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

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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
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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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
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 AU$269 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
AU$269
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! (6,691 reviews)
"Very clean"

Reviewed on 21 Aug. 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 AU$365 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
AU$365
28 Aug - 29 Aug
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! (1,814 reviews)
"Everyone was very welcoming. It was very clean. Easy check in and out. Would love to stay here again."

Reviewed on 22 Aug. 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 AU$223 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
AU$223
26 Aug - 27 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! (4,454 reviews)
"Only thing I would have liked was a desk in my room. Otherwise."

Reviewed on 24 Aug. 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 18 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 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

AU$213
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

AU$191
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

AU$214
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

AU$213
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)

AU$146
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

AU$228
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✈⛵🚌🚉🚃🚅🚀

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