Things to do in San Rafael

Activities, attractions and tours

The Golden Gate Bridge at dusk with city lights in the background.
View of the Pacific Coast shoreline of Drakes Beach, at the Point Reyes National Seashore, in Northern California.
A cityscape with a prominent church tower, dense urban buildings, and a bridge in the distance.
A beach with rocks and two seals resting on the sand.
A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and a sandy beach.

Things to do

Golden Gate Bay Cruise Service: sail around Alcatraz!

Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)

HK$306
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
Alcatraz Island in San Francisco

Mix & Save: San Francisco Grand City Tour + Alcatraz Island

HK$1,176
per adult
Mix & Save: San Francisco Grand City Tour + Alcatraz Island
City Sightseeing San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

HK$431
per adult
City Sightseeing San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise

Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise

HK$980
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise
Muir Redwoods Guided Tour from San Francisco

Muir Redwoods Tour from San Francisco

HK$561
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Muir Redwoods Tour from San Francisco
All California Self Guided AI Audio Tour for 7 Days SF to LA

All California Self Guided Audio Tours, from SF to LA

HK$90
per adult
All California Self Guided Audio Tours, from SF to LA
Red wood trees in Muir Woods, San Francisco

Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour + Bay Cruise Adventure

HK$1,043
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour + Bay Cruise Adventure
The majestic Bixby Bridge

Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur private Day Trip from San Francisco

HK$8,000
per traveller
Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur private Day Trip from San Francisco
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour

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

HK$776
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)
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What to do in San Rafael

Stay near popular San Rafael attractions

A statue of a man holding a staff in a garden with a white building in the background.

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.
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.

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.

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 San Anselmo Town Hall.

A suspension bridge over a body of water with waves in the foreground.

Corte Madera

A lush green valley with rolling hills and a small house in the distance.

Fairfax

A dirt path on a dry hillside with a valley in the background.

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 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.