Downtown San Rafael Travel Guide
San Rafael
Visit Downtown San Rafael
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rebound Bookstore
Enjoy an outing to Rebound Bookstore during your stay in San Rafael. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the cycling trails.
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.
Top hotels in Downtown San Rafael
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
EXCELLECT SERVICE, WONDERFUL VIEW
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
I have been waiting for this pool to open for nearly a year. Keep bringing a bath suit bc they say it’s either open or will be open by the 3/6. Didn’t happen. No snacks and restaurants close early in the area. Also restaurants are extremely expensive.
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Pros: Incredibly clean. Convenient location to Fisherman’s Wharf. Very safe. Great amenities and wonderful breakfast assortment. Cons: tiny bathrooms. Very loud location, could have used a sound machine at night to block out street (traffic) and hotel noise (doors closing).
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Inside, the staff is very helpful and accommodating without being invasive. The rooms are peculiarly engineered, so make sure that you know what you are about to spend the night in. I think the room that I rented for two nights is made for single travelers or a close couple because I was in a sky ...
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Hotel Julian
Just far enough from the rougher parts of town but ideal location to see most of what you’d want for walking around. The staff were great, very personable and friendly. Not haunted either.
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
Embassy Hotel
I’m hoping someone reads this review because I wish I had read reviews before booking. First, this hotel is not affiliated with Embassy Suites. That’s what I assumed when I booked, but it’s actually a completely separate hotel called The Embassy. It’s located in the Tenderloin District, one of the ...
Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026
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Other neighbourhoods around Downtown San Rafael
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.
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.
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 Marin Country Mart.
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 Marin Country Mart.
Montecito-Happy Valley
While Montecito-Happy Valley isn't home to many top sights, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin Country Mart are some notable places to visit nearby.
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.
