The Golden Gate Bridge at dusk with city lights in the background.

Find beach hotels in San Rafael, CA

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Check availability on San Rafael Beach Hotels

Tonight
Aug 21 - Aug 22
Tomorrow
Aug 22 - Aug 23
This weekend
Aug 21 - Aug 23
Next weekend
Aug 28 - Aug 30

Our top choices for San Rafael beach hotels

1. Marin Lodge

Marin Lodge
Lincoln
$119 nightly
$133 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Total with taxes and fees
Marin Lodge

2. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center
Las Gallinas
$163 nightly
$183 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
Total with taxes and fees
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center

3. AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown
Downtown San Rafael
$202 nightly
$227 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total with taxes and fees
AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown

4. Panama Hotel

Panama Hotel
Gerstle Park
$93 nightly
$104 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total with taxes and fees
Panama Hotel

5. North Bay Inn

North Bay Inn
Canal
$118 nightly
$132 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total with taxes and fees
North Bay Inn

6. SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael

SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael
Canal
$112 nightly
$126 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total with taxes and fees
SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael

7. Marin Edwardian Mansion overlooking San Francisco Bay

Marin Edwardian Mansion overlooking San Francisco Bay
California Park
$211 nightly
$229 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total with taxes and fees
Marin Edwardian Mansion overlooking San Francisco Bay

8. Private Wellness Retreat • Heated Saltwater Pool • Gym • A/C • Views

Private Wellness Retreat • Heated Saltwater Pool • Gym • A/C • Views
Bret Harte
$394 nightly
$435 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Total with taxes and fees
Private Wellness Retreat • Heated Saltwater Pool • Gym • A/C • Views

9. Designer Apartment < 1 Mile to Downtown San Rafael

Designer Apartment < 1 Mile to Downtown San Rafael
Lincoln
$386 nightly
$427 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
Total with taxes and fees
Designer Apartment < 1 Mile to Downtown San Rafael

10. Bayfront Oasis | Deck, Fire Pit, Kayaks – Near Wine Country

Bayfront Oasis | Deck, Fire Pit, Kayaks – Near Wine Country
Canal
$690 nightly
$753 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Total with taxes and fees
Bayfront Oasis | Deck, Fire Pit, Kayaks – Near Wine Country
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Choose what matters most at beach hotels in San Rafael

Pool
Breakfast included
4 stars
5 stars
All-inclusive

Find out more about San Rafael

San Rafael and its attractions for beach lovers

San Rafael, California, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures and beach proximity, perfect for families seeking memorable experiences. Start your day at China Camp State Park, where you can hike scenic trails or enjoy a picnic while soaking in stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. Just a short drive away, Marinwood Community Park features a playground and sports fields, making it ideal for kids to burn off energy. For a beach day, head to nearby Stinson Beach, known for its expansive sands and gentle waves, perfect for swimming and building sandcastles. If you're looking for a more tranquil experience, visit Marin Country Mart, where you can shop at upscale boutiques followed by a relaxing meal with views of the bay. Consider staying in the vibrant downtown area, where you’ll find boutique hotels offering modern amenities and attentive service, ensuring a comfortable base for your coastal adventures. With easy access to the beach and local attractions, San Rafael invites you to create cherished family memories.

Top San Rafael Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

8/10 Good
"Great staff. Paid parking. Paid breakfast. Not worth paying extra for a better view. Walking distance to the Cable Car, great food and shopping and the Bay."
Amarnath 2-night trip
Posted less than an hour ago
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Lovely hotel and helpful staff. We stayed in the ‘Premier’ area of the hotel, and whilst the lift and corridors look a little tired on this side of the hotel, our room itself was lovely. Very spacious and comfortable. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Great little pool and gym area. There’s a bar area at the back of the hotel which didn’t seem to be in use, which is a shame as it looked lovely, and a perfect place to unwind with a cold drink at the end of a long day exploring this gorgeous city. Would definitely recommend"
Madeleine 2-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel

Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"It location was great."
Robert 1-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel
Stanford Court San Francisco

Stanford Court San Francisco

10/10 Excellent
"Beautiful, friendly staff"
Sandra 1-night trip
Posted 10 hours ago
Stanford Court San Francisco
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

10/10 Excellent
"If I could give the staff 10 stars, I would. They all did little things to make our stay special. The location was great and the room was a good value. We would stay here again!"
Meaghan 3-night trip
Posted 11 hours ago
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
Hilton San Francisco Union Square

Hilton San Francisco Union Square

10/10 Excellent
"Front staff who assisted check-in was quite helpful with niche situation. He was kind, and performed his job above and beyond. Mattress in my room seemed brand new and all the sheets were clean. There was everything provided you would need other than a sewing kit or toothbrush & showercap but honestly, i didnt need those."
Jennifer 2-night trip
Posted 17 hours ago
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

10/10 Excellent
"Best location. Second time there. Excellent breakfast. Really really nice"
Vickie 2-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Frequently asked questions

How much does a beach hotel in San Rafael cost?
Prices for beach hotels in San Rafael vary, but you can find a great deal on Expedia. You're likely to find lower rates if you're traveling during the off-peak season or mid-week. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.
What is the best time of year to stay in a beach hotel in San Rafael?
The best time of year to stay in a beach hotel in San Rafael is typically late spring through early fall, with July and August often considered peak. During these months, you can expect delightful temperatures averaging between 70°F and 75°F, creating great conditions for enjoying the waterfront at McNears Beach Park or exploring the scenic vistas along the Bay Trail.While families often gravitate towards the summer months to coincide with school holidays, taking advantage of the warm weather for outdoor activities, couples and solo travellers might find the shoulder seasons equally appealing. Due to the desirability of the summer months, hotel availability, especially for premium beachside accommodations, can be quite competitive, and rates generally reflect this heightened demand.For a truly charming experience with easier reservations and potentially better value, consider visiting in September. The weather remains wonderfully mild, often in the high 60s, offering ideal conditions for a leisurely stroll through the Marinwood Plaza or enjoying a boat tour from the local marina.
Is it cheaper to book a San Rafael beach hotel and flights as a package?
Booking a beach hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking a beach vacation package well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it's wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.
Can I cancel my beach hotel reservation on Expedia?
Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline—this is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right beach hotel in San Rafael for you.

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