15 Best Things to do in San Rafael (CA)

Travelling is one of the exciting and healthy things people do, and it is done for different purposes. People embark on it for vacation, study, tourism, research, and pilgrimage purposes.

Before we proceed to the things to do in San Rafael, let’s have a grasp of San Rafael, California. It is located in the North Bay area of San Francisco Bay in Marin County, and the town has about 6,000 inhabitants. It is the oldest and biggest city in Marin County, California.

To ensure you get the best out of your traveling planning, we have saved you the stress of wondering what to do in San Rafael, California. Ensure you read to the end to get all the information we have here for you to enjoy your travel to San Rafael, California. Now, let’s dive into the 15 best things to do in San Rafael.

Here you have a guide to the 15 Best Things to do in San Rafael (CA)

1. Go on a Tour of the Museum of International Propaganda

One of the things to do in San Rafael is to visit the Museum of International Propaganda. People who travel for historical research or study would have a memorable experience. 

Two curators operating the Museum, “Tom and Lilka Areton,” are also travelers and make some collections of countries’ propaganda during their travels. The Museum’s collection of propaganda posters and sculptures comes from a thousand countries.

The objects exhibited in the Museum were mainly designed and financed by various governments, dictators, and other politically minded individuals. The exhibition presents seven themes, techniques, and styles of propaganda.

Address: 1000 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901, USA

2. Visit the China Camp State Park

One of the things to do in San Rafael is to visit the China Camp State Park. It is a state park in Marin County, California, established in 1976. It surrounds a historic Chinese-American shrimp town and a swamp.

It is an essential visit for anyone who loves China, its history, and its culture. The park has wildlife and a beautiful view of the sea. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities such as Hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, picnicking, and more. 

China Camp celebrates Chinese-American Heritage Day every August with various exhibits, including lion dances, tai chi, acrobatic demonstrations, craft sales, and children’s programs. You need to go to these events to witness the wonderful heritage day by yourself. I believe you will enjoy every bit of it.

Address: 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States

3. Have Lunch at Crepevine Restaurant

One significant feature distinguishing Crepevine restaurant from other restaurants is that it is “all organic.” They have delicious foods made with organic, fresh, and healthy ingredients. 

Fruits and vegetables are bought on-site(from the farm). It’s a place for people who love organic and fresh foods. Every dressings and sauce made in this restaurant are from scratch.

They don’t only stop at giving you the best food, and they also ensure their foods are affordable and also that you are being attended to by excellent staff. You have to note this restaurant’s name as you plan your travel.

Address: 1133 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States

4. Book a Stay in Panama Hotel and Suites

Booking a Panama hotel is fantastic for your comfort and getting the best hotel management services. The hotel is an old boutique hotel. Each room is uniquely themed and decorated to provide a memorable experience for each guest.  

It offers luxurious fabrics, decorations, color schemes, and modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, fresh coffee, designer soaps, and more. Their on-site restaurant offers gourmet cuisine and a wide variety of impressive menu options.

This restaurant will be a fantastic place to have your first and every date and a place for a couple’s honeymoon. Enjoy a wonderful meal and live music. And you get to enjoy a wide array of unique menu options.

Address: 4 Bayview St, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States.

5. Go on a Tour of the Marin Society of Artists

The Marin Society of Artists, San Rafael, is a nonprofit, multidisciplinary art and human enrichment organization founded in 1927. Knowing that every individual on the planet is endowed with creativity and potential, which grows and thrives when fostered, Marin County Art ensures that everyone grows and thrives via the arts.

They have a hub where they share creativity among themselves, curb differences and build unity. The society also allows artists to express their capability and artistic skills. 

They hold artistical events in a year to boost and appreciate the beauty of art and the empowerment of society members. Marin Society of Artists is a beautiful place for every artist to visit to explore their artistic life and create adventurous memories of a lifetime.

Address: 1515 3rd St & E Street, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States

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6. Visit WildCare

Every life matters, including wildlife. Marin has been a large county since its founding, and as it has expanded into the wild places around it, people and nature have called the same place home. 

In downtown San Rafael, California, an urban wildlife hospital caters to the health and well-being of nature. San Rafael Wildlife Hospital ensures that all species live safely in an environment where people live.

They also educate people on how to live in peace with wildlife by advocating for better wildlife protection and other remaining open spaces—a good idea for lovers of animals and nature.

Address: 76 Albert Park Ln, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States.

7. Enjoy your Vacation at Peacock Gap Golf Club

Peacock Gap Golf Club is found in Marin County. The place is known for its great yearly weather. To enjoy your vacation to the fullest, renting a vacation house in Peacock Gap Golf Club will give you the best experience you won’t forget in a hurry.

They have golf facilities, a fully stocked Pro Shop, club rentals, numerous tournament packages, a complete practice facility, and private or practical group lessons. The area has a large venue accommodating more than 1,000 guests and is comfortable enough for small or large business meetings. 

In Peacock Gap Golf Club, one can rent houses, cottages, studios, condos, cabins, etc. You can select vacation rentals of your choice, such as a rental beside the pool.

Address: 333 Biscayne Dr, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States

8. Go on a Pilgrimage to Mission San Rafael Arcangel

Going on a Pilgrimage to Mission San Rafael Arcangel is one of the things to do in San Rafael for your spiritual growth. It was founded on December 14, 1817, by Father Vicente de Sarria. It is a multilingual and multicultural Catholic parish. It is located in downtown San Rafael on Fifth Avenue between Bay and Court Streets. 

It is a large church that has in it: the main church, Mission San Rafael Arcangel, St. Sylvester’s Chapel, as well as a St. Raphael Elementary and PreSchool. The church was originally a hospital where the sick neophytes(Christianized Native Americans) were treated. Its name originated from Saint Raphael, known as an angel of healing.

In the church, there is a giant bronze statue of Saint Raphael holding a cross on the church’s facade. You can also visit the mission gift shop, which functions as a museum in the church.

It’s astonishing that the mission water, which flowed from many springs and a stream on the hill behind the parish complex, is still San Rafael’s principal water source. You have the best view of the parish church and mission chapel on the hill. You will also witness a portrait of Saint Rafael and a variety of original relics during your trip.

Address: 1104 5th Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901, United States

9. Go to Fifth Avenue Spa

Fifth Avenue spa is one of the relaxation centers to be in San Rafael, it is owned by two sisters who are passionate about healthy skin and facial care. Our ladies are not left out in this traveling journey, this Spa is totally for them.

They give their customers a high-end experience. They offer professional facials, body wraps, massage, waxing, and permanent makeup. Remember, the goal is to invest in your health through a pure, healing, and soothing massage, restoring the youthful glow of your skin, etc. 

Their therapists are well trained on how to apply ancient and modern techniques and treatments to achieve customer satisfaction.

Address: 1000 5th avenue, 1000 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States

10. Dine at the Pond Farm Brewing Co.

Pond Farm Brewing Co. is one place you must visit to spend time with old-time friends, work colleagues, and family members. Their wines and beers are brewed with passion and uniqueness, it is owned by a couple, Trevor Martens and Stephanie Martens, who live in San Rafael with their two sons.

The couple has a passion for brewing excellent craft beer. You will enjoy outdoor seating and adventures with friends and people you meet there.

Address: 1848 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States.

11. Engage in Watersports Activities

A part of the exciting things to do in San Rafael is to engage in watersport activities. Surf sports, Hiking, and Canoeing, are examples of relaxing watersports activities you will love to do.

The actions occur at McNears Beach Park, located in Central Way close to San Pablo Bay.

Address: 201 Cantera Way, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States.

12. Visit the Marin County Civic Center

This center is a place for all because you can learn about the history of San Rafael. They have exhibits and materials on history, art, culture, etc. The center is an educational center. 

Due to Marin County Civic center’s magnificent interior and exterior architectural designs, excellent personnel comes to the place to shoot movies, record albums, etc. Visiting this center will be an exciting thing to do before you return from your travel.

Address: 3501 Civic Center Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903, United States.

13. Go on a Tour of Falkirk Cultural Center

To add more sweetness to your tour experience of the things to do in San Rafael, going on a tour of Falkirk Cultural Center is recommendable. The emergence of Falkirk Cultural Center was made possible by a woman named Ella Nichols Park, a wealthy and reclusive widow. 

After her death, the building was bought by a man called Captain Robert Dollar and later was owned and operated by the City of San Rafael and listed on the National Register of historical place.

The center features a wooded terrace, lush rolling gardens, rose gardens for weddings, private lawns for weddings, and spacious terraces for outdoor dining, meetings and ret, and rates.

The center also stores a modern gallery and a cultural and art education center. It’s a nice place for you to walk down the aisle with your soul mate.

Address: 1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States.

14. Shop at Whole Foods Market

Stocking up your food storage is necessary to avoid running out of your favorite food and save time and money. Whole Foods Market, San Rafael, California, has local, organic, and non-genetic modified organism choices. 

You can also purchase baked goods, fresh salads, coffee, flour, etc.

They also have food for people of different diet options- the paleo-friendly, vegan, vegetarian, and exceptional diet individuals.

Address: 340 3rd St, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States.

15. Watch a Movie at Century Regency

The last but not minor thing to do in San Rafael is to watch a movie at Century Regency. One of the ways to spend beautiful moments with your loved one, husband/wife, is by seeing a movie, and Century Regency is an excellent place to go. 

The old name for Century regency theatre was “Regency Cinema,” which started operating in San Rafael on October 21, 1983, before Cinemark acquired it. To date, century regency theatre is still one of the best theatres in Marin County for watching movies. It has a vast auditorium.

Go and get your movie ticket! And have that sweet moment with your soul mate.

Address: 280 Smith Ranch Rd, San Rafael, CA 94903, United States.

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Plan a Trip to San Rafael, California

I believe you know now how beautiful San Rafael, California, is. Visiting this place will be worth it, and you will have a lot of stories to talk about after traveling to it.

Have the best of fun and adventure in San Rafael, California.

Don’t forget to drop a comment about your experience and let us know how we can update this article.