Things to do in San Rafael

Activities, attractions and tours

A long bridge spanning a body of water with mountains in the background during twilight.
A church sign for the Church of Saint Raphael Mission San Rafael Arcangel.
The Golden Gate Bridge at dusk with city lights in the background.
A coastal beach with cliffs, waves, and people walking along the shore.
A beach with rocks and two seals resting on the sand.

Things to do

Muir Redwoods Guided Tour from San Francisco

Muir Redwoods Tour from San Francisco

RM273
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Muir Redwoods Tour from San Francisco
Catch and Cook Crabbing Experience under Golden Gate Bridge SF

Catch and Cook Crabbing Experience under Golden Gate Bridge SF

RM609
per adult
Catch and Cook Crabbing Experience under Golden Gate Bridge SF
Red wood trees in Muir Woods, San Francisco

Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour + Bay Cruise Adventure

RM540
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour + Bay Cruise Adventure
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour

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

RM402
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

RM568
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Hop-on, Hop-off City Tour & Muir Woods Excursion
Saumur Private 2 Hour City Walk with Local Guide

Saumur Private 2 Hour City Walk with Local Guide

RM385
per traveller
Saumur Private 2 Hour City Walk with Local Guide
The Golden Hour at the Golden Gate

2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

RM605
per adult
2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay
Muir Woods & Sausalito with EXCLUSIVE Battery Spencer Small Group Tour

Muir Woods & Sausalito with EXCLUSIVE Battery Spencer Small Group Tour

RM361
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Muir Woods & Sausalito with EXCLUSIVE Battery Spencer Small Group Tour
Catch Crab Under the Golden Gate Bridge

Catch Crab Under the Golden Gate Bridge

RM406
per adult
Catch Crab Under the Golden Gate Bridge
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Most popular experiences 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 437 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 325 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 29 activities
Early Bird San Francisco GoCar Tour

Early Bird San Francisco GoCar Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 686 per traveller*
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 13 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
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 609 per adult
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Cruises & boat tours

See all 13 activities
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz!

Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz!

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.6 out of 10 with 638 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 158 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 9 activities
Wine Country Shuttle from San Francisco

Wine Country Shuttle from San Francisco

Activity duration is 9 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 402 per adult
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What to do in San Rafael

Stay near popular San Rafael attractions

A church with a bell tower and a palm tree.

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, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park 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 Marin County Civic Center.

Civic Center

While visiting Civic Center, you might make a stop by sights like Marin County Civic Center and Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market.

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

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 kilometres away from downtown, while Terra Linda is 5 kilometres 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.