Downtown San Rafael Travel Guide

San Rafael

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.
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
Mission San Rafael Arcangel showing a statue or sculpture

Popular places to visit

Mission San Rafael Arcangel featuring 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

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

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

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 ₹10,913 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
₹10,913
₹12,844 total
25 Jan - 26 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! (5,157 reviews)
Nice hotel

Reviewed on 21 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 ₹10,881 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
₹10,881
₹16,585 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! (7,281 reviews)
The room was very clear. I loved the modern decor. The gentleman who checked me in was extremely warm and friendly! Sorry. I forgot to write his name down.

Reviewed on 18 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 ₹10,040 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
₹10,040
₹11,816 total
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! (2,320 reviews)
My second time staying at Hilton FiDi. Great room, location and service as always.

Reviewed on 22 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 ₹13,664 per night from 23 Jan to 24 Jan
₹13,664
₹16,082 total
23 Jan - 24 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! (1,940 reviews)
breakfast food was ok, but selection was limited (no bacon, no sausage)

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
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 ₹11,390 per night from 30 Jan to 31 Jan
₹11,390
₹13,405 total
30 Jan - 31 Jan
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! (2,896 reviews)
The best service ever! Thank you <3

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St San Francisco CA
The price is ₹11,634 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
₹11,634
₹13,693 total
26 Jan - 27 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! (2,829 reviews)
Clean, nice staff.

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Handlery Union Square Hotel
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Other neighbourhoods around Downtown San Rafael

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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
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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 Travel Guide