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

4/5(1 review)

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

5/5(1 review)

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

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 biking trails.

Classic Billiards

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

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 $179 per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
CA $179
CA $211 total
Apr 12 - Apr 13
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! (5,390 reviews)
Excellent stay

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St San Francisco CA
The price is CA $171 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
CA $171
CA $201 total
Apr 6 - Apr 7
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! (2,936 reviews)
Shops nearby were helpful. Super close to a big Macy’s that had food options and in walking distance of a Trader Joe’s. The pool was under maintenance while we stayed which we were not informed about before hand. That was disappointing.

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2026

Handlery Union Square Hotel
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 $179 per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
CA $179
CA $267 total
Apr 12 - Apr 13
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! (7,329 reviews)
Shops were near by

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
YOTEL San Francisco

YOTEL San Francisco

3 out of 5
1095 Market St San Francisco CA
The price is CA $98 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
CA $98
CA $172 total
Mar 31 - Apr 1
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! (1,000 reviews)
Inside, the staff is very helpful and accommodating without being invasive. The rooms are peculiarly engineered, so make sure that you know what you are about to spend the night in. I think the room that I rented for two nights is made for single travelers or a close couple because I was in a sky ...

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2026

YOTEL San Francisco
Hotel Julian

Hotel Julian

3 out of 5
940 Sutter Street San Francisco CA
The price is CA $109 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
CA $109
CA $155 total
Apr 2 - Apr 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Lombard Street and Pier 39 are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (658 reviews)
Great location with a bit of history for the movie buffs. Easy walk down to Union Square and transport options all around. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful.

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2026

Hotel Julian
Embassy Hotel

Embassy Hotel

2.5 out of 5
610 Polk St San Francisco CA
The price is CA $99 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
CA $99
CA $117 total
Mar 30 - Mar 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy valet parking (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Lombard Street and Oracle ...
6.6/10 (639 reviews)
I’m hoping someone reads this review because I wish I had read reviews before booking. First, this hotel is not affiliated with Embassy Suites. That’s what I assumed when I booked, but it’s actually a completely separate hotel called The Embassy. It’s located in the Tenderloin District, one of the ...

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2026

Embassy Hotel
See all 3,779 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 Marin Country Mart.

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 Marin Country Mart.

Picnic Valley
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Fairhills

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

Fairhills
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 Marin Country Mart.

Montecito-Happy Valley

Downtown San Rafael

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