Why should I book my San Rafael holiday with Expedia?

Expedia has you covered for every detail of your upcoming San Rafael trip. You'll always land the best prices around, but when you bundle your hotel, flights and/or hire car into a holiday package, you'll get even more savings. Keen to really make the most of your escape? Add some tours and activities to your customised package. We offer flexible cancellation policies on most bookings, so there's no need to worry if your plans change. Head over to our Customer Service Portal link to learn more.

When is the best time of year to holiday in San Rafael?

To enjoy the atmosphere of peak season, take off in February, March and November. January, July and December are generally quieter and a smart idea if you'd rather escape the crowds. Organise your visit to San Rafael according to what style of holiday you want. January is the coolest time of year, when daytime temperatures average 10ºC. In August, the warmest period, you'll experience temperatures of around 17ºC during the day.

What are the top hotels for my holiday in San Rafael?

If you're planning to stay in the Santa Venetia neighbourhood, North Bay Inn and SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael are fabulous options. Terra Linda is another popular San Rafael area. We recommend Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County or Villa Inn if you choose this end of town.

How do I get a cheap holiday to San Rafael?

If you love landing a bargain, combine your bookings into a San Rafael holiday. Whether you need hotels, flights, activities or hire cars, you can browse and book them all in one place. You'll have loads of choice at your fingertips as well. Expedia has more than 400 partner airlines and 321,000 hotels throughout the world to pick from. Fly with who you prefer, stay in a place you like and save a bundle — now that's the ideal holiday! Learn more about how you can save money on your holiday when you combine your hotel and flight bookings with Expedia.

What should I do on my San Rafael holiday?

Offering popular attractions like Muir Woods National Monument and Marin County Civic Centre , a holiday in San Rafael promises lots of fun things to see and do. Dominican University of California and Stinson Beach are a couple of other sights also worth exploring.

What is the best area to stay in when on holiday in San Rafael?

A holiday in San Rafael isn't complete without visiting Marin County Civic Centre. Why not stay close to this popular tourist attraction?

Do I need a visa for my San Rafael holiday?

Check the latest rules on official government websites. Your nationality and whether you're travelling for leisure, business or study will determine if you need a visa for San Rafael. Make yourself familiar with the application process, including the required documentation, fees and turnaround times. Finalise your application well in advance to allow plenty of time for processing. Some visas can take weeks or even months to go through, depending on the country.

What should I wear on my San Rafael holiday?

Though everyone's fashion style differs, it can be useful to have a few guidelines for what to wear on your holiday in San Rafael. Think about searching style blogs before leaving for inspiration on fashion trends or dress codes. Daytime temperatures during January, San Rafael's coolest month, are around 10ºC. August marks this destination's warmest month when the average daily temperature reaches 17ºC. Our advice? Take the guesswork out of what to pack and check the local weather conditions.

What does an Expedia San Rafael holiday include?

That's up to you. Simply choose from a range of San Rafael packages, such as a hire car, hotel and flight. You can also book a flight and a hotel, or a car hire with a flight. Once you've made your booking, add the fun stuff like tours and activities. Whatever your perfect San Rafael holiday looks like, get ready to save! Explore a wide range of property types and choose one that matches your group size and travel needs. The most popular holiday rentals here are private holiday homes and apartments. With Expedia, it's easy to customise your San Rafael escape just the way you like.

Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later San Rafael holidays?

Your bank balance shouldn't prevent you from escaping on holiday, so Expedia has worked out a solution to help. Now that we've partnered with online lender Klarna, it's easier than ever to book an incredible getaway without hurting your hip pocket. Klarna offers flexible payment options during the checkout process that take the stress out of budgeting for your trip. Consider one of these flexible payment options: Pay monthly holidays : Klarna offers the ability to pay in multiple instalments that work for all budgets, so you can take that well-deserved holiday now. No-deposit holidays : Pressing the "book now" button is much easier with this option. With no upfront fee for your holiday, you can Book Now, Pay Later and start working on your travel itinerary.

Can I choose my airline with a San Rafael Expedia holiday?

Yes — and it's simple too. Expedia has access to more than 400 partner airlines throughout the world. Our packages give you the flexibility to pick from available flights, hotels and activities that suit you.

San Rafael Holidays 2026 from £1,108

Top San Rafael Flight + Hotel Deals

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

The Grove Inn

Western Addition

£1,108

per person

25 Aug - 31 Aug

found 1 day ago

Return flight included

London (LGW) to San Francisco (SFO)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (719 reviews)

The location was nice - quiet but still close to food and sights. The room itself was quite basic. Comfortable but small; nothing to write home about. No elevator (but they did have a luggage elevator). The staff was friendly and welcoming.

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2026

The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

Union Square

Save 100% on your flight

£1,128

per person

24 Aug - 31 Aug

found 1 day ago

Return direct flight included

London (LGW) to San Francisco (SFO)

8.8/10 Excellent! (2,322 reviews)

They just updated this property and it is STUNNING! The hallways, bar and room, bring in the San Francisco modern, but classic charm. The rooms are HUGE! Location Amazing, just out the door and hop on the cable car or walk accross the street to get pastrys and shopping. The staff was incredible too, from check in staff, the bartender, and concierges.

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2026

1 Hotel San Francisco

Downtown San Francisco

Save 100% on your flight

£1,196

per person

24 Sept - 29 Sept

found 1 day ago

Return flight included

London (LON) to San Francisco (SFO)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (561 reviews)

Great hotel. Very clean. Friendly staff. Nice fitness center. Good food. Great location.

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2026

The Huntington Hotel

Downtown San Francisco

Save 100% on your flight

£1,831

per person

25 Aug - 31 Aug

found 1 day ago

Return flight included

London (LGW) to San Francisco (SFO)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)

Love this hotel..... newly renovated, great location, beautiful rooms, staff is exceptional. Love the bar and restaurant....a little tight and the martinis could be bigger but a class act! Highly recommend!

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2026

The Jay, Autograph Collection

Downtown San Francisco

Save 100% on your flight

£1,390

per person

18 Sept - 24 Sept

found 1 day ago

Return flight included

London (LHR) to San Francisco (SFO)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (438 reviews)

We're loyal Marriott customers and love this property’s great location and unbeatable price. However, our room wasn't ready until 6 PM, which was inconvenient before dinner. The staff was hospitable, but the hectic atmosphere made it hard to relax. The room was clean, but issues like a leaking mini bar and overlooked details could have been improved with more staff and attention.

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2026

Where to stay in San Rafael

Find the best San Rafael areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Rafael

Things to do in and around San Rafael

San Rafael offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for your holiday. Explore its vibrant recreational areas, engage in educational activities, and indulge in shopping at local centres. Whether you're seeking exotic tours, trips to Santiago, or memorable day tours, San Rafael promises a range of experiences that cater to every traveler's interests.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in San Rafael, visit the Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market for local goods. Marin Country Mart, only 3.2km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with shops and entertainment. Book Passage, a charming bookstore, is just 4.8km from San Rafael.

Recreation

Relax at McNears Beach Country Park, where you can enjoy serene coastal views and unwind amidst nature. Challenge yourself at Peacock Gap Golf Club, a picturesque golf course perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For evening entertainment, catch a live performance at Sweetwater Music Hall, just 8.0km away.

Adventure

Embark on the Tennessee Valley Trailhead, an 12.9km hike through stunning scenery and outdoor adventure. Alternatively, the Dipsea Trailhead, 8.0km away, offers exhilarating access to nature, while Boardsports Marin, 11.3km distant, provides thrilling water sports experiences amidst an adventurous outdoor setting.

Nightlife

Experience San Rafael's nightlife starting at the American Legion Log Cabin, a charming drinking pub with a romantic ambiance just 3.2km away. For a vibrant night, visit the Phoenix Theater nightclub, 30.6km out, or enjoy the lively atmosphere at the Oakland Tribune Tower pub, 29.0km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near San Rafael

San Rafael, located in California, is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Visitors can explore scenic beaches, urban parks, and nearby state parks, offering cultural and family-friendly experiences. Notable attractions include Sao Rafael Beach, San Rafael Beach, and the San Rafael Glacier, providing ample opportunities for memorable excursions in this picturesque region.

Golden Gate Bridge: This iconic historic bridge, located 19.3km from San Rafael, offers stunning views and a rich cultural vibe. Walk or cycle across to fully appreciate its architectural marvel and the breathtaking San Francisco Bay.
Muir Woods National Monument: Just 9.7km away, this enchanting forest invites you to explore its towering redwoods and lush surroundings. Perfect for outdoor adventures, it provides a serene escape into nature’s beauty.
Pier 39: Situated 20.9km from San Rafael, this vibrant jetty is bustling with shops, eateries, and entertainment. Enjoy the scenic waterfront and friendly atmosphere while watching sea lions basking in the sun.

Best time to go to San Rafael

The best time to visit San Rafael can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in San Rafael falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in San Rafael falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
February	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	54.9°F (12.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	57.6°F (14.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	61.3°F (16.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	63.7°F (17.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	61.2°F (16.2°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to San Rafael

Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to San Rafael.
Consider traveling to San Rafael during the low season (February and November to December) for more affordable options.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Language	English
Currency	U.S dollars
Closest Airport	San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO)
Population	59,200
Max Temp Winter	13ºC
Max Temp Summer	21ºC
Top Sights	Stinson Beach, Bolinas Beach and Mount Tamalpais State Park

Language

English

Currency

U.S dollars

Closest Airport

San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO)

Population

59,200

Max Temp Winter

13ºC

Max Temp Summer

21ºC

Top Sights

Stinson Beach, Bolinas Beach and Mount Tamalpais State Park

Top hotels in San Rafael

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

2500 Mason St San Francisco CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

£162

13 Jul - 14 Jul

includes taxes & fees

9/10 Wonderful! (7,534 reviews)

"Excellent.!"

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2026

Handlery Union Square Hotel

351 Geary St San Francisco CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

£151

21 Jul - 22 Jul

includes taxes & fees

8.8/10 Excellent! (3,282 reviews)

"The hotel was very close to tourist attractions. The room was a little dated, but extremely clean. We would stay there again."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2026

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

5 Embarcadero Center San Francisco CA

Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay

£209

12 Jul - 13 Jul

includes taxes & fees

9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,348 reviews)

"We loved our room location and appreciated the front desk staff upon checkin. The snack store staff were courteous and generous with information. We did not get to enjoy the bar or breakfast due to time constraints but we like the vibe and ambience of the property. The only thing I did not appreciate ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2026

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.

Stay near popular San Rafael attractions