Downtown San Rafael Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sunset light shines on the historic Spanish Colonial mission and downtown skyline of San Rafael, California, USA.
Sunset light shines on the historic Spanish Colonial mission and downtown skyline of San Rafael, California, USA.
The original mission was built here in 1817. Its original function was as a ‘sub’ mission for the church in San Francisco to assist in treating sick parishioners. It gained full mission status in 1822. Abandoned in 1847 with all its buildings being sold off or destroyed. A new church was built on the grounds in 1861. This chapel dates to 1949 and is a reconstruction of the building from 1817.
Mission San Rafael Arcangel. Founded 1817.
Mission San Rafael Arcangel which includes a statue or sculpture

Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown San Rafael Hotel Deals

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave San Francisco CA
The price is NZ$241 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
NZ$241
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,238 reviews)
We arrived early and was able to get an early check in. Checkout was a breeze.

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St San Francisco CA
The price is NZ$308 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
NZ$308
10 Feb - 11 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (7,321 reviews)
Stay was great. No issues encountered.

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

3 out of 5
701 3rd St San Francisco CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$350 per night from 13 Feb to 14 Feb
NZ$350
13 Feb - 14 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,981 reviews)
Super Clean hotel. Staffs are all friendly and courteous.

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St San Francisco CA
The price is NZ$253 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
NZ$253
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,377 reviews)
Room was clean and staff was nice! They answered all questions I had and were really helpful overall!

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Comfort Inn by the Bay

Comfort Inn by the Bay

2.5 out of 5
2775 Van Ness Ave San Francisco CA
The price is NZ$201 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
NZ$201
10 Feb - 11 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,304 reviews)
Stayed here for my birthday & it was just as amazing as my stay a few weeks ago! Very clean, nice bay view & the breakfast is great. I have to say- the young gentleman at the front with the curly hair has the patience of a saint. He was dealing with some very rude ladies & no matter the disrespect ...

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Comfort Inn by the Bay
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco

Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco

4 out of 5
424 Clay St San Francisco CA
The price is NZ$230 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
NZ$230
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,938 reviews)
It’s was great. I definitely recommend.

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown San Rafael

Dramatic sunset over Mt. Tamalpais, Marin County, CA.

Gerstle Park

While Gerstle Park isn't home to many top sights, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and American Legion Log Cabin are some notable places to visit nearby.

Gerstle Park
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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 Marin County Civic Center.

Lincoln
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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 Larkspur Ferry Terminal.

Francisco Boulevard West
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Picnic Valley

While there might not be top attractions in Picnic Valley, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Larkspur Ferry Terminal.

Picnic Valley
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Fairhills

When in Fairhills, you can plan a visit to Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin County Civic Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Fairhills
Highway 1 at Gaviota Pass, Santa Barbara County

Montecito-Happy Valley

While Montecito-Happy Valley isn't home to many top sights, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Larkspur Ferry Terminal are some notable places to visit nearby.

Montecito-Happy Valley


Downtown San Rafael Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: