More to explore at the bottom of the post:
San Rafael Musts | Annual Events | Indigenous History | Fun Facts
Central in more ways than one, San Rafael is a vital vein of Marin County culture. From its copious offerings of food and entertainment to its rich history stretching back to the time of the Miwok, San Rafael is a place where nature, cuisine, art and community regularly collide in wonderful, memorable ways. Where else can you attend a world-class film festival, eat a delicious dinner and catch a professional baseball game all within the span of a few blocks?
As Marin’s largest city, San Rafael’s legacy includes a role as the home to many innovative and progressive businesses looking to leave a lasting mark that betters the planet.
Places like certified B Corporation EO Products, which is headquartered in San Rafael, and Marin Sanitary Service: a local, family-run waste and recycling company that’s long been ahead of the curve on sustainability. Each year, a small and large company exemplifying sustainable practices are honored by San Rafael’s Chamber of Commerce with the Joe Garbarino Green Business of the Year award. Other notable businesses in San Rafael include BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Autodesk and the Buck Institute.
San Rafael’s history is likewise alive and well in the form of the Mission San Rafael Archangel, founded by Spain in 1817. While today the chapel you’ll see is a replica of the original Mission design, it remains a vital reminder of San Rafael’s roots and longevity. San Rafael has furthermore found itself on the silver screen on numerous occasions.
In 1973, future Star Wars director George Lucas filmed parts of his coming-of-age film American Graffiti in the area while another iconic structure — Marin County’s Civic Center, designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright — served as the central setting in the 1997 sci-fi film Gattaca. Cannabis enthusiasts will also appreciate San Rafael’s role as the place where the slang term “420” was first coined.
With over 30 different neighborhoods and a strong collection of major businesses striving for a better tomorrow, San Rafael is a “City with a Mission” that encompasses everything from the city-by-the-water vibes of scenic China Camp to the Ewok-like foliage of Lucas Valley.
To help you make the best of your time in this perpetually bustling town, here’s an insider’s guide to the best of San Rafael!
San Rafael Musts
Just passing through? Here are five must-dos that may inspire you to stay awhile.
1. Marin County Civic Center
Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this masterpiece is one of the few government buildings the architectural genius ever created. Those interested can take guided tours of the building or stroll the grounds and admire its futuristic style, beautiful atriums and views of the surrounding hills. Additionally, the adjacent Civic Center Lagoon and Park are great for picnics and walking and every Friday, the Santa Venetia Market hosts a pop-up BBQ tri-tip stand that always draws a crowd
2. China Camp State Park
This gem offers hiking, biking, kayaking and camping, complete with stunning views of the San Pablo Bay. Explore a historic Chinese shrimp fishing village that dates to the 1880s and enjoy trails that are great for beginners and experienced hikers alike. China Camp also has a claim as possibly the best place in San Rafael to take in a magnificent sunset or local displays of fireworks on the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve.
3. Downtown San Rafael (Fourth Street)
A lively stretch packed with independent shops, cafes, restaurants and art galleries offering something for everyone. Don’t miss Art Works Downtown, which hosts exhibitions and open studios, or San Rafael’s lively Farmers Markets and live music events (season dependent). Each October, the Mill Valley Film Festival invites a cavalcade of A-list stars to walk a red carpet on Fourth Street, while those with a penchant for peculiar history will find plenty to intrigue them at the Museum of International Propoganda. Hungry? Take your pick from an oasis of options that includes classic Italian, sumptuous Thai and comforting milkshakes.
4. Mission San Rafael Arcángel
Founded in 1817, Mission San Rafael Arcángel is one of California’s 21 historic missions, it’s a peaceful, compact site with a chapel and small museum that tells the story of early California and the mission system. Great for a short visit and some quiet reflection.
5. Marin History Museum & Falkirk Cultural Center
The Falkirk Mansion is a beautiful 1888 Victorian estate that also hosts art shows, classes and community events. The museum (check ahead to confirm hours of operation) dives into Marin’s rich cultural and natural history with both permanent and rotating exhibits.
San Rafael’s Annual Events
Year-round, San Rafael hosts spectacular events that range from community gatherings to blowout bashes. Here’s a taste of one year in San Rafael.
Hops & Vines Stroll
Sept. 6
Sample the finest local beer, wine, spirits and cider from participating shops located along Fourth Street in Downtown San Rafael.
PorchFest
Sept. 21
PorchFest is a beloved free community music event in Gerstle Park featuring 65–75 bands, all playing for free on 20+ porches — aka “the porch zone” — with genres ranging from jazz, rock, opera, folk to many more.
Mill Valley Film Festival
Oct. 2–12
Each October, San Rafael welcomes some of Hollywood’s finest talent for the Mill Valley Film Festival. Taking place in part at San Rafael’s gorgeous Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center, the festival offers a consistently dynamic mix of local, international and documentary films but be sure you buy your tickets early as these events are always quick to sell out.
Dia de los Muertos
Nov. 1
San Rafael’s Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, Celebration will mark its 37th year on November 1. The affair offers a brilliant display of Mexican culture complete with altar viewings, music, art and a walking procession through the Canal neighborhood.
San Rafael Chamber of Commerce State of the City Business Awards
May 2026
Hosted in conjunction with a Taste of San Rafael, this annual award ceremony from San Rafael’s Chamber of Commerce honors the best businesses as well as the people powering them.
Holiday of Lights and Winter Wonderland
Nov. 29
Get in the holiday spirit with a vibrant array of festive activities, local artisans and delicious seasonal treats — culminating in a tree lighting in City Plaza — care of San Rafael’s annual Holiday of Lights & Winter Wonderland event. Get an early start on your gift shopping by supporting local businesses or taking the little ones to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
San Rafael Lighted Boat Parade
December
An annual tradition since the 1960s, this parade is highlighted by dozens of vessels decorated and dazzling as they traverse the canal.
DocLands Film Festival
April 2026
Presented by the California Film Institute, DocLands rightly bills itself as “a vibrant celebration of nonfiction storytelling held annually” in Marin County.
May Madness Car Show and Parade
May 10, 2026
Keeping the spirit of American Graffiti alive and well since 1986, this annual celebration now regularly showcases several hundred classic cars and hot rods ranging from the early 1920s through to the muscle cars of the early ’70s complete with awards and trophies in a variety of categories.
City of San Rafael Pride Flag Raising
June 2026
Celebrate your pride in San Rafael with a flag-raising to commemorate the month dedicated to our LGBTQIA+ community.
San Rafael’s History
Indigenous History
Long before it was known as San Rafael, this area was once home to several notable Coast Miwok villages, including those of the Awani-wi (near downtown San Rafael), Ewu (near Terra Linda) and Shotomko-cha (Marinwood).
The most sacred natural local flora to the Miwok included the California Lilac (utilized as a stimulant), the hallucinogenic Sacred Datura, Cudweed — aka Ladies’ Tobacco — and California Mugwort, which was utilized for headache relief and mourning). Additionally, Coastal Sagebrush was valued during rites of passage as a sacred source of protection.
Documentation of Miwok peoples by Europeans dates back as early as 1579, courtesy of a priest on a ship under the command of Sir Francis Drake.
History Fun Facts
On December 14, 1817 — four years before Mexico gained independence from Spain — Mission San Rafael Arcángel was founded by three priests as (Alta) California’s 20th Spanish mission. Originally planned as a hospital site, it was later upgraded to full mission status in 1822.
In 1833, the Mexican Secularization Act gave control of California’s missions to the Mexican government. By 1844, Mission San Rafael had been abandoned, eventually falling into ruin.
San Rafael became the seat of Marin County over 175 years ago, on April 25, 1851.
