Canal Travel Guide
San Rafael
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
Small Group Redwoods, California Coast & Sausalito Day Trip from San Francisco
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)
Top hotels in Canal
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
EXCELLECT SERVICE, WONDERFUL VIEW
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
I have been waiting for this pool to open for nearly a year. Keep bringing a bath suit bc they say it’s either open or will be open by the 3/6. Didn’t happen. No snacks and restaurants close early in the area. Also restaurants are extremely expensive.
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Pros: Incredibly clean. Convenient location to Fisherman’s Wharf. Very safe. Great amenities and wonderful breakfast assortment. Cons: tiny bathrooms. Very loud location, could have used a sound machine at night to block out street (traffic) and hotel noise (doors closing).
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Inside, the staff is very helpful and accommodating without being invasive. The rooms are peculiarly engineered, so make sure that you know what you are about to spend the night in. I think the room that I rented for two nights is made for single travelers or a close couple because I was in a sky ...
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Hotel Julian
Just far enough from the rougher parts of town but ideal location to see most of what you’d want for walking around. The staff were great, very personable and friendly. Not haunted either.
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Embassy Hotel
I’m hoping someone reads this review because I wish I had read reviews before booking. First, this hotel is not affiliated with Embassy Suites. That’s what I assumed when I booked, but it’s actually a completely separate hotel called The Embassy. It’s located in the Tenderloin District, one of the ...
Reviewed on 10 Mar 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 Country Mart 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 Marin Country Mart.
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 Falkirk Cultural Center.
Southeast San Rafael
While there might not be top attractions in Southeast San Rafael, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Marin Country Mart and Larkspur Ferry Terminal.
Bret Harte
Bret Harte might not have many top sights, but Marin Country Mart and Larkspur Ferry Terminal 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 Peacock Gap Golf Club are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
