"San Rafael CA" Top 5 Page for this destination San Rafael by karenincalifornia

San Rafael Travel Guide: 154 reviews and 346 photos

San Rafael, California lies about 20 minutes north of San Francisco, across the Golden Gate bridge.

This city, which now has a population of 56,000, had its beginnings in 1817 as a town built around the Mission San Rafael Archangel. It was later incorporated in 1874.

The beauty of San Rafael

California poppies

The San Rafael area is loaded with natural beauty. After living the urban life for 13 years in Los Angeles, the comparatively rural setting in San Rafael is pure heaven for me.

Our state flower is the California poppy. Beginning in March, this beautiful flower is abundant throughout Marin.

Home Sweet Home

North San Rafael and San Pablo Bay

This picture shows the beautiful valley in North San Rafael that is my home.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Mediterranean type weather, beautiful scenery, local news that reads like a comedy
Cons:No ice skating rink, NIMBYism
In a nutshell:If you look deep enough, you'll find more than just hot tubs and alfalfa sprouts here.

Intro Updated Dec 20, 2009
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Reviews (53)

Stand up Paddle (SUP) at China Camp Sports & Outdoors (3)

China Camp State Park is an excellent spot for launching a stand up paddleboard into San Pablo Bay, which is in the... more travel advice

San Pablo Bay as seen from a stand up paddleboard - San Rafael

Stand Up Paddle (SUP) from Buckeye Point Things to Do (11)

Buckeye Point is part of China Camp State Park. I like this spot, kinda, because it is a short walk to the water, and it... more travel advice

San Pablo Bay as seen from a SUP board - San Rafael

Stand Up Paddle (SUP) at McNear's Beach Things to Do (11)

McNear's Beach is a very easy spot for launching a stand up paddleboard. This is part of the Marin County Park system.... more travel advice

China Camp as seen from a stand up paddle board - San Rafael

Stand up Paddle (SUP) at China Camp Things to Do (11)

China Camp State Park is one of my favorite local stand up paddle launch spots. Parking (for a fee) is close to the... more travel advice

Favorites (6)
See All Even more extreme than San Francisco
Local Customs (4)
See All Italian Street Painting Festival
Shopping (6)
See All You might find that LP you've been...
Restaurants (5)
See All Yummy Korean food - and lots of it!
Warnings and Dangers (6)
See All Know the secret password

Off The Beaten Path (6)
See All Marin Sunrise
Nightlife (1)
Hang out on Fourth Street
Hotels (2)
See All Hotel in San Rafael
Transportation (3)
See All Marin Airporter to and from San...
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Travelogues (3)

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Comments (55)

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iandsmith May 26, 2011 at 3:42 AM

Mmm, seems like I should have dipped into your pages earlier. I'm heading your way, will be in S.F. Friday for four nights at the Chancellor. Interested in a meet with myself and Rosemarie? Cheers, Ian
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BruceDunning Dec 18, 2009 at 1:12 PM

This looks like a nice place to hike and enjoy the landscape. My trip to Utah/Arizona parks was similar in some terrain, and I really enjoyed the adventure.
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Jenniflower Apr 28, 2009 at 1:01 AM

I've loved reading through your page today, thank you! Am hoping to come to San Fransisco in Aug/Sept so need ideas of accomm etc. and to see the neighbouring areas... love the hiking trails, just our cuppa tea :)
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gugi66 Dec 17, 2008 at 12:50 AM

It looks really nice in SR. Good pictures and tips.
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Lhenne1 Apr 7, 2008 at 9:20 AM

Thanks for the hiking tips. We stopped in San Rafael on a road trip from Monterey to Vancouver but didn't get a chance to stay long. Hoping to get back up north in the summer :)
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maryimilos Jan 1, 2008 at 10:37 AM

do you know where in san rafael celebrate serbian christmas??
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omidamini Nov 6, 2007 at 9:56 PM

Dear , you have very nice city with wonderful nature ,i hope see you in my country
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GenuinelyCurious Oct 8, 2007 at 4:21 PM

Nice overview of SR. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and images.
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Turtleshell May 21, 2007 at 2:26 PM

Awesome scenery, really.
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leawalters Apr 1, 2007 at 5:58 PM

It WAS a good restaurant but Bamyan Afghan Restaurant: The only Afghan restaurant in Marin is no longer open. They are already missed.