Things to do in San Rafael

Activities, attractions and tours

The Golden Gate Bridge at dusk with city lights in the background.
A coastal beach with cliffs, waves, and people walking along the shore.
A cityscape with a prominent church tower, dense urban buildings, and a bridge in the distance.
A beach with rocks and two seals resting on the sand.
A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and a sandy beach.

Things to do

Alcatraz ticket with free round trip ferry & App Audio Packages

Alcatraz tour with free round trip cruise & App Audio Packages

P5,366
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz tour with free round trip cruise & App Audio Packages
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

P8,673
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise

Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise

P7,799
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise
Alcatraz Island in San Francisco

Mix & Save: San Francisco Grand City Tour + Alcatraz Island

P9,378
per adult
Mix & Save: San Francisco Grand City Tour + Alcatraz Island
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour

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

P6,177
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)
San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour

San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour

P4,180
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour
Combo image of City sightseeing and Muir Woods National Monument entrance

Hop-on, Hop-off City Tour & Muir Woods Excursion

P8,735
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Hop-on, Hop-off City Tour & Muir Woods Excursion
Muir Redwoods Guided Tour from San Francisco

Muir Redwoods Tour from San Francisco

P4,725
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Muir Redwoods Tour from San Francisco
Sonoma Wine Tour with 2 Tastings Included Small-Group Half Day

Sonoma Wine Tour with 2 Tastings Included Small-Group Half Day

P11,793
per adult
Sonoma Wine Tour with 2 Tastings Included Small-Group Half Day
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What to do in San Rafael

Stay near popular San Rafael attractions

A statue of a man holding a staff in a garden with a white building in the background.

Mission San Rafael Arcangel

9.0/10 (73 reviews)
Established in 1817, Mission San Rafael Arcángel was California's first mission built as a hospital for Native Americans. Visitors can explore the replica chapel, museum artifacts, and peaceful mission gardens.
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Where to stay in San Rafael

Find the best San Rafael areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Rafael
Learn more about San Rafael
An aerial view of a city with a mix of modern and historic buildings, a prominent clock tower, and a hilly backdrop.

Downtown San Rafael

While visiting Downtown San Rafael, you might make a stop by sights like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.

A mountain range with a sunset sky.

Gerstle Park

While Gerstle Park might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.

A winding highway through a mountainous landscape with dense forests.

Montecito-Happy Valley

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Montecito-Happy Valley and surrounding area, you can visit Mission San Rafael Arcangel and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.

Sun Valley

Though Sun Valley might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like American Legion Log Cabin and Marin County Civic Center.

Civic Center

While visiting Civic Center, you might make a stop by sights like Marin County Civic Center and Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market.

A coastal landscape with a mountain range, a lake, and a town in the valley.

San Anselmo

A suspension bridge over a body of water with waves in the foreground.

Corte Madera

A long bridge over a calm body of water, with hills and buildings in the background.

Larkspur

The Golden Gate Bridge with a backdrop of fog and hills.

Novato

Frequently asked questions

Is San Rafael worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor pursuits, there are plenty of fun things to do in San Rafael. Remember to enjoy the area's mix of cool attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in San Rafael?
Start your day with a visit to Stinson Beach and Muir Beach. Then, explore different areas of San Rafael for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Rafael?
Muir Woods National Monument is one of the top tourist attractions in San Rafael and deserves a spot on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Rafael?
Three days will be enough time to check out many city attractions, including Muir Woods National Monument, Barn Theatre and Imagination Park. The average stay in San Rafael is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your escape, San Francisco isn't far away.
Is San Rafael a walkable city?
That comes down to what you'd like to see and do in San Rafael. Several key attractions, such as Barn Theatre and Imagination Park, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of San Rafael's neighborhoods, Picnic Valley is 2 kilometers away from downtown, while Terra Linda is 5 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in San Rafael with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all ages, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in San Rafael with kids.

What to do in San Rafael for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in San Rafael, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to American Legion Log Cabin or Angel Island Immigration Station.
Are there free things to do in San Rafael?
In San Rafael, Imagination Park is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the parks and other neighborhoods, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's an easy way to find out about the best free things to do in San Rafael.