displays.

The park offers visitors the opportunity to meet a real Home Front Worker from WWII on Fridays. 

The visitor center and museum are filled with some of the best interpretive displays we have seen in any of the 275+ parks we have visited. 

Entrance Fee - $0.00. There is no entrance fee for the park. 

Park Address - 1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000, Richmond, Ca.

John Muir National Historic Site  

Distance from San Francisco -  40 miles from downtown San Francisco

Top Attractions - John Muir's House, hiking trails

John Muir National Historic Site is the location of John Muir's home. Muir was a famous Naturalist, often referred to as "John of the Mountains" and petitioned the U.S. Congress for the National Park Bill that was passed in 1890 establishing Yosemite National Park!

Muir's writings also helped convince the U.S. Government to also protect Sequoia , Grand Canyon , and Mount Rainier National Parks! The park and grounds are open daily from 10 am- 5 pm.

Make sure and give yourself enough time to visit both the house and the grounds.

Entrance Fee - $0.00, There is no fee to visit the park.

Camping - There is no camping within the park.

Park Address - 4202 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA 94553

Juan Bautista De Anza National Historic Trail

Visitors can learn more about the Juan Bautista de Anza NHT at the Martinez Adobe within John Muir National Historic Site. 

In 1775-1776, Juan Bautista De Anza led some 240 men, women, and children on a 1200 mile epic journey to establish the first non-native settlement at San Francisco Bay.

• Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site

Distance from San Francisco -  31 miles from downtown San Francisco

Top Attractions - historic home, guided tours. 

Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site is home to America's only Nobel Prize-winning playwright. O'Neill chose to live in California at the height of his writing career while he wrote The Iceman Cometh, Long Day's Journey Into Night and A Moon for the Misbegotten.

Just remember the park is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Please check out their website before visiting as the Tao House is available on selected tours only and reservations are required. There are also shuttles to the property.

Entrance Fee - $0.00, there is no entrance fee to visit the park. 

Reservations - Advanced reservations are required for tours on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. 

On Saturdays, reservations are not required.

Park Address - Shuttles leave from Danville, California

• Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

Distance from San Francisco - 40 miles from downtown San Francisco

Top Attractions - Historic tour

This park is open by reservation only. You can call 925-228-8860 ext. 6520 or visit the National Park Website to make reservations. The memorial is located on an active military base.

Tours are only given by reservation made two weeks in advance. Make sure and visit the National Park website to learn about ID requirements for accessing the memorial.

Tours are only offered on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. 

Entrance Fee - $0.00, There is no entrance fee to visit the park.

Lodging - There is no lodging within the park.

Park Address - The park is managed by the John Muir National Historic Site. 

• Pinnacles National Park

Distance from San Francisco -  130 miles from downtown San Francisco

Top Attractions - Hiking Trails, California Condors

Pinnacles National Park is less than two hours from San Francisco! It is also a birders paradise! We came to Pinnacles in search of the California Condor.

Just be prepared as both Old Pinnacles Trailhead and Bear Gulch Trailheads are rather small and fill up quickly. We arrived around 10 am and found ourselves parked down below exploring the Bench Trail.

We were still excited as we saw numerous bird species including Acorn Woodpeckers, Turkey Vultures, and Western Scrub-Jays. Even the drive into the park was stunning!

Entrance Fee - $30 vehicles, $25 motorcycle, $15 walk-in/bicycle

Lodging - There are new tent cabins available in the campground. 

Camping - Pinnacles Campground has 134 sites both RV with electrical hookup and tent sites.

Park Address - There are no through roads through the park. 

For the East Side of Park (Pinnacles Visitor Center):

36.493545, -121.146646

For the West Side of Park (Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station):

36.477700, -121.226136

• Lassen Volcanic National Park

Distance from San Francisco -  250 miles from downtown San Francisco

Top Attractions - Hiking Trails, Scenic Drive, Camping

Lassen Volcanic National Park is just barely over four hours from San Francisco, and all I can say is WOW! This is an amazing park!

The Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway is breathtaking and is one of the most scenic drives in the National Park system. It passes two incredible alpine lakes; Emerald Lake and Lake Helen that will surely blow your mind!

For those wanting to go for a hike hit the Bumpass Hell Trail! Just check to see if it's open before arriving at the park as it can be closed due to snow and ice.

Entrance Fee - $30 Vehicle, $25 motorcycle, $15 individual valid for 7 consecutive days. 

Lodging - Drakesbad Guest Ranch is located within the park. 

Camping - There are 7 campgrounds in Lassen Volcanic NP

Park Address -

• Loomis Museum (Northwest Entrance): 29489 Lassen National Park Hwy, Shingletown, CA 96088
• Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center (Southwest Entrance): 21820 Lassen National Park Hwy, Mineral, CA 96063
• Yosemite National Park

Distance from San Francisco -  170 miles from downtown San Francisco

Top Attractions - Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, Hiking, Half Dome, El Capitan

Yosemite National Park is a true American Icon! Names like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridal Veil Falls are instantly recognizable to anyone ever hearing of this park. Yosemite Valley just feels like a place where the likes of Norman Rockwell sat for hours gaining inspiration for their work.

 It's easy to see why photographers fall in love with this place like Ansel Adams and why John Muir was so passionate about Yosemite that he petitioned the U.S. Congress which led to it becoming a National Park.

Entrance Fee - $35 vehicle 

Reservations - Reservations are required from May 20 - September 30, 2022, for anyone entering the park between 6 am and 4 pm. 

Lodging - Yosemite lodging includes the Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, and more! We suggest making a reservation as soon as you know when you will be visiting the park. 

Camping - Yosemite has 13 campgrounds with 4 in Yosemite Valley and the remainder spread throughout the park. Reservations are incredibly important when trying to camp in Yosemite. 

Park Address - 9035 Village Drive, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, United States

• Redwood National Park

Distance from San Francisco -  320 miles from downtown San Francisco

Top Attractions - Coastal Redwood Trees, Hiking Trails, Camping

Redwood National Park is managed in partnership with California State Parks including Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. 

Redwood National and State Parks are a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  and an International Biosphere Reserve. 

Entrance Fee - Redwood National and State Parks are fee-free with the exception of day-use areas within the Prairie Creek Redwoods, Del Norte Coast Redwoods, and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Parks.

Lodging - There are 8 basic cabins located within the state park campgrounds. 

Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park - 4 cabins

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park - 4 cabins

Camping - Redwoods Campgrounds include Jedediah Smith Campground, Mill Creek Campground, Golds Bluff Campground, and Elk Prairie Campground. 

Park Address - Park Headquarters address - 1111 Second Street, Crescent City, CA 95531

Sequoia National Park 

Distance from San Francisco -  263 miles from downtown San Francisco

Top Attractions - Giant Sequoia Trees, Hiking, Camping

Sequoia National Park is home to some of the largest Sequoia groves in the world. Visitors can explore the Giant Forest, see General Sherman Tree the world's largest living tree, hike up Moro Rock, and so much more. 

Entrance Fee - $35 for a private vehicle, $30 motorcycle pass good for 7 days. 

Lodging - Wuksachi Lodge is located within the park. Book online  

Camping - There are 7 Sequoia NP Campgrounds that are open at varying times of the year. 

Park Address - Foothills Visitor Center, 47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271

Kings Canyon National Park 

Distance from San Francisco - 241 miles from downtown San Francisco

Kings Canyon NP includes the General Grant Tree the second largest tree in the world. Visitors can explore the Grant Grove area, explore hiking trails, or explore further to Cedar Grove and Mineral King. 

Lodging - John Muir Lodge , Cedar Grove Cabins, and Cedar Grove Lodge are located within the park. 

Book John Muir Lodge online 

Camping - Kings Canyon Campgrounds are spread between the Grant Grove area and Cedar Grove area of the park. 

Park Address - Kings Canyon Visitor Center - 83918 CA-180, Grant Grove Village, CA 93633

Lodging in San Francisco

here are a couple of National Park Lodges available in San Francisco Maritime NHP and Golden Gate NRA within San Francisco.

Argonaut Hotel

The Argonaut Hotel is located within Fisherman's Wharf historic Haslett Warehouse building with epic views of San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz. 

Book  here .

Cavallo Point

Cavallo Point is located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. This epic hotel offers both historic lodging and contemporary rooms. 

Book  here . 

Additional San Francisco Lodging includes:

Kimpton Alton Hotel  - Fisherman's Wharf - Close to Lombard Street, Kimpton Alton Hotel - Fisherman's Wharf, an IHG Hotel provides a free daily manager's reception, a coffee shop/cafe, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Treat yourself to spa services, such as a deep-tissue massage or a facial. The onsite restaurant, Abaca, features Filipino cuisine. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a bar and a 24-hour gym.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf  - located close to Lombard Street, and provides a free breakfast buffet, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a gym. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as a 24-hour business center.

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf  - 4-star hotel near Pier 39. Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco provides a terrace, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a bar. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. The onsite restaurant, Brick and Beam, features American cuisine. In addition to a 24-hour gym and a 24-hour business center, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Marriott Courtyard San Francisco  - Located close to Lombard Street, Courtyard San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf provides a coffee shop/cafe, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a gym. In addition to a business center and a restaurant, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Marriott San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf  - 4-star hotel. Marriott San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf, which provides dry cleaning/laundry services, a bar, and a gym. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Red Fin, the onsite restaurant. Stay connected with in-room WiFi (surcharge), and guests can find other amenities such as a business center.

Camping near San Francisco, California

There are National Park Campgrounds located in a few of the larger National Park sites. For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans . These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss! 

Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando

Here are additional options for campgrounds near San Francisco 

Delta Marina Yacht Harbor - Rio Vista, CA

This campground offers RV Sites, a waterfront, boat launch, a playground, and more.

Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort - Felton, CA

This campground offers lodging, RV and Tent Sites, waterfront, fishing, cable tv, and more.

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort Tower Park - Lodi, CA

This campground offers lodging, RV and Tent Sites, beach, waterfront, canoe/kayaking, waterpark, and more.

Check out additional campgrounds in the area on CampSpot . 

San Francisco Guided Tours

Check out some of the epic tours you can take in San Francisco Bay to experience the maritime history of the area.

Golden Gate Bay Cruise  - Sail along San Francisco's breathtaking waterfront, under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and around notorious Alcatraz Island. Discover San Francisco's history via an award-winning audio commentary, available in 16 languages.

Wharf and Waterfront Segway Tour  - Explore the wharf and waterfront of San Francisco on a 2.5-hour Segway tour and get panoramic Pacific Ocean views from the back of a unique self-balancing vehicle. See historic sights, such as Fisherman’s Wharf, loop through Little Italy and more.

Hop On Hop Off City and Night tour   - The 1-day Day Hop-On Hop-Off Pass combines two tours on one incredible value ticket! It gives you the opportunity to explore all the must-see sights of San Francisco by day and at night.

San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise  - Enjoy spectacular views in a casual and fun atmosphere. Sail past Alcatraz, around Angel Island, along Tiburon and Sausalito, and under the Golden Gate Bridge.

Escape from the Rock Bay Cruise  - Sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and circle Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, while listening to accounts of the chilling escape attempts and the notorious criminals that called Alcatraz prison home.

List of National Park Sites near San Francisco

• San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
• Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park
• John Muir National Historic Site
• Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
• Sequoia National Park
• Kings Canyon National Park

As you can tell, San Francisco is blessed with so many great National Parks sites! Just think of it as you now have 15 different excuses to plan a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area!

Check out all of the California National Parks along with neighboring Arizona National Parks , Oregon National Parks , and National Parks in Nevada