Things to do in San Rafael

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Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Sunset light shines on the historic Spanish Colonial mission and downtown skyline of San Rafael, California, USA.
Point Reyes elephant Seals basking in the sun, viewed from above
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.
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Most popular activities in San Rafael

Tours & day trips

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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 415 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥12,561 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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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 ￥23,394 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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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 ￥2,668 and current price is ￥2,401 per traveler
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Food, drink & nightlife

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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 ￥40,038 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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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 ￥23,394 per adult
SAN FRANCISCO: (2hr) SUNSET Sailing Experience on SF BayOpens in new tab

What to do in San Rafael

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Rafael

Marin County Civic Center

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
Mission San Rafael Arcangel

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
China Camp State Park

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

Dominican University of California

5/5(5 reviews)

Walk around the campus at Dominican University of California during your stay in San Rafael. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the biking 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 vacation is part of your travel plans, McNears Beach Country Park might be the perfect place to seek out 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 biking 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 biking. Amble within the lush forest or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in San Rafael

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Southeast San Rafael

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Southeast San Rafael and surrounding area, you can visit 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 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 San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.

Gerstle Park
The beautiful, unspoiled hills of West Marin, with evening light.

Terra Linda

Discover the Mall at Northgate, Marin County's only enclosed mall, featuring a 15-screen theater complex and anchor tenants like Macy's. Nearby, admire the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin County Civic Center building.

Terra Linda
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Dominican

While there might not be top attractions in Dominican, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market.

Dominican
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Lucas Valley-Marinwood

Lucas Valley-Marinwood 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.

Lucas Valley-Marinwood

Popular day trips from San Rafael

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

Richmond - San Rafael Bridge curves over San Francisco Bay on hazy day

Larkspur

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

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 neighborhoods, Picnic Valley is 2 kilometers away from downtown, while Terra Linda is 5 kilometers away from the city center 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 neighborhoods, 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.