When is the best time to go to Picnic Valley?

The best time to visit Picnic Valley is during the spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to October) months. These periods offer the most pleasant weather conditions for exploring the area. Spring brings mild temperatures, typically ranging from 15°C to 25°C, and the valley is in full bloom. The wildflowers are particularly striking, especially along the trails in the National Park. It's an excellent time for nature lovers and families who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities without the intense summer heat. Autumn also provides comfortable temperatures, usually between 18°C and 28°C, and the landscape transforms with vibrant fall colours. The grape harvest is in full swing during this time, making it ideal for couples interested in wine tasting and vineyard tours. The crowds are also generally smaller than in the peak summer months. While summer (July and August) is popular, temperatures can soar above 30°C, and the area can be quite busy.

Can I cancel my 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. If you have a non-refundable booking, it might still be possible to receive a refund if you cancel it within 24 hours of booking. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use our "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right Picnic Valley hotel for you.

How much is the nightly rate at a Picnic Valley hotel?

Hotel prices in Picnic Valley often vary, but you can find a great deal on Expedia. Different factors affect nightly hotel rates, such as the time of year or the days of the week you want to book. To find the best deals for your stay, be flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.

10 Best Hotels in Picnic Valley, San Rafael for 2026

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Our top choices for Picnic Valley hotels

A circular fire pit with seating around it, surrounded by lush greenery and a pergola overhead.

1. Best Western Corte Madera Inn

3.6 km from Picnic Valley

Nathan

CA $228 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 22 - Nov 23

An outdoor patio with a round table, sofas, and a stone wall with a fireplace.

2. Marin Suites Hotel

3.3 km from Picnic Valley

Nicole

CA $202 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

A sign for Marin Lodge with a 'No Vacancy' message.

3. Marin Lodge

Lincoln, 2.6 km from Picnic Valley

Sarah

CA $186 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 3 - Nov 4

A multi-level atrium with a central open space, seating areas, and a bar/lounge with a view of the surrounding floors.

4. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center

4.8 km from Picnic Valley

Shrleen

CA $256 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 30 - Dec 1

A modern outdoor living area with a stone wall, wooden deck, and outdoor furniture.

5. The Evergreen

4.3 km from Picnic Valley

Cynthia

CA $201 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

A modern hotel with a palm tree in the foreground, a parking lot, and a sunset sky.

6. Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn

9.9 km from Picnic Valley

Trenton

CA $226 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 22 - Nov 23

A fire feature with a view of mountains, a table with a plate of snacks and two glasses of wine, and wicker chairs.

7. Acqua Hotel

8.3 km from Picnic Valley

Sam

CA $438 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 22 - Nov 23

A covered outdoor seating area with stone walls, wooden furniture, and a large barrel.

8. The Lodge at Tiburon

11.4 km from Picnic Valley

Tom

CA $372 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 8 - Nov 9

A modern outdoor seating area with a pergola, glass railings, and a pathway leading to a covered deck.

9. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

21.3 km from Picnic Valley

Jason

CA $232 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 22 - Nov 23

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a large window with a city view.

10. Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

21.2 km from Picnic Valley

Mawel

CA $196 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 29 - Nov 30

A tall hotel with a modern design, a prominent entrance, and a view of the city skyline.

11. Hilton San Francisco Financial District

21.4 km from Picnic Valley

Huy

CA $154 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 29 - Nov 30

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

12. La Casa Inn

19.9 km from Picnic Valley

Kim

CA $189 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 22 - Nov 23

A modern building with a prominent 'Inn' sign, featuring a mix of contemporary and classical architecture, located at a street corner with a clear view of the sky.

13. Inn on Broadway

20.5 km from Picnic Valley

Vicki

CA $132 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 2 - Dec 3

An outdoor seating area with wicker furniture, fire feature, and umbrellas.

14. Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge

24.3 km from Picnic Valley

Jenna

CA $179 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 22 - Nov 23

A white car parked in a modern indoor space with a circular ceiling, large windows, and potted plants.

15. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

19.8 km from Picnic Valley

Angelo

CA $267 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 22 - Nov 23

A cobblestone street lined with flower-covered buildings, a welcoming archway, and a sign reading "Office."

16. Marina Motel

19.5 km from Picnic Valley

Wendy

CA $187 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 5 - Nov 6

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a chair, a TV, and a view of the city.

17. Comfort Inn by the Bay

20 km from Picnic Valley

Crystal

CA $170 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 22 - Nov 23

A modern hotel lobby with a seating area, a bar, and large windows.

18. Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

19.8 km from Picnic Valley

Richard

CA $253 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 8 - Nov 9

A rooftop terrace with a table and chairs, a potted plant, and a view of tall buildings.

19. Club Quarters Hotel Embarcadero, San Francisco

21.6 km from Picnic Valley

Russell

CA $168 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 23 - Nov 24

A modern hotel room with a bed, desk, and sofa.

20. Hotel Mira Vista

18.9 km from Picnic Valley

Sandy

CA $132 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

View all properties

Compare popular hotels in Picnic Valley

Property	Star rating	Guest rating
Marin Lodge	2.0 star property	9.6 Exceptional 1,000 reviews	View
Best Western Corte Madera Inn	2.5 star property	9.0 Wonderful 1,007 reviews	View
Marin Suites Hotel	3.0 star property	8.6 Excellent 1,003 reviews	View
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center	3.5 star property	8.8 Excellent 1,001 reviews	View
The Evergreen	2.0 star property	9.2 Wonderful 793 reviews	View

Where to stay in Picnic Valley

Find the best Picnic Valley areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Picnic Valley

Southeast San Rafael

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Southeast San Rafael and surrounding area, you can visit Larkspur Ferry Terminal and Marin Country Mart.

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An aerial view of a city with a mix of modern and historic buildings, a prominent clock tower, and a hilly backdrop.

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.

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Lucas Valley-Marinwood

Lucas Valley-Marinwood might not have many top sights, but Marin County Civic Center and Mission San Rafael Arcangel are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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Rolling green hills with a mountain range in the background.

Terra Linda

Discover the Mall at Northgate, Marin County's only enclosed mall, featuring a 15-screen theater complex and anchor tenants like Macy's. Nearby, admire the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin County Civic Center building.

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Dominican

While there might not be top attractions in Dominican, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin County Civic Center.

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Top Picnic Valley Hotel Reviews

Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Great location, convenient to everywhere. Staff very accommodating, friendly and welcoming. Will definitely stay again when I visit again."

Hilton San Francisco Union Square

10/10 Excellent

"Parking is difficult in the city, but the hotel provided exceptional parking staff service. We opted to Valet the car for an extra $10 and it was a breeze getting in and out of the property 24/7. The prices were very competitive with the surrounding area and the parking area always have securities around. Walking around the area can be sketchy but definitely doable if you have brave hearts."

FOUND Hotel Carlton, Nob Hill

10/10 Excellent

"Overall, 9 out of 10 for the overall stay and experience with found hotel Carlton. Property was adjacent to everything that I was doing in the city, outside streets were decently kept, did not feel unsafe or threatened at any time. Hotel lobby and hotel is being monitored 24/7 by hotel, staff, and after hours by a security guard, which was a nice added touch to see. Rooms were very comfortable, showers were awesome, bathrooms were clean, bed was comfortable, noise level was not bad, the only thing you can hear depending on how good you hear is other room doors, opening and closing. Overall, I will definitely stay with this hotel again when I’m in town, super easy and affordable and a great stay!"

Hotels in Picnic Valley, San Rafael

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Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

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Property class

Guest rating

Our top choices for Picnic Valley hotels

1. Best Western Corte Madera Inn

2. Marin Suites Hotel

3. Marin Lodge

4. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center

5. The Evergreen

6. Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn

7. Acqua Hotel

8. The Lodge at Tiburon

9. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina

10. Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

11. Hilton San Francisco Financial District

12. La Casa Inn

13. Inn on Broadway

14. Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge

15. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

16. Marina Motel

17. Comfort Inn by the Bay

18. Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

19. Club Quarters Hotel Embarcadero, San Francisco

20. Hotel Mira Vista

Compare popular hotels in Picnic Valley

Where to stay in Picnic Valley

Southeast San Rafael

Downtown San Rafael

Lucas Valley-Marinwood

Terra Linda

Dominican

Top Picnic Valley Hotel Reviews

Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel

Frequently asked questions

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