Downtown San Rafael Travel Guide

San Rafael

Sunset light shines on the historic Spanish Colonial mission and downtown skyline of San Rafael, California, USA.
Sunset light shines on the historic Spanish Colonial mission and downtown skyline of San Rafael, California, USA.
The original mission was built here in 1817. Its original function was as a ‘sub’ mission for the church in San Francisco to assist in treating sick parishioners. It gained full mission status in 1822. Abandoned in 1847 with all its buildings being sold off or destroyed. A new church was built on the grounds in 1861. This chapel dates to 1949 and is a reconstruction of the building from 1817.
Mission San Rafael Arcangel. Founded 1817.
Mission San Rafael Arcangel featuring a statue or sculpture

Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown San Rafael

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave San Francisco CA
The price is Rp2.126.074 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
Rp2.126.074
Rp2.502.270 total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,342 reviews)
Helpful staff, amenities, and overall great vibes

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St San Francisco CA
The price is Rp2.370.552 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
Rp2.370.552
Rp3.480.491 total
3 Mar - 4 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (7,324 reviews)
Clean comfortable rooms and excellent customer servic.e.

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St San Francisco CA
The price is Rp2.626.973 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
Rp2.626.973
Rp3.091.817 total
21 Mar - 22 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,876 reviews)
Room was nice and clean, the staff are amazing, especially to Shiley she was the best 👍

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Handlery Union Square Hotel
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

3 out of 5
701 3rd St San Francisco CA
The price is Rp2.832.271 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
Rp2.832.271
Rp3.333.441 total
20 Mar - 21 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,012 reviews)
The room was clean and location is great. Staff was friendly

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St San Francisco CA
The price is Rp1.822.206 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
Rp1.822.206
Rp2.144.645 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and Wi-Fi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,445 reviews)
The lighting throughout the room was very fluorescent white and not pleasant. The elevator takes a long time and stops at too many floors

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
YOTEL San Francisco

YOTEL San Francisco

3 out of 5
1095 Market St San Francisco CA
The price is Rp1.214.604 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
Rp1.214.604
Rp2.119.832 total
31 Mar - 1 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
Great location. Nice staff. Cool rooms

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

YOTEL San Francisco
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown San Rafael

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

Gerstle Park

While Gerstle Park isn't home to many top sights, Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Gerstle Park
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Lincoln

While there might not be top attractions in Lincoln, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center.

Lincoln
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Francisco Boulevard West

While there might not be top attractions in Francisco Boulevard West, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Larkspur Ferry Terminal.

Francisco Boulevard West
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Picnic Valley

While there might not be top attractions in Picnic Valley, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Larkspur Ferry Terminal.

Picnic Valley
San Quentin prison in San Rafael, California, United States of America.

West End

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in West End and surrounding area, you can visit Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Falkirk Cultural Center.

West End
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Bret Harte

Bret Harte might not have many top sights, but Marin Country Mart and Larkspur Ferry Terminal are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Bret Harte


Downtown San Rafael Travel Guide