San Rafael Vacations from $257
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The Latest San Rafael Vacation Packages
- Cathedral Hill Hotel
Oct 17 - Oct 21Cathedral Hill Hotel + Flight
Downtown San Francisco4 nights2.0 star property7.2/10 - Good (719 reviews)Roundtrip • Phoenix (PHX) - San Francisco (SFO)PHX - SFO • Nonstop SFO - PHX • Nonstop - Stanford Court San Francisco
Sep 10 - Sep 13Stanford Court San Francisco + Flight
Downtown San Francisco3 nights4.0 star property9.0/10 - Wonderful (1,526 reviews)Roundtrip • Burbank (BUR) - San Francisco (SFO)LAX - SFO • Nonstop SFO - SNA • Nonstop - Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Sep 16 - Sep 19Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf + Flight
Fisherman's Wharf3 nights4.0 star property9.0/10 - Wonderful (7,558 reviews)"Excellent location - hotel was clean and staff helpful. Breakfast was amazing best in a long time!!! Highly recommend this place and would definitely come back"Reviewed July 31, 2026Roundtrip • Mesa (AZA) - San Francisco (SFO)PHX - SFO • Nonstop SFO - PHX • 1 stop - The Grove Inn
Sep 16 - Sep 19The Grove Inn + Flight
Western Addition3 nights3.0 star property9.2/10 - Wonderful (728 reviews)Roundtrip • Mesa (AZA) - San Francisco (SFO)PHX - SFO • Nonstop SFO - PHX • 1 stop - Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
Sep 10 - Sep 13Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel + Flight
Union Square3 nights4.0 star property9.0/10 - Wonderful (2,146 reviews)Roundtrip • Burbank (BUR) - San Francisco (SFO)LAX - SFO • Nonstop SFO - SNA • Nonstop
Where to stay in San Rafael
Downtown San Rafael
Downtown San Rafael captures California's Spanish colonial past through its historic Mission and Victorian buildings along Fourth Street. The neighborhood buzzes with a weekly farmers market, summer street festivals, and screenings at the Rafael Film Center. Art and culture thrive at Art Works Downtown with its galleries and studios. Visitors can explore the white adobe walls of Mission San Rafael Arcángel or admire ornate Victorian mansions nearby. The area offers diverse dining options reflecting Latino influences and local California cuisine. Mountain views provide a stunning backdrop to this walkable downtown with its authentic community feel.
Gerstle Park
Step back in time along the tree-lined streets of Gerstle Park, San Rafael's historic gem. Victorian and Craftsman homes showcase ornate woodwork and colorful facades dating back to the 19th century. The peaceful namesake park offers shaded walking paths under heritage oaks and redwoods. This residential haven sits just minutes from downtown San Rafael's dining and shopping options. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the well-preserved historic details throughout the neighborhood. Visitors can enjoy the authentic local atmosphere while strolling through this charming, quiet district.
Montecito-Happy Valley
Montecito-Happy Valley offers a serene retreat from San Rafael's urban energy. This affluent neighborhood features spacious homes along quiet tree-lined streets. Mature oaks create natural canopies over winding roads with manicured gardens. The peaceful atmosphere appeals to travelers seeking an exclusive residential experience. Luxury vacation rentals with premium amenities dominate the accommodation options here. While lacking shops or restaurants within its boundaries, the neighborhood provides easy access to downtown San Rafael's amenities. Nearby China Camp State Park offers excellent hiking trails and bay views for nature enthusiasts.
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.
Discover the most popular places to visit in San Rafael
China Camp State Park
What to do in San Rafael
Official Alcatraz Inside Prison Tour with Free App Audio Packages
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise
San Rafael Hotel Deals
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center
Extended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd East
Extended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd East
SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael
SureStay Hotel by Best Western San RafaelFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a San Rafael vacation package cost?
Offering excellent value package deals from $257 on Expedia, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much a vacation to San Rafael costs! Our packages mean less travel planning for you and greater savings.
What are the cheapest months to go to San Rafael?
January, July and December are great times to search for cheap San Rafael vacation packages. Traveling in less busy periods means you can typically find lower prices on hotels and flights.
How many days is enough for San Rafael?
To fully enjoy a San Rafael vacation, we suggest staying for 2 days. Divide your time between discovering Dominican University of California, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and other leading sights, in addition to experiencing neighborhoods like Strawberry and Almonte. If you've got some time to spare, include a day trip or tour in your San Rafael vacation itinerary.
Is it worth booking a vacation package to San Rafael?
San Rafael offers everything you need for a wonderful getaway. Begin your San Rafael vacation on a high note by visiting major attractions like Mission San Rafael Arcangel.
How to find the best San Rafael package deals?
Use Expedia's filters to help you find some tempting San Rafael package deals. When you begin your search, just set your maximum budget and then order the results by "Price: low to high." If you want to save, plan your adventure for midweek, or look for San Rafael package deals in the off-peak season. Switch up your travel dates and you may land even better discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's usually best to lock in your vacation package as early as possible.
Is it cheaper to book a San Rafael vacation as a package?
An Expedia vacation package could land you significant savings when compared to arranging flights and stays individually. Better still, you can customize your San Rafael escape to match your exact needs. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Browse our great deals to see how much you can save.
When to book a vacation package to San Rafael?
If you're considering a spur-of-the-moment San Rafael getaway, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to one week before you go. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can score incredible deals on your flights and hotels by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to San Rafael?
- Choose your travel dates: The things you'd like to do in San Rafael and your preferred season can help you decide when to go.
- Figure out your budget: Ensure you have enough money to cover everything from dining out and transportation to flights and activities. Your accommodations will likely be the largest expense during your trip to San Rafael.
- Use our trip planning tool to explore San Rafael: Research every part of your trip to San Rafael with this handy planner. Invite your friends and family to collaborate on a group getaway, search for hotels or things to do and make bookings.
- Decide how long to go for: Now that you're up to speed on San Rafael, you can figure out the ideal length of your vacation. Pull together a rough itinerary and allocate enough time to get through everything on your must-do list.
- Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in order, you can combine your car rental, hotels, flights and more into a personalized San Rafael vacation package.
- Book any activities or day trips: Now to the fun part — locking in everything you want to see and do. Check out some of the best things to do in San Rafael and book your tickets early to save time (and maybe some dollars too!).
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later San Rafael vacation packages?
If you're like us, you love jet-setting around the world but are not a fan of the big price tag that can come with it. That's why we offer Book Now, Pay Later vacations. With the help of online lender Affirm, you can break down the cost of your San Rafael break over 3, 6 or 12 months. There are also no hidden or late payment fees, so you can snap up cheap vacation packages with payment plans as soon as you see them.
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Things to do in and around San Rafael
San Rafael offers a fantastic blend of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for vacationers. Visitors can enjoy recreational areas, delightful picnic spots, and engaging educational experiences. With a variety of shopping mall centers and an activity guide highlighting fun things to do, San Rafael promises an unforgettable adventure for everyone. Plan your trip to explore all that this charming city has to offer.
Shopping
The Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market offers a vibrant local shopping experience with fresh produce and artisanal goods. For a bit more variety, head to Marin Country Mart, located 2 miles away, where you'll find shops, dining, and family-friendly entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore nearby malls for even more options.
Recreation
Explore McNears Beach Country Park for serene walks along the shore and rejuvenating moments in nature. At Peacock Gap Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by beautiful landscapes. For evening entertainment, catch a live show at Sweetwater Music Hall, only 5 miles away, for a vibrant musical experience.
Adventure
Explore the Tennessee Valley Trailhead, a scenic hiking trail 8 miles from San Rafael, offering breathtaking views. Enjoy thrilling water sports at Boardsports Marin, located 7 miles away, perfect for adventure seekers. Lastly, hike the Marina Bay Trail, 9 miles from San Rafael, and soak in the stunning outdoor scenery.
Nightlife
San Rafael's nightlife offers a mix of romance and entertainment. Enjoy drinks at the American Legion Log Cabin, just 2 miles away, or head to the Oakland Tribune Tower for a lively pub experience, 18 miles from San Rafael. For a vibrant atmosphere, visit the Phoenix Theater, 19 miles away.
Find the best attractions near San Rafael
San Rafael offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and beautiful scenery for your vacation. Explore popular attractions like local beaches, urban parks, and state parks, ideal for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Don't miss out on the many activities that highlight the area's natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere, ensuring a memorable experience in this charming California city.
- Golden Gate Bridge: This iconic bridge, situated 12 miles from San Rafael, offers stunning views and rich history. Its striking Art Deco design and vibrant International Orange color create a breathtaking backdrop, perfect for photos and leisurely strolls.
- Muir Woods National Monument: Located 6 miles away, this serene forest invites adventure seekers to explore its towering redwoods and lush trails. Immerse yourself in nature as you hike through this peaceful sanctuary, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Pier 39: Just 13 miles from San Rafael, this lively jetty features shops, dining, and entertainment. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with picturesque waterfront views and watch sea lions basking in the sun, creating a fun and friendly experience.
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.
Tips to save on your trip to San Rafael
- Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to San Rafael.
- Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically February and November to December) for more affordable package holidays to San Rafael.
- Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
- Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.