Canal Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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.
Activities
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour
Mix & Save: San Francisco Grand City Tour + Alcatraz Island
Our pick of the best Canal Hotel Deals
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Clean room, easy access to parking lot and hotel, safe place with no homeless around, great bars and food nearby, cable car train literally right there and the view of corner king room is amazing!! I’ve stayed at alot of hotels in sf and this one if forsure underrated!!
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Ac is okay, pillow was given 3, but rather soft. Overall good location, good and decent hotel, but whenever nearby room door is closed, the air will make a loud sound to my door too. So when chambermaid is cleaning up rooms around mine, it will be endless slamming sound on my door too.
Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Breakfast is really good
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
I’ll take the hit for not better preparing myself for the terrible parking situation. For those that haven’t been in downtown San Francisco in a while it’s as disgusting and urine filled as ever. I wasn’t excited about the $40 tourism charge upon check-in even though I had prepaid on Expedia. And ...
Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Tired and old property neglect of maintenance, upkeep ,functionality and quality of a Hilton standards one would expect
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2026
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
The restroom door handle was broken and we were not able to close and lock the door. Same for toilet paper handle. WiFi works only first day.
Reviewed on 31 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 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 Classic Billiards.
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 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.
