Downtown San Rafael Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Downtown 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.
San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park
Catch an event at San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park and enjoy other activities in San Rafael such as cycling.Amble within the lush forest or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.
Marin History Museum
You can spend time studying the exhibits at Marin History Museum in San Rafael. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the cycling trails.
Classic Billiards
Enjoy an outing to Classic Billiards during your stay in San Rafael. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the cycling trails.
Activities
Muir Redwoods Tour from San Francisco
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)
Muir Woods National Monument: Self-Guided Walking and Driving Audio Tour
Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour + Bay Cruise Adventure
San Francisco: Muir Woods Redwood Forest Tour
Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour - Including Golden Gate Bridge
Our pick of the best Downtown San Rafael Hotel Deals
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Clean room! Breakfast is amazing and staff was soo so nice. Location was perfect to get everywhere and walking distance
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Good for the price
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
This hotel was great! Clearly it was recently redone. Staff could not have been nicer or more helpful. Location is amazing! Would definitely stay here again! Perfect all around!
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
It was walking distance to places we needed to go.
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
We really enjoyed our stay. The hotel was clean and comfortable. The only issue we had was parking. When I called the AI told me an address for parking that was confusing and it was not clear that they allowed cars overnight. It gives you an address but not the name of the garage. the name of the ...
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
I have paid more than expected. I thought the total fee was $420 when I paid online, however they charged me more than $500. The parking is horrible; it costs $73, which is unreasonable. I will not book this hotel in the future. I know it is downtown, but unreasonable.
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown San Rafael
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.
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.
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 San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.
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 San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.
Montecito-Happy Valley
While Montecito-Happy Valley isn't home to many top sights, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park are some notable places to visit nearby.
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.
