14 Things To Do In San Rafael, California

1. Check out Art Works Downtown's galleries

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Art Works Downtown boasts an extensive collection of art pieces that are all housed in a 40,000-square foot (3,716-square meter) building. It boasts 4 galleries, 27 art studios, and rotating art exhibits made by AWD artists, exhibitors, and collaborators. Also, these artworks are available to be purchased.

Every second Friday of the month, the gallery hosts an event called the 2nd Friday Art Walk that aims to connect art venues throughout downtown. If you become an AWD Member, you can also avail art classes and workshops to help hone your craft.

Art Works Downtown

Address: 1337 4th St #30, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States

Website: Art Works Downtown

Opening hours: Fri: 5pm - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Thu)

2. Learn about a different aspect of history at Museum of International Propaganda

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Of all the San Rafael tourist attractions you can find, propaganda is most likely not among the list of things you thought you’d learn about on your visit. Museum of International Propaganda sets itself apart by showcasing over 30 years’ worth of propaganda created by various countries like North Korea, Nazi Germany, Cuba, Vietnam, Iran, and the Soviet Union.

The exhibits are divided into seven themes, each showcasing a specific technique or style used by these propaganda pieces. Whether you’re a history buff or not, you will leave this museum with the knowledge of how propaganda works and how it influences even our society today.

Museum of International Propaganda

Address: 1000 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States

Website: Museum of International Propaganda

Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 3:30pm - 6:30pm; Sat: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Sun - Wed)

3. Drink some good beer at Pond Farm Brewing Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Located in the west end of downtown San Rafael, Pond Farm Brewing Company offers an airy, inviting, and casual taproom with a patio and beer garden. This brewery serves craft beer brewed on-site complemented by rotating food pop-ups and snacks served at the bar. The food that the bar serves will differ depending on what day of the week it is.

For the beer menu, the brewery serves a wide variety of options which also includes tasters and half pours. The place is also kid-friendly so it makes for a good place to unwind with your family. Its patio area is also pet-friendly!

Pond Farm Brewing Company

Address: 1848 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States

Website: Pond Farm Brewing Company

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 3pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Mon)

4. Unwind at Lagoon Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Lagoon Park is a 10-acre (4-hectare) park that forms part of the Civic Center Campus. Enjoy the wonderful scenery and landscaping from one of the park’s many benches. There are also picnic tables if you’re looking for a place to have a nice picnic. The playground is available for your little tykes.

The park also hosts an avian show regularly and it showcases a variety of birds from ducks to geese. There is also a nearby farmer’s market that is open twice a week if you need to do some shopping.

Lagoon Park

Address: 160 Armory Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903, United States

Website: Lagoon Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Have a nice meal at LaVier Latin Fusion Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Boasting a tranquil environment and homemade dishes, LaVier Latin Fusion Restaurant offers authentic Latin Fusion cuisine that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. From Mexican fries to Cajun shrimp fajitas, this restaurant guarantees not only fresh ingredients but also great food quality and taste.

Every dish is finely seasoned and cooked to near perfection, complemented by the restaurant’s great ambiance and atmosphere. This San Rafael attraction is a wonderful gem and a meal here is guaranteed to be unforgettable.

LaVier Latin Fusion Restaurant

Address: 1025 C St, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States

Website: LaVier Latin Fusion Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon, Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Tue - Thu, Sun: 11am - 9pm

6. Explore unique architecture at the Church of Saint Raphael

The Church of Saint Raphael is a historical landmark in San Rafael, founded in 1817 as one of California’s 21 Missions. Now a church, as well as a preschool and an elementary school, you’re sure to come across some interesting architecture and history when visiting, whether you come for a service, or just to visit the building and museum, themselves. Be sure to bring a camera, as it’s an architectural photo-op, not to be missed!

Church of Saint Raphael / Mission San Rafael Arcangel

Address: 1104 5th Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901

Phone: +1 (415) 454-8141

Website: Church of Saint Raphael / Mission San Rafael Arcangel

7. Try new local fruits and vegetables at the Marin County Farmers Market

The Agricultural Institute of Marin manages a series of award-winning farmers markets, one of which is right in San Rafael. Explore a wide variety of produce and support local farms and artists! It’s a great opportunity to discover a new recipe, new fruits and vegetables, innovative small art booths, and even a fun place to simply walk around taking in the atmosphere of a farmers market so dedicated to sustainability and providing the freshest produce.

Marin County Farmers Market

Address: Marin Civic Center, San Rafael, CA 94901

Phone: +1 (415) 457-2266

Website: Marin County Farmers Market

8. Relax and have a picnic at Beach Park

Though it belongs to a restaurant next to the park, Beach Park is a beautiful and relaxing spot in San Rafael that’s a perfect stop on a sunny day for a beach day or a picnic! With beautiful grassy areas, a fire pit, and a children’s area for the kids to play in, Beach Park fits any occasion, whether a late night bonfire or an impromptu afternoon family get-together. And, of course, there’s a beautiful view of the ocean, not to be missed. This park offers a great place for you to relax while you contemplate what to do in San Rafael next.

Beach Park

Address: 200 Yacht Club Dr, San Rafael, CA 94901

Website: Beach Park

9. Hike, swim, paddleboard, and more at China Camp State Park

A historical and cultural landmark, campground and recreation area, what could be more versatile than China Camp State Park? Learn about the history behind the 19th-century Chinese shrimp fishing camp or absorb the nature, all around. The popular Turtleback Trail takes you all through the microcosm of the ecosystem, as well as the vast salt marshes. And of course, there are various watersport activities available, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. It’s a rare and perfect combination of history, nature, and sports.

China Camp State Park:

Address: N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 94901

Phone: +1 (415) 456-0766

Website: China Camp State Park

10. Find new music and food at Terrapin Crossroads

If you’re looking for some more indoor, music, or culture-based activities, Terrapin Crossroads is definitely a place to visit. With different live music every day of the week, feel free to sit down, order food and drinks, and peruse the local music scene. Make sure to keep watching the calendar, as larger high-profile events often make a stop at Terrapin Crossroads as well, a wonderful weekday or weekend night activity to engage in that might provide a bit of a different ambiance.

Terrapin Crossroads

Address: 100 Yacht Club Dr, San Rafael, CA 94901

Phone: +1 (415) 524-2773

Website: Terrapin Crossroads

11. Have experience with boats? Visit Lowrie Yacht Harbor

Have a bit of experience with boats? Make sure to head down to Lowrie Yacht Harbor and sail the Marin Bay or wiggle through the San Rafael Canal. The canal goes right through the city, making it a unique point of view, and of course, the Bay Area is always a sight to see. Go by boat around Sausalito and Angel Island and get to-die-for views of the Golden Gate Bridge and more!

Lowrie Yacht Harbor

Address: 40 Point San Pedro Rd, San Rafael, CA 94901

Phone: +1 (415) 454-7595

Website: Lowrie Yacht Harbor

12. Learn about and visit endangered animals at Wildcare

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

A place with a wonderful mission to care for local and endangered animals around the area, Wildcare is a wonderful place to visit, with a dedicated staff and mission. You’re free to bring injured animals to the Wildcare Hospital, learn about the history and activities of the organization at the museum, or take the kids to see the daily animal presentations offered! Wildcare is sure to house some animals you’ve never seen before, so take an adventure and support a great local organization.

Wildcare

Address: 76 Albert Park Lane, San Rafael, CA 94901

Phone: +1 (415) 456-7283

Website: Wildcare

13. Explore some art and culture at the Falkirk Cultural Center

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

A quieter, but definitely not less interesting event, the Falkirk Cultural Center is a historical site that now hosts a multitude of artistic events. The second floor of the mansion hosts multiple art galleries, with a wide variety of pieces and even some rotating contemporary art exhibits. The Cultural Center also hosts poetry and mindfulness events and has become a popular and loved wedding venue as well, an attestation to the beauty of the surroundings.

Falkirk Cultural Center

Address: 408 Mission Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901

Phone: +1 (415) 485-3328

Website: Falkirk Cultural Center

14. Point your binoculars at the sky at Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District

An unlikely destination for anyone to think of, at first glance, the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District has become an extremely popular spot for birdwatchers. Here, there are opportunities to view a wide range of wildlife and birds among the marshes, especially during migration season. With this location being lesser known, for the wildlife lover, it’s the perfectly serene spot to catch a viewing of rarely seen flora and fauna!

Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District

Address: 300 Smith Ranch Rd, San Rafael, CA 94903

Phone: +1 (415) 472-1734

Website: Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District

Next Weekend retreat?

Next time you find yourself in or around the Bay Area, consider going to lesser-known San Rafael and explore some of these locations!