What to do in San Rafael, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

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.
Mission San Rafael Arc?ngel was founded on December 14, 1817 as a medical asistencia ("sub-mission") of the Mission San Francisco de As
Spire and fountain which are located in an outdoor space that is off the employee cafeteria area.
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.

San Rafael Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that San Rafael has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

San Rafael is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in San Rafael to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

San Rafael Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of San Rafael.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to San Rafael attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Most fun & popular experiences in San Rafael

Tours & day trips

See all 65 activities
Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour (Ferry & Bike Options Available)

Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour (Ferry & Bike Options Available)

Activity duration is 5 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 408 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $124 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 20 activities
2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 26 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $204 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 8 activities
Early Bird San Francisco GoCar Tour

Early Bird San Francisco GoCar Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 7 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $231 per traveller*
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 7 activities
Alcatraz Night Tour with Aquarium + Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour

Alcatraz Night Tour with Aquarium + Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour

Activity duration is 2 days
Price is CA $465 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 7 activities
San Francisco City Sights Seaplane Tour

San Francisco City Sights Seaplane Tour

Activity duration is 20 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $327 per adult
San Francisco City Sights Seaplane TourOpens in new tab

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Recommended things to do in San Rafael

Number of things to do
77
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
San Francisco Self Guided Audio Experience: CA $9
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in San Rafael

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Rafael

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
Spire and fountain which are located in an outdoor space that is off the employee cafeteria area.

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
Don't forget to stop by the camp cafe and check out the pictures on the wall. Some famous album covers have been taken here.

China Camp State Park

Enjoy a trip to China Camp State Park and popular activities like hiking in San Rafael. Wander the lush forest in this family-friendly area.

China Camp State Park

Dominican University of California

Walk around the campus at Dominican University of California during your stay in San Rafael. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the biking trails.

Dominican University of California

Peacock Gap Golf Club

Play a round of golf in San Rafael at Peacock Gap Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as hiking. Wander the marina and lush forest in the area.

Peacock Gap Golf Club

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

Falkirk Cultural Center

Take the family on an outing to Falkirk Cultural Center during your trip to San Rafael. Discover the area's shops, or seek out its biking trails.

Falkirk Cultural Center

San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park

Catch an event at San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park, and enjoy other activities in San Rafael such as biking. Amble within the lush forest or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park

McNears Beach Country Park

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, McNears Beach Country Park might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to McNears Beach. Amble around the area's parks or visit its shops.

McNears Beach Country Park

Explore areas of San Rafael

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Lucas Valley-Marinwood

Lucas Valley-Marinwood 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.

Lucas Valley-Marinwood
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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.

Southeast San Rafael
The beautiful, unspoiled hills of West Marin, with evening light.

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.

Terra Linda
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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.

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

Gerstle Park

While Gerstle Park might 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 Falkirk Cultural Center.

Gerstle Park
Sunset light shines on the historic Spanish Colonial mission and downtown skyline of San Rafael, California, USA.

Downtown San Rafael

While visiting Downtown San Rafael, you might make a stop by sights like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Classic Billiards.

Downtown San Rafael

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from San Rafael

Aerial view of Corte madera Creek in Larkspur, Greenbrae, California, USA, at sunrise. Houses line the riverbank with docks and boats with Mount Tamalpais in the background.

Corte Madera

Frequently asked questions

Is San Rafael worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor pursuits, there are plenty of fun things to do in San Rafael. Remember to enjoy the area's mix of cool attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in San Rafael?
Start your day with a visit to Stinson Beach and Muir Beach. Then, explore different areas of San Rafael for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Rafael?
Muir Woods National Monument is one of the top tourist attractions in San Rafael and deserves a spot on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Rafael?
Three days will be enough time to check out many city attractions, including Muir Woods National Monument, Barn Theatre and Imagination Park. The average stay in San Rafael is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your escape, San Francisco isn't far away.
Is San Rafael a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to see and do in San Rafael. Several key attractions, such as Barn Theatre and Imagination Park, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of San Rafael's neighbourhoods, Picnic Valley is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Terra Linda is 5 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in San Rafael with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all ages, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in San Rafael with kids.

What to do in San Rafael for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in San Rafael, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to American Legion Log Cabin or Angel Island Immigration Station.
Are there free things to do in San Rafael?
In San Rafael, Imagination Park is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's an easy way to find out about the best free things to do in San Rafael.

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