Things to do in San Rafael

Activities, attractions and tours

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Sunset light shines on the historic Spanish Colonial mission and downtown skyline of San Rafael, California, USA.
Point Reyes elephant Seals basking in the sun, viewed from above
A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and a sandy beach.
China Camp shore at San Pablo Bay inSan Rafael Marin County, Northern California.

Things to do

Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour

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

P6,110
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Muir Woods and Sausalito 1/2 Day Tour (Small Group)
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise

P7,721
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
San Francisco Love Bus tour

San Francisco Love Tour

P5,246
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Love Tour
Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages

Official Alcatraz Inside Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages

P5,308
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Official Alcatraz Inside Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages
Alcatraz Island in San Francisco

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

P9,258
per adult
Mix & Save: San Francisco Grand City Tour + Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise

Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise

P7,715
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise
San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour

San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour

P4,876
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

P8,641
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

P5,194
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Muir Redwoods Tour from San Francisco
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Most popular experiences in San Rafael

Tours & day trips

See all 70 activities
Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour (Ferry & Bike Options Available)

Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour (Ferry & Bike Options Available)

Activity duration is 5 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 423 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 4,847 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 20 activities
2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

2hr. INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 26 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 9,028 per adult
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Cruises & boat tours

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Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)

Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)

Activity duration is 1 hour
9.6 out of 10 with 618 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 2,363 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 9 activities
Catch and Cook Crabbing Experience under Golden Gate Bridge SF

Catch and Cook Crabbing Experience under Golden Gate Bridge SF

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 9,088 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 8 activities
Wine Country Shuttle from San Francisco

Wine Country Shuttle from San Francisco

Activity duration is 9 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is P 5,998 per adult
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What to do in San Rafael

Popular places to visit

Marin County Civic Center

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
Mission San Rafael Arcangel

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
China Camp State Park

China Camp State Park

Enjoy a trip to China Camp State Park and popular activities like hiking in San Rafael. Wander the lush forest in this family-friendly area.

China Camp State Park

Dominican University of California

Walk around the campus at Dominican University of California during your stay in San Rafael. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the biking trails.

Dominican University of California

Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market

You can enjoy retail therapy at Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market during your trip to San Rafael. Wander the area's lush forest or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market

Falkirk Cultural Center

Take the family on an outing to Falkirk Cultural Center during your trip to San Rafael. Discover the area's shops, or seek out its biking trails.

Falkirk Cultural Center

McNears Beach Country Park

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, McNears Beach Country Park might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to McNears Beach. Amble around the area's parks or visit its shops.

McNears Beach Country Park

Peacock Gap Golf Club

Play a round of golf in San Rafael at Peacock Gap Golf Club, and enjoy other activities such as hiking. Wander the marina and lush forest in the area.

Peacock Gap Golf Club

San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park

Catch an event at San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park, and enjoy other activities in San Rafael such as biking. Amble within the lush forest or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park

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
Sunset light shines on the historic Spanish Colonial mission and downtown skyline of San Rafael, California, USA.

Downtown San Rafael

While visiting Downtown San Rafael, you might make a stop by sights like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Classic Billiards.

Dramatic sunset over Mt. Tamalpais, Marin County, CA.

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 Falkirk Cultural Center and Mission San Rafael Arcangel.

Highway 1 at Gaviota Pass, Santa Barbara County

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 Marin History Museum.

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 San Anselmo Town Hall.

Civic Center

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

Green rolling hills of Marin County with view of San Francisco Bay

San Anselmo

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

Corte Madera

Richmond - San Rafael Bridge curves over San Francisco Bay on hazy day

Larkspur

Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco California at dusk panoramic

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.