Canal Travel Guide
San Rafael
Popular places to visit
Marin County Civic Center
After visiting Marin County Civic Center, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in San Rafael. Wander the area's lush forest or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Mission San Rafael Arcangel
This mission in San Rafael, which still offers services, is an interesting destination to learn more about California’s religious history.
China Camp State Park
Enjoy a trip to China Camp State Park and popular activities such as hiking in San Rafael. Wander the lush forest in this family-friendly area.
Dominican University of California
Walk around the campus at Dominican University of California as part of your travels around San Rafael. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the cycling trails.
Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market
You can enjoy retail therapy at Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market during your trip to San Rafael. Wander the area's lush forest or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Peacock Gap Golf Club
Play a round of golf in San Rafael at Peacock Gap Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as hiking. Wander the marina and lush forest in the area.
Things to do
Small Group Redwoods, California Coast & Sausalito Day Trip from San Francisco
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise
San Francisco Guided City Tour with Alcatraz Island
Top hotels in Canal
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Cafe bar staff are great helpful and friendly
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Love the area. Safer than any other part of the city from out POV. Close to everything we wanted to do. Friendly staff.
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Very nice and clean rooms, the breakfast and staff were phenomenal. The only thing I would change is I had no access to streaming channels, like Netflix or Hulu in the room’s TV. Great stay but not much to watch on TV.
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Their room that they give us smells and extinct parking lot is too expensive. They never tell you that before you book in so be careful if you have a truck you’re paying $80 not a good experience to say I recommend.
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
It was a perfect stay and definitely will choose this hotel over in sf
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Fairmont San Francisco
ADA beds too high
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Canal
Montecito-Happy Valley
While Montecito-Happy Valley isn't home to many top sights, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin History Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.
Francisco Boulevard West
While there might not be top attractions in Francisco Boulevard West, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.
Country Club
While Country Club may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin History Museum.
Southeast San Rafael
While there might not be top attractions in Southeast San Rafael, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Larkspur Ferry Terminal and Marin Country Mart.
Bret Harte
Bret Harte might not have many top sights, but Marin Country Mart and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond might not have many top sights, but Mission San Rafael Arcangel and China Camp State Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
