San Rafael Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sunset light shines on the historic Spanish Colonial mission and downtown skyline of San Rafael, California, USA.
Sunset light shines on the historic Spanish Colonial mission and downtown skyline of San Rafael, California, USA.
Mission San Rafael Arc?ngel was founded on December 14, 1817 as a medical asistencia  ("sub-mission") of the Mission San Francisco de As
Spire and fountain which are located in an outdoor space that is off the employee cafeteria area.
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.

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Where to stay in San Rafael

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Lucas Valley-Marinwood

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lucas Valley-Marinwood and surrounding area, you can visit Marin County Civic Center and Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market.

Lucas Valley-Marinwood
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Southeast San Rafael

While there might not be top attractions in Southeast San Rafael, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Larkspur Ferry Terminal and Marin Country Mart.

Southeast San Rafael
The beautiful, unspoiled hills of West Marin, with evening light.

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
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Dominican

While Dominican isn't home to many top sights, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market are some notable places to visit nearby.

Dominican
Sunset light shines on the historic Spanish Colonial mission and downtown skyline of San Rafael, California, USA.

Downtown San Rafael

While visiting Downtown San Rafael, you might make a stop by sights like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Classic Billiards.

Downtown San Rafael
Dramatic sunset over Mt. Tamalpais, Marin County, CA.

Gerstle Park

While Gerstle Park isn't home to many top sights, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Gerstle Park
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 £104 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
£104
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,313 reviews)
Everything was excellent, thank you!

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
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 £132 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
£132
3 Mar - 4 Mar
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (7,321 reviews)
Near plenty of shops for shopping close to sightseeing!!

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St San Francisco CA
The price is £104 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
£104
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,424 reviews)
Clean room and friendly staff. Location is top notch.

Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
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.
Tranquil Waterfront Retreat Haven

Tranquil Waterfront Retreat Haven

San Rafael CA
Stay at this villa in San Rafael. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a sauna. Popular attractions Marin Country Mart and Mission San Rafael Arcangel are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
The host was very welcoming and responsive. The view from the living room overlooking the pool, jacuzzi, palm trees, canal, sailboats, and hillsides was very peaceful. The house had unique and fun decor while still feeling comfortable and homey. The sauna was also nice to enjoy.

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Tranquil Waterfront Retreat Haven
Marin Edwardian Mansion overlooking San Francisco Bay

Marin Edwardian Mansion overlooking San Francisco Bay

San Rafael CA
Stay at this apartment in San Rafael. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a sauna and a garden. Popular attractions Muir Woods National Monument and Marin Country Mart are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (58 reviews)
Everything was perfect. Had a great stay. The hosts were considerate and accommodative of our requests for extension and delayed check outs. Very convenient location near groceries, downtown and local attractions - and amazing views too. Highly recommended

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Marin Edwardian Mansion overlooking San Francisco Bay
Simply marvelous 2 bedroom with kitchenette, grilling patio and grand balcony

Simply marvelous 2 bedroom with kitchenette, grilling patio and grand balcony

San Rafael CA
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in San Rafael. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, patios and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Muir Woods National Monument ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
We enjoyed our visit!

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Simply marvelous 2 bedroom with kitchenette, grilling patio and grand balcony
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

Things to do

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