Title: Downtown San Rafael Travel Guide: Best of Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Downtown San Rafael](https://expedia.co.uk/Downtown-San-Rafael-Hotels.d944334058949931008.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to San Rafael](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-San-Rafael.d9924.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in San Rafael](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-San-Rafael.d9924.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Downtown San Rafael Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Downtown-San-Rafael.d944334058949931008.Car-Hire-Guide)[Downtown San Rafael Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Downtown-San-Rafael.d944334058949931008.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Downtown San Rafael Travel Guide ## San Rafael ![Sunset light shines on the historic Spanish Colonial mission and downtown skyline of San Rafael, California, USA.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/944334058949931008/44f72a29-9956-4df2-b60f-b1f19354bdd9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Sunset light shines on the historic Spanish Colonial mission and downtown skyline of San Rafael, California, USA.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/944334058949931008/44f72a29-9956-4df2-b60f-b1f19354bdd9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![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.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/9924/85bea5ad-39b2-4dae-ac9b-1e5d65453868.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mission San Rafael Arcangel. Founded 1817. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/9924/178475c1-4750-4053-b3fa-104f31f3f888.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Mission San Rafael Arcangel featuring a statue or sculpture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065807/d20836b2-9b82-49e5-99b4-bc1b1d606e2a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Downtown San Rafael Things to do Hotels Where to stay [San Rafael travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Rafael.dx9924) --- ### Popular places to visit ![Mission San Rafael Arcangel featuring a statue or sculpture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6065807/d20836b2-9b82-49e5-99b4-bc1b1d606e2a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Mission-San-Rafael-Arcangel-Downtown-San-Rafael.d6065807.Attraction) ![Spire and fountain which are located in an outdoor space that is off the employee cafeteria area.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/9924/79973cd4-a955-4b95-9546-280323e089bf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Marin-County-Civic-Center-San-Rafael.d6065809.Attraction) ![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.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/9924/3500632a-0fae-4c37-a366-e40301a05d3f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/China-Camp-State-Park-China-Camp.d553248621558560557.Attraction) #### San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park Catch an event at San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park and enjoy other activities in San Rafael such as cycling.Amble within the lush forest or visit the shops in this family-friendly area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Rafael-Pacifics-Albert-Park-Picnic-Valley.d553248621558560559.Attraction) #### 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 cycling trails. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Classic-Billiards-San-Rafael.d553248621532640604.Attraction) #### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Marin-History-Museum-San-Rafael.d6334915.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/516054/59a4face-b6a6-4df9-bda8-39b9a931913c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group) £69 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/muir-woods-and-sausalito-12-day-tour-small-group.a516054.activity-details) ![Combo image of City sightseeing and Muir Woods National Monument entrance](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/289567/a6ea6e92-6df4-4692-8342-327437120163.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Hop-on, Hop-off City Tour & Muir Woods Excursion £102 per adult **92%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/hop-on.a289567.activity-details) ![The Golden Hour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47511593/e9803519-bda1-48f0-9843-197533e35e19.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay £109 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/2hr-sunset-sailing-experience-on-san-francisco-bay.a47511593.activity-details) ![San Francisco City Sights Seaplane Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48909146/341b76fd-9b37-419f-bcba-17e0330d11c3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### San Francisco City Sights Seaplane Tour £174 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/san-francisco-city-sights-seaplane-tour.a48909146.activity-details) ![Sailing Across the Golden Gate Bridge](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46781030/5da31d39-0214-4a96-95dd-05c6df8f48f6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay £109 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/2hr-interactive-sailing-experience-on-san-francisco-bay.a46781030.activity-details) ![ Electric Bike Tour De San Francisco](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49993843/07ac4bd3-069d-4b27-9ea3-ef0f6d5e9bd6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Electric Bike Tour De San Francisco £73 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/electric-bike-tour-de-san-francisco.a49993843.activity-details) [See all activities in San Rafael](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-San-Rafael.d9924.Travel-Guide-Activities) --- ## Top hotels in Downtown San Rafael ![Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/10600/10538/9ba9bb1f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG 1500 Van Ness Ave San Francisco CA £106 per night 16 Feb - 17 Feb Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (5,234 reviews) We arrived early and was able to get an early check in. Checkout was a breeze. Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=16%2F02%2F2026&endDate=17%2F02%2F2026&selected=10538&PinnedHotelID=10538&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=944334058949931008) ![Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/24700/24625/6fb55356_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf 2500 Mason St San Francisco CA £136 per night 10 Feb - 11 Feb Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (7,302 reviews) Clean, friendly staff, great breakfast. Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=10%2F02%2F2026&endDate=11%2F02%2F2026&selected=24625&PinnedHotelID=24625&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=944334058949931008) ![Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/32000000/31420000/31419900/31419890/fc76649d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown 701 3rd St San Francisco CA Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay £155 per night 13 Feb - 14 Feb Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ... 9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,982 reviews) Rumor's clean and comfortable. This part of SF is desamp without much homelessness Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=14%2F02%2F2026&selected=31419890&PinnedHotelID=31419890&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=944334058949931008) ![Hilton San Francisco Financial District](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/4400/4302/77af977e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hilton San Francisco Financial District 750 Kearny St San Francisco CA £103 per night 22 Feb - 23 Feb Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (2,372 reviews) there should be a welcome drinks. water so expensive .the time we arrived at the hotel we are really so thirsty buy anyway ,its business anyway Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=22%2F02%2F2026&endDate=23%2F02%2F2026&selected=4302&PinnedHotelID=4302&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=944334058949931008) ![Comfort Inn by the Bay](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/6000/5984/d439a184_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Comfort Inn by the Bay 2775 Van Ness Ave San Francisco CA £89 per night 11 Feb - 12 Feb Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ... 8.2/10 Very Good! (1,303 reviews) For my first time visiting San Francisco, this place was the best! My view was beautiful, the room was great, and everyone here was very helpful. I’m very grateful for Jonathan and everyone there helping us. The food options around us were great as well! Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=11%2F02%2F2026&endDate=12%2F02%2F2026&selected=5984&PinnedHotelID=5984&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=944334058949931008) ![Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/920000/913000/912982/5ee1ba27_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco 424 Clay St San Francisco CA £100 per night 16 Feb - 17 Feb Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (2,950 reviews) Large spot on floor, wall dirty or scuffed up, very far from elevator for being an accessible room. Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=16%2F02%2F2026&endDate=17%2F02%2F2026&selected=912982&PinnedHotelID=912982&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=944334058949931008) [See all 3,818 properties in Downtown San Rafael](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=09%2F02%2F2026&endDate=10%2F02%2F2026®ionId=944334058949931008) 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. ## Check Downtown San Rafael hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=944334058949931008&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[8 Feb - 9 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=944334058949931008&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=944334058949931008&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10)[9 Feb - 10 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=944334058949931008&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=944334058949931008&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=944334058949931008&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) --- ### Other neighbourhoods around Downtown San Rafael ![Dramatic sunset over Mt. Tamalpais, Marin County, CA.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/944335156291006464/bef904b1-a8eb-422f-9616-6f34fd87c5a3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Gerstle Park While Gerstle Park isn't home to many top sights, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and American Legion Log Cabin are some notable places to visit nearby. [](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Rafael-Gerstle-Park.dx944335156291006464) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Lincoln While there might not be top attractions in Lincoln, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin County Civic Center. [](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Rafael-Lincoln.dx984038753721253888) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Francisco Boulevard West While there might not be top attractions in Francisco Boulevard West, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Larkspur Ferry Terminal. [](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Rafael-Francisco-Boulevard-West.dx984039600677060608) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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 Larkspur Ferry Terminal. [](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Rafael-Picnic-Valley.dx553248635976470347) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Fairhills When in Fairhills, you can plan a visit to Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin County Civic Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Rafael-Fairhills.dx984038663904428032) ![Highway 1 at Gaviota Pass, Santa Barbara County](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/944333611132547072/bd9dde2c-4617-4e95-a49c-54c82ad0510d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Montecito-Happy Valley While Montecito-Happy Valley isn't home to many top sights, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Larkspur Ferry Terminal are some notable places to visit nearby. [](https://expedia.co.uk/San-Rafael-Montecito-Happy-Valley.dx944333611132547072) --- --- - [Stays](?pwaLob=wizard-hotel-pwa-v2) - [Packages](?pwaLob=wizard-package-pwa) - [Flights](?pwaLob=wizard-flight-pwa) - [Things to do](?pwaLob=wizard-lx-pwa) - [Cruises](?pwaLob=wizard-cruise-pwa) - [Cars](?pwaLob=wizard-car-pwa) # Downtown San Rafael Travel Guide ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app