San Rafael

Travel Guide

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

Where to stay in San Rafael

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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
Mission San Rafael Arcangel showing religious elements, a church or cathedral 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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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 San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.

Gerstle Park
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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 San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.

Picnic Valley
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Bret Harte

While there might not be top attractions in Bret Harte, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Marin Country Mart and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.

Bret Harte
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Country Club

While Country Club 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 History Museum.

Country Club
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 $156 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
CA $156
CA $241 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
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! (6,705 reviews)
"Excellent location, easily walkable to all the places we wanted to visit. Felt safe and easy parking. We were concerned our car may have been over height, there is a 6ft limit but we got in fine. However you can also use the parking in the hotel opposite which has a greater height allowance. Staff ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 24, 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

4 out of 5
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA
The price is CA $223 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
CA $223
CA $327 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,820 reviews)
"beautiful clean great location"

Reviewed on Aug. 24, 2025

Hyatt Regency San Francisco
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 $170 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
CA $170
CA $201 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
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! (4,457 reviews)
"Breakfast buffet iver lriced but iverall a good experience"

Reviewed on Aug. 25, 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
See all 4,663 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.
3-bedroom house Pool/Spa's and Cold Plunge

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

San Rafael
Stay at this vacation home in San Rafael. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Marin County Civic Center Farmers' ...
6/10 (1 review)
"A comfortable place with an awesome pool, however some things were not available that were advertised; grill, hot tub."

Reviewed on Aug. 18, 2025

3-bedroom house Pool/Spa's and Cold Plunge
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)
"The accomodations were great and Ben was very communicative."

Reviewed on Aug. 21, 2025

Hot Tub/Sauna/Jacuzzi/Pets/Electric Fireplace/15 Min to Golden Gate Bridge
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)
"Home is beautiful and well appointed. We had plenty of space for our party of 7 longtime girlfriends to reconnect. Property manager was great at accommodating. She answered texts right away and made us feel very welcome. Able to paddleboard and kayak on lagoon and enjoy all the dining and lounge ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 23, 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

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
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
China Camp State Park

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
Marin History Museum

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

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

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

Things to do

Alcatraz San Francisco Bay Cruise with Night Option

Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

CA $191
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise

Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise

CA $172
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise
Alcatraz Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off

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

CA $193
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise

Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise

CA $191
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour

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

CA $131
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)
San Francisco Guided City Tour with Alcatraz Island

San Francisco Guided City Tour with Alcatraz Island

CA $205
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Guided City Tour with Alcatraz Island
See all activities in San Rafael

Cities near San Rafael

Photo by Tonette Pineda✈⛵🚌🚉🚃🚅🚀

Corte Madera