Hotels in San Rafael
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Panama Hotel
Panama Hotel- Find peace in the heart of San Rafael, minutes from Muir Woods and the bay.
Marin Lodge
Marin Lodge- Serene retreat minutes from San Francisco Bay with complimentary parking and Wi-Fi.
AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown
AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown- Enjoy Bay Area views from a rooftop terrace and relax near San Francisco Bay.
Marin Hilltop Hotel
Marin Hilltop Hotel- Stay near San Francisco Bay with a peaceful pool area for ultimate relaxation.
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County- Enjoy the quiet San Rafael location with refreshing pool and tasty California cuisine.
SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael
SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael- Wake up to free breakfast at this convenient San Rafael hotel near the bay.
North Bay Inn
North Bay Inn- Modern San Rafael motel with free WiFi and parking just minutes from San Francisco Bay.
Extended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd East
Extended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd East- Stay near San Francisco Bay with easy access to Muir Woods National Monument.
The Evergreen
The Evergreen- Serene retreat with free parking just minutes from Golden Gate Bridge.
Marin Suites Hotel
Marin Suites Hotel- Tranquil Marin County retreat with garden-surrounded pool and hot tub near Golden Gate.
Best Western Corte Madera Inn
Best Western Corte Madera Inn- Experience peaceful lodging just minutes from San Francisco Bay and Muir Woods.
Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn
Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn- Experience a tranquil escape moments from the airport and San Francisco Bay.
The Lodge at Tiburon
The Lodge at Tiburon- Stay minutes from San Francisco Bay with pool, hot tub, and American dining options.
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf- Walk to Pier 39 from this hotel with a pool and 24-hour fitness center.
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf- Stroll to Pier 39 from this Wharf-front hotel with outdoor pool and 24-hour gym.
Hotel Del Sol
Hotel Del Sol- Vibrant Marina District hotel with a heated pool and easy access to iconic sites.
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf- Perfect getaway just steps from Pier 39, with cozy spots and transit at your doorstep.
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG- Stay in Fisherman's Wharf, near Pier 39 and Lombard Street with fitness center.
Hotel Mira Vista
Hotel Mira Vista- Wake up minutes from Berkeley Marina, with free parking and public transit nearby.
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Top neighborhoods in San Rafael
Downtown San Rafael
Downtown San Rafael mixes California history and modern fun in a walkable package. The Mission San Rafael Arcángel anchors the historic district, where Victorian buildings line Fourth Street. Catch an indie film at the Rafael Film Center or browse the galleries at Art Works Downtown. Thursday nights come alive with a buzzing farmers market that fills streets with music and local flavors. You'll find everything from farm-to-table restaurants to authentic taquerias reflecting the area's Latino influence. Most shops and eateries cluster along Fourth Street, making exploration easy on foot. Golden Gate Transit buses connect downtown to San Francisco, while nearby parking lots accommodate drivers venturing into this charming Marin County hub.
Gerstle Park
Gerstle Park offers a quiet retreat where Victorian and Craftsman homes create an outdoor architectural museum. The historic neighborhood's tree-lined streets invite leisurely strolls past ornate woodwork, colorful paint schemes, and charming front porches. Its namesake park features heritage trees and peaceful walking paths that provide a welcome escape from urban bustle. Downtown San Rafael's restaurants and shops are just a 10-minute walk away. Accommodations are limited to a few historic bed & breakfasts with period furnishings and personalized service. The neighborhood's authentic local vibe makes it perfect for travelers who appreciate architectural beauty and tranquil surroundings.
Montecito-Happy Valley
Montecito-Happy Valley offers a peaceful retreat from San Rafael's busier areas, with tree-lined streets and spacious properties creating a serene atmosphere. While the neighborhood itself has no commercial attractions, you're just minutes from Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin History Museum. China Camp State Park provides nearby hiking trails with stunning bay views for nature enthusiasts. Getting around requires a car since public transit is limited, though the quiet streets make for pleasant walks. Accommodations tend toward luxury vacation rentals with private gardens and premium amenities. For dining and shopping, you'll need to venture into downtown San Rafael, where diverse options await.
Terra Linda
Terra Linda offers a peaceful retreat from the buzz of San Francisco Bay. This family-friendly neighborhood in northern San Rafael balances suburban comfort with nearby natural attractions. The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin County Civic Center stands as an architectural landmark, while Terra Linda Community Park provides sports fields and walking paths for outdoor enthusiasts. Dining options feature casual family restaurants with affordable meals in local strip malls. Getting around requires a car, though ride-sharing services are readily available. Most travelers choose vacation rentals in single-family homes, enjoying quiet streets and easy access to China Camp State Park's hiking trails.
Picnic Valley
San Rafael's Picnic Valley neighborhood offers attractions including San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.
Learn more about San Rafael
Fourth Street buzzes with life as the heart of downtown, where locals debate which farm-to-table restaurant deserves their loyalty this week. Mission San Rafael Arcángel offers a peaceful glimpse into California's Spanish colonial past, while the futuristic curves of the Marin County Civic Center showcase Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural genius. China Camp State Park rewards hikers with Bay views that explain why residents tolerate the cost of living here. The weekly farmers' market transforms into an impromptu community gathering, with musicians performing between stalls of organic produce. Don't miss the annual Italian Street Painting Festival, when Fourth Street becomes a temporary gallery of chalk masterpieces that wash away with the first rain.
