San Rafael(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In San Rafael, the Hotel San Rafael stands out as a premier choice, located steps from the San Rafael City Hall and Art Museum. This boutique hotel blends modern elegance with local charm, offering rooms with views of the Napa Valley hills and complimentary bikes for exploring nearby trails.

For a more intimate experience, consider Casa de la Frontera Inn, a beautifully restored Victorian mansion with intricate woodwork and a tranquil garden courtyard. It’s just a 5-minute walk from the San Rafael Farmers Market, making it ideal for travelers who want to immerse themselves in authentic local life. Both properties offer exceptional service and prime access to regional attractions.

The downtown district is the optimal area for lodging in San Rafael, housing most high-rated hotels and unique bed-and-breakfasts within walking distance of key landmarks like the City Hall Plaza, Art Museum, and Farmers Market. This vibrant, well-maintained area boasts excellent safety, clean streets, and seamless connectivity to major destinations such as Napa Valley and Marin County parks.

Additionally, the riverfront area near the San Rafael Creek offers scenic appeal, with charming inns and lakeside cottages perfect for nature lovers. Guests enjoy morning strolls along the water and evening views of the sunset over the Sacramento River tributaries. Public transit and bike paths make exploring effortless, enhancing the overall convenience.

A must-try cultural experience is the San Rafael Farmers Market, held every Saturday at City Hall Plaza since the 1970s. With over 120 vendors, it features fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and gourmet food trucks offering organic vegetables, citrus fruits, and artisanal bread.

Another highlight is the Art in the Park festival held annually in spring at Roosevelt Park, showcasing works by regional artists including sculptures, paintings, and live music performances. History enthusiasts should visit the San Rafael Historical Museum, which preserves the city’s evolution from the Gold Rush era to modern times, including the original 1880s railway station site.

For families, Hilton Garden Inn San Rafael is an excellent option, featuring spacious family rooms, an indoor heated pool, and a children’s game room. It’s just 1.5 miles from the San Rafael Zoo and offers convenient access to outdoor adventures.

Another great choice is La Casa del Sol Bed & Breakfast, a Spanish Colonial-style villa with multi-bedroom suites, a private courtyard, and a kitchenette—perfect for extended stays. The hosts provide locally inspired breakfast baskets with Napa Valley honey and Marin County butter, and they gladly assist with kid-friendly activities like guided tours at the Eagle’s Nest Nature Center or forest ecology walks.

Yes, The Hotel San Rafael’s "Rose Suite" is designed specifically for couples, featuring ambient lighting, a whirlpool tub, and panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking City Hall Plaza. The hotel offers complimentary champagne and chocolate truffles, plus private dinner reservations on the rooftop terrace.

Another hidden gem is the "Moonlight Loft" at Casa de la Frontera Inn, a vintage-inspired room with red brick walls, antique chandeliers, and original artwork by local painters. Each night includes a bottle of premium Napa Valley wine, carefully curated ambiance, and personalized touches—ideal for honeymoons or anniversary getaways.

San Rafael River Trail is a must-ride route, stretching 6 km along the Sacramento River tributary, lined with lush greenery and wildlife sightings like herons and rabbits. It’s perfect for a relaxed ride with scenic views.

For longer adventures, try the Marin County Coast Route, starting from San Rafael and extending through Tamiaski Beach to Redwood City, covering about 35 km. Along the way, riders enjoy Pacific Ocean vistas and towering redwood forests. Multiple Bike Share San Rafael stations are available citywide, and many hotels offer rental coordination services, making it easy to plan a full-day cycling excursion.

Don’t miss Boccalupo Italian Kitchen, known for its handmade pasta dishes. Their signature "Tomato Basil Risotto" uses fresh local tomatoes and olive oil from Marin County, delivering rich, authentic flavors.

Another top pick is The Tasting Kitchen, a Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant specializing in California fusion cuisine. Signature dishes include grass-fed beef paired with wine reduction made from Napa Valley grape skins. At the weekend Farmers Market, sample Sunnyvale Farm’s organic strawberry tarts and Mare Island Coffee Co.’s expertly brewed pour-over coffee—true taste of the region.

Renting a car is the most convenient option, as public buses like County Connection have limited schedules and coverage. A car allows easy access to Napa Valley, San Francisco Bay Area, and Marin County parks.

For eco-friendly travel, use Bike Share San Rafael, with numerous stations across town ideal for short trips to the River Trail or Art Museum. Additionally, the BART station in San Rafael connects directly to downtown San Francisco in just 15 minutes—perfect for day-trippers. Most hotels provide parking discounts and detailed transit guides to streamline planning.

Every spring, the San Rafael Wine Festival takes place at Roosevelt Park, featuring over 50 wineries from Napa Valley and Marin County, offering free tastings and hands-on winemaking workshops.

During summer, the Outdoor Cinema Series transforms City Hall Plaza into an open-air movie theater, screening classic films under the stars with local food trucks and craft beer vendors. In winter, the Holiday Light Parade lights up Fifth Avenue with festive floats and costumes, culminating in a grand tree lighting ceremony at San Rafael Church, creating a joyful holiday atmosphere.

The San Rafael Depot, built in 1879, is a landmark former railway station once part of the Central Pacific Railroad. Now a museum, it displays vintage train uniforms, historical photos, and model railroads.

Another notable site is the San Rafael United Church, constructed in 1872 in Gothic Revival style, featuring stained-glass windows and a bell tower still standing today. Its adjacent cemetery holds graves of 19th-century civic leaders and missionaries.

The Old Town San Rafael district retains 19th-century stone buildings and copper streetlamps, offering a nostalgic stroll through the city’s early days.