Lake Tahoe Tours from San Francisco
4.6 stars on(9,010 reviews)- Choose from 5 San Francisco tours
- 37 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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5 best Lake Tahoe tours from San Francisco
Compiled by
MelissaSan Francisco travel expert at TourRadar
Yosemite & Tahoe Sierras - 4 Days
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The stops were well planned, the adventures fantastic and would do again.”
Oriana, traveled in June
A 200-mile route from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe passes through Yosemite Valley and Mammoth Lakes. The biofueled mini-coach travels Gold Rush Country, reaching Lake Tahoe's emerald waters where kayaking or paddleboarding await. The return features a scenic drive through El Dorado National Forest to San Francisco.
Duration 4 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne, Mammoth Lakes, Devils Postpile National Monument, Lake Tahoe Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Incredible Adventures From
- NZ$2,260
Hiking in Yosemite National Park
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Yosemite National Park is breathtaking. As I walked along the hikes, there was so much natural beauty.”
Linda, traveled in June
The route starts at San Francisco's Haight Street, heading east to Yosemite. Walk among Tuolumne Grove's giant sequoias before reaching the Lake Tahoe region. The trip winds through Sierra Nevada Mountains, concluding with a Golden Gate Bridge walk in San Francisco around 3 pm.
Duration 6 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$4,985
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“If you're there everything is so peacefull and breathtaking!!”
AndreasMller, traveled in June
Starting at San Francisco's Hilton Union Square, the route winds through gold country to Yosemite's wonders. High Country lakes, including pristine Tenaya Lake, dot the path before returning to San Francisco. This three-day round trip spans the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Incredible Adventures From
- NZ$1,332
USA Road Trip — Yosemite Hiking & Cali Surfing
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Nice group, beautiful places and a lot of fun!”
Daniel, traveled in June
From San Francisco, the route passes through California's Central Valley to Yosemite's granite peaks. The path leads south to Venice Beach's Pacific waters, finishing near LAX after showcasing mountain and coastal landscapes.
Duration 6 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Mariposa, Los Angeles Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From
- NZ$2,699
The path from San Francisco's Hilton Union Square crosses Central Valley to Lake Tahoe region. Stops include Giant Sequoia groves and Tunnel View en route to Yosemite Valley. The return crosses Sierra Nevada, offering chances to swim in Tenaya Lake's crystal waters.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Incredible Adventures From
- NZ$1,690
What our customers ask about Lake Tahoe Tours from San Francisco
What are the typical starting points in San Francisco for these tours?
Tours begin from key locations in central San Francisco. The Hilton Union Square on Mason Street serves as the main pickup spot with additional collection points near Fisherman's Wharf including Hotel Zephyr and Marriott Fisherman's Wharf. Tours start between 7:00-8:00 AM to make the most of daylight hours. A TourRadar traveler shares: "Our guide met us promptly at the San Francisco Hilton and we caught amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island as we headed east on the Bay Bridge."
What accommodation options are available on San Francisco to Lake Tahoe tours?
The tours provide a range of places to stay from basic camping to upscale hotels. South Lake Tahoe features properties like The Hard Rock Hotel Harrah's and Hotel Becket. Near Yosemite travelers can stay at places like the Yosemite Bug Mountain Resort or Mammoth Mountain Inn. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The accommodations exceeded expectations - we loved staying at the Hotel Becket right by the lake in South Lake Tahoe and the Mammoth Mountain Inn had amazing mountain views."
What is the best time of year to take a tour from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe?
The main season runs June through September when the weather is reliable and trails are open. Most tours operate in July and August. Spring tours showcase waterfalls at their peak while September offers pleasant temperatures with smaller crowds. A TourRadar traveler shares: "We went in June and many chances to jump in water! Didn't expect to use swimming wear but there were many opportunities."
What activities are included in these tours?
The tours blend outdoor activities with sightseeing. Visitors can hike Yosemite Valley kayak or paddleboard on Lake Tahoe explore Emerald Bay State Park and visit historic sites like Bodie Ghost Town. A TourRadar traveler reports: "Every day was packed with options - from hiking waterfalls to swimming in pristine lakes to exploring ghost towns. Lisa our guide made sure everyone got to experience as much as possible."
How many days do most tour itineraries spend covering San Francisco and Lake Tahoe?
Most tours last 9 days with time split between both destinations. The first two days focus on San Francisco's landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio. Days 4 and 5 center on Lake Tahoe with stops in Sonoma and Sacramento. Hotels include the San Francisco Marriott Marquis and The Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. A TourRadar traveler notes "The pace was perfect - we had enough time to really experience each destination without feeling rushed."
What are the optional activities available in Lake Tahoe?
Lake Tahoe offers extra activities to match different interests. Options include yacht cruises on Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay rides in the glass-cabin gondola to the 9150-foot observation deck at Heavenly and trips to Virginia City to explore American Wild West history. Guests typically stay at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. One TourRadar traveler shares: "The gondola ride at Heavenly was absolutely spectacular - the views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains were unforgettable."