Downtown San Rafael

San Rafael

Sunset light shines on the historic Spanish Colonial mission and downtown skyline of San Rafael, California, USA.
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

Popular places to visit

Mission San Rafael Arcangel featuring a statue or sculpture

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

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
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 such as hiking in San Rafael. Wander the lush forest in this family-friendly area.

China Camp State Park

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

Marin History Museum

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Marin History Museum in San Rafael. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the cycling trails.

Marin History Museum

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 cycling trails.

Classic Billiards

Things to do

Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour

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

RM375
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

RM525
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

RM553
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Hop-on, Hop-off City Tour & Muir Woods Excursion
Muir Redwoods Guided Tour from San Francisco

Muir Redwoods Tour from San Francisco

RM391
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Muir Redwoods Tour from San Francisco
The Golden Hour

2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

RM588
per adult
2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay
Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour - Including Golden Gate Bridge

Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour - Including Golden Gate Bridge

RM395
per adult
Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour - Including Golden Gate Bridge
See all activities in San Rafael

Top hotels in Downtown San Rafael

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 RM463 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
RM463
RM545 total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,341 reviews)
Very accommodating

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
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 RM550 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
RM550
RM807 total
3 Mar - 4 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (7,320 reviews)
Cleanliness and staff were great. Common areas are redone well. The rooms are dated.

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St San Francisco CA
The price is RM609 per night from 28 Feb to 1 Mar
RM609
RM717 total
28 Feb - 1 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,872 reviews)
Room was depressing- dark, small. Location is great Staff was indifferent- no complaints .

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Handlery Union Square Hotel
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

3 out of 5
701 3rd St San Francisco CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM657 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
RM657
RM773 total
19 Mar - 20 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,008 reviews)
Hotel didn't have sufficient parking. Hotel is inflexible with cancelation policies - even for extreme situations.

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St San Francisco CA
The price is RM435 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
RM435
RM513 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,445 reviews)
The lighting throughout the room was very fluorescent white and not pleasant. The elevator takes a long time and stops at too many floors

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
YOTEL San Francisco

YOTEL San Francisco

3 out of 5
1095 Market St San Francisco CA
The price is RM282 per night from 28 Mar to 29 Mar
RM282
RM492 total
28 Mar - 29 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Great space, very clean, and convenient location. Service was wonderful, with breakfast, and a gym.

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2026

YOTEL San Francisco
See all 3,789 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 neighbourhoods around 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 Falkirk Cultural Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Gerstle Park
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Lincoln

While there might not be top attractions in Lincoln, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center.

Lincoln
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Francisco Boulevard West

While there might not be top attractions in Francisco Boulevard West, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Larkspur Ferry Terminal.

Francisco Boulevard West
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Picnic Valley

While there might not be top attractions in Picnic Valley, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Larkspur Ferry Terminal.

Picnic Valley
San Quentin prison in San Rafael, California, United States of America.

West End

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in West End and surrounding area, you can visit Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center.

West End
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Bret Harte

Bret Harte might not have many top sights, but Marin Country Mart and Larkspur Ferry Terminal are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Bret Harte

Downtown San Rafael