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 which includes a statue or sculpture

Popular places to visit

Mission San Rafael Arcangel which includes 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

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

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

Things to do

Red wood trees in Muir Woods, San Francisco

Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour + Bay Cruise Adventure

S$171
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

S$180
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Hop-on, Hop-off City Tour & Muir Woods Excursion
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour

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

S$122
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)
2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

SAN FRANCISCO: (2hr) SUNSET Sailing Experience on SF Bay

S$226
per adult
SAN FRANCISCO: (2hr) SUNSET Sailing Experience on SF Bay
Muir Woods National Monument entrance

Muir Woods, Sausalito and Tiburon Day Trip from San Francisco

S$584
per traveller
Muir Woods, Sausalito and Tiburon Day Trip from San Francisco
The Golden Hour

2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

S$226
per adult
2hr. SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay
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 S$189 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
S$189
10 Feb - 11 Feb
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! (5,222 reviews)
Clean room, quick and easy check in, and clean building overall.

Reviewed on 1 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 S$230 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
S$230
10 Feb - 11 Feb
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! (7,328 reviews)
Nice hotel & breakfast.

Reviewed on 3 Feb, 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 S$171 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
S$171
15 Feb - 16 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! (2,351 reviews)
The room so very clean and the room was spacious; the only thing, we were not informed parking was billed separate and at a high rate, being the first time in SF it wasn't something I expected

Reviewed on 29 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 S$268 per night from 20 Feb to 21 Feb
S$268
20 Feb - 21 Feb
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! (1,981 reviews)
Super Clean hotel. Staffs are all friendly and courteous.

Reviewed on 1 Feb, 2026

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St San Francisco CA
The price is S$187 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
S$187
10 Feb - 11 Feb
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! (2,845 reviews)
Location and reasonable rates

Reviewed on 1 Feb, 2026

Handlery Union Square Hotel
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco

Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco

4 out of 5
424 Clay St San Francisco CA
The price is S$179 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
S$179
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,936 reviews)
Room

Reviewed on 27 Jan, 2026

Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
See all 3,812 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 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 Marin County Civic 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