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Welcome to our captivating San Francisco tours, where a world of exploration awaits at every turn. Experience the allure of Napa and Sonoma on our Wine Country Tour, indulging in fine wines amidst stunning vineyards. Traverse the city's history and urban charm with our Alcatraz and City Tours, uncovering the mysteries of the infamous island and iconic landmarks. Immerse yourself in nature's wonders at Yosemite National Park and the ancient majesty of Muir Woods. Along the coastline, be enchanted by the allure of Monterey, Carmel, and the scenic 17 Mile Drive. And for a peaceful retreat, don't miss our tour to the idyllic town of Sausalito. Let us guide you on an unforgettable journey through the captivating beauty of San Francisco and its surrounding gems.

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Find a Reason to Go #Yosemite

One of the great natural wonders of the world, Yosemite National Park and its spectacular valley have an unforgettable impact on everyone who visits. Travel from San Francisco through California's agricultural Central Valley and into the Sierra Foothills where 49ers panned for gold.

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• About this activity

Yosemite National Park - Full Day Tour from San Francisco

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Yosemite National Park's breathtaking natural landscapes
• Scenic drive through the Sierra Nevada mountain range
• Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome & the Merced River
• Guided bus tour with plenty of photo stops and free time
• Convenient & comfortable transportation to Yosemite

Activity location

• Tioga Pass Road
• California, California, United States of America

Meeting/Redemption Point

• 478 Post Street
• 94102, San Francisco, California, United States of America

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

• Thu, Jun 27 -
• Fri, Jun 28 $215
• Sat, Jun 29 -
• Sun, Jun 30 -
• Mon, Jul 1 $215
• Tue, Jul 2 $215
• Wed, Jul 3 -
• Thu, Jul 4 $215
• Fri, Jul 5 $215
• Sat, Jul 6 $215
• Sun, Jul 7 $215
• Mon, Jul 8 -
• Tue, Jul 9 -
• Wed, Jul 10 $215
• Thu, Jul 11 $215

Full Day Tour

• Activity duration is 13 hours and 30 minutes 13h 30m 13h 30m

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach
• What's included What's included Driver-guide and commentary in English
• What's included What's included Yosemite National Park entrance fee
• What's included What's included Guided bus tour of Yosemite Valley and free time in Yosemite Valley
• What's included What's included Pick-up & drop-off from 2 departure zones, at walking distance from a majority of SF Hotels
• What's excluded What's excluded Other services not specified
• What's excluded What's excluded Gratuity is not included and is left to individual discretion
• What's excluded What's excluded Hotel Pick-up & drop-off

Know before you book

• Children 4 and younger are complimentary.
• The drive to Yosemite National Park takes roughly 3.5 - 5 hours depending on traffic, leaving you with free time to explore the park.
• Please select the departure location that is closest to you, and check in 15 minutes prior to departure time set.
• Departure point 1: 478 Post St. SF (Union Square Area) - Departs at 6:40 AM
• Departure point 2: 2805 Leavenworth St.(Fisherman's Wharf Area) - Departs at 6:20 AM

What you can expect

Experience the majesty of this world-famous National Park and join us as we take you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Yosemite Valley.

Take in some of the most breathtaking sights California has to offer in this one-day tour departing San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. Travel in comfort on a coach bus and enjoy a rest stop in the Central Valley where you can take an opportunity to grab a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park! Upon arriving at the National Park entrance, take a scenic drive through the park and enjoy a photo stop at one of Yosemite Valley's most famous viewpoints overlooking the entire Yosemite Valley, Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome. As you travel down to Yosemite Valley, get up close to El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls.

Next, enjoy free time in Yosemite Valley, where you can take in stellar views of North America's tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls, and hike to the base of the Lower Falls. Yosemite Valley offers various lunch opportunities, hiking trails, bike rentals, museums, and several stops to take advantage of the free shuttle service which will give you access to other parts of the park. This one-day tour allows you ample opportunities to see all Yosemite National Park has to offer.

• 2805 Leavenworth Street
• 94133, San Francisco, California, United States of America

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16 Fantastic National Parks Near San Francisco

W hen listing national park sites, San Francisco rarely comes up in the discussion. You may be surprised that the northern California city harbors many places managed by the National Park Service (NPS). 

How can places of such natural beauty or historical significance possibly elude your travel bucket list? Like the fog that spreads over the bay, it is a mystery. Let’s see if we can change that! We will outline 16 fantastic national parks near San Francisco for you to visit on your next California vacation.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

In the early 1970s, Congress added two urban expanses to the National Park System, one being the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). It stemmed from the idea of bringing national park sites closer to home for city dwellers.

The unique area offers nearly 81,000 acres of parklands, 758 historic structures, and 140 miles of trails. It is America’s largest national park unit in an urban setting.

You will likely need clarification when researching what sites comprise the GGNRA. Some significant attractions are listed solely under the GGNRA, while others technically under this unit receive individual recognition and a separate website. For our purposes, we will focus on two primary sites as part of the GGNRA:

Golden Gate Bridge

Alcatraz island.

We will recognize other significant sites separately in our list of national parks near San Francisco.

The Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937 and is still one of America’s most iconic landmarks. It was the world’s tallest and longest suspension bridge at the time. The beautiful engineering and architectural masterpiece measures 1.7 miles in length.

There are many ways to experience the bridge, from walking or driving across to viewing it from various vantage points around the city. If your schedule allows, observe the bridge from a few different locations. Each perspective is unique and beautiful. The different views are manageable since the bridge, and its surrounding scenery is breathtaking.

Thought to be an inescapable federal prison, “The Rock” has a lot of history. In addition to serving as a maximum security federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963, it also served as a fort and a lighthouse. The prison held some of the fiercest criminals ever known, including Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, Robert Stroud, “The Birdman of Alcatraz,” and Alvin “Creepy” Karpis.

The NPS partners with Alcatraz City Cruises, an independent company, to provide ferry rides for visitors to and from the island. Once on the island, you can tour the prison grounds and cells. The NPS offers an audio tour where you hear commentary from former prisoners, guards, and wardens. It brings the eerie prison halls to life as you explore.

You can imagine the cold, dark cells and narrow halls giving its captives a feeling of hopelessness. It is no wonder prisoners desperately wanted to escape. Thirty-four men made fourteen separate escape attempts. The most famous effort occurred in 1962 when Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin made it to the bay and were never found, presumably drowning.

In addition to exploring the prison, the island houses lush gardens and many waterbirds. It is an odd mix of natural beauty and haunting history. You gain excellent views of the bay, bridge, and city skyline. The whole experience is unique and not something you will find at any other national park site.

Fort Point National Historic Site

• Location: Building 999 Marine Drive, San Francisco, CA 94129
• Entrance Fee: $0
• Hours of Operation: Vary throughout the year

Note the hours of operation typically vary throughout the year. The park is generally open Friday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, fall through spring. In the summer, it usually expands to five days a week.

The Fort Point National Historic Site sits at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, providing a unique perspective of the engineering marvel. Although an excellent reason to visit, the park brings much more to the table with its rich history. The Civil War-era fortress is the only brick fort on America's West Coast. A critical defensive stronghold, the fort defended San Francisco Bay after California's famous Gold Rush through World War II. Engineers used the fort as their headquarters while building the Golden Gate Bridge in the 1930s.

The weathered Fort Point Lighthouse was built in 1864 and dutifully lit the shores until 1934. Eventually, the bridge towered over the beacon, blocking its light.

The fort proudly displays beautiful masonry within its thick walls and casemates. You can tour the fort alone or participate in a short ranger-guided tour and talk, where you learn about its history and significance. 

Visiting the park is well worth your time. With such close views of the architectural design of the bridge and fort, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the structures. While touring the fort's three levels, you will discover casemates, cannon mounts, cannons, soldier quarters, and the lighthouse. The top tier yields spectacular views of the bridge and San Francisco Bay.

Park rangers lead a unique candlelight tour on specific evenings. Note this tour requires a ticket purchase. Please visit the Fort Point site to verify general hours and tour availability before your visit.

Muir Woods National Monument

• Location: 1 Muir Woods Road, Mill Valley, CA 94941
• Entrance Fee: $15.00 per person ages 16 and up
• Hours of Operation: Open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Note that due to limited parking spaces, the park requires reservations for visitors regardless of entering the park by a personal vehicle or shuttle. The park also charges a fee for both parking and shuttle reservations . For standard cars, the cost is currently $9.00. Additional fees apply for vehicles 17 feet or longer. National park passes are accepted in place of the entrance fee but do not cover the parking and shuttle fee.

You may not bring pets into the park.

Muir Woods is a gorgeous park comprising giant redwood trees. Admittedly, the trees here are less significant than the coastal redwoods in Redwood National Park. However, Muir Woods still harbors massive trees and is one of America's most tranquil and beautiful settings.

The park houses six miles of trails with loop options for a half-hour, hour, and hour and a half. Accordingly, you can customize your experience based on time and fitness level. Most of the trails are level and consist of paved or boardwalk sections. Everything about the setup makes your experience relaxed and enjoyable. If you want to take an even longer hike, the park offers trails stretching into nearby Mount Tamalpais State Park.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

• Location: 2905 Hyde Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
• Entrance Fee: $15 per person ages 16 and up
• Hours of Operation: The pier is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Days.

Note the entrance fee applies to the Hyde Street Pier, where you can board historic vessels. All other areas of the park are free to visit. Each park section has its hours. Visit the park website to verify hours before your visit.

The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park sits in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood and comprises:

Hyde Street Pier

• Visitor center

Aquatic Park

• Maritime Museum 

Maritime Research Center

All attractions reside within a small area along the waterfront. Accordingly, walking is the best way to get around.

The park does not contain a public road or a parking lot. Although city streets are adjacent to the park, street parking is limited. So, get there early if you plan to drive. Public transportation is a good option. The turnaround for the Hyde Street cable car rests inside the park.

You can walk the docks and board some historic ships at Hyde Street Pier. The vessels date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many visitors find it a thrill to step aboard the boats, envisioning what life may have been like so long ago on the sea.

Visitor Center

The visitor center holds two must-see attractions. First, you will be greeted by a First Order Fresnel lighthouse lens as you enter the building. You may be surprised by its size and the number of prisms housed within the light. Second, the Waterfront Exhibit vividly depicts six different historical waterfront neighborhoods.

The Aquatic Park includes a lawn and a beach perfect for relaxing as you savor the bay and city views. It also contains a cove where boats can anchor in a protected location.

Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum sits in the Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building, built in 1939. It is reminiscent of an ocean liner. You will find murals and vibrant works of art portraying a strange underwater world.

The Maritime Research Center is a library with more than 35,000 books and periodicals dating from 1536 to the present. Its collections include maps and charts of the Pacific Basin and the West Coast.

Point Reyes National Seashore

• Location: 1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes, CA 94956
• Hours of Operation: Open daily from 6:00 am to midnight

Note the Point Reyes Lighthouse area, which sits west of the lighthouse visitor's center parking lot, closes at 10:00 pm.

Approximately a 1.5-hour drive north of San Francisco, you will discover a 71,055-acre park in Marin County along the Pacific coast. The rugged but beautiful park comprises lush forests, coastal grasslands, dunes, beaches, and historic structures. It teems with wildlife, including many birds and fish, elephant seals, migrating gray whales, and tule elk. The rural setting feels worlds apart from the urban park sites closer to downtown San Francisco.

Point Reyes houses three visitor centers where you can learn about the park's trails, roads, and history:

• Bear Valley Visitor Center
• Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitor Center
• Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center

With 80 miles of shoreline, you will discover many beaches to explore. Some are sandy and perfect for walking, while others are rocky and better suited for tide pooling. 

Ocean kayaking along the open coast is a unique way to experience the park for those with the proper experience. Most visitors choose to kayak in the calmer waters of Tomales Bay.

For those who enjoy hiking, the park offers beautiful trails through Douglas fir forests and rolling coastal hillsides with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Suppose you love long hikes and trekking through the Phillip Burton Wilderness. When you emerge from the forest onto the southern end of Wildcat Beach, you will discover an absolute gem. Alamere Falls, a 40-foot waterfall, gushes over a cliff, spilling onto the beach. 

Note that Alamere Falls is a minimum of a 13-mile round-trip hike. It is also dangerous in spots as it passes along the edges of cliffs and occasionally experiences coastal erosion.

Wildlife Watching

Many visitors hope to see elephant seals, whales, or elk. Although it is possible to observe elephant seals year-round, the best time is December through March. Chimney Rock, situated at the eastern spur of the Point Reyes Headlands, is an excellent place to spot elephant seals, birds, and wildflowers. Its namesake trail takes you along the ridge crest of a narrow peninsula, yielding views of Drakes Bay. 

The headlands of the Point Reyes Peninsula provide one of the best places to view whales. Although you can see gray whales when migrating south, they pass closer to the shore when they migrate north from March through May. 

Head to Tomales Point at the northern end of the national seashore for your best chances to spot tule elk. A large herd roams in a 2,600-acre area called the Tule Elk Reserve. You can find them year-round, but August through October is the rut season.

Point Reyes Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. It sits at the westernmost end of the headlands. Although only 20 miles from Bear Valley Station, the drive takes 45 minutes to an hour. 

The historic lighthouse safely guided mariners from 1870 to 1975. You must descend 313 stairs to reach the lighthouse. The weather is typically cool and windy and often foggy or rainy. On the way out, you must climb those same stairs!

Note the park only opens the stairs to the lighthouse when the Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitor Center is open, and wind speeds remain below 40 miles per hour.

Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park

• Location: 1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000, Richmond, CA 94804
• Hour of Operation: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Days

If you are looking for a park steeped in history, you found it. Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park honors the sacrifices made by our men and women on the home front during World War II. In particular, the park pays homage to the efforts of women and African Americans.

The park sits 19 miles northeast of downtown San Francisco in an industrial warehouse along Richmond's waterfront. Admittedly, it is not the typical image that comes to mind when you think of national parks. Do not judge this book by its cover. The park is about the history and honoring those who often get overlooked. There is plenty to explore here.

Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center

The visitor center offers excellent videos, displays, and interactive exhibits. Rangers and docents can answer questions and guide you to other park attractions. On most Fridays at 10:30 and 11:30, you can meet with real home front workers from the war. Visit the Rosie the Riveter website to verify hours.

Ford Assembly Plant

Workers converted the plant into a tank depot during the war, one of only three in the United States. Every combat vehicle in World War II got processed in one of these facilities.

Rosie the Riveter Memorial

Visit the Rosie Memorial in Marina Bay Park, where you will find abstract sculptures resembling ships assembled by shipyard workers. It is the park's centerpiece.

Shipyard No. 3

You can see the remaining historic buildings of World War II Shipyard No. 3, including the cafeteria, first aid station, forge, machine shop, warehouse, and paint shop. "Rosies" welded parts together at the five dry docks as part of an assembly line to build ships.

SS Red Oak Victory

Visit the last surviving ship of 747 vessels built at the Richmond Kaiser Shipyards during World War II. You can tour the ship on Sundays between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Visit the Red Oak Victory site for details.

John Muir National Historic Site

• Location: 4202 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez, CA 94553
• Hours of Operation: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Days.

To say John Muir significantly influenced our national parks would be an understatement. Finding anyone who impacted our current national park system more than John Muir is challenging. Accordingly, he is known as "The Father of the National Park Service." 

Muir was a naturalist, conservationist, and co-founder of the Sierra Club. While exploring the wilderness, Muir fell in love with the natural beauty of our lands. He believed in it so much that he convinced our government to protect these sacred places so future generations could enjoy them. If not for Muir, we may not have places like Yosemite National Park.

This national park site pays tribute to the man and his life's work.

The park's visitor center is a 45-minute drive northeast of downtown San Francisco. Watch a fantastic 20-minute film on Muir's life and legacy. After the movie, take an audio tour with 12 stops throughout the grounds. Although not part of the audio tour, you can explore Muir's home, a 17-room Victorian mansion with over 10,000 square feet of floor space.

Hiking and Exploring

The Muir family used much of the land for their fruit farm. John maintained a 326-acre section outside the orchards as an escape where he could take nature walks with his two daughters, Wanda and Helen. He named the area Mount Wanda.

You can hike and explore the lovely area of meadows and rolling hills. The trailhead is located 0.25 miles from the visitor center and has a parking lot. 

Although the name implies there is a mountain, it is a series of hills. The peaceful area has lovely views, providing an excellent opportunity for a stroll or an extensive walk for exercise. You can bring a leashed pet in this area.

The park offers seasonal programs and tours in Mount Wanda, including wildflower walks, campfire programs, bird walks, and full moon walks.

Enjoy a relaxing picnic under the redwood and pecan trees in the historic orchards or on Mount Wanda. Both are fantastic.

Family Gravesite Tour

The Muir family gravesite is open to pedestrians and bicyclists from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. When staff is available, rangers lead site tours on Saturday and Sunday. These tours require a reservation.

Visit the park website for details about Mount Wanda and family gravesite tours.

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

• Location: 440 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 300, Richmond, CA 94804
• Entrance fee: $0
• Hours of Operation: The San Francisco administrative office is generally open 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday

Juan Bautista De Anza led 240 men, women, and children on an extensive journey from 1775 to 1776 to establish the first non-native settlement at San Francisco Bay. The Anza Trail spans 1,200 miles, connecting historical, cultural, and recreation sites from Nogales, Arizona, to San Francisco, revealing the legacy of our Spanish colonial heritage. 

Note that the NPS manages each site along the trail independently. The only permanent exhibit for the path rests at the Martinez Adobe in the John Muir National Historic Site. It is currently closed for structural repairs.

The NPS is developing a 1,200-mile non-motorized recreation trail by connecting certified trail segments. To date, the NPS has completed nearly 300 miles of the course.

So, in the meantime, how can you experience the trail? You can take an auto tour that closely tracks the Juan Bautista de Anza Historic Trail. Or, you can try the Trails & Rails experience. The NPS has partnered with Amtrak, where you can ride the Coast Starlight train between Santa Barbara and San Jose on summer weekends while enjoying the scenery and learning about the trail's history.

Visit the park website to learn more about your options.

Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site

• Location: 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville, CA 94526
• Hours of Operation: Open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Wednesday through Sunday

Note the park is closed Monday and Tuesday.

About 45 minutes east of downtown San Francisco, you can visit the home of Eugene O'Neill, America's first playwright to win a Nobel Prize for literature. He wrote some of his most noteworthy plays in this house, including:

• A Moon of the Misbegotten
• The Iceman Cometh
• Long Day's Journey Into Night

Tours every day except Saturday require a reservation. Regardless of which day you visit, you can only access the park site by an NPS shuttle bus. Tours depart at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm from The Museum of the San Ramon Valley (205 Railroad Avenue). There is no cost for the park entrance, the shuttle ride, or the tour.

The park recommends you allow two hours for your tour and that you schedule at least two weeks in advance to secure a spot. Visit the Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site for tour information and availability.

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

• Location: 4202 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez, CA 94553 (shuttle pickup address)
• Hours of Operation: Access is available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

Although not well known, the park marks a critical moment in America's history. The site, known as the Port Chicago explosion, is the location of the worst home front disaster during World War II. On July 17, 1944, two fully loaded ammunition ships exploded instantly, taking the lives of 320 sailors and civilians, injuring about 400 others, and seriously damaging the pier, two cargo ships, and the town of Port Chicago.

The naval magazine was constructed after the attack on Pearl Harbor and quickly became the Navy's largest ammunition shipment facility on the West Coast. Due to the demand for war materials, America called for mobilizing all citizens, including women and African Americans.

Most soldiers who died in the explosion comprised young African Americans in segregated work units. In the aftermath, 258 surviving sailors refused to return to work due to unsafe conditions and racial discrimination. Fifty were charged and convicted of mutiny, sparking public protests. 

The incident led to military desegregation and helped inspire the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial honors those who lost their lives and is recognized as a pioneering site in the racial integration of our armed services.

You can tour the site to learn about the incident and its aftermath. There are several things you need to know before attempting to visit the park:

• The tour is free
• It is on an active military base
• You can only enter the site on an NPS shuttle bus
• Tours occur only on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
• Tours require a reservation at least two weeks in advance
• You can catch the shuttle bus at the John Muir National Historic Site (4202 Alhambra Avenue)
• You must be a U.S. citizen and will need to show a government-issued ID upon arrival
• The tour takes approximately 90 minutes

Visit the Port Chicago Naval Magazine site for information and to make reservations.

National Parks Within a Few Hours of San Francisco

So far, all the parks on our list reside within the greater San Francisco Bay Area and consist of national park sites, historical parks, trails, national seashores, and memorials. If you venture a few hours outside of San Francisco, you can visit some of America's best full-fledged national parks.

Pinnacles National Park

• Location: 5000 East Entrance Road, Paicines, CA 95043
• Entrance Fee: $30 per car
• Hours of Operation: 24-hour access to trails on the East side; 7:30 am to 8:00 pm on the West side

A 3-hour drive south of San Francisco, Pinnacles National Park is known for rocky spires and talus caves. The two most popular activities are hiking and bird watching. 

Although a small park, it offers 30 miles of hiking trails through grasslands and caves. You gain surreal views of those rocky spires as you explore the park.

The park houses many bird species, including yellow-billed magpie, greater roadrunner, canyon wren, California thrasher, prairie falcon, northern flicker, California quail, wild turkey, and red-shouldered hawk.  

When it comes to birding, many visitors hope to spot the endangered California condor, the largest land bird in North America with a wingspan of up to 9.5 feet. The park is a release and management site to protect the birds. Head to the High Peaks area early morning or evening to have the best odds of spotting California Condors.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Location: 38050 Highway 36 East, Mineral, CA 96063 (park headquarters)
• Hours of Operation: The park is always open but may have limited access due to snow from November through May

A 4-hour drive north of San Francisco, Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for volcanoes, steaming fumaroles, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows. The seasons significantly impact your visit, but the park is gorgeous year-round. Popular activities in winter include sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Summer brings hiking, biking, and scenic drives along the alluring 30-mile Lassen Volcanic National Highway.

Bumpass Hell Trail is the park's most popular hike. Typically only open in summer and fall, the trail takes you through the park's most significant hydrothermal area, where you can see steaming fumaroles and bubbling mud pots. 

The park harbors beautiful lakes with many reflecting picture-perfect mountains. Visit Emerald Lake and Lake Helen, two surreal alpine lakes with crystal-clear water. For a very different lake, check out Boiling Springs Lake. It is sea green in color, 125 degrees, and flanked by bubbling mud pots.

Lassen Volcanic National Park often gets overlooked for one of its best features. It has minimal light pollution, making it an excellent place for stargazing.

Yosemite National Park

• Location: 9305 Village Drive, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389 (Yosemite Valley Visitor Center)
• Entrance Fee: $35 per car
• Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Note that Hetch Hetchy is only open during the day. Some roads get closed due to snow from November through May or June.

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park is a 4-hour drive east of San Francisco. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, and ancient giant sequoias. It is a treasure trove of natural wonders.

The gorgeous park spans more than 748,000 acres, offering much to explore. Yosemite Valley houses some of its most iconic landmarks, including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. You could spend days here, never tiring of the breathtaking scenery.

Popular activities in the park include hiking, backpacking , rock climbing, and viewing wildlife. Animal inhabitants include black bears, deer, Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, red foxes, Pacific fishers, and mountain lions. Whether you seek thrilling outdoor adventures or desire to relax in nature, you cannot go wrong with a visit to Yosemite National Park.

Redwood National and State Parks

• Location: 1111 Second Street, Crescent City, CA 95531 (park headquarters)
• Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours a day, year-round

Note park entry is free but Jedediah Smith Campground and Gold Bluffs Beach & Fern Canyon each charge a day-use fee.

A 6 to 6.5-hour drive north of San Francisco, Redwood National Park is home to some of the tallest trees on the planet. The park is managed jointly by the NPS and three state parks:

• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
• Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

The entire park is about 50 miles, end to end. Walk under coastal redwoods stretching to the sky in a forest more beautiful and quiet than you can imagine. If you ever wanted to get lost in the woods, it is the place.

The two most popular activities are hiking and scenic drives. Both are magnificent. 

Scenic Drives

Although the park has many roads with great views, drive along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. The road is wide with gentle, sweeping curves through the giant coastal redwoods. You will discover many places to stop and explore.

The park houses many excellent hiking trails to walk under the redwoods. Many visitors love Tall Trees Grove and Fern Canyon, featured in the film, The Lost World: Jurassic Park . Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Stout Grove Trail, Grove of Titans, and Boy Scout Tree Trail provide an equally rewarding experience.

For those who enjoy watching wildlife, Roosevelt elk inhabit the park. Although not as big as moose, these elk can exceed 1,000 pounds. Head to Elk Prairie, Elk Meadow, or Gold Bluffs Beach for your best chances of a sighting.

You may be surprised to hear the park offers tide pooling. The park, stretching along the coast, encompasses alluring beaches. You can search for sea stars, other aquatic plants, and animals at low tide.

Battery Point Lighthouse sits in the park, perched on an island at high tide. You can cross a land bridge during low tide to visit the lighthouse. Keep your eyes and ears open while exploring the lighthouse. Sea lions and seals regularly hang out in this area.

Kings Canyon

• Location: 83918 CA-180, Grant Grove Village, CA 93633 (Kings Canyon Visitor Center)
• Entrance Fee: $35 per car (fee also covers entry to Sequoia)
• Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours a day, year-round. Some park roads close in winter.

Note that due to road damage caused by winter storms and flooding, Kings Canyon National Park is currently closed as of the date of this post. The NPS hopes to open the park in April 2023. Visit the official park website for details.

You will often find Kings Canyon and Sequoia listed together. Although jointly managed, they are separate parks.

A 4-hour drive southeast of San Francisco, Kings Canyon National Park rests in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The park is known for its towering granite walls and behemoth sequoia trees. It holds some of the world's largest trees by volume and houses natural wonders similar to Yosemite National Park.

The park's main attraction is the General Grant tree in Grant Grove. It is the second-largest tree by trunk volume at 46,608 cubic feet.

Hiking and exploring the sequoia groves comprise the park's most popular activities. You will find plenty of trails to enjoy the granite rock formations and surreal forests, whether you aim for a short nature walk or a more challenging trek. Granite domes and cliffs provide plenty of rock climbing opportunities for those seeking a more intense adventure.

If you desire to observe wildlife, mule deer, black bears, and Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep inhabit the park.

Sequoia National Park

• Location:47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 93271 (Foothills Visitor Center)
• Entrance Fee: $35 per car (fee also covers entry to Kings Canyon)

Note that due to road damage caused by winter storms and flooding, Sequoia National Park is closed as of this post's date. The NPS hopes to open the park in April 2023. Visit the official park website for details.

You will often find Sequoia and Kings Canyon listed together. Although jointly managed, they are separate parks.

A 5-hour drive southeast of San Francisco, Sequoia National Park sits in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The park is renowned for having some of the world's largest trees. Its namesake trees may not be as tall as coastal redwoods, but sequoias grow more significant in diameter.

The park's main attraction is the General Sherman tree in the aptly named Giant Forest. It is the largest tree by trunk volume at 52,508 cubic feet.

Hiking and exploring the groves of giant trees are the park's most popular activities. The beautiful forests typically mesmerize guests, overwhelming them with their size and beauty.

Drive through the Tunnel Log, a fallen tree in Giant Forest with a tunnel 17 feet wide and 8 feet high. It puts in perspective the size of these magnificent trees.

Visit Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park if your schedule allows it. The parks sit next to each other, and the entrance fee covers both parks. A visit to each is well worth your time.

Wrap-Up: National Parks Near San Francisco

A surprise to many, the San Francisco Bay Area houses beautiful and historic sites managed by the NPS. Each park site offers a unique and rewarding experience. After riding a cable car and crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, visit the fantastic national parks near San Francisco. Then you will be in a golden state of mind.

Featured image credit: Eleonora Patricola

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A first-time guide to Yosemite National Park

Jun 26, 2024 • 10 min read

Yosemite is a wonderland of adventures, but don't leave without seeing at least one waterfall © gnohz / Shutterstock

Surrounded by Yosemite ’s waterfalls, cliffs and ageless mountains, you truly feel in nature’s thrall. Are the crowds, camping reservations and hiking permit lotteries – all side-effects of the park’s 4 million annual visitors – a headache? Of course. Are Yosemite’s technicolor meadows and vast, abyssal valleys worth it? Ten times over. 

More than a national park, Yosemite is a milestone in the story of conservation in the United States. The signing of the Yosemite Grant by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864 is one of the earliest examples of land in the US being preserved and safeguarded as a public good, which paved the way for the national parks system. The activism and lyrical writing of John Muir further embedded Yosemite in the public consciousness; he described it as "the grandest of all the special temples of Nature".

If it’s your first time in Yosemite, you might be inspired to wax poetic, too. You might equally be left tongue-tied by the sheer scale of its 1187 sq miles of forests, coursing rivers and granite domes.

Here’s how to get started on your first-ever foray into Yosemite National Park. 

When should I go to Yosemite National Park?

No hyperbole: Yosemite is truly a year-round destination, large and varied enough to keep outdoor-lovers busy even during low season. It’s most popular from spring to fall, with heightened popularity in midsummer. 

Unpredictable snow conditions mean the start of spring hiking season varies by the year. But by May, waterfalls are at their magnificent best. Now’s the time to head for 2425ft Yosemite Falls , ideally hiking the tough 3.4-mile trail to the top, and checking out mighty, multi-cascade Sentinel Falls (1920ft) and Ribbon Fall (1612ft). 

Peak visiting times, including summer, require preparation. Park reservations are essential from July 1 to mid-August, and on weekends and holidays in spring (mid-April to the end of June) and late summer to fall (mid-August to late October). Check the exact date restrictions and book your pass on the park website . If you don’t have a reservation, set your alarm: you’ll need to enter the park before 5am.

Winter is much quieter, with snow-hushed forests and lighter crowds to compensate for some road closures (like up to Glacier Point, usually closed off from November to early June). But crowds assemble in February for the Yosemite Firefall , when Horsetail Falls are bathed in burnished light, transforming into an infernal cascade that tumbles down the face of El Capitan. On clear days, head to the El Capitan Picnic Area toward twilight to see the spectacle. 

How much time should I spend in Yosemite National Park?

You could easily spend a month exploring Yosemite’s trails without tripping over the same boulder twice. But with careful planning you can make the most of a few days – or even 12 hours. 

With just one day, you can hit Yosemite’s epic sights on a driving tour and still have enough time for one or two short hikes or bike rides. Head straight to Yosemite Valley, with a stop at iconic Tunnel View to feel vicarious vertigo as you watch climbers making their way up El Capitan.

Rent a bike through Yosemite’s bike-sharing scheme and pedal part-way to Mirror Lake. Back at your car, drive up to Glacier Point for astounding views of Half Dome and yawning Tenaya Canyon.

If you have two days, earn those views by hiking to Glacier Point along the Four Mile Trail. But in late spring, you should devote your second day to the Vernal & Nevada Falls Trail instead, a day-loop of rainbow-spangled waterfalls.  

A third day gives you enough time to get under the park’s skin. Spend the morning on a half-day hike in Yosemite Valley, maybe the Cook’s Meadow Loop or Yosemite Falls Trail. Then check out Native American baskets at the Yosemite Museum and see the park through a photographer’s lens at the Ansel Adams Gallery .

Got longer? Lucky you: go deeper into the park on overnight hikes. The holy grail is the strenuous 16-mile Half Dome trail, assuming you’re fortunate enough to get a permit. For a tour de force of the park, the Vogelsang Pass Loop (27 miles) gives you exquisite access to the Cathedral Range, in all its granite glory.

Is it easy to get in and around Yosemite National Park?

Yosemite is hugely popular, especially from April to early October, so prepare to join the traffic. It’s possible (and highly recommended) to visit without a car by taking a Yarts bus ; lines travel from Mammoth Lakes east of the park, Sonora and Merced to the west, and from Fresno (via Oakhurst) to the south. Once you’re in the park, efficient free shuttle services ferry travelers between visitor centers and trailheads.

If you’re self-driving between spring and early fall, it’s essential to plan. Not only does that mean booking a reservation and getting up as early as you can, you should also fill your tank well before you arrive: gas prices just outside the park are astronomical. Once you’re in, be prepared for serpentine roads with hair-raising views and full car parks (tip: get to Glacier Point’s parking lot before 9am). If you’re driving an RV, park outside Yosemite and travel in by bus.

Self-driving becomes less stressful in late fall, when reservation restrictions drop. But there’s a different set of considerations between winter and early spring (November to April): the High Sierra’s fickle weather. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires (or carry chains, and know how to put them on).

Top things to do in Yosemite National Park

Get as high as you can! Yosemite is all about epic scale so meet these granite domes eye to eye at lofty viewpoints like Glacier Point or better yet, hiking trails that climb to scenic overlooks. If you didn’t win the Half Dome hiking lottery, then the Sentinel Dome & Taft Point Trail is no consolation prize: near-4000ft cliffs are the spine-tingling conclusion to this 5.1-mile (oneway) hike. 

Don’t depart without seeing a waterfall, especially in late spring or early summer. Bridalveil Fall , a 620ft cascade that billows in the breeze, is one of the most popular; it’s a short stroll from the parking lot (Wawona Road & Southside Drive). But we love the Yosemite Falls loop hike (7.2 miles round-trip), complete with tough inclines and bracing clouds of waterfall mist.

Then there’s Tuolumne Meadows, the High Sierra’s largest sub-alpine meadow, which usually opens sometime in May. It’s a tapestry of sapphire-blue lakes, lush grasslands and (in spring and summer) a profusion of flowers, all laced with long and short trails. For a short but sweet hike, the Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge Trail is an easy 1.5 mile route. There are more substantial hikes too, like the John Muir Trail to Lyell Canyon (8 miles one-way).  

My favorite thing to do in Yosemite National Park

Once I’m giddy from the beauty of Yosemite’s major sights, I love heading onto quieter trails around Wawona. Rambles like the easy Wawona Meadow Loop and the tough but glorious Chilnualna Falls access a dreamy side of the park that many travelers skip. It’s also near Mariposa Grove , and I’m a sucker for gigantic sequoias. Along the Grizzly Giant Loop Trail (2 miles) I like to crane my neck upwards and marvel at oddities like the Clothespin Tree and the California Tunnel Tree…don’t resist, just take the selfie!  

How much money do I need for Yosemite National Park?

Basic costs like entry fees, food and in-park accommodation are comparable to other national parks around the US. Keep costs under control by camping in groups and avoiding last-minute peak season hotels and gas stations close to the park. In late fall, there are accommodation bargains in gateway towns.

• park entry fee per car/person: $35/20
• round-trip bus fare from Oakhurst to Yosemite Valley: $28
• tacos at the Meadow Grill: $10
• tent site within the park: $24-36
• basic double room at Wawona Hotel: $154
• dinner buffet at The Ahwanee Dining Room adult/child: $32/14.50
• Ansel Adams Gallery photography walk: free
• 1hr Glacier Point starry skies program: $20
• double room in Oakhurst: $180-250

Do I need a reservation to enter Yosemite National Park?

If you’re traveling at peak times then yes, you need to reserve your Yosemite trip in advance. This includes every day from July to mid-August, and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between mid-April and the end of June, and from mid-August to late October. Park authorities implemented the system in an attempt to stem the worsening traffic and the environmental impact of the high visitor numbers. Make reservations on the park website . 

What is the best entrance to Yosemite National Park?

Enter the west side of the park through Arch Rock entrance (Hwy 140) or Big Oak Flat (Hwy 120 W) or arrive from the east at Tioga Pass (Hwy 120 E). If you’re traveling from the south, the South Entrance is just north of Fish Camp town (Hwy 41). The furthest entrance north is at Hetch Hetchy (Hwy 120), just watch out for seasonal road closures.  

What are the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park?

Campgrounds in Yosemite are a glorious way to awaken surrounded by the natural majesty and there are 13 to choose from. Favorites include scenic Upper Pines and ideally located Bridalveil Creek Campground , but every single campsite is in hot demand; the best campsite is the one you successfully book. Note that some camps may be off-limits in and around Yosemite Valley during floods in May and June, increasing the competition for spots. 

You can also stay in nearby towns. Yosemite Bug Resort , 27 miles from Yosemite Valley, has a range of dorm beds, tent cabins and en-suite rooms at a campsite dating to the 1930s. Charming Mariposa town and Oakhurst, with a lineup of chain hotels and motels, are also convenient for day trippers at around one hour’s drive from the park.

How do I reserve a campsite in Yosemite National Park?

Expect to be hitting "refresh" repeatedly on the recreation.gov website. Sites become available one or two weeks ahead of time, typically at 7am PST, so set your alarm and make sure you’re logged in…options disappear in minutes, sometimes seconds! There is high demand for sites right from the start of camping season in April until October. The reservation system eases off between late fall and early spring: campgrounds like Hodgdon Meadow, Wawona and popular Camp 4 turn into first-come, first-served camping grounds. 

How can I visit Yosemite National Park sustainably?

Intensifying wildfires, storms and droughts are taking their toll on Yosemite and its surrounding wilderness. Meanwhile increasing footfall in the park puts Yosemite at risk of soil erosion and other damage. But there are ways to minimize your impact: visit in low season, use buses instead of a car, and if you are driving, go slowly (those Red Bear-Dead Bear signs throughout the park are a reminder!) Food should always be stored in bear canisters to ensure you aren’t tempting native black bears to become dependent on human food. 

You can even orient your entire trip around protecting Yosemite. The park has drop-in volunteer days , usually on Earth Day (April) and in mid-August, or you can join Yosemite Climbing Association’s Facelift project . If you have a month or more, volunteer positions from researchers and campground attendants are advertised on the NPS website .  

How can I avoid the crowds in Yosemite National Park?

Avoid weekends if you can, when crowds are biggest. Try to avoid the worst of the traffic by arriving very early (before 5am) and staying until golden hour (just before twilight): great for photography, and even better for avoiding the exodus from the park before 4pm. 

What should I wear and pack in Yosemite National Park? 

Whether you’re traveling in early spring or late fall, you should pack sunblock and warm layers for your trip to Yosemite National Park. Sunburn happens fast on high-elevation hikes, even outside of peak summer, and sudden cold snaps happen year-round. And trust us, don’t drink water straight from streams and lakes, no matter how sparkling-clean it looks; pack water purification tablets or a Steripen instead. 

This article was first published Feb 17, 2023 and updated Jun 26, 2024.

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Yosemite National Park Day Tour

Experience one of the great natural wonders of the world, yosemite national park, experience the majesty of the world-famous yosemite national park and join us as we take you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of yosemite valley. choose from a full-day trip with us or one-way transportation from san francisco to yosemite or from yosemite to san francisco.

• 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.
• Driver­-guide and commentary.
• Yosemite National Park entrance fee.
• Guided bus tour of Yosemite Valley and plenty of photo opportunity stops and free time.
• Rest stops.
• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and drinks
• Hotel Pick-up and Drop off

Essential Information

• GrayLine of San Francisco is not responsible for any cancellations or modifications of tours due to weather conditions, road hazards, vehicle breakdowns, or other unforeseen conditions that may hinder the ability for the tour to take place as scheduled. We reserve the right to cancel or modify any trip due to any circumstances that are beyond our control such as: weather conditions, mechanical breakdowns, extremely high visitor concentrations in the Yosemite National Park during the busy season, resulting in extended traffic delays, as well as extremely limited or no parking availability on site.
• The Yosemite tour takes all day. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and bring 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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