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Where to stay in San Rafael?
1. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center
4. Marin Hilltop Hotel
Marin Hilltop Hotel
5. AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown
AC Hotel San Rafael Downtown
6. SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael
SureStay Hotel by Best Western San Rafael
7. Panama Hotel
Panama Hotel
8. Extended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd East
Extended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd East
10. Designer Apartment < 1 Mile to Downtown San Rafael
Designer Apartment < 1 Mile to Downtown San Rafael
11. Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn
Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn
12. Best Western Corte Madera Inn
Best Western Corte Madera Inn
13. Marin Suites Hotel
Marin Suites Hotel
14. The Evergreen
The Evergreen
15. The Lodge at Tiburon
The Lodge at Tiburon
16. Hotel Mira Vista
Hotel Mira Vista
17. Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
18. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Berkeley Marina
19. Hotel Caza Fisherman´s Wharf
Hotel Caza Fisherman´s Wharf
20. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHGGet last-minute hotel deals in San Rafael and save more
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center
Extended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd East
Extended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd East
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin CenterExtended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd East
Extended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd EastCheck out pet-friendly hotels in San Rafael
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin CenterExtended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd East
Extended Stay America Suites San Rafael Francisco Blvd EastGo beyond your typical stay in San Rafael
Our prices for hotels in San Rafael are cheapest in December
Top neighborhoods in San Rafael
Downtown San Rafael
Downtown San Rafael mixes California history and modern fun in a walkable package. The Mission San Rafael Arcángel anchors the historic district, where Victorian buildings line Fourth Street. Catch an indie film at the Rafael Film Center or browse the galleries at Art Works Downtown. Thursday nights come alive with a buzzing farmers market that fills streets with music and local flavors. You'll find everything from farm-to-table restaurants to authentic taquerias reflecting the area's Latino influence. Most shops and eateries cluster along Fourth Street, making exploration easy on foot. Golden Gate Transit buses connect downtown to San Francisco, while nearby parking lots accommodate drivers venturing into this charming Marin County hub.
Gerstle Park
Gerstle Park offers a quiet retreat where Victorian and Craftsman homes create an outdoor architectural museum. The historic neighborhood's tree-lined streets invite leisurely strolls past ornate woodwork, colorful paint schemes, and charming front porches. Its namesake park features heritage trees and peaceful walking paths that provide a welcome escape from urban bustle. Downtown San Rafael's restaurants and shops are just a 10-minute walk away. Accommodations are limited to a few historic bed & breakfasts with period furnishings and personalized service. The neighborhood's authentic local vibe makes it perfect for travelers who appreciate architectural beauty and tranquil surroundings.
Montecito-Happy Valley
Montecito-Happy Valley offers a peaceful retreat from San Rafael's busier areas, with tree-lined streets and spacious properties creating a serene atmosphere. While the neighborhood itself has no commercial attractions, you're just minutes from Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Marin History Museum. China Camp State Park provides nearby hiking trails with stunning bay views for nature enthusiasts. Getting around requires a car since public transit is limited, though the quiet streets make for pleasant walks. Accommodations tend toward luxury vacation rentals with private gardens and premium amenities. For dining and shopping, you'll need to venture into downtown San Rafael, where diverse options await.
Civic Center
San Rafael's Civic Center neighborhood has a host of places to visit such as Marin County Civic Center and Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market.
Top landmarks in San Rafael
Mission San Rafael Arcangel
China Camp State Park
Dominican University of California
Peacock Gap Golf Club
McNears Beach Country Park
Falkirk Cultural Center
San Rafael Pacifics Albert Park
Marin County Civic Center Farmers' Market
Learn more about San Rafael
Fourth Street buzzes with life as the heart of downtown, where locals debate which farm-to-table restaurant deserves their loyalty this week. Mission San Rafael Arcángel offers a peaceful glimpse into California's Spanish colonial past, while the futuristic curves of the Marin County Civic Center showcase Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural genius. China Camp State Park rewards hikers with Bay views that explain why residents tolerate the cost of living here. The weekly farmers' market transforms into an impromptu community gathering, with musicians performing between stalls of organic produce. Don't miss the annual Italian Street Painting Festival, when Fourth Street becomes a temporary gallery of chalk masterpieces that wash away with the first rain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What accommodations do travelers like in San Rafael?
Guests like Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael at Marin Center.
Can I book refundable accommodations in San Rafael?
If you're looking for the flexibility to change your plans to San Rafael, most properties provide refundable* rates you can book. You can see these properties by searching our site and using the "fully refundable" filter to narrow down the results.
Where can I stay in San Rafael if I want a vacation rental instead of a hotel?
If you want a good alternative to a hotel, review our selection of 52 vacation homes. In addition, you can choose from 18 apartments.
What will the weather in San Rafael be like during my visit?
September and August are typically the warmest months in San Rafael when the average temp is 63°F. January and February are the coldest months when the average temperature is 51°F. January and December are the months with the most rain.
Why should I book my San Rafael hotel through Hotels.com?
There are lots of reasons to book your San Rafael trip with us: our free cancellations on selected hotels* gives you flexibility, and with One Key™, our rewards program, you will be able to earn and use OneKeyCash™** on all eligible bookings such as hotels, car rentals, flights, vacation rentals and more on Hotels.com, Expedia and Vrbo.