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San Francisco Viewing points

Our most recommended San Francisco Viewing points

San Francisco: Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias Hike

1. San Francisco: Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias Hike

Experience both the Yosemite Valley and the Giant Sequoia Walk on this day tour. See why artists and poets have been inspired for generations by the breathtaking sceneries at the national park. Since 1890, the beautiful Yosemite National Park has been the jewel of America's National Parks, possessing some of the best-known landmarks in the world, such as the tallest waterfall in North America, Yosemite Falls. Have 5 to 6 hours to explore the stunning national park, and take in the majestic natural wonders, accompanied by a complimentary audio-guided tour. See the spectacular Half Dome and El Capitan, two of the most frequently climbed cliffs in the world. It is also home to several groves of stunning Giant Sequoia trees, the largest trees on earth. The Giant Sequoia Walk is along 1 mile (1.5 km) of paved trail with a 400 ft (120 m) incline, snow depth permitting. On a group tour, view stunning panoramas, go on walks, and even hike a little, before returning to San Francisco. Or if you prefer, upgrade to a private tour for your group only.

From San Francisco: Yosemite National Park Full-Day Trip

2. From San Francisco: Yosemite National Park Full-Day Trip

Spend an active, fun-filled day learning why Yosemite is one of America’s most popular national parks. Hike through the park with an experienced guide and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature on this tour. Start off by making your way east from San Francisco and heading across the Bay Bridge. Continue toward the Sierras and into the mountains. Learn about California’s rich history as you pass through some of the first settlements built during the Gold Rush. Arrive in Yosemite National Park for a 2.5-mile round-trip hike to see the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. Be prepared for a strenuous hike, descending 400 feet into the grove, before turning around and trekking back up. Next, cruise into the famous Yosemite Valley to take in views of Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome, and more. Capture breathtaking photos at Tunnel View and take in the eastern expanse of Yosemite Valley. Then, enjoy 1.5 hours of free time to explore on your own. You can meander down paved paths, hike around Yosemite Falls, engage further with the park’s history at the visitor’s center, or visit the Ansel Adams Gallery. In the late afternoon, you’ll depart for San Francisco, stopping for a short break before arriving back in the city. Arrive back at your hotel in the late evening to sleep off the day’s adventures.

San Francisco: Sky Star Wheel Experience

3. San Francisco: Sky Star Wheel Experience

Installed in 2020 as part of Golden Gate Park’s 150th anniversary celebration, SkyStar is an experience not to be missed. Standing 150 feet tall in Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse, SkyStar Wheel boasts sprawling views from downtown San Francisco to the Pacific Ocean. The SkyStar Observation Wheel offers 36 gondolas that can host up to 6 guests per gondola. And if you feel you want to elevate your date night, or a night out with friends, enjoy the VIP experience option! Skip the line when you take an extended flight of 20 minutes in the VIP gondola with leather seats and hardwood floors. A VIP flight fits up to 5 people and it is the ultimate private experience. The SkyStar Observation Wheel was previously installed in Louisville, Kentucky; Norfolk, Virginia; and Cincinnati, Ohio. This is the first time an observation wheel of this scale has operated in San Francisco since Golden Gate Park hosted the Midwinter International Exposition of 1894, where the first Wheel stood at 120 feet tall.

From San Francisco: Cedar Lodge 2-Day Yosemite Park Tour

4. From San Francisco: Cedar Lodge 2-Day Yosemite Park Tour

Run away for 2 days of crisp, fresh mountain air with an affordable and fun 2-day trip to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco. Escape to the mountains for 2 full days of hiking, sightseeing, and exploring in the amazing natural wilderness of Yosemite National Park. Trek through Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and the Giant Sequoias, and sleep comfortably in your own hotel room. On this tour of Yosemite National Park from San Francisco, you'll have 2 days to explore, giving you more time and flexibility to see all the sights. Detailed Itinerary: Day 1: San Francisco - Cedar Lodge Head from San Francisco to Cedar Lodge, which is situated in the picturesque Merced River Canyon. Arrive at the accommodation and continue toward the surrounding nature. Learn the history of Yosemite as you explore the Yosemite Valley and take in stunning sites like Yosemite Falls, Inspiration Point, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall, and El Capitan. Afterwards, return to the lodge and explore its creature comforts which include a restaurant, bar, 2 swimming pools, jacuzzi, and private beach access on the Merced River. Day 2: Cedar Lodge - San Francisco Explore the outlying areas of the park. Take a trip to the awe-inspiring Glacier Point and enjoy a hike among the Giant Sequoias (weather permitting). At the end of the day, head back to San Francisco and arrive at around 21:00.

Yosemite Valley 3-Day Camping Adventure

5. Yosemite Valley 3-Day Camping Adventure

Spend 2 nights camping in the world famous Yosemite Valley outside of San Francisco. You will travel in an eco-friendly biofueled vehicle, and all camping gear is provided to lighten your load. All you need to bring is a sleeping bag and enthusiasm for the Californian wilderness. Don't worry if you've never camped before. The camping and cooking equipment is provided, using quality tents. Everybody is expected to participate in the set-up and break-down of camp, and a professional guide will be there to ensure a positive camping experience. You will camp at comfortable campsites that have hot showers and modern facilities. Swimming is available nearby. Food is also provided, but there will be no chefs! You will get the chance to cook over campfires, and you will also be the waiters, dishwashers, and of course the guests! The fare is all-you-can-eat and very tasty, and is a mixture of chicken, beef, and vegetarian. Day 1: On the morning of your first day camping, your guide will meet you downtown at the corner of Mason and O'Farrell Streets in front of the Hilton Hotel at 08:15. Once out of San Francisco, cross the Central Valley and head through gold country on your way to the mountains. Before reaching Yosemite Valley, hike down for a picnic among the giant sequoia trees, the largest living things on Earth. Meals on the first day are not included in the tour price, but you will have an opportunity to get food en route to the park. Depending upon group interest and logistics, you may visit any of the 3 sequoia groves. The hike through the giant sequoias is pleasantly shaded and brings you right up close to these massive wooden monuments, some of which are more than 1,000 years old and measure up to 30-feet wide and 300-feet tall. Continue into the park on a 90-minute guided tour, and descend into Yosemite Valley, the most famous and photographed part of Yosemite, thanks to the work of photographer Ansel Adams. While in the Yosemite Valley, your guide will give you an orientation to the park, as well as an explanation of the itinerary and options for the next 2 days. After some free time in Yosemite Valley, head for the campsite to set up camp, ending the day with drinks around the campfire as you decide what to do with your next 2 days in the park. Day 2: Rise early and prepare breakfast and lunch, clean up camp, and head off in the van for a fun day full of hiking, sightseeing, and exploring. Usually the second day is reserved for exploring Yosemite's High Country. A group hike to May Lake and Mount Hoffman is generally the highlight of the day, depending upon snowpack. May Lake is a picturesque example of a High Sierra lake. If you want more of a challenge, you can continue past May Lake to Mount Hoffman. Located at the geographic center of the park, Mount Hoffman is a non-technical hike that rewards you with a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain landscape. At the end of the day, head back to camp for dinner and time to unwind by the campfire. Day 3: Day 3 is a free day, where the itinerary is based on the interests of the group. Normally the tour heads back into Yosemite Valley, where you can choose one of a number of great hikes, rent a bike, or relax in the shade by the emerald green Merced River. After a full day in the park, head back to San Francisco, arriving around 21:00. In May, June, and early July, you have the option of joining a whitewater rafting trip on the Merced River, depending on snowpack. This Class III-IV adventure can be added to your Yosemite Escape adventure for only $140-$160.

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bike Tour and Alcatraz Ticket

6. San Francisco: Golden Gate Bike Tour and Alcatraz Ticket

Explore San Francisco by bike and visit Alcatraz with this ticket for two tours over the course of two days. Take the ferry to Alcatraz Prison and uncover the prison's secrets on an audio tour. Enjoy a cycling tour to locations like Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge. Cross San Francisco Bay on a journey to the notorious Alcatraz Prison by ferry. This world-famous prison served as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963 and housed infamous criminals like Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the Birdman. Take the award-winning 45-minute Cellhouse audio tour and hear the tales of those who lived in Alcatraz. This tour brings history alive through the recounting of tales from correctional officers and prisoners. Your bike tour will take place the previous day 10:00 AM. Set off from Fisherman’s Wharf and enjoy a leisurely cycle for around 3 hours. You’ll be kitted out with a current model bike, front handlebar bag, lock, helmet, rear gear rack, and takeaway map – and then you’ll be ready to head out on tour! Follow the San Francisco waterfront with your guide, past Aquatic Park, Fort Mason, the Marina, and the Presidio, through Crissy Field and to Fort Point. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge on a wide bike path, and then proceed to Vista Point and on to Old Fort Baker. The cycling tour comes to an end in Sausalito where you’ll have time to enjoy the shops, the many art galleries, and the delicious food. You can return to San Francisco right after the tour ends, or you may keep the bike until closing hours and enjoy additional time exploring this fascinating area on your own. Important Note: All bike tours take place 1 day prior to your selected Alcatraz departure. The date and time selected on your confirmation is for your day 2 Alcatraz Tour. Afternoon Alcatraz departure times are allotted, and so will be confirmed to customers approximately 30 days before departure.

San Francisco: North Beach & Chinatown Food & History Tour

7. San Francisco: North Beach & Chinatown Food & History Tour

Discover San Francisco through the lens of food and history on this walking tour through the Financial District, Barbary Coast, Little Italy, and Chinatown. Visit San Francisco's smallest redwood park and learn about the Gold Rush while sampling pizza, chocolates, fortune cookies, and savory snacks. Begin your tour by meeting your guide in the heart of the Financial District, underneath the Transamerica Pyramid. Learn about the architectural history of this striking building, which happens to be the second-tallest in San Francisco, and the nearby Transamerica Redwood Park. Walk to the Barbary Coast, previously the red-light district during the 19th and early 20th centuries that featured dance halls, concert saloons, and brothels. Pause to savor Ghiradelli chocolate, saltwater taffy, homemade fudge, and caramel popcorn while learning about the jazz age. Continue to North Beach, also known as Little Italy, as your guide details facts and anecdotes about the Wild West during the Gold Rush. Then it's time to sample more food, including Italian pastries, pizza, sandwiches, cakes, antipasto, and aged cheese, while chatting with local business owners. Then it's time to visit bustling Chinatown, known for its eclectic collection of shops and street food vendors. Sample dim sum and wander through the souvenir shops before visiting The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory to learn about the factory's history and try a fresh cookie.

San Francisco: Alcatraz Entry Ticket and E-Bike Street Tour

8. San Francisco: Alcatraz Entry Ticket and E-Bike Street Tour

Immerse yourself in the vibrant streets of San Francisco on a guided e-bike tour on the first day and on the second day travel by ferry to the island of Alcatraz. Discover the island's dark secrets with an audio tour. Uncover the best of the city on this 2-day tour.  Meet your guide and get set up with your e-bike, lock, and helmet. Store your things away in the handlebar bag and rear gear rack. Peddle through the back alleys of North Beach’s Little Italy and have up-close views of the iconic Transamerica Pyramid Building.  See the Barbary Coast and San Francisco’s historic supper clubs. Find out how the neighborhoods have transformed from scandalous to sparkling. Ride around the Giants’ Oracle ball park and into the culturally rich Mission, Castro, and Haight Ashbury neighborhoods View the ever-changing street art and the locals make each community unique. Cruise to Nopa and take in the charming Painted Ladies of Alamo Square before visiting the Civic Center. Ride through Polk Gulch and finish your tour at Fisherman’s Wharf. Cross San Francisco Bay on a journey to the notorious Alcatraz Prison by ferry. This world-famous prison served as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963 and housed infamous criminals like Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the Birdman.  Take the award-winning audio tour and hear the tales of those who lived in Alcatraz. This tour brings history alive through the recounting of tales from correctional officers and prisoners.

Streets of San Francisco Electric Bike Tour

9. Streets of San Francisco Electric Bike Tour

Enjoy a half-day electric bike tour around the back alleys of San Francisco, exploring North Beach’s Little Italy district up-close. Get panoramic views of the iconic Transamerica Pyramid building, and much more. The flat route takes in the Barbary Coast and San Francisco’s historic supper clubs. Find out how the neighborhoods have transformed from scandalous to sparkling. Cycle around the Giants’ Oracle Ball Park, and into the culturally rich Mission, Castro, and Haight Ashbury neighborhoods. Look at the ever-changing street art scene, and see the locals who rule each area to make their communities unique. Go to Nopa, and take in the charming Painted Ladies of Alamo Square, before visiting the Civic Center. Pedal to Polk Gulch, San Francisco’s original gay neighborhood. Finish your tour with at look at Aquatic Park, before cycling to Fisherman’s Wharf.

San Francisco: Self-Driving Tour via the Golden Gate Bridge

10. San Francisco: Self-Driving Tour via the Golden Gate Bridge

Experience San Francisco on this self-guided tour via an app that functions as a guide, narrator, and map. Learn about the city while visiting top attractions and must-see spots. Enjoy a tour that’s been developed by local guides, creative writers, and professional voice artists. Start your experience by downloading the app that will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one (download instructions received via email after booking). After downloading the app, begin your tour at the Painted Ladies. The Painted Ladies is one of the city’s top attractions. These beautiful, colorful homes exemplify Frisco’s funky culture. From there, hear about the city’s unique history and how it became one of the most progressive cities around. Head into the city’s tech quarter and spot big-name headquarters like Uber and Twitter. Get a crash course on how the city became the go-to spot for the most cutting-edge tech produced anywhere. Then, swing by San Francisco City Hall. Get the inside scoop of how Hollywood uses this building as a stand-in for Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Building in all sorts of films. After that, ride down Lombard Street, also known as the most crooked street in the world. This picturesque, winding road has been another Hollywood staple for ages. Next, climb Telegraph Hill for a look at the famous Coit Tower and unbeatable views of the city. Get help identifying some of the most famous structures that make up Frisco’s skyline. Afterward, it’s on to Chinatown and Manilatown. Hear about the long, often embattled, history of both historic districts. Experience the rich culture of these spots. Turn onto Stockton Street and get a look at something else you won’t see every day: cable cars. Get a history lesson on these quirky little cars and learn why they are still used today. At last, reach the waterfront, home to some of the best foods and drinks in the city. Finish off your tour with astonishing views of the bay.

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Frequently asked questions about San Francisco

What are the best day trips and excursions from San Francisco?

The best day trips and excursions from San Francisco are:

Yosemite National Park

Other Sightseeing Options in San Francisco

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What people are saying about San Francisco

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 2,053 reviews

Rain and other commitments cut into my time doing this, but it was an excellent device to do a self tour and see buildings I otherwise would not have noted. The system did lock up a couple of times (no reason why - but I figured how to get around it), and otherwise it was a fun walk. Voice clear & concise.

Mitch was a very safe and experienced driver, and took us to all the popular spots where we could have a clear view. There was also sufficient rest stops to break up the very long ride. Recommended for those with only one day.

It was just amazing . The best part of our awesome US trip. Yosemite is out of the world and the guide in the tour was beyond excellent. A must see

The travel is a little bit long but it is completely recommendable to another person. Yosemite is one of the best places to visit in the USA.

I had a great trip. No words can describe how wonderful. Really love itttt