16 Best Things to Do in San Rafael, California

By VI Staff on March 13, 2021 - Updated

18 Best Things to Do in San Rafael, California

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The cultural and political center of Marin County, San Rafael is home to several excellent museums and art galleries, including the Marin History Museum, the Museum of International Propaganda, Art Works Downtown, and the Falkirk Cultural Center. The Marin County Farmers' Market is a favorite spot for fresh produce and delicious homemade fare. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.

1.Museum of International Propaganda

The Museum of International Propaganda is dedicated to displaying political propaganda from around the world and showcases how repressive regimes of the 20th century used visual communication to manipulate the populace. The museum’s collection boasts political art, photographs and memorabilia amassed over 35 years by curators, Tom and Lilka Areton, including pieces from the significant repressive states of the last century such as Communist China, the Soviet Union, and Nazi Germany. Notable pieces include a ceramic sculpture of Mao Tse-tung surrounded by four red guards looking up at him in adoration, and a large framed socialist realism painting depicting a Soviet Red Army colonel sitting in front of a farmhouse just liberated from the Germans.

1000 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901, Phone: 415-526-3057

2.China Camp State Park

China Camp State Park is a state park in San Rafael that surrounds a historical Chinese American shrimp-fishing village and a salt marsh and is renowned for great hiking, mountain biking trails, beautiful wide open spaces, and scenic vistas. Situated on the shores of San Pablo Bay, the 1,648-acre bayside park is named after a Chinese fishing village that once flourished on the site and features a preserved fisherman’s cottage and the China Camp Museum, which visitors can explore. Amenities at the park include plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails, picnic areas, lovely beaches with safe swimming areas, walk-in campsites, and a historic 19th-century Chinese fishing village. The park features a variety of fauna and flora, ranging from grassland and salt marsh to oak woodland and oak and redwood forests.

100 China Camp Village Rd, San Rafael, CA 94901

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3.Marin County Civic Center

The Marin County Civic Center is a national- and state-designated historic landmark that was designed by internationally acclaimed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Built in the early 1960s, the building was Wright's 770th commission and one of his last and most important works, even though he died before seeing it completed. The Marin County Civic Center features the Administration and Hall of Justice buildings, both of which dramatically illustrate Wright's architectural connection to the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the building on 90-minute docent-led tours every Wednesday and Friday which leave from the second-floor Café. Private tours can also be arranged through the Visitor Services Office.

3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94901, Phone: 415-473-7000

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4.Mission San Rafael Arcángel (Church of Saint Raphael)

Founded in 1817 as a hospital and convalescent home of Mission San Francisco de Asís to treat sick Native Americans, the Mission San Rafael Arcángel was Alta California's first sanitarium. Constructed entirely by native craftsmen in a simple and unassuming style, the mission was later occupied by General John C. Fremont during the Bear Flag Revolt in 1848 before falling into disrepair. The building was restored to its former glory in the early 1900s with a façade similar to San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo. The building houses a small museum with a collection that features includes three of the original mission bells, hanging from a small wooden bar at the entrance to the chapel.

1104 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901

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5.WildCare, San Rafael, California

Located in downtown San Rafael, WildCare is an animal sanctuary that rescues, treats and cares for sick or injured animals. The urban wildlife hospital also aims to educate people about wildlife conservation and the protection of animals and their habitats through environmental education workshops, classes, and in-the-wilderness programs. Programs include WildCare’s Nature Camp for children between the ages of three and 12 years, weekly day camps in summer, spring and winter, fun family outings in both English and Spanish, and a Junior Botanist Program, which introduces students to native trees, ferns, flowers, and grasses.

76 Albert Park Ln, San Rafael, CA 94901, Phone: 415-456-7283

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6.The Sunday Marin Civic Center Farmers Market

The Sunday Marin Farmers Market is a popular Sunday market in San Rafael and the third largest farmers market in California. Established in 1987, the market maintains its Marin community roots by providing a wide range of locally grown and sourced produce supplied by almost 200 local farmers, specialty food purveyors, and artisans. Goodies that can be found at the market include locally grown and organic produce, dairy products and pastured eggs, honey, flowers, nuts, fresh seafood, grass-fed meats, freshly baked breads and baked goods, coffee, artisanal crafts and jewelry, handmade soap and personal care items, and pet food. The Sunday Marin Farmers Market is open every Sunday, year-round, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903, Phone: 415-472-6100

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7.Marin County Open Space District

The Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) is an institution that manages 34 open space preserves around Marin County comprising approximately 18,500 acres, providing visitors with beautiful public areas in which to enjoy outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, softball, tennis, and soccer.

Room 415, Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903, Phone: 415-499-6387

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8.Art Works Downtown, San Rafael, California

Art Works Downtown is a non-profit art center in the heart of San Rafael's burgeoning Fourth Street art district that brings together a variety of initiatives that support the creative process from affordable studio space for artists and low-income housing to exhibit galleries, outreach programs, art classes, lectures, and art-related events. Based in a 40,000 square-foot historic building that dates back 130 years, Art Works Downtown features four art galleries, 27 art studios, a ceramic center, a jewelers guild, a framing shop, a restaurant, and 17 low-cost apartments. The center also hosts a variety of exhibits, art installations and art events throughout the year. Art Works Downtown is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday.

1337 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901, Phone: 415-451-8119

9.Marin Bocce Federation, San Rafael, California

The Marin Bocce Federation is an organization dedicated to promoting the sport of bocce. Set among a grove a redwood trees and a beautiful rose garden, the facility features eight outside courts and two indoor courts. Developed in 1992 to revitalize San Rafael’s Albert Park with a focus on increasing family-oriented activities, the Marin Bocce Federation hosts three, morning leagues and five-night leagues from March through October with almost 1600 players that play in 160 teams, as well as tournaments throughout the year.

550 B St, San Rafael, CA 94901, Phone: 415-485-5583

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10.Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael, California

The Falkirk Cultural Center is a beautiful 19th century 11-acre country estate with an elegant three-story home built in a blend of Queen Anne and Eastlake styles that dates back to 1888. Owned and operated by the City of San Rafael and listed on the National Historic Register, the estate was once the home of shipping magnate Robert Dollar who named the estate Falkirk in honor of his Scottish birthplace. Surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and grounds that include wooded hillsides, a restored greenhouse with tropical plants, and a sculpture garden, the 17-room mansion was purchased by the community in 1974 to be preserved as a historical and cultural resource and has served the Marin community ever since. The Falkirk Cultural Center houses art galleries that exhibit contemporary artworks and hosts seasonal public events throughout the year.

1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901, Phone: 415-485-3328

11.Marin Society of Artists, San Rafael, CA

The Marin Society of Artists is dedicated to promoting the arts in the Marin County community. Established in 1927, the organization presents monthly exhibitions of local and international art with the aim of encouraging an interest in the world of art. The society also provides a space for artists to express themselves and for the community to discover, develop and appreciate artistic expression and hosts a variety of art-related events throughout the year such as art classes, studio space, community art, painting and drawing workshops, lectures and symposiums, and several exhibitions. The organization also holds a Friday Art Walk on the second Friday of every month and is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday.

1515 3rd St & E Street, San Rafael, CA 94901, Phone: 415-454-9561

12.Things to Do in San Rafael, California: Cafe Arrivederci

Café Arrivederci is a friendly, neighborhood eatery that serves Italian comfort food and an extensive wine list in a comfortable, yet sophisticated atmosphere with indoor and outdoor patio seating. Owned by Pedro Ulloa and Carlo Scatena, Café Arrivederci serves a menu of traditional Italian fare using fresh local ingredients and local flavors, including antipasto, fresh salads, homemade soup, fresh seafood and meat entrées, pasta and pizza, and decadent desserts. The delicious food is accompanied by a curated wine list of local and international wines and served by friendly professional staff, guaranteeing an exceptional dining experience in the heart of San Rafael. Café Arrivederci is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday and dinner only on Sundays.

11 G St, San Rafael, CA 94901, Phone: 415-453-6427

13.Panama Hotel & Restaurant, San Rafael, CA

Based in the Panama Hotel, the Panama Restaurant is an elegant, welcoming eatery that serves a menu of Latin American, Mediterranean and Californian influenced fare and small-production, family-owned, boutique wines in a stylish atmosphere with live music. Using the highest quality, locally sourced organic ingredients, the Panama Restaurant has a menu that boasts signature dishes such as Dungeness crab, ahi tuna ceviche, smoked salmon, fresh seafood, and New York style prime steak. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor patio seating and is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner Tuesday through Sunday, brunch on Sundays, and hosts live music Tuesday through Thursday.

4 Bayview Street, San Rafael, Ca 94901, Phone: 415-457-3993

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14.Sol Food Puerto Rican Cuisine, San Rafael, CA

Sol Food Puerto Rican Cuisine is an authentic Puerto Rican comfort food restaurant that offers traditional Latin cooking packed with the flavors of the Caribbean in a lively, colorful atmosphere. Sol Food is located on the corner of Lincoln and 3rd St in downtown San Rafael, the bustling restaurant serves traditional Latin American dishes such as the Pastelon de Carne with seasoned ground beef studded with olives and layered over a base of sweet plantains, and a bistec sandwich stuffed with tender sirloin, Swiss cheese, avocado slices, and grilled onions. Desserts include a mango bread pudding topped with baked pineapple and mango pineapple sauce. Sol Food Puerto Rican Cuisine is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

901 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901, Phone: 415-451-4765

15.Things to Do in San Rafael, California: Crepevine Restaurant

Crepevine is a local family-owned restaurant chain that serves classic American fare, sweet and savory crêpes, and organic, fair-trade coffee in a casual, relaxed setting. The restaurant presents a menu of dishes that are prepared using the freshest, healthiest, ingredients such as 100% natural beef, ocean raised Canadian salmon, cage-free farm eggs, and locally sourced vegetables, herbs and fruit, and all dressings and sauces are made from scratch. The menu includes gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, handmade pasta and sauces, omelets and Benedictines, and a selection of sweet and savory pancakes. Crepevine is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week.

1133 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901, Phone: 415-257-8822

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16.Things to Do in San Rafael, California: Il Davide Restaurant

Il Davide is a classic Italian restaurant that serves refined Tuscan and northern Italian fare in a friendly and lively atmosphere. Founded in 1995, Il Davide has fast become one of Marin County’s leading Italian restaurants, attracting both time-honored regulars and new customers with their mouthwatering menu of traditional Italian cuisine. Conveniently located in the in the middle of A Street just off Fourth, the restaurant boasts bright interiors with a high angled ceiling and several dining spaces including a cozy alcove with banquette seating, tall table with stools, and outdoor sidewalk seating in the summer months. The menu features some exceptional signature dishes such as Gamberi Pancetta of perfectly grilled large tail-on prawns wrapped in pancetta, housemade black squid ink tagliarini, hearty lamb stew with butternut squash polenta, Maine lobster, and Calabrese spicy sausage with bottarga and breadcrumbs. Il Davide is open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday, and dinner only on Sunday.

901 A St, San Rafael, CA 94901, Phone: 415-454-8080