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

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 {69 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

Cruises & boat tours

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Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz!

Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz!

Activity duration is 1 hour
4.8 out of 5 with 500 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is US$271 per adult
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz!

Tours & day trips

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Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour

Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 2 days
4.3 out of 5 with 423 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is US$857 per adult
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour

Water activities

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Alcatraz Inside and One Day Bike Rental

Alcatraz Inside and One Day Bike Rental

Activity duration is 1 day
4.4 out of 5 with 30 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is US$857 per adult
Alcatraz Inside and One Day Bike Rental

Adventure & outdoor

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Guided Bike tour across the Golden Gate Bridge

Guided Bike tour across the Golden Gate Bridge

Activity duration is 3 hours
3.0 out of 5 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is US$393 per adult
Guided Bike tour across the Golden Gate Bridge

Food, drink & nightlife

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8-Hour Private Sonoma or Napa Wine Tour with Concierge Service

8-Hour Private Sonoma or Napa Wine Tour with Concierge Service

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is US$4,993 per traveler*
8-Hour Private Sonoma or Napa Wine Tour with Concierge Service

Recommended things to do in San Rafael

Number of things to do
69
Things to do from
$4
Cheapest thing to do
San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge : The Digital Audio Guide
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!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in San Rafael on a sunny day?
Take advantage of the clear weather (and stretch your legs at the same time) with one or two of these top outdoor activities:


What to do in San Rafael on a rainy day?
There’s no need to splash your way through a rainy day when there are loads of excellent indoor activities to enjoy:


Are there cheap things to do in San Rafael?
You’ll find tons of fantastic experiences here that’ll catch your eye if you’re watching your pennies:


What can you do in San Rafael for free?
Your time in San Rafael won’t cost a fortune with free attractions like these to enjoy:

  • Mission San Rafael Arcangel
  • Marin County Civic Center
  • Dominican University of California
  • Classic Billiards

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Rafael

Image for Marin County Civic Center

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
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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
Image for China Camp State Park

China Camp State Park

Explore the lovely green spaces of China Camp State Park and enjoy the hiking trails in San Rafael. Wander the lush forest in this family-friendly area.

China Camp State Park
Image for Marin History Museum

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
Image for Dominican University of California

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
Image for Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market

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
Image for Peacock Gap Golf Club

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
Image for McNears Beach Country Park

McNears Beach Country Park

Explore the great outdoors at McNears Beach Country Park, a lovely green space in San Rafael. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

McNears Beach Country Park
Image for Falkirk Cultural Center

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

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in San Rafael

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Terra Linda

While there might not be top attractions in Terra Linda, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Marin County Civic Center and Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market.

Terra Linda
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Picnic Valley

If you're spending some time in Picnic Valley, San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park and Marin Bocce Federation are top sights worth seeing.

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
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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 San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park.

Country Club
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Los Ranchitos

When in Los Ranchitos, you can plan a visit to Marin County Civic Center and Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Los Ranchitos
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Bayside Acres

Though Bayside Acres might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Peacock Gap Golf Club and McNears Beach Country Park.

Bayside Acres

Popular day trips from San Rafael

San Anselmo

San Anselmo

Larkspur

Larkspur

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Novato

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