Though it's possible to make a day trip to Yosemite from San Francisco by public transportation or on a day tour (expensive), it's a very, very long day. I decided to base myself in Stockton and make my life easier. YARTS runs buses from Merced into Yosemite Valley year-round, but there is an advantage of buying an Amtrak train + bus combined ticket - it's cheaper than separate tickets, and even when YARTS has free ride days occasionally (then doesn't take reservations), an Amtrak ticket will guarantee you a seat.
Apr 21, 2019
Yosemite Valley