3-Day Tour: San Francisco, Yosemite National Park and LA

The 3-Day Tour: San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, and Los Angeles offers a compact yet immersive experience across some of California’s most celebrated destinations. Priced at $420 per person, this itinerary is designed for travelers eager to cover San Francisco’s landmarks, enjoy a scenic drive along the 17-Mile Drive, and witness the breathtaking wilderness of Yosemite.

This tour spans approximately 3 days with a focus on efficiency, making it a good choice for those who want a taste of everything without extended travel. It includes hotel accommodations, transportation, and entrance fees for Yosemite and the 17-Mile Drive. While some reviews point out hidden fees and variable guide communication, the overall package is praised for its stellar sights and value for travelers willing to balance pace and comfort.

Key Points

• Affordable package at $420 covering three major California destinations
• Includes hotel stays, entrance fees for Yosemite and Pebble Beach, and professional transportation
• Day 1 highlights: The scenic 17-Mile Drive and Pebble Beach with stunning ocean views
• Day 2 features: Iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, with optional Bay Cruise
• Day 3 offers: A 3-hour visit to Yosemite, showcasing waterfalls and wilderness
• Reviews note long drives, some hidden fees, but impressive landmarks

Scenic Drive and Luxury at Pebble Beach and 17-Mile Drive

The tour begins with a departure from Los Angeles early in the morning, heading north toward the Monterey Peninsula. The highlight of this first day is the 17-Mile Drive, a famous scenic route along California’s coast. Passengers enjoy views of bizarre rock formations, the Lone Cypress, and Bird Rock, with plenty of photo opportunities.

A stop at The Lodge at Pebble Beach offers a chance to admire its luxurious resort setting and multimillion-dollar homes. The scenery here combines rugged coastline with prestigious golf courses, making it a perfect introduction to California’s coastal splendor. The entire drive costs admission-free but includes an hour at Pebble Beach for sightseeing.

Exploring San Francisco’s Most Famous Landmarks

On the second day, the tour shifts to San Francisco, a city known for its hilly streets and waterfront charm. The group visits the Golden Gate Bridge, a world-recognized icon with a 45-minute stop for photos and viewing. The outdoor Palace of Fine Arts follows, renowned for its spectacular architecture that makes it popular for weddings and photography.

Next, the Crookedest Street in the World, Lombard Street, offers a 45-minute experience with its eight hairpin turns and scenic surroundings. From here, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and Coit Tower.

The Fisherman’s Wharf area receives 2.5 hours for exploration, shops, and optional bay cruises. These cruises, which last about 90 minutes, provide scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Angel Island. The city tour continues with optional stops at Civic Center, Twin Peaks, and Treasure Island, culminating in a comprehensive view of the city’s neighborhoods and landmarks.

Yosemite National Park’s Natural Wonders

The third day is dedicated to Yosemite National Park, a world-famous natural wonder covering over 740,000 acres. The tour includes 3 hours inside the park, with highlights like waterfalls, deep valleys, meadows, and the tranquility of wilderness.

Traveling from San Francisco, the group visits Yosemite as a key feature of this trip, offering an opportunity to witness spectacular waterfalls and mountain vistas. The admission fee for Yosemite is included, ensuring easy access to its stunning landscapes.

A special note mentions that severe weather, including snow and ice, can lead to a change of plans, such as visiting Danish City instead of Yosemite, passing through Santa Barbara on the way back to Los Angeles.

Practicalities: Transportation, Hotels, and Group Size

The tour operates with professional transportation, typically using minivans, vans, or full-sized buses. It maintains a maximum group size of 55 travelers, promoting comfort and manageable sightseeing.

Guests stay in hotel accommodations for two nights, with rooms typically fitted with two full/double beds or one king/queen bed, accommodating up to four people per room. Hotel breakfast is included in the package.

The meeting point starts early at 6:45 am, with pick-up options available. Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, cash, and drinks for hydration. It’s important to update contact info before the tour to avoid missing the departure.

Tour Flexibility and Optional Activities

While the core itinerary is fixed, the Fisherman’s Wharf visit includes an optional Bay Cruise, which lasts about 90 minutes and requires an additional ticket purchase. The city in-depth tour is also optional, covering cathedrals, government buildings, and Twin Peaks; however, some reviews note disappointment with certain stops and long drives.

Tour timings and stops are subject to weather and traffic, with the operator reserving the right to adjust the schedule for safety and efficiency. The long drives between San Francisco and Yosemite mean some time is spent on transportation, which may affect those seeking more extended exploration at stops.

Cost, Hidden Fees, and Overall Value

The tour is priced at $420 per person, including entrance fees for Yosemite and the 17-Mile Drive, hotel stays, and transportation. However, some reviews mention hidden fees collected during the trip, primarily tips and additional attractions outside the core price.

Gratuities are not mandatory but are appreciated, and additional activities like the Bay Cruise are optional and chargeable separately. Travelers should be prepared for extra costs if they choose to participate in these activities.

Despite these considerations, the tour offers a cost-effective way to visit California’s iconic sights in a condensed timeframe. It is particularly suited for those who prefer organized tours with hotel accommodations and do not mind long drives.

Yosemite and San Francisco Tour with a Practical Approach

This 3-day trip balances scenic drives, city sightseeing, and nature. The landmarks like Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and Yosemite waterfalls are unmissable sights that make the journey worthwhile. The group size and included hotel add convenience, while the flexibility of optional activities offers some control over the experience.

While some reviews highlight disappointments with guide communication and hidden fees, the core attractions remain impressive, and the value for money is fair given the inclusive price.

This tour best suits travelers who want a well-organized overview of California’s highlights within a short timeframe, and who are comfortable with long bus rides. Those seeking more personalized or in-depth exploration may find the schedule a bit fast-paced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, provided they are comfortable with long drives.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, lunch and dinner are not included. The guide will suggest stops, and guests can choose where to eat.

What is the best time to book this tour?
The tour is usually booked about 49 days in advance on average, making early booking advisable to secure availability.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are permitted up to 6 days before the scheduled start for a full refund.

Are the attractions accessible for people with mobility issues?
The guide does not specify accessibility details, so travelers with special needs should inquire beforehand.

What should I bring for the Yosemite visit?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, cash, and hydration supplies for the day inside Yosemite.

Are the hotel rooms shared?
Yes, rooms typically accommodate 2-4 guests with either two full/double beds or one king/queen bed.

Is the tour suitable for seniors?
Most travelers can participate, including pregnant women under 24 weeks. However, physical comfort during long bus rides should be considered.

How long is the Yosemite stop?
You get about 3 hours within Yosemite, enough to see waterfalls, valleys, and enjoy the natural scenery.

What if the weather is bad?
Severe weather, such as snow or ice, may lead to itinerary changes, like visiting Danish City instead of Yosemite.

Can I book the tour with a specific pickup location?
Yes, but you should update your pickup details at least 3 days before to ensure proper arrangements.

Is there an age limit for participation?
Children under 6 must have a booster seat; there’s no age limit, but safety considerations should be kept in mind.