grayline tours san francisco

Yosemite National Park Day Tour

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Immerse yourself in the splendor of the renowned Yosemite National Park and embark on an unforgettable expedition into the heart of Yosemite with us. Whether you prefer a full-day adventure or one-way transportation between San Francisco and Yosemite, we have the options to suit your needs

• Choose from a range of activities at Yosemite, including walking or relaxing at the visitors center.
• Scenic drive through the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
• Views of Half Dome and El Capitan.
• Wildlife spottings.
• 3 hours free time in the Yosemite Park
• Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach
• Certified Professional Driver-Tour Guide
• Yosemite National Park entrance fee
• 1-hour guided bus tour of Yosemite Valley
• 3-hours free time in Yosemite National Park
• Opportunities for rest stops
• Hotel Pick-up and Drop off
• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and drinks

Please Note

• Gray Line of San Francisco cannot be held accountable for any tour cancellations or changes caused by weather conditions, road hazards, vehicle malfunctions, or other unexpected circumstances that may impede the scheduled tour. We retain the right to cancel or alter any trip due to uncontrollable factors, including but not limited to weather conditions, mechanical issues, excessive visitor congestion in Yosemite National Park during peak seasons leading to significant traffic delays, as well as limited or unavailable parking on-site.
• The Yosemite tour takes all day. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and bringing a pillow to sleep on the drive back!

Restrictions

• In order to cancel the booking with no penalties you must contact us at least 24 hours in advance.

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Pickup Info

Hotel pick-up is not provided for this tour. Please select the meeting point that is closest to your location. Make sure to choose the departure location that is nearest to you and arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Departure #1 - 6:20 AM - Fisherman's Wharf - 2805 Leavenworth St., San Francisco, CA 94133 Although there is no physical Gray Line storefront, you'll easily spot Pomegranate Cafe directly across the street. Wait there, and our team will meet you at the designated time for the tour departure. Departure #2 - 6:40 AM - Union Square (Downtown) - 478 Post St. San Francisco, CA 94102 Although there is no physical Gray Line storefront, you'll find Encore Cafe situated right next door. For boarding the bus, simply head across the street and our team will meet you at the designated time for the tour departure. * You can reach us at [email protected] or 1 (415) 353-5310 between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm local time (PST)

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16 best san francisco tours (alcatraz, wineries & more).

Explore SF's top sights and hidden gems on these traveler-approved tours.

The Best San Francisco Tours

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Whether by air, by bike, by boat, by bus or even by vintage Volkswagen, there are so many different ways to take in the beauty of San Francisco and experience its top attractions . To help you decide which method is right for you, U.S. News compiled the city's top tours, considering traveler sentiment and expert opinion. Foodies, history buffs, adventurers and everyone in between will find a tour on this list.

Editor's Pick: Dylan's Tours – Dylan's Famous Tour with Muir Woods

Price: Adults from $99; kids from $79 Duration: 5 hours

U.S. News independently paid to send Lili Weigert , an arts and travel writer based in Marin County, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. Dylan’s Famous Tour With Muir Woods was selected by our team as an Editor’s Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

This half-day minibus excursion takes you from Fisherman's Wharf to Muir Woods and back, and includes a lively tour of some of San Francisco's most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks. Throughout the ride, our guide – a passionate San Francisco native – shared fun and surprising facts and pointed out interesting sights as we wound through North Beach , Pacific Heights, Chinatown and Alamo Square. After a dramatic photo-op at Fort Point (the waves can make a big spray!), we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and drove to Muir Woods, where we spent almost 90 minutes strolling through the trees. After a lunch break in the town of Sausalito, we headed back over the bridge, making a quick stop to admire the Palace of Fine Arts before ending back at Fisherman's Wharf.

Tours operate daily at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Know that if you choose the 8 or 10 a.m. departure, you'll have a slightly higher fee because of the extra stop in Sausalito (the 8 a.m. tour) or the Ferry Building Marketplace (the 10 a.m. tour). Dylan's Tours offers a variety of minibus tours, including a foodie tour and a daylong Sonoma and Napa wine tour.

Lili Weigert

Why we love it:

• Our guide kept us entertained with fascinating historical anecdotes about the Bay Area; he even used visual aids and played music to bring the stories to life.
• In Muir Woods, our guide explained the different paths we could explore, then left us on our own so everyone could go at their own pace and as far as they wanted.
• The organization and timing of the entire tour was flawless – there were plenty of stops for photo-ops and our guide was very clear and respectful of everyone's questions and needs. He even had water and energy bars for us.
• Sausalito is a lovely spot for lunch and there’s enough time for a snack and stroll through town or a waterfront meal at The Spinnaker – just ask for your check when you order!

– Lili Weigert 

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Red and White Fleet – Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise

Price: Adults from $48; kids from $36 Duration: 1.5 hours

Take in San Francisco's two most famous bridges on this boat trip through San Francisco Bay. In addition to sailing beneath both the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge, tourgoers will see Alcatraz Island, Palace of Fine Arts and the city skyline, among other landmarks. Red and White Fleet provides an audio guide available in 16 different languages that details the city's history. Reviewers say this is a must-do if you're a first-time visitor and that they enjoy the views, the helpful commentary, and the clean and comfortable boats. They recommend wearing layers – especially on evening tours – because it gets chilly on the water.

Tours run daily, year-round. You can hop on a boat in the morning and the afternoon, but exact times vary by day and time of year. Cruises depart from Fisherman's Wharf. Short on time? Red and White Fleet also offers an hourlong Golden Gate Bay Cruise, among other tours.

Vantigo – San Francisco City Tours

Price: Adults from $95; kids from $65 Duration: 3 hours

Instead of a traditional tour bus, Vantigo transports up to seven passengers in a vintage Volkswagen van to see all the city has to offer. The tour highlights 15 points of interest, with plenty of opportunities for photos and views of Haight-Ashbury, North Beach, Twin Peaks and more. Reviewers love the Volkswagen, which they say is roomy, comfortable and unique, and describe the guides as fun, informative and personable.

Tours are generally available Thursday through Monday once or twice daily. You can board at either Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square . Combo tours to Alcatraz are also available, as are brewery tours.

Secret Food Tours – San Francisco Mission District Food Tour

Price: Adults from $79; kids from $69 Duration: 3.5 hours

Weave your way through the epicenter of San Francisco's Latino culture on this tasty food tour of the Mission District . The tour starts with a Mission-style burrito and ends with a visit to a craft chocolate maker for a total of five stops, including the company's "secret" dish that's not revealed until the day of the tour. Along the way, your guide will share stories about how immigrants continue to shape the district's culture and food scene and its many murals. Travelers applaud the authentic food featured on the tour and are particularly impressed with the insightful guides, who share a bounty of historical information about the district and the dishes. 

This tour is offered daily at 11 a.m. and it's capped at 12 participants. If you're hungry for more, the company also runs a combo food tour of North Beach and Chinatown.   Check prices & availability on:

Seaplane Adventures – Alcatraz & City Sites Seaplane Tour

Price: From $249 Duration: 20 minutes

After you've walked the city streets and sailed the bay's waters, your next step should be an air tour. On this short seaplane tour, you'll fly over downtown and above Alcatraz and Angel Island before landing in Sausalito's Richardson Bay. Reviewers describe the trip as amazing and one of the best activities they did while visiting San Francisco. Even locals recommended it and were particularly impressed with the pilot.

Flights depart Thursday through Monday in the afternoon. If you're hoping to spend more time flying, consider the company's 45-minute Greater Bay Area Tour.

San Francisco Love Tours – The Love Tour

Price: From $85 Duration: 2 hours

Drive through the city in a classic Volkswagen hippie bus during this sightseeing tour. As you drive around to sites like Lombard Street and Golden Gate Park , you'll hear all about San Francisco history and listen to music. You'll also make two stops for photos to capture the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline. Reviewers rave about the knowledgeable guides and the nostalgic music choices and say this is a great way to spend a couple hours in San Francisco, especially on the first day of your trip.

Tours, which start and end near Fisherman's Wharf, are generally available daily at 8:30 and 11 a.m. as well as 2 and 5 p.m. The van can accommodate up to seven passengers. The company also runs a night tour.

Local Tastes of the City Tours – Tastes of Little Italy: North Beach San Francisco Food Tour

Price: Adults from $79; kids from $25 Duration: 3 hours

According to reviewers, this tour is a must for food and history lovers thanks to experienced guides who are engaging storytellers. Along the walking tour, you'll explore up to 10 blocks of North Beach (or "Little Italy"). Samples of the neighborhood's best pizza, pastries, coffee, chocolates and more are all included in the cost of the tour. Travelers say the portions are generous and recommend arriving to the tour hungry.

Tours are generally offered daily at 10:30 a.m. with an additional 2:30 p.m. tour available on select days. Still hungry? Consider the company's Chinatown tours.

Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Price: Adults from $63; kids from $53 Duration: 2 hours

If you're looking for a convenient way to visit the city's top attractions in one day, this hop-on, hop-off tour may be just the ticket. Big Bus lets riders disembark at any of its stops, explore the area and catch another bus when they're ready. Buses frequent stops every 15 minutes and visit more than 15 locations, including Presidio Park , Chinatown, the Embarcadero and even includes a ride over the Golden Gate Bridge. The entire tour lasts a little more than two hours, if you don't choose to disembark. All buses have open tops and prerecorded commentary available in six languages. Reviewers enjoy the educational commentary and the opportunity to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge in the open-top bus, but many warn that buses get crowded quickly. For access to maps and live bus tracking, heed the advice of past riders and download the Big Bus Tours smartphone app.

Big Bus San Francisco also offers night tours of the city, as well as upgraded tickets that include free bike rentals or tours of Muir Woods.

Gray Line San Francisco – Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

Price: Adults from $96; kids from $75 Duration: 5 hours

This half-day excursion from Gray Line San Francisco takes you to Muir Woods National Monument to see its beautiful redwood trees up close. After exploring the forest on your own for about 90 minutes, the tour continues to Sausalito, a charming town across the bay full of waterfront dining, shopping and art galleries. You'll have about an hour to explore on your own before boarding the bus back to San Francisco. For even more time in Sausalito, you can skip the bus and instead return to the city by ferry for an additional cost. Reviewers say the tour bus is comfortable and describe the driver as engaging and knowledgeable. Many recommend this tour if you do not want to navigate the traffic and parking headaches at Muir Woods.

Gray Line offers a variety of day trips from San Francisco, including trips to Sonoma , Napa Valley and Monterey .

Bay City Bike Rentals and Tours – Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito

Price: Adults from $75; kids from $55 Duration: 2 to 3 hours

See San Francisco by bike on this tour that guides you from Fisherman's Wharf to Sausalito. The trip takes two to three hours and covers 8 miles. After making your way along the waterfront, you'll pedal across the Golden Gate Bridge, stopping for photo-ops along the way. At the conclusion of the tour, you can either bike your way back to the city or opt to take the ferry from Sausalito to San Francisco for an additional fee. Tourgoers say guides are friendly and informative and the sights are beautiful.

Tours are open to all ages. From March through September, tours are available daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; tours are available daily at 10 a.m. the rest of the year. The company also offers a Streets of San Francisco Electric Bike Tour, among other options.

Courtesy of San Francisco Whale Tours

San Francisco Whale Tours – Golden Gate Whale Watch

Price: Adults from $96; kids from $72 Duration: 2.5 hours

Head into San Francisco Bay to catch sight of some of the many whales that pass through its waters with San Francisco Whale Tours. On the cruise, you may see humpback or gray whales, harbor seals, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds, depending on the time of year. You'll also get a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The tour does not include food, though you can bring your own, and you should bring warm clothes, including jackets, hats and gloves. Many tourists report seeing both gray and humpback whales and describe the crew as very friendly and respectful of the marine life.

Golden Gate Whale Watch tours are offered once or twice daily. The company also operates specialty cruises for popular seasonal events in San Francisco, such as Fleet Week and July Fourth fireworks.

Extranomical Tours – Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour

Price: Adults from $214; kids from $192 Duration: 15 hours

Once you've gotten your fill of the city, trek to one of California's incomparable natural wonders with a day trip to Yosemite National Park . During the daylong tour, you'll stop at Tuolumne Meadows to see the 2,000-year-old giant sequoia trees, then hit top stops like El Capitan , Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall . You'll also enjoy about two hours to explore on your own in Yosemite Valley. Buses, which pick up from most San Francisco hotels , are equipped with expert park guides who provide commentary along the way. Tourgoers appreciate the information provided by the guides and compliment the drivers for their attention to safety. Reviewers also rave about the scenery and say this is a great option if you don't have time for a multiday trip to Yosemite.

The trip departs every day of the year. Tickets do not include meals, but do cover the park entrance fee. Extranomical Tours offers a variety of city tours, as well as excursions to wine country and Monterey.

San Francisco Movie Tours – San Francisco Movie Sets & Locations Tour

Price: Adults from $67; kids from $44 Duration: 3 hours

Countless movies and TV shows have been filmed in San Francisco, and this bus tour highlights all the top filming locations. Knowledgeable actors-turned-guides lead the interactive tour, which takes you to filming locations for productions such as "The Princess Diaries," "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Full House." Throughout the trip, you'll see clips on big screens with surround sound of each movie or show as you arrive. Along the way, you'll see several of the city's most popular neighborhoods, including North Beach, Nob Hill, Golden Gate Park and Pacific Heights. Tourgoers describe it as a fun way to see the city and say guides are entertaining.

Tours are generally offered daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., though availability may vary by month.

The Haunt Ghost Tours – Ghost Hunting in Old San Francisco

Price: From $48 Duration: 90 minutes

According to reviewers, The Haunt Ghost Tours' outing is full of intriguing and spooky information told by engaging guides. The nighttime walking tour, which lasts up to 90 minutes, unveils the darker side of San Francisco history, including stories about Chinatown's history, documented hauntings and true crimes, while you hunt for spirits along the way with EMF meters – devices used to measure electromagnetic fields.

Tours meet nightly (exact times depend on the season) in the Jackson Square Historic District. Trips traverse less than a mile of downtown. Though the tour covers topics like hauntings and ghosts, the company says it is family-friendly and kids 4 and older require a ticket.

Adventure Cat Sailing Charters – San Francisco Bay Sail

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $35 Duration: 90 minutes

To feel a bay breeze and see San Francisco from a new perspective, climb aboard Adventure Cat's sailing catamaran. The cruise allows you to see the sights from inside the protected cabin or outside on a netted deck trampoline where you can feel the waves crashing beneath your feet. While you can't bring drinks on board, soda, beer and wine are available for purchase in the cabin bar. The company also provides an audio tour, which offers listeners information about key attractions as they sail by. Reviewers describe the cruise as fantastic, with many lauding the tour as their top experience in San Francisco. Others appreciate the excellent service provided by the crew.

Sails operate daily, but times vary by the season (know that Thursday to Sunday sails have a slightly higher fee per person). The company also offers sunset sails and Alcatraz combo tickets.

GoCar San Francisco

Price: From $286 Duration: 5 hours

Explore the city at your own pace with this GPS-guided talking car that provides directions and historical and cultural commentary as you follow the designated sightseeing route or branch off on detours, stopping for photo-ops or breaks as you please. The full-day option takes you to the Painted Ladies, Legion of Honor, the Marina District and more. A maximum of two people can fit inside the roofless, three-wheeled car and you must be at least 21 years old to drive it. The custom cars do not exceed a speed of 30 mph. Reviewers describe riding in the car as lots of fun and a unique way to see the city; they also assure that it's easy to drive.

The rental cost covers both passengers. A variety of routes and rental times are available daily.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best San Francisco Bus Tours
• The Best San Francisco Walking Tours
• The Best San Francisco Boat Tours
• The Best San Francisco Wine Tours
• The Top Things to Do in California

Tags: Tours , Travel , San Francisco , Vacations , California Vacations , US Vacations , U.S. West Vacations

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