Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
About 4 miles east of San Rafael, this is a pleasant place to stop for a picnic or short hike.
From Hwy 101, take the N San Pedro Rd exit and continue 3 miles east. A Chinese fishing
village once stood here, and a small museum exhibits interesting artifacts from the settle-
ment.
Mission San Rafael Arcángel
MISSION
(
www.saintraphael.com
;
1104 5th Ave)
The town began with this mission, founded in 1817, which served as a sanatorium for Nat-
ive Americans suffering from European diseases. The present building is a replica dating
from 1949.
Sleeping & Eating
China Camp State Park
CAMPGROUND
( 800-444-7275;
www.reserveamerica.com
;
tent sites $35)
The park has 30 walk-in campsites with showers and pleasant shade.
Panama Hotel
B&B
( 415-457-3993;
www.panamahotel.com
;
4 Bayview St; s/d with shared bath $75/90, r $120-195;
)
The 10 artsy rooms at this B&B, in a building dating from 1910, each have their own
unique style and charming decor - like crazy quilts and vibrant accent walls. The hotel res-
taurant has an inviting courtyard patio.
Sol Food Puerto Rican Cuisine
PUERTO RICAN
(
415-451-4765;
www.solfoodrestaurant.com
;
cnr Lincoln Ave & 3rd St; mains $7.50-16;
7am-mid-
night Mon-Thu, to 2am Fri, 8am-2am Sat, to midnight Sun)
Lazy ceiling fans, a profusion of tropical plants and the pulse of Latin rhythms create a
soothing atmosphere for delicious dishes like a
jíbaro
sandwich (thinly sliced steak served
on green plantains) and other island-inspired meals concocted with plantains
,
organic veg-
gies and free-range meats.
