San Rafael, California: Parks, Dining, Arts & More

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

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

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, (website link)

Founded in 1817 as a hospital and convalescent home of Mission San Francisco de Asís to treat sick Native Americans, theMission San Rafael Arcangel (Church of Saint Raphael) 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

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

The Sunday Marin Civic Center 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.

3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903, Phone: 415-472-6100, (website link)

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

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

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

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, (website link)