Downtown San Rafael

San Rafael

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

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

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

Rebound Bookstore

Enjoy an outing to Rebound Bookstore during your stay in San Rafael. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the biking trails.

Rebound Bookstore

Marin History Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Marin History Museum during your trip to San Rafael. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the biking trails.

Marin History Museum

Things to do

Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour

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

CA $130
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)
2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

SAN FRANCISCO: (2hr) SUNSET Sailing Experience on SF Bay

CA $204
per adult
SAN FRANCISCO: (2hr) SUNSET Sailing Experience on SF Bay
Combo image of City sightseeing and Muir Woods National Monument entrance

Hop-on, Hop-off City Tour & Muir Woods Excursion

CA $192
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Hop-on, Hop-off City Tour & Muir Woods Excursion
Sailing Across the Golden Gate Bridge

2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

CA $204
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay
The Golden Hour

2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

CA $204
per adult
2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay
Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour with Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour

Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour with Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour

CA $286
per adult
Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour with Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour
See all activities in San Rafael

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 CA $185 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
CA $185
CA $217 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,358 reviews)
Everything we did was within walking distance from the Hotel, the Pier, the Restaurants, the Shopping and the Shows. It was great to walk to everywhere in great weather conditions, not having to drive deal with traffic or parking.

Reviewed on Mar 6, 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 CA $201 per night from Mar 18 to Mar 19
CA $201
CA $293 total
Mar 18 - Mar 19
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9/10 Wonderful! (7,375 reviews)
Convenient location, friendly and helpful staff

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St San Francisco CA
The price is CA $204 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
CA $204
CA $240 total
Apr 1 - Apr 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,904 reviews)
They advertise a heated pool, there is no pool. It looks like its been under construction for years. Toilet did not flush, when I asked for it to be fixed, I received push back from the staff. Urine should not be able to clog a toilet; they finally fixed it. TV was full of static. bathroom door did ...

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026

Handlery Union Square Hotel
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

3 out of 5
701 3rd St San Francisco CA
The price is CA $231 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
CA $231
CA $272 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,027 reviews)
Room was great

Reviewed on Mar 6, 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 CA $117 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
CA $117
CA $138 total
Apr 5 - Apr 6
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,463 reviews)
Beautiful room with great views. Terrible receptionist encounter. Parking is very pricey but that’s just because it’s SF.

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
YOTEL San Francisco

YOTEL San Francisco

3 out of 5
1095 Market St San Francisco CA
The price is CA $99 per night from Mar 28 to Mar 29
CA $99
CA $173 total
Mar 28 - Mar 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,019 reviews)
Room was tiny. Nice to have a towel warmer, but accessible from shower so towel got cold before it could be used.

Reviewed on Mar 6, 2026

YOTEL San Francisco
See all 3,792 properties in Downtown 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.

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Other neighbourhoods around Downtown San Rafael

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
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Lincoln

Lincoln might not have many top sights, but Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lincoln
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Francisco Boulevard West

While Francisco Boulevard West 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 Larkspur Ferry Terminal.

Francisco Boulevard West
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Picnic Valley

Though Picnic Valley might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Larkspur Ferry Terminal.

Picnic Valley
Highway 1 at Gaviota Pass, Santa Barbara County

Montecito-Happy Valley

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Montecito-Happy Valley and surrounding area, you can visit Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Larkspur Ferry Terminal.

Montecito-Happy Valley
San Quentin prison in San Rafael, California, United States of America.

West End

West End might not have many top sights, but Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

West End

Downtown San Rafael

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