Canal Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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.
Activities
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
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
Our pick of the best Canal Hotel Deals
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
"The hotel was beautiful and the free breakfast was amazing. It was located within walking distance of Fisherman’s Warf so that made it convenient to leave my car in their parking structure and get to explore the area."
Reviewed on 23 May 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
"I stayed at Hilton Financial District in San Francisco with my family of four. We arrived around midday, and I do appreciate that the staff accommodated an early check-in by 1:30 PM, which was helpful after travel. However, I was quite surprised and disappointed to learn that our booking (made through ..."
Reviewed on 23 May 2026
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
"Nice view & safe area"
Reviewed on 23 May 2026
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
"Staff was super nice and helpful"
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel
"Old hotel - on the 6th floor could hear all the noise from the street - in need of dire restoration"
Reviewed on 23 May 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
"Good hotel, close to strategic places."
Reviewed on 21 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 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.
