Sun Valley Travel Guide
San Rafael
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.
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 Sun Valley
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Everything was horrible and I was overcharged
Reviewed on 20 Mar 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
It was a ok hotel. It is a dated building.
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Perfect location if you are there to site see! Breakfast was fresh and had extraordinary staff! Plentiful and great variety of breakfast choices! We would definitely look forward to staying there again.
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
The room is tiny! But it worked. I was awoken by very loud music at 5am, unfortunately. Took a star off due to that, the slim selection at breakfast, one elevator being out of service, and the check-in kiosk not working for me.
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Was nice and I appreciated being able to choose my room beforehand.
Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026
Hotel Julian
I enjoyed that you could cast your shows to the TV, the gym was clean and the wifi was consistent. The AC worked amazingly and the water was good.
Reviewed on 20 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Sun Valley
West End
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in West End and surrounding area, you can visit Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center.
Fairhills
When in Fairhills, you can plan a visit to Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Lincoln
While there might not be top attractions in Lincoln, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center.
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 Classic Billiards.
Santa Venetia
Though Santa Venetia may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market and Marin County Civic Center.
