San Rafael Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mission San Rafael Arcangel which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Mission San Rafael Arcangel showing religious elements, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Mission San Rafael Arcangel featuring religious elements and a statue or sculpture
Mission San Rafael Arcangel showing a statue or sculpture
Mission San Rafael Arcangel featuring 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 which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral 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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West End

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in West End and surrounding area, you can visit Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center.

West End
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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
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 £112 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
£112
1 Sept - 2 Sept
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,378 reviews)
"Will be staying there again."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

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 £154 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
£154
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,619 reviews)
"Very nice hotel near Pier 39!!"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

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 £112 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
£112
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,568 reviews)
"X"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
See all 4,602 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.
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, CA
Stay at this apartment in San Rafael. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a sauna and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (162 reviews)
Amazing!!!!
"Such a beautiful private property, amenities were amazing and such a smooth process for check-in and check-out. The room definitely could’ve been cleaner, especially the kitchen and bathroom, but nothing major. Overall we really enjoyed our stay and anticipate coming back soon!"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Hot Tub/Sauna/Jacuzzi/Pets/Electric Fireplace/15 Min to Golden Gate Bridge
3-bedroom house Pool/Spa's and Cold Plunge

3-bedroom house Pool/Spa's and Cold Plunge

San Rafael, CA
Stay at this property in San Rafael. Enjoy in-room fireplaces, air conditioning and a hot tub. Popular attractions Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market ...
Cancell
"The Owner Cancels our stay at last minute, we having planning this trip with my family but I have to cancel my vacation because the host of this property. We feel really bad about it."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

3-bedroom house Pool/Spa's and Cold Plunge
Coral Reef Inn & Suites

Coral Reef Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
400 Park St, Alameda, CA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,774 reviews)
"Love coral reef, been visiting them for about 5 years. Love the views, and the availability of food in the area is amazing!!!!!"

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
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 featuring 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

Things to do

Alcatraz Ticket with Roundtrip Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off

Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour

£104
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
Combo image of Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz

2-Day, 2-Tour Alcatraz & Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour

£113
per traveller
94% of travellers recommend
2-Day, 2-Tour Alcatraz & Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour
Alcatraz Island in San Francisco

Mix & Save: San Francisco Grand City Tour + Alcatraz Island

£119
per adult
Mix & Save: San Francisco Grand City Tour + Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise

Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise

£93
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour

Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)

£71
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)
Tallest Trees on the Planet

Small Group Redwoods, California Coast & Sausalito Day Trip from San Francisco

£89
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Small Group Redwoods, California Coast & Sausalito Day Trip from San Francisco
See all activities in San Rafael

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