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

Things to do


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 HK$928 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
HK$928
HK$1,092 total
26 Jan - 27 Jan
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,153 reviews)
Clean rooms. Staff is friendly. Love the location.

Reviewed on 20 Jan 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 HK$925 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
HK$925
HK$1,410 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (7,290 reviews)
Yes room was big nice and clean staff very friendly breakfast very good we will stay again close to everything

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St San Francisco CA
The price is HK$825 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
HK$825
HK$971 total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,303 reviews)
Room was clean. Amenities were okay (there was a small fridge; AC was very cold; and the workstation in the room was large and provided a good view). Would have liked some robes and slippers, which were not included in the room amenities. Furthermore, the coffee machine was not plugged in initially, ...

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

3 out of 5
701 3rd St San Francisco CA
The price is HK$1,396 per night from 30 Jan to 31 Jan
HK$1,396
HK$1,643 total
30 Jan - 31 Jan
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,949 reviews)
Very clean, nice staff, beautiful hotel and comfortable accomodations. We'll stay here again. 1 block from giants

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
Comfort Inn by the Bay

Comfort Inn by the Bay

2.5 out of 5
2775 Van Ness Ave San Francisco CA
The price is HK$800 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
HK$800
HK$942 total
10 Feb - 11 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,275 reviews)
Rooms were a little outdated, shower pressure was terrible, parking for $35 a night was a bit of a turn off but breakfast was amazing and customer service was top notch. Would stay again.

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Comfort Inn by the Bay
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St San Francisco CA
The price is HK$1,029 per night from 30 Jan to 31 Jan
HK$1,029
HK$1,211 total
30 Jan - 31 Jan
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! (2,828 reviews)
Clean, nice staff.

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Handlery Union Square Hotel
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 American Legion Log Cabin 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 Marin County Civic 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
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Fairhills

When in Fairhills, you can plan a visit to Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Fairhills
Highway 1 at Gaviota Pass, Santa Barbara County

Montecito-Happy Valley

While Montecito-Happy Valley isn't home to many top sights, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Larkspur Ferry Terminal are some notable places to visit nearby.

Montecito-Happy Valley


Downtown San Rafael