Downtown San Rafael, CA

San Rafael

Sunset light shines on the historic Spanish Colonial mission and downtown skyline of San Rafael, California, USA.
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.
Mission San Rafael Arcangel. Founded 1817.
Mission San Rafael Arcangel featuring a statue or sculpture
Mission San Rafael Arcangel which includes a statue or sculpture

Popular places to visit

Mission San Rafael Arcangel featuring a statue or sculpture

Mission San Rafael Arcangel

5/5(6 reviews)

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
Spire and fountain which are located in an outdoor space that is off the employee cafeteria area.

Marin County Civic Center

4/5(5 reviews)

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
Don't forget to stop by the camp cafe and check out the pictures on the wall. Some famous album covers have been taken here.

China Camp State Park

Enjoy a trip to China Camp State Park and popular activities like hiking in San Rafael. Wander the lush forest in this family-friendly area.

China Camp State Park

Classic Billiards

Enjoy an outing to Classic Billiards during your stay in San Rafael. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the biking trails.

Classic Billiards

San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park

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

San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park

Marin History Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Marin History Museum during your trip to San Rafael. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the biking trails.

Marin History Museum

Things to do

Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour

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

￥14,811
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)
Red wood trees in Muir Woods, San Francisco

Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour + Bay Cruise Adventure

￥20,736
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour + Bay Cruise Adventure
Combo image of City sightseeing and Muir Woods National Monument entrance

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

￥21,827
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Hop-on, Hop-off City Tour & Muir Woods Excursion
salmon sanctuary

The Secrets of Sacred, Sexy Salmon, Spawning NOW

￥8,575
per adult
The Secrets of Sacred, Sexy Salmon, Spawning NOW
Muir Woods Self-Guided Walking and Driving Audio Tour

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

￥2,649
per traveler
Muir Woods National Monument: Self-Guided Walking and Driving Audio Tour
2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

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

￥23,231
per adult
SAN FRANCISCO: (2hr) SUNSET Sailing Experience on SF Bay
See all activities in San Rafael

Downtown San Rafael Hotel Deals

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 ￥21,052 per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
￥21,052
per night
Apr 12 - Apr 13
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,419 reviews)
It was very nice

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2026

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St San Francisco CA
The price is ￥22,013 per night from Mar 20 to Mar 21
￥22,013
per night
Mar 20 - Mar 21
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,932 reviews)
Decent

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026

Handlery Union Square Hotel
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 ￥23,512 per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
￥23,512
per night
Apr 12 - Apr 13
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9/10 Wonderful! (7,338 reviews)
Great stay

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
YOTEL San Francisco

YOTEL San Francisco

3 out of 5
1095 Market St San Francisco CA
The price is ￥11,523 per night from Mar 28 to Mar 29
￥11,523
per night
Mar 28 - Mar 29
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Super Comfy Hotel in the San Francisco Area

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026

YOTEL San Francisco
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St San Francisco CA
The price is ￥15,503 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
￥15,503
per night
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,523 reviews)
Traveled with children , it was a fantastic stay right at the heart of Chinatown . We got to experience the culture and the local food places were amazing. Overall we had a wonderful stay

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2026

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Hotel Julian

Hotel Julian

3 out of 5
940 Sutter Street San Francisco CA
The price is ￥12,733 per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
￥12,733
per night
Mar 29 - Mar 30
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Pier 39 and Oracle Park are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (666 reviews)
We received a room upgrade which put us in a corner unit with little noise. Thank you staff!

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026

Hotel Julian
See all 3,793 properties in Downtown 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.

Other neighborhoods around Downtown San Rafael

Dramatic sunset over Mt. Tamalpais, Marin County, CA.

Gerstle Park

While Gerstle Park might 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 Classic Billiards.

Gerstle Park
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Lincoln

Lincoln might not have many top sights, but Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lincoln
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Francisco Boulevard West

While Francisco Boulevard West might 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 Classic Billiards.

Francisco Boulevard West
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Picnic Valley

Though Picnic Valley might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Classic Billiards.

Picnic Valley
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Fairhills

Fairhills might not have many top sights, but Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Fairhills
Highway 1 at Gaviota Pass, Santa Barbara County

Montecito-Happy Valley

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Montecito-Happy Valley and surrounding area, you can visit Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin Country Mart.

Montecito-Happy Valley

Downtown San Rafael, CA