Picnic Valley Travel Guide
San Rafael
Visit Picnic Valley
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.
McNears Beach Country Park
If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, McNears Beach Country Park might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to McNears Beach. Amble around the area's parks or visit its shops.
Things to do
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour - Including Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)
Top hotels in Picnic Valley
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
One of the great features of this hotel is that higher level rooms on the North side have lovely views of Telegraph Hill, North Beach and the Bay. One negative is that they are optimized for business travelers. For example, there is no bell hop service - if you arrive with heavy bags you have to ...
Reviewed on 24 Apr 2026
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
The staff were super friendly. Great location and a nice price.
Reviewed on 23 Apr 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Good location in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf. Staff very accommodating when we asked for a room change. Excellent buffet breakfast. We were on the 4th floor and if you are a light sleeper the hotels a/c or extractor system is a little noisy
Reviewed on 24 Apr 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
This is an older property that has been refurbished. The rooms are clean. Bed needs replacing. It is very convenient to everything. Nice staff.
Reviewed on 24 Apr 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Super clean and budget friendly option. The location is a bit sketchy but there’s always a security guard on the lobby. I would definitely recommend it if you don’t mind being in close quarters with the people you are traveling with.
Reviewed on 24 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Picnic Valley
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.
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.
Gerstle Park
While Gerstle Park isn't home to many top sights, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park are some notable places to visit nearby.
Downtown San Rafael
While visiting Downtown San Rafael, you might make a stop by sights like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.
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.
Canal
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Canal and surrounding area, you can visit Larkspur Ferry Terminal and Mission San Rafael Arcangel.
