Visit San Rafael, California
San Rafael is the largest city in Marin County and its commercial and cultural capital. Founded as a Spanish mission in 1817, the city combines historic character with a vibrant downtown, diverse dining, and easy access to both the natural beauty of Marin and the urban energy of San Francisco. Whether you're here for a day or a week, San Rafael has more to offer than most visitors expect.
Dining
Downtown Fourth Street
- Sol Food — Puerto Rican comfort food with lines that prove it's worth the wait
- Le Marais Bakery — Exceptional French pastries, bread, and café fare
- Sushi Ran — Widely regarded as one of the best sushi restaurants in the Bay Area
- Terrapin Crossroads — Live music venue and restaurant founded by Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh
Beyond Downtown
- Lotus Cuisine of India — Elegant Indian dining in Terra Linda with a devoted following
- Royal Thai — Authentic Thai cuisine on Fourth Street, a local staple for decades
- Il Davide — Northern Italian fine dining in a cozy San Rafael setting
Things to Do
Mission San Rafael Arcángel
Founded in 1817 as the twentieth California mission, the reconstructed chapel sits in the heart of downtown. A small museum displays artifacts from the mission era and the Miwok people who inhabited the area before European contact.
San Rafael Farmers' Market
One of the largest farmers' markets in the Bay Area, held Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings on Fourth Street. Local produce, prepared foods, live music, and a community atmosphere that draws visitors from across the county.
China Camp State Park
A hidden gem on San Rafael's eastern shore, China Camp preserves a historic Chinese shrimp-fishing village alongside hiking trails, mountain biking paths, and calm-water kayaking on San Pablo Bay.
Marin County Civic Center
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright — one of his last commissions — the Civic Center is a striking piece of architecture worth visiting for its sweeping arches, blue roof, and integration into the surrounding hillside. Self-guided tours are available.
Lodging
- Embassy Suites by Hilton — Full-service hotel near the Civic Center with complimentary breakfast and evening reception
- Four Points by Sheraton — Comfortable rooms off Highway 101 with pool and easy access to downtown
- Panama Hotel — A boutique option on Fourth Street above a popular restaurant and bar
Shopping
- Fourth Street corridor — Independent boutiques, bookstores, and specialty shops line downtown San Rafael's main street
- Montecito Shopping Center — Full-service shopping plaza with grocery, retail, and dining
- Village at Corte Madera — Just south of San Rafael, offering upscale retail and dining
Getting Around
San Rafael sits at the junction of Highway 101 and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, making it the most accessible town in Marin. Golden Gate Transit buses connect to San Francisco, and the Larkspur Ferry terminal is a short drive south. Downtown is walkable, and the SMART train provides rail service north to Petaluma and Santa Rosa.
Discover Marin's capital city — where history, food, and nature meet.