As Marin County continues its 150th anniversary celebration of San Rafael, it’s never been a better time to visit. From its Marin History Museum and China Camp State Park, to its many gastronomical haunts and iconic Sunday farmers market, this culturally vibrant city is packed with must-visit spots.
One of the city’s biggest cheerleaders is San Rafael’s mayor Kate Colin, who explains what makes San Rafael shine: “[It’s] the spirit of the people who live here. We’re a community that values connection — across cultures, generations and neighborhoods — and we’re grounded in both natural beauty and a deep sense of place,” said San Rafael Mayor Kate Colin.
So on the off occasion that you have visitors from out of town — or just want to play tourist in your own county — here’s how to hit some of the city’s favorite spots.
Where it All Began
Once the site of several Coast Miwok villages, San Rafael was founded by Spain in 1817 and was named after Saint Raphael the Arcángel. The Mission San Rafael Archangel was founded by four priests in what is now downtown San Rafael, and was originally planned as a hospital site for Central Valley American Indians who had become ill at the San Francisco Mission Dolores. When it was turned over to the Mexican government in 1834, the Mission was secularized and eventually abandoned. Mission San Rafael fell into ruins, but was slowly revitalized over time.
The chapel you see today, which sits next to Saint Raphael’s Church between 5th St and Mission Ave, is a replica of the original Mission design, and is well worth a visit.
Start Downtown for Culture, Creativity and Community
Start your day in the heart of downtown San Rafael with a coffee and a pastry, at Pink Owl Coffee or the recently-opened, Yemini coffee shop, Sana’a Cafe.
Spend your morning strolling through Boyd Gate House, a Victorian mansion at Mission Ave and B St that’s home to the Marin History Museum. If you’re an art-lover, make sure to pay a visit to Markers Market retail shop, part of Autistry Studios — a family-owned business that helps autistic and neurodivergent teens and adults become independent community members. The Market features student-created products made during some of Autistry’s programs. And if you happen to be in town on the second Friday of the month, Art Walk is a must-see. Galleries and studios open their doors to the public for an evening of eye-catching inspiration.
After a morning of exploring and building up an appetite, grab a slice (or two) at Hot Italian Pizza Bar. Check out the pizzas and gelato designed by owner Fabrizio Cercatore, a “master pizzaiolo” or master pizza-maker.
And if pizza isn’t what you fancy, check out the daily lunch buffet at Lotus Cuisine of India. Voted Best in Marin 2024, this “mom and pop” restaurant was founded in 1998 by Surinder Pal Sroa and his wife Linda. The pair are well-known for giving back to the community, and since 2004 the restaurant has hosted its annual community, free Thanksgiving dinner the night before Thanksgiving.
An Afternoon Exploring and Supporting Local Vendors
For your next stop, hop in the car and head a few miles north of downtown San Rafael to China Camp State Park. Located on the southwest shore of San Pablo Bay, here you can take in the surrounding natural beauty and hike one of the many trails. Friends of China Camp, a non-profit that runs the park and preserves its roots, also offers a number of activities and programs.
On Sundays, grab your reusable shopping bags and head over to the San Rafael Farmers Market by the Civic Center. Here you’ll find everything from organic fruit and vegetables to sustainable fish and locally made cheese. This year-round, weekly event features about 150 local vendors, and regularly draws visitors from Marin, the wider Bay Area and tourists.
An Evening of Games, Views and Irish Tunes
As the sun sets, head back to downtown and grab a panoramic view of the city with a craft cocktail in hand at the Above Fifth bar, located on the rooftop of the AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown. For date-night ideas, visit the Pixels Arcade and Taproom. This retro arcade offers a self-pour beverage bar with craft beers and ciders, along with iconic games like Pinball, Pac-Man, and Mortal Kombat II. If you’re a movie-lover, check out what’s on at the historical Smith Rafael Film Center, home of the Mill Valley Film Festival. The center has been a downtown landmark since the early 20th century.
Photo of Courtesy of Jeff Lewis, landESCAPE VISUALS
For a sitdown meal, make a reservation at Il Davide. Make sure to order one of their award-winning, house-made pasta dishes like cappellini del diavolo, pappardelle ai tre funghi, or cacio e pepe. Restaurant owner and Marin-native, David Hayden, opened the spot in 1995 and is usually on hand to greet longtime patrons. Meanwhile, Marin’s first authentic Irish pub, the Burren House, is a great laid-back evening option. If you’re visiting on a Tuesday night, grab a pint of Guinness, a bite from the pub’s varied menu and enjoy some traditional Irish music. The pub was built and designed with materials and from artists in Ireland. Founder and Ireland native Alan Hynes is a decades-long San Rafael resident.
A Final Thought
With so much to see, San Rafael manages to effortlessly mix an energetic arts and culture scene with the great outdoors. As Mayor Kate Colin notes, “I am proud of our community vibrancy which shines through in our public art, downtown events, neighborhood gatherings,” Mayor Kate says. “And so many other opportunities that bring people together and reminds us that we’re part of something bigger.”
