San Francisco’s unique charm lies in its mix of vibrant neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and natural beauty. This city is perfect for full-day tours because many experiences are just a short drive or ferry ride away, yet offer enough variety to keep you busy from sunrise to sunset. Whether you want to sip wine in Napa, wander among giant redwoods, or photograph the Golden Gate, San Francisco makes it easy to fill your day with memorable adventures. Many tours include expert guides, comfortable transport, and special access to sights you wouldn’t want to miss.
In this guide, you’ll find the 16 best full-day tours, covering wine country, national parks, redwoods, city sights, and even private options. Each offers a distinct experience—some focus on luxury and exclusivity, others on exploring at your own pace. Use this as your starting point to plan a day that suits your interests and travel style.
1. From San Francisco: Napa & Sonoma Valley Full-Day Wine Tour
At number 1, this full-day wine tour combines visits to Napa and Sonoma Valleys, the heart of California’s wine country. The tour covers three prestigious wineries, including estate tours that detail the wine-making process. What’s special here is the combination of expert-led tastings with a mini city tour of San Francisco at departure, making it a well-rounded experience. The tour is highly rated (4.4/5 from 432 reviews), with many visitors praising the knowledgeable guides and beautiful wineries. The price of $132 offers good value considering the included tastings and estate visits.
This trip is perfect for wine lovers wanting a comprehensive experience, including a bit of sightseeing and insider knowledge. A common comment: “Vlad in Sonoma and Napa was outstanding,” highlighting how guides elevate the experience. Be prepared for a full day, but with so many reviews mentioning fun, informative guides and beautiful scenery, it’s hard to go wrong.
Bottom Line: Great for wine enthusiasts who want a full day of tastings combined with local insights and a scenic drive.
2. Full-day Private San Francisco to Napa Valley Tour by Luxury Car
Number 2 offers a completely customizable experience in a private vehicle, perfect if you prefer personalized attention. This private Napa tour lasts around 6 hours and includes hotel pickup and a flexible itinerary. You or your guide can select wineries to visit—focusing on your interests—like Domaine Carneros or other favorites. The key here is privacy and comfort, with the driver acting as a knowledgeable guide.
Guests rave about the “VIP treatment” and tailored experiences, noting that Dan, the driver, made the day memorable. The biggest upside is getting to skip the hassle of driving while still choosing your stops. The $1,199.00 price covers up to four people, making it a good value for those seeking exclusivity.
Bottom Line: Best suited for small groups who want a tailored, stress-free day exploring Napa’s wineries in style.
3. Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco
This full-day trip to Yosemite covers key highlights like Half-Dome, Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, and Yosemite Valley. The 14-hour tour includes a guided bus tour and free time to explore on your own. It’s a practical way to see the park’s main sights without the hassle of planning or driving.
Rated 4.0/5 from 912 reviews, many visitors mention how the guide made the experience special. It’s a longer day, but the scenery, including famous landmarks and waterfalls, is impressive. If you want a comprehensive Yosemite experience with a knowledgeable guide, this tour fits the bill.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting to see Yosemite’s highlights without the logistics of self-driving, especially if you’re pressed for time.
4. 49 Mile GoCar Special – All Day For The Price Of 5 Hours
For a fun, flexible way to see San Francisco, the 49 Mile GoCar offers a GPS-guided adventure in a small, electric car. The tour covers iconic sights like Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Haight-Ashbury, and the Castro, with a self-guided approach. The “all-day” deal at the price of 5 hours makes it a budget-friendly choice.
Rated 4.7/5 from 62 reviews, travelers love the independence and the ability to explore at their pace. Some mention the GPS sometimes gets confused, but overall, it’s a great way to see many neighborhoods without the stress of driving or parking.
Bottom Line: Perfect for independent travelers who want flexibility and fun in a small electric car.
5. All Day Special GoCar Tour in San Francisco
Another self-guided adventure in a GoCar, this full-day option lets you pick your own route with a provided map and GPS. Cover sights like the Painted Ladies, Golden Gate Bridge, Ocean Beach, and the Presidio. The main difference is you have more control over what you see and when.
Rated 5/5 by 25 travelers, many praise the ease of use and the fun of zooming around SF’s top spots. The included gear—helmet, gas, and map—adds value for budget-conscious explorers.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for independent, flexible sightseeing with a focus on city highlights.
6. San Francisco & Muir Woods Full Day Small Group Private Tour
If a private experience appeals to you, this full-day small group tour hits the mark. It combines top San Francisco sites with a trip to Muir Woods, all in a comfortable private Jeep. The guides are praised for their local knowledge and efficiency, allowing you to see key landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf, Presidio, and the Legion of Honor along with the towering redwoods.
Rated 5/5 from 14 reviews, travelers appreciate the stress-free nature of the private tour and the personalized attention. The tour emphasizes great views of the Golden Gate and the tranquility of Muir Woods.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a custom, intimate sightseeing experience with a focus on natural scenery.
7. From San Francisco: Yosemite Private Full-Day Trip
This private Yosemite trip offers a tailored experience for up to 5 people, making it ideal for small groups or families. The 12-hour journey includes scenic drives and stops at Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and Mariposa Grove. The guide’s flexibility allows for custom stops or more time at specific sights.
Rated 5/5, reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guide Fred and the personalized itinerary. It’s a luxury option for those who want maximum flexibility and a private view of Yosemite.
Bottom Line: Perfect for groups seeking a custom and relaxed full-day Yosemite experience.
8. San Francisco: Full Day Coastal Redwoods & Wine Country Tour
This combo tour bundles Redwoods and wine tasting into one day, saving you 15%. It visits Korbel Winery for Champagne tasting and Armstong Redwoods for a hike among giants, plus a stop at Russian River Vineyards. The itinerary makes it a practical choice for those wanting a diverse experience in one day.
Rated 5/5 from 12 reviews, travelers love the smooth organization and the chance to see both natural beauty and local wine culture. The stops are well-paced, with enough time to enjoy each.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want to combine nature and wine without multiple day trips.
9. Yosemite Adventure: Full-Day Private Tour from San Francisco
For maximum flexibility and exclusivity, this private Yosemite adventure offers a customized 15-hour experience with a dedicated guide. It covers Yosemite’s highlights like Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and the giant sequoias. This is the most personalized option and allows you to opt for specific sites.
Rated 5/5, reviewers mention the knowledgeable guide Fred and the personalized itinerary. It’s suited for travelers who want complete control over their day and are ready for a longer commitment.
Bottom Line: Best for those with a larger budget seeking a fully tailored Yosemite experience.
10. Private Full-Day Napa Wine Tour in a Luxury Vehicle
If privacy and customization are your priorities, this luxury Napa tour gives you control over your itinerary in a luxury vehicle. You can choose your wineries or follow suggestions, with stops typically lasting 6 to 8 hours.
Rated 5/5 by six travelers, the tour emphasizes professionalism and personalized service. It’s ideal if you want a tailored, stress-free day with the comfort of a luxury car.
Bottom Line: Perfect for small groups looking for a personalized, high-end wine country experience.
How to Choose Your Perfect Full-Day Tour
When selecting a full-day tour in San Francisco, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. For example, if wine tasting is your main goal, tours like Napa & Sonoma Valley or private Napa in a luxury vehicle are excellent options. For those who prefer independent exploration, the GoCar options and full-day city self-guided tours provide a flexible way to see top sights at your own pace. If nature draws you, the Yosemite tours—whether shared or private—offer breathtaking landscapes and a chance to avoid the crowds.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like Yosemite or private Napa trips. Consider seasonal factors — spring brings wildflowers and waterfalls, while fall offers fewer crowds and beautiful foliage. Keep in mind your fitness level; some tours involve walking or hiking, so choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
San Francisco’s diverse surroundings make it an ideal base for full-day adventures. From exploring wine-rich Napa and Sonoma, marveling at Yosemite’s iconic cliffs, to wandering among coastal redwoods, there’s a perfect trip for every type of traveler. For a luxury experience, private tours in Napa or Yosemite stand out, while self-guided options like GoCars or bike rentals offer the freedom to set your own pace.
No matter your choice, these carefully curated tours ensure you’ll see the best of what Northern California has to offer. Remember to book early, especially if you want a private or highly-rated experience, and prepare for a day full of unforgettable sights.