Things to do in San Rafael

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Mission San Rafael Arcangel showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and religious elements
Mission San Rafael Arcangel which includes religious elements, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Mission San Rafael Arcangel featuring religious aspects and a statue or sculpture
Mission San Rafael Arcangel which includes a statue or sculpture
Mission San Rafael Arcangel featuring a statue or sculpture

San Rafael Attractions

You'll soon learn why people fall in love with San Rafael. Regardless of your interests or age, there are loads of attractions and activities to dive into. Book your flights, get your suitcase packed and get ready to explore this exciting city.

Discover the sights of San Rafael with some unique tours & day trips, or check out our list of {70 fun activities in San Rafael fun activities in San Rafael}. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can rest easy and channel all your energy into planning an unforgettable vacation.

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Most popular activities in San Rafael

Tours & day trips

See all 57 activities
Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour (Ferry & Bike Options Available)

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

Activity duration is 5 hours
8.8 out of 10 with 393 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $99 per adult
Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour (Ferry & Bike Options Available)Opens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 17 activities
Golden Gate Helicopter Adventure

Golden Gate Helicopter Adventure

Activity duration is 45 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $379 per adult
Golden Gate Helicopter AdventureOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 11 activities
Muir Woods National Monument: Self-Guided Walking and Driving Audio Tour

Muir Woods National Monument: Self-Guided Walking and Driving Audio Tour

Activity duration is 365 days
Free cancellation available
Price is $17 per traveler
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 8 activities
Small-Group Giant Redwoods and Russian River Wine Country Trip

Small-Group Giant Redwoods and Russian River Wine Country Trip

Activity duration is 10 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $189 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 6 activities
SAN FRANCISCO: (2hr) SUNSET Sailing Experience on SF Bay

SAN FRANCISCO: (2hr) SUNSET Sailing Experience on SF Bay

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $175 per adult
SAN FRANCISCO: (2hr) SUNSET Sailing Experience on SF BayOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in San Rafael

Number of things to do
70
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-Guided Palace of Fine Arts to Golden Gate Bridge Audio Tour: $10
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in San Rafael

Free Things to Do in San Rafael

There's no need to constantly reach for your wallet in San Rafael. The following won't cost a penny.

Marin History Museum - Check if there are any special exhibitions or guided tours on at this popular museum.

McNears Beach Country Park - Give the kids a good time or release your own inner child — this attraction was made for fun.

Marin County Civic Center - If you enjoy modern-style architecture, add this landmark to your itinerary.

Dominican University of California - If you're interested in times gone by, this is one stop you really should visit.

Classic Billiards - Stop here for a while and find out the significance of this place to the local community.

Mission San Rafael Arcangel - Get in touch with your spiritual side or simply get lost in the tranquil atmosphere at this holy place.

Gerstle Park - Refresh your body, mind and soul by spending time in nature.

Things to Do in San Rafael with Kids

There's fun for the entire family wherever you wander in San Rafael. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can enjoy together that are bound to make your trip a blast:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in San Rafael? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Rafael

Spire and fountain which are located in an outdoor space that is off the employee cafeteria area.

Marin County Civic Center

4/5(5 reviews)

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 featuring a statue or sculpture

Mission San Rafael Arcangel

5/5(6 reviews)

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
Sunrise over San Pablo Bay at China Camp State Park. #HikingTheGlobe #Hiking #Camping #CAStateParks

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
Marin History Museum. A very eager volunteer insisted I come in. Learned that the building is the Boyd family gatehouse, circa 1890s.

Marin History Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Marin History Museum during your trip to San Rafael. Amble around the area's lush forest or seek out the biking trails.

Marin History Museum

Dominican University of California

5/5(5 reviews)

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

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 San Rafael. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

McNears Beach Country Park

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

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

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in San Rafael

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Terra Linda

Discover the Mall at Northgate, Marin County's only enclosed mall, featuring a 15-screen theater complex and anchor tenants like Macy's. Nearby, admire the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin County Civic Center building.

Terra Linda
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Country Club

While Country Club 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 Marin Country Mart.

Country Club
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Picnic Valley

Though Picnic Valley might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.

Picnic Valley
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West End

West End might not have many top sights, but Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

West End
Mission San Rafael Arcangel showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and religious elements

Downtown San Rafael

While visiting Downtown San Rafael, you might make a stop by sights like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center.

Downtown San Rafael
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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.

Gerstle Park
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

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