The Golden Gate Bridge at dusk with city lights in the background.

San Rafael Holidays from £894

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Top San Rafael flight + hotel deals

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
  • 6 Oct - 10 Oct

    San Francisco Proper Hotel + Flight

    Downtown San Francisco
    4 nights
    4.5 star property
    8.8/10 - Excellent (877 reviews)
    "Awesome hotel that is a genuine oasis in central SF. Stay here with confidence. Great rooms and even better staff in all areas of the hotel."
    Reviewed July 21, 2026
    Return London (LON) - San Francisco (SFO)
    LHR - SFODirect SFO - LHRDirect
    £1,176
    £894
    per traveller
    found 6 hours ago
    San Francisco Proper Hotel
  • 8 Oct - 13 Oct

    Cavallo Point + Flight

    Sausalito
    5 nights
    4.5 star property
    9.2/10 - Wonderful (1,004 reviews)
    Return London (LON) - San Francisco (SFO)
    LHR - SFODirect SFO - LHRDirect
    Save 100% on your flight
    £2,400
    £1,596
    per traveller
    found 1 day ago
    Cavallo Point
  • 1 Oct - 6 Oct

    Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel + Flight

    Union Square
    5 nights
    4.0 star property
    9.0/10 - Wonderful (2,146 reviews)
    "Great historic hotel with a wonderful top floor bar. Spectacular views and good cocktails at the Starlite."
    Reviewed July 21, 2026
    Return London (LON) - San Francisco (SFO)
    LHR - SFODirect SFO - LHRDirect
    £1,257
    £912
    per traveller
    found 1 day ago
    Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
  • 24 Sept - 29 Sept

    Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco + Flight

    Downtown San Francisco
    5 nights
    5.0 star property
    9.4/10 - Exceptional (1,002 reviews)
    "Best gym and pool in town."
    Reviewed July 20, 2026
    Return London (LON) - San Francisco (SFO)
    LHR - SFODirect SFO - LHRDirect
    £1,540
    £1,185
    per traveller
    found 1 day ago
    Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco
  • 24 Sept - 29 Sept

    The Jay, Autograph Collection + Flight

    Downtown San Francisco
    5 nights
    4.0 star property
    9.4/10 - Exceptional (461 reviews)
    "The property was an excellent condition and the amenities were great. They did a beautiful job at this hotel."
    Reviewed July 20, 2026
    Return London (LON) - San Francisco (SFO)
    LHR - SFODirect SFO - LHRDirect
    £1,550
    £1,194
    per traveller
    found 1 day ago
    The Jay, Autograph Collection

Where to stay in San Rafael

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

Downtown San Rafael

City centre San Rafael captures California's Spanish colonial past through its historic Mission and Victorian buildings along Fourth Street. The area buzzes with a weekly farmers market, summer street festivals, and screenings at the Rafael Film Centre. Art and culture thrive at Art Works City centre with its galleries and studios. Visitors can explore the white adobe walls of Mission San Rafael Arcángel or admire ornate Victorian mansions nearby. The area offers diverse dining options reflecting Latino influences and local California cuisine. Mountain views provide a stunning backdrop to this walkable city centre with its authentic community feel.

Gerstle Park

Step back in time along the tree-lined streets of Gerstle Park, San Rafael's historic gem. Victorian and Craftsman homes showcase ornate woodwork and colourful facades dating back to the 19th century. The peaceful namesake park offers shaded walking paths under heritage oaks and redwoods. This residential haven sits just minutes from city centre San Rafael's dining and shopping options. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the well-preserved historic details throughout the area. Visitors can enjoy the authentic local atmosphere while strolling through this charming, quiet district.

Montecito-Happy Valley

Montecito-Happy Valley offers a serene retreat from San Rafael's urban energy. This affluent area features spacious homes along quiet tree-lined streets. Mature oaks create natural canopies over winding roads with manicured gardens. The peaceful atmosphere appeals to travellers seeking an exclusive residential experience. Luxury holiday rentals with premium amenities dominate the accommodation options here. While lacking shops or restaurants within its boundaries, the area provides easy access to city centre San Rafael's amenities. Nearby China Camp State Park offers excellent hiking trails and bay views for nature enthusiasts.

Sun Valley

While Sun Valley may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like American Legion Log Cabin and Falkirk Cultural Center.

Civic Center

While visiting Civic Center, you might make a stop by sights like Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market and Marin County Civic Center.

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Rafael

What to do in San Rafael

San Rafael Hotel Deals

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Book with confidence

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.

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.

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.