San Rafael Hotels from ₹9,298

Top reasons to visit San Rafael

• Outdoor Adventures: San Rafael is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering scenic trails, urban parks, and nearby beaches for exploration.
• Historic Downtown: Discover charming shops and eateries in the historic downtown, providing a taste of local culture and cuisine.
• Vibrant Festivals: Enjoy lively festivals that showcase the community spirit and cultural diversity of San Rafael.
• Excellent Accommodations: A variety of lodging options cater to every traveller, ensuring a comfortable stay.
• Proximity to San Francisco: San Rafael serves as a convenient base for exploring the attractions of nearby San Francisco.

Find great hotels near San Rafael

San Rafael offers a diverse selection of accommodations, from comfortable hotels to charming resorts, catering to both business travellers and families alike. With various pet-friendly options and amenities designed for a delightful vacation experience, you'll find the perfect base for your explorations. Whether you seek modern conveniences or a relaxing retreat, the hotels in San Rafael promise a memorable stay.

• Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf: A splendid 4-star accommodation located 21km from San Rafael, Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf is designed for those seeking a blend of beachside relaxation and adventure. With a commendable guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, this property offers direct access to the beach, making it ideal for water sports enthusiasts. The hotel provides various recreational activities, including hiking and biking opportunities nearby, ensuring that guests can embrace the great outdoors. The vibrant atmosphere and proximity to adventure sports create a dynamic environment for travellers looking for excitement.
• Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG: Situated 23km from San Rafael, Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG is a well-rated 3.5-star hotel that caters to business travellers and city explorers alike. With a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, this property boasts a prime location in the city centre, offering convenient access to business districts and local attractions. The hotel’s facilities are tailored for those on business trips, featuring meeting rooms and a business centre. Guests can enjoy the vibrant urban lifestyle, with dining and entertainment options just a stone's throw away.
• Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco: Located 23km from San Rafael, Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco is a stylish 4-star hotel with a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10. Nestled in the shopping district and city centre, it’s perfect for those who wish to indulge in a bit of retail therapy while enjoying the urban landscape. The hotel provides amenities that cater to business travellers, including a business lounge and meeting facilities. With its modern design and focus on comfort, this hotel is an excellent choice for guests seeking a sophisticated city experience.

Where to stay in and around San Rafael

San Rafael offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for family-friendly vacations. Explore the historic downtown, where charming shops and eateries await. With excellent lodging options in Marin and stunning views near San Francisco, you'll find a central location perfect for discovering nearby neighbourhoods filled with friendly faces and vibrant atmospheres. Experience the perfect blend of urban charm and nature during your stay in this captivating city.

• San Anselmo: Located a mere 3km from San Rafael, San Anselmo is a charming city that offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty. Visitors are drawn to its recreational areas, where hiking and nature walks abound. The town’s vibrant shopping mall centre provides a variety of local shops and eateries, making it a great spot for leisurely afternoons. Notable nearby attractions include stunning beaches, nature reserves, and the expansive national state park, perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural splendour of Marin County.
• Ross: Also situated just 3km from San Rafael, Ross is a quaint city ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This picturesque area boasts numerous recreational areas and a bustling shopping centre, ensuring visitors have plenty of options for both relaxation and adventure. Attractions in the vicinity include a beautiful national state park, serene beaches, and historic sites that speak to the region's rich heritage. Whether you want to enjoy a family picnic or explore the local history, Ross has something for everyone.
• Terra Linda: Nestled around the San Rafael area, Terra Linda is a welcoming neighbourhood that caters to families and business travellers. The area is known for its recreational spaces and a lively public market, offering a taste of local culture and cuisine. With landmarks such as a modern civic government building and easy access to beaches and national state parks, Terra Linda is an excellent base for exploring the beauty of Marin County. Visitors will find that it strikes a perfect balance between urban convenience and natural tranquillity.

Things to do near San Rafael

Shopping

In San Rafael, visit the Northgate Mall, featuring a mix of popular shops and dining options. If you're up for a drive, head to the Marin Country Mart, about 18km away, where you’ll find unique boutiques and artisanal shops in a charming outdoor setting.

Recreation

Discover the serene Marinwood Community Center, offering yoga classes and meditation sessions in a tranquil setting. Afterward, explore China Camp State Park, where you can hike scenic trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motorsport at Sonoma Raceway, located 21km from San Rafael, where you can enjoy high-speed racing events. Alternatively, head to Simraceway Performance Driving Center, 23km away, for an exhilarating driving experience that immerses you in the world of professional racing.

Nightlife

San Rafael's nightlife features vibrant venues like the Marin Civic Center, hosting live performances, and the trendy Marin Brewing Company for craft beers. For a laid-back vibe, visit The Space Station, offering a relaxed atmosphere and occasional live music, making it an enjoyable spot to unwind.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for San Rafael

To save money on your trip to San Rafael, consider visiting during the cheaper months of February and November to December when prices are lower. Sundays are the most affordable days to stay, while Tuesdays tend to be pricier. Enjoy numerous free attractions like the Marin County Civic Center and Mount Tamalpais State Park. Use public transport, particularly buses, to keep costs down. Additionally, utilise Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly accommodation and consider booking packages that combine flights and hotels for extra savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in San Rafael are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in San Rafael is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay in San Rafael is Tuesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and various other preferences. You can organise your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel category— for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation in San Rafael with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near San Rafael

San Rafael is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a blend of adventure and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore urban parks, nearby beaches, and national state parks, catering to those seeking cultural experiences and vibrant city life. Whether you fancy a leisurely stroll through lush landscapes or an active day out, San Rafael provides a delightful array of attractions for all types of travellers.

• Golden Gate Bridge: This iconic historic bridge, located 18km from San Rafael, offers breathtaking views and a rich cultural history. Walking or cycling across the bridge provides a unique perspective on its stunning architecture, while the surrounding area features picturesque vistas of the bay and city skyline.
• Pier 39: Situated 21km from San Rafael, Pier 39 is a vibrant jetty brimming with urban charm. Here, visitors can enjoy delightful sea views, a variety of shops, and street performances, all while mingling with friendly locals and tourists alike.
• Muir Woods National Monument: Just 10km from San Rafael, this enchanting forest offers an adventurous escape into nature. Walk among towering ancient redwoods and immerse yourself in serene outdoor surroundings, perfect for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Best time to go to San Rafael

The best time to visit San Rafael is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
February	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	54.9°F (12.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	57.6°F (14.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	61.3°F (16.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	63.7°F (17.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	61.2°F (16.2°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to San Rafael

Flying into San Rafael, California, is convenient with several major airports nearby. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is situated 42km away, offering luxurious hotels such as the Fairmont San Francisco, Palace Hotel, and The Ritz-Carlton, all approximately 19km from the airport with transfer services available. Sacramento International Airport (SMF), 114km from San Rafael, has great options like DoubleTree by Hilton and Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, both within 18km. Lastly, Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), located 85km away, features hotels like Shashi Hotel and Santa Clara Marriott, both easily accessible from the airport.