San Rafael Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mission San Rafael Arcangel showing a church or cathedral, religious aspects and heritage architecture
Mission San Rafael Arcangel showing a church or cathedral, religious aspects and heritage architecture
Mission San Rafael Arcangel which includes a statue or sculpture and religious aspects
Mission San Rafael Arcangel featuring a statue or sculpture
Mission San Rafael Arcangel which includes a statue or sculpture

Where to stay in San Rafael

Mission San Rafael Arcangel showing a church or cathedral, religious aspects and heritage architecture

Downtown San Rafael

While visiting Downtown San Rafael, you might make a stop by sights like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin History Museum.

Downtown San Rafael
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Terra Linda

Terra Linda might not have many top sights, but Marin County Civic Center and Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Terra Linda
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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.

Gerstle Park
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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 San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.

Picnic Valley
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Bret Harte

Bret Harte might not have many top sights, but Marin Country Mart and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Bret Harte
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Country Club

While Country Club may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin History Museum.

Country Club
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
The price is NZ$235 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$235
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,605 reviews)
"lots of chinese food. parking was expensive but convenient. coffee bar in lobby in morning was convenient."

Reviewed on 7 Aug. 2025

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
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$341 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
NZ$341
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,635 reviews)
"Nothing special."

Reviewed on 7 Aug. 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
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$252 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
NZ$252
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,393 reviews)
"Beds great transport easy and surrounding Restraunt s were good. Close to the warf, china town and japan town. As well as the sirloin."

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
See all 4,627 properties in San Rafael
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.
Hot Tub/Sauna/Jacuzzi/Pets/Electric Fireplace/15 Min to Golden Gate Bridge

Hot Tub/Sauna/Jacuzzi/Pets/Electric Fireplace/15 Min to Golden Gate Bridge

San Rafael
Stay at this apartment in San Rafael. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions Marin ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (162 reviews)
Amazing!!!!
"Such a beautiful private property, amenities were amazing and such a smooth process for check-in and check-out. The room definitely could’ve been cleaner, especially the kitchen and bathroom, but nothing major. Overall we really enjoyed our stay and anticipate coming back soon!"

Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2025

Hot Tub/Sauna/Jacuzzi/Pets/Electric Fireplace/15 Min to Golden Gate Bridge
3-bedroom house Pool/Spa's and Cold Plunge

3-bedroom house Pool/Spa's and Cold Plunge

San Rafael
Stay at this property in San Rafael. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Marin County Civic Center Farmers' ...
Cancell
"The Owner Cancels our stay at last minute, we having planning this trip with my family but I have to cancel my vacation because the host of this property. We feel really bad about it."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

3-bedroom house Pool/Spa's and Cold Plunge
Tranquil Waterfront Retreat Haven

Tranquil Waterfront Retreat Haven

San Rafael
Stay at this villa in San Rafael. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a sauna. Popular attractions Marin Country Mart and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
"This was hands-down the best vacation we’ve ever had. The view was absolutely breathtaking—truly one of a kind. Waking up to that scenery every day felt like a dream. The home itself was spotless, cozy, and had everything we needed, but what made this experience even more special was the owner. They ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2025

Tranquil Waterfront Retreat Haven
See all properties in San Rafael
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.

Popular places to visit

Marin County Civic Center

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.

Marin County Civic Center
Mission San Rafael Arcangel which includes a statue or sculpture

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.

Mission San Rafael Arcangel
China Camp State Park

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.

China Camp State Park
Marin History Museum

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.

Marin History Museum

Dominican University of California

Walk around the campus at Dominican University of California as part of your travels around San Rafael. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the cycling trails.

Dominican University of California

Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market

You can enjoy retail therapy at Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market during your trip to San Rafael. Wander the area's lush forest or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market

Activities

Alcatraz San Francisco Bay Cruise with Night Option

Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

NZ$231
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
The official Alcatraz tour is included on this tour!

San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz

NZ$214
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz
Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise

Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise

NZ$231
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise
Alcatraz Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off

Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour

NZ$233
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise

Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise

NZ$208
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour

Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)

NZ$158
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)
See all activities in San Rafael

Cities near San Rafael

San Anselmo

San Anselmo

Photo by Elizabeth Sanders

Nicasio