What to do in San Rafael, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Sunset light shines on the historic Spanish Colonial mission and downtown skyline of San Rafael, California, USA.
Summer evening Atlantic rocky coast view and sandy beach Praia de San Rafael with limestone cliffs, Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal).
China Camp shore at San Pablo Bay inSan Rafael Marin County, Northern California.
Tennessee Trail in Marin County - California

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!

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Most fun & popular experiences in San Rafael

Tours & day trips

See all 65 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 414 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £59 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 16 activities
2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 26 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £110 per adult
2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco BayOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 8 activities
Muir Woods National Monument: Self-Guided Walking and Driving Audio Tour

Muir Woods National Monument: Self-Guided Walking and Driving Audio Tour

Activity duration is 365 days
2.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
The previous price was £13 and current price is £11 per traveller
Muir Woods National Monument: Self-Guided Walking and Driving Audio TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 6 activities
Sausalito Food and Wine Tour

Sausalito Food and Wine Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 8 reviews
Price is £187 per adult
Sausalito Food and Wine TourOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 4 activities
SAN FRANCISCO: (2hr) SUNSET Sailing Experience on SF Bay

SAN FRANCISCO: (2hr) SUNSET Sailing Experience on SF Bay

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £110 per adult
SAN FRANCISCO: (2hr) SUNSET Sailing Experience on SF BayOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in San Rafael

Number of things to do
78
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
San Francisco Self Guided Audio Experience: £5
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in San Rafael

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

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

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

Peacock Gap Golf Club

Play a round of golf in San Rafael at Peacock Gap Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as hiking. Wander the marina and lush forest in the area.

Peacock Gap Golf Club

McNears Beach Country Park

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, McNears Beach Country Park might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to McNears Beach. Amble around the area's parks or visit its shops.

McNears Beach Country Park

Falkirk Cultural Center

Take the family on an outing to Falkirk Cultural Center during your trip to San Rafael. Discover the area's shops or seek out its cycling trails.

Falkirk Cultural Center

San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park

Catch an event at San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park and enjoy other activities in San Rafael such as cycling.Amble within the lush forest or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park

Explore areas of San Rafael

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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
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 San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.

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 San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Gerstle Park
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
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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

 

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

Green rolling hills of Marin County with view of San Francisco Bay

San Anselmo

Aerial view of Corte madera Creek in Larkspur, Greenbrae, California, USA, at sunrise. Houses line the riverbank with docks and boats with Mount Tamalpais in the background.

Corte Madera

Afternoon aerial view of the historic downtown urban core of Novato, California, USA.

Novato

Panoramic view of bright sun and dark storm clouds over green California landscape

Fairfax

Nicasio

Nicasio

Woodacre

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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