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
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)
San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour
Mix & Save: San Francisco Grand City Tour + Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise
Top hotels in Canal
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
"Breakfast and lobby were great. Location was great. Room was dated and shower water pressure was marginal. San Francisco water tastes bad, so a water filter in the lobby area would have been nice. Staff was excellent."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
"FOR THE AMOUNT OF MONEY SPENT HERE IM APPALLED THE WAY WE WERE TREATED. SECURITY AT OUR DOOR 5 TIMES BEFORE 10:45PM. MY FINACE AND I WERE VISITING SF FOR A PRE WEDDING GETAWAY WITH NO KIDS. HIM AND I ALONE. ASIDE FROM THE FACT I HAVE A VERY ASSERTIVE VOICE THERE IS ABSOLUTLEY NO REASON SECURITY AND ..."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
"We love the location"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
"No"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel
"I did not eat at the restaurant inside the hotel."
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
"Location"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Canal
Montecito-Happy Valley
While Montecito-Happy Valley isn't home to many top sights, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park are some notable places to visit nearby.
California Park
While California Park isn't home to many top sights, Larkspur Ferry Terminal 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 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 San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.
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 San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
