What to do in San Rafael, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

The Golden Gate Bridge at dusk with city lights in the background.
View of the Pacific Coast shoreline of Drakes Beach, at the Point Reyes National Seashore, in Northern California.
A cityscape with a prominent church tower, dense urban buildings, and a bridge in the distance.
A beach with rocks and two seals resting on the sand.
A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and a sandy beach.

San Rafael Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that San Rafael has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to San Rafael, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to San Rafael with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in San Rafael

San Rafael is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in San Rafael, and make it a breeze to explore San Rafael and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in San Rafael to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to San Rafael, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in San Rafael.

San Rafael attractions

San Rafael has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in San Rafael to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of San Rafael.

Looking for things to do in San Rafael can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of San Rafael or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to San Rafael attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Alcatraz Island in San Francisco

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

£113
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

£94
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise
Combo image of Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz

Visit Alcatraz + Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour (2-Day)

£109
per traveller
96% of travellers recommend
Visit Alcatraz + Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour (2-Day)
San Francisco Self Guided Audio Experience

San Francisco Self Guided Audio Experience

£5
per adult
San Francisco Self Guided Audio Experience
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour

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

£75
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)
Combo image of City sightseeing and Muir Woods National Monument entrance

Hop-on, Hop-off City Tour & Muir Woods Excursion

£106
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Hop-on, Hop-off City Tour & Muir Woods Excursion
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Most fun & popular experiences in San Rafael

Tours & day trips

See all 77 activities
Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour (Ferry & Bike Options Available)

Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour (Ferry & Bike Options Available)

Activity duration is 5 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 431 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £59 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 21 activities
Early Bird San Francisco GoCar Tour

Early Bird San Francisco GoCar Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £125 per traveller*
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Cruises & boat tours

See all 15 activities
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)

Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.6 out of 10 with 621 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £29 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 11 activities
Catch and Cook Crabbing Experience in San Francisco

Catch and Cook Crabbing Experience in San Francisco

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is £111 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 8 activities
Wine Country Shuttle from San Francisco

Wine Country Shuttle from San Francisco

Activity duration is 9 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is £88 per adult
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Recommended things to do in San Rafael

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in San Rafael

Stay near popular San Rafael attractions

A statue of a man holding a staff in a garden with a white building in the background.

Mission San Rafael Arcangel

9.0/10 (73 reviews)
Established in 1817, Mission San Rafael Arcángel was California's first mission built as a hospital for Native Americans. Visitors can explore the replica chapel, museum artefacts, and peaceful mission gardens.
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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
An aerial view of a city with a mix of modern and historic buildings, a prominent clock tower, and a hilly backdrop.

Downtown San Rafael

While visiting Downtown San Rafael, you might make a stop by sights like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.

A mountain range with a sunset sky.

Gerstle Park

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

A winding highway through a mountainous landscape with dense forests.

Montecito-Happy Valley

While Montecito-Happy Valley isn't home to many top sights, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

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 San Anselmo Town Hall.

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.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from San Rafael

A coastal landscape with a mountain range, a lake, and a town in the valley.

San Anselmo

A suspension bridge over a body of water with waves in the foreground.

Corte Madera

The Golden Gate Bridge with a backdrop of fog and hills.

Novato

A lush green valley with rolling hills and a small house in the distance.

Fairfax

A dirt path on a dry hillside with a valley in the background.

Nicasio

A hilly landscape with a city skyline in the distance.

Woodacre

Frequently asked questions

Is San Rafael worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor pursuits, there are plenty of fun things to do in San Rafael. Remember to enjoy the area's mix of cool attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in San Rafael?
Start your day with a visit to Stinson Beach and Muir Beach. Then, explore different areas of San Rafael for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Rafael?
Muir Woods National Monument is one of the top tourist attractions in San Rafael and deserves a spot on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Rafael?
Three days will be enough time to check out many city attractions, including Muir Woods National Monument, Barn Theatre and Imagination Park. The average stay in San Rafael is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your escape, San Francisco isn't far away.
Is San Rafael a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to see and do in San Rafael. Several key attractions, such as Barn Theatre and Imagination Park, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of San Rafael's neighbourhoods, Picnic Valley is 2 kms (1 mile) away from downtown, while Terra Linda is 5 kms (3 miles) away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in San Rafael with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all ages, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in San Rafael with kids.
What to do in San Rafael for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in San Rafael, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to American Legion Log Cabin or Angel Island Immigration Station.
Are there free things to do in San Rafael?
In San Rafael, Imagination Park is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's an easy way to find out about the best free things to do in San Rafael.

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