Overview

You can enjoy wonderful and unique sights when coming to the northern California region, because the distance from San Francisco to Yosemite is so short and you can take in both locations with ease. A Yosemite Tour from San Francisco may be just the ticket. Enjoy the steep hills of the city, the famous foggy days as clouds roll in from the water, then travel to one of the most famous national parks in the US to experience the amazing natural wonders waiting for you there.

Location

San Francisco is in northern California, along the coast of the state at the Pacific Ocean.

Services/Amenities

You will find the perfect lodging here in San Francisco, no matter your preference. You can rent a comfortable room at a small Bed & Breakfast, find a quaint inn or choose a hotel or motel near the ocean.

Dining in San Francisco is a marvelous experience. You can find some delicious Chinese dishes in China Town. The choices are endless in this large city on the Bay.

Activities

• Hiking
  A multitude of hiking trails exist in and around the city, both short and long. Many trails are less than one mile, such as the Lobos Creek Trail, where you can move along a loop interpretive trail in the Presidio. Want to see the San Francisco hills? Take a loop hike to the city’s tallest hill with some wonderful views. Longer hikes are also fun, such as the Crissy Field hike, an out-and-back hike of 3.3 miles through the Presidio and under the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Beach Activities
  One of the largest beaches around San Francisco, Ocean Beach offers you a panoramic view of the Pacific. Although it can get crowded, joining the surfers, joggers and artists on this magnificent beach is a great respite from the bustle of the big city.
• Yosemite Tours from San Francisco
  You can hop aboard a nice motor coach and take a relaxing ride to Yosemite, so you can take in the amazing sights of these 1200 square miles of national park. Visit the Yosemite Valley; see waterfalls, flowered meadows and Giant Sequoias.

Attractions

• Alcatraz
  Until 1963, this was the home to America’s most notorious criminals. Today it sits off alone in the Bay, a mysterious place that now is the home to many rare flowers, plants and thousands of sea birds. A tour of this old prison is truly a unique experience.
• Cable cars
  If you want to take a historic ride, take the San Francisco cable cars to your favorite spots in the city. You’ll never forget the trip.
• Fisherman's Wharf
  There are many fun activities for the whole family at Fisherman’s Wharf, including having a lunch of fresh clam chowder purchased from one of the sidewalk vendors. In the daytime, enjoy the antics of the many street performers, including musicians, magicians, clowns and jugglers.
• Aquarium of the Bay
  You can walk with the sharks at the Aquarium of the Bay, getting up close to some of the most fascinating marine animals you’ve ever seen. When you get a hands-on encounter, you will know that this visit was well worth the stop.

Getting Here

To get to Yosemite from San Francisco, take US 101 across the Bay Bridge on Interstate 80 east and then take the California Highway 24 exit onto Interstate 580 east. When you get to Interstate 205, take it east toward Stockton. Get onto Interstate 5 north and take exit 461 and get on California Highway 99 south. Follow the signs to Yosemite. Highway 140 will take you right to the park. It’s a trip of about 3 ½ hours.