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 {73 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 60 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 399 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $99 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 16 activities
Early Bird San Francisco GoCar Tour

Early Bird San Francisco GoCar Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $169 per traveler*
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 11 activities
Early Bird San Francisco GoCar Tour

Early Bird San Francisco GoCar Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $169 per traveler*
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 8 activities
Alcatraz Day Tour with Aquarium + Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour

Alcatraz Day Tour with Aquarium + Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour

Activity duration is 2 days
Price is $322 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 $149 per adult
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Recommended things to do in San Rafael

Number of things to do
73
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

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

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

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

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

Falkirk Cultural Center

After visiting Falkirk Cultural Center, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in San Rafael. Amble around this family-friendly area's lush forest and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Falkirk Cultural Center

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

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
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 Marin History Museum.

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
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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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Bret Harte

While there might not be top attractions in Bret Harte, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Marin Country Mart and San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.

Bret Harte
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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 History Museum.

Country Club
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.

 

 

Popular day trips from San Rafael

San Anselmo

San Anselmo

Photo by Tonette Pineda✈⛵🚌🚉🚃🚅🚀

Corte Madera

Larkspur

Larkspur

Novato

Novato

Photo by Frank Waters

Fairfax

Photo by Elizabeth Sanders

Nicasio

Photo by Faith Robbins

Woodacre

Frequently asked questions

Is San Rafael worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor activities, there are many great things to do in San Rafael. Make sure to experience the area's blend of awesome attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in San Rafael?
Stinson Beach and Muir Beach are two good places to kick-start your vacation adventures. Be sure to check out the retail and dining options in San Rafael while you're here too.
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 place on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Rafael?
You can easily visit popular sights like Muir Woods National Monument, Imagination Park and Marin Museum of Bicycling with a three-day escape to San Rafael. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out San Francisco.
Is San Rafael a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city center, San Rafael is a good place to tour on foot. Wander between Imagination Park and Barn Theatre. Then take a stroll through Picnic Valley, located 1 mile from the center, and Terra Linda, which is roughly 3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in San Rafael with kids?
Planning what to do in San Rafael with kids has never been easier. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or little ones, there's a range of family-friendly activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in San Rafael for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there are loads of things to do in San Rafael for adults including American Legion Log Cabin and Angel Island Immigration Station.
Are there free things to do in San Rafael?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in San Rafael is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without getting your cash out. Imagination Park is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.