7 Fun Things to Do in San Rafael & Beyond
Looking for fun things to do in San Rafael, California?
This little suburb of the City by the Bay is super walkable and within a stone’s throw of San Francisco. You must visit the Mission San Rafael, but there is so much more to see and do than just that.
Make time for the 4th Street Shops, the Marin Civic Center, and the Marin Farmers Market, too. Then, branch out to explore some of NorCal’s cutest small towns like Sausalito, Mill Valley, and Tiburon.
1. Step back in time at the Mission San Rafael
The Mission San Rafael is one of California’s famous 21 Spanish Missions. It was commissioned by Junipero Serra, the “Father of California Missions”. The church, located on Fifth Avenue, was built in 1817 as part of his mission efforts converting Native Americans to Christianity. Father Serra is credited for bringing Catholicism to California and for establishing European Rule in California, which still remains in place today.
The Gothic Revival church was in ruins by 1870, and has been rebuilt several times since, with the last version in 1949. Allocate around an hour to see the church. Highlights include the statues of Saint Rafael holding a cross on the front façade of the church, the customary mission bell rack, and the gift shop.
Admission to the San Rafael mission is free and self-guided tours are available. The church is open to visitors Monday-Friday from 6:30 am -5pm, Saturdays from 8:30am-5:00pm, and Sundays from 9:00am-5:00pm.
2. Wander through the 4th Street Shops
San Rafael’s main shopping area is along 4th Street in an eclectic area of Downtown San Rafael. It’s a charming area of bustling, tree-lined streets and a lively atmosphere. Full of boutique shops and quaint restaurants, it’s fun to visit any time of day. The perfect place to get a good vibe of the city; even at night, when the area is lit up by lights strung across the street.
Shops run the gamut: From books stores and art galleries to clothing boutiques, skate shops, and tattoo parlours. The food options are pretty diverse, too. You can find traditional American and Californian cuisine like steak houses, cafes, and pizzerias. There is a wide range of ethnic food too. You can pick from Japanese, Brazilian, Mexican, Caribbean, Vietnamese, Italian, French, and Indian.
3. Gawk at the Marin County Civic Center
San Rafael even has a slice of interesting architecture! The Marin County Civic Center is famous as one of the last buildings designed by legendary American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. It was also the largest public project and the only government project he ever undertook. The long, 4-storey, pink stucco building with a blue roof and scalloped balconies is pretty hard to miss! It’s right off the 101 and North San Pedro Road.
This building has a fascinating history filled with controversy and adversity. Visitors can take a 90-minute tour that gives access to different floors, a roof top view, and the chance to see the wood furniture constructed by inmates from the San Quentin State Prison. Tours run between 10:30 a.m – noon Monday-Friday and require advance registration. The tours cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. Please visit the Marin County website for more info.
4. Eat your heart out at the Marin Farmers Market
The Marin Famers Market happens on Sundays from 8 am- 1 pm all year round. One of the biggest farmers’ markets in California, it hosts around 200 local farmers and ranchers selling produce and specialty food. There are lots of food trucks and artisan vendors, too.
Just remember to bring cash, as not all vendors accept credit cards. But if you forget, there are plenty of on-site ATMs, too. And please don’t bring your pets: They are not allowed inside the market.
5. Seek waterfalls & redwoods in Mill Valley
Now, onto the neighboring communities between San Rafael and San Francisco! If you’re looking for a quick trip out of San Rafael, just hop on the 101 and head south about 8 miles to Mill Valley. Mill Valley is a small town akin to a European village. most recognized as a cultural hub and gateway to the neighboring Muir Woods National Redwoods Forest.
The city’s vibe is an interesting mix of Hollywood and outdoor culture, as it hosts the internationally-recognized Mill Valley Film Festival, outdoor amphitheater plays, and Broadway musicals presented on Mount Tamalpais.
But, Mill Valley is also home to the Dipsea Race, the second-oldest cross country footrace in the USA. The 7-mile race runs from Mount Tamalpais to the scenic Stinson Beach every June.
As for the town itself, it has plenty of its own charm. It’s a great walking town with lots of shady streets, interesting homes with varied architecture, and all sorts of little shops, restaurants, and galleries. A great way to really soak up the atmosphere is with a coffee at Equator Coffee.
Finally, don’t leave without taking the hike to the Cascade Waterfalls. It’s a really easy ½ mile hike that begins at the Cascade Falls trailhead on Cascade Drive.
The path passes some amazing homes tucked into the redwoods, along a few creeks, and then splits so you can either go to the top of the falls or the bottom of the falls.
6. Road trip to Tiburon for oceanfront hiking & dining
For another quick road trip, head southeast across the bay from Sausalito, to the small peninsula town of Tiburon. It literally sits in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, and is only about a 20-minute drive from San Rafael. Thanks to its scenic location, the best things to do in Tiburon revolve around the water views.
Some people all refer to it as the “Old Rail Trail,” because Tiburon was once a railroad town and the hiking path is laid over what used to be railroad tracks.
The 2.5 mile trail begins at Blackie’s Pasture, passes through coastal mudflats, and lots of parks, playgrounds, and sports fields.
After your walk, make a point to stop for a bite or a drink at Sam’s Anchor Café. It’s one of the oldest cafes in the area, and is quite famous for its seafood and outdoor deck.
You don’t want to miss the incredible views of Angel Island, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge from a distance.
After your walk, make a point to stop for a bite or a drink at Sam’s Anchor Café. It’s one of the oldest cafes in the area, and is quite famous for its seafood and outdoor deck.
You don’t want to miss the incredible views of Angel Island, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge from a distance.
7. Peek at the Golden Gate Bridge from Sausalito
And last but not least, save time for Sausalito. It’s the literal halfway point between San Rafael and San Francisco, a 10-mile drive almost straight down the 101. Sausalito is a very small town, mostly famous for its Vista Point, one of the most popular viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge. There is also a 25-minute ferry ride that runs between San Francisco and Sausalito, which is a tourist favorite!
Not far from the ferry landing, is Sausalito’s historic downtown.
This is a nice place to spend a few hours exploring the wooden boardwalks, the pastel Victorian homes, plus the candy shops, ice cream parlors, cafes, art galleries, and trinket shops overlooking yachts in the harbor.
FThings to Do in San Rafael
Fun Things to Do in San Rafael
FunThings to Do in San Rafael
Fun Things to Do in San Rafael
Things to Do in San Rafael
Fun Things to Do in San Rafael