Hiking in Marin Open Space and other San Rafael, CA Things to Do Tips

San Rafael has an abundance of hiking trails. Over the years, Marin County has purchased thousands of acres of open space, now accessible to the public. Thanks to these efforts, San Rafael now has miles of trails interconnecting the hills and neighborhoods.

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Address: Throughout Marin and San Rafael
Directions: Favorites trails: accessible in Terra Linda, Lucas Valley and China Camp
Website: http://www.marinopenspace.org/

For the best views in San Rafael, put on your hiking boots and hike on any one of a number of trails leading into the hills.

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San Rafael has miles of moutain bike trails offering beautiful vistas.

This bicyclist is on the Big Rock Ridge fire road. The trail is strenuous, but worth the effort and a blast going downhill.

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Directions: Trails are accessible throughout the San Rafael area.

Big Rock Ridge fire road is located in the hills that separate Lucas Valley in north San Rafael from the south side of the city of Novato.

Not all hiking trails in the San Rafael area permit bicycles. If you are not familiar with the bike trails, it is best to pick up a Marin County Bicycle Trail Guide at one of the San Rafael bike shops.

The trail in this picture allows mountain bikes.

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Website: http://www.marintrails.com/biking/

San Rafael is about 30 minutes from the Pacific Coast beaches, and 20 minutes from Point Reyes National Seashore. See my page on Olema for things to do at the Point Reyes National Seashore.

This picture is taken from San Rafael looking westward. The Pacific Ocean and Point Reyes National Seashore are just beyond the hills.

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Address: West Marin County
Directions: Travel west on Sir Francis Drake Road or Lucas Valley Road.

See link for map.
Website: http://data2.itc.nps.gov/parks/pore/ppMaps/POREmap2%2Epdf

The best movie theatre in San Rafael --

You won't find Star Wars, Harry Potter or James Bond movies here. San Rafael Film Center only shows US independent and international films and a great selection at that. This art deco style theatre was renovated a few years ago. The main theatre is particularly impressive. All the murals have been restored, including the mural of the nudes, which was covered up by mirrors in the 60's because the community thought it was too risque.

Click on the link below for current showings.

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Phone: 415-454-1222
Address: 1118 Fourth Street, San Rafael
Directions: In the heart of downtown San Rafael
Website: http://www.cafilm.org

To some residents of San Rafael, the Marin County Civic Center is a fine example of Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural genius. (It was the last building he designed before his death.) To others, this is simply a place where we have to do jury duty.

The Civic Center has a surprisingly good cafeteria and gift shop.

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Address: San Rafael, just off the 101

The Mission San Rafael Arcangel is the centerpiece of the town. It was founded in 1817 as the 20th of 21 missions in the chain of Alta California. Originally established as a convalescent hospital for ill Christianized native Americans from San Francisco, the Mission provided a better place for recuperation in the warm, dry climate of San Rafael than the often damp and foggy San Francisco.

The church is open to visitors and there is a gift shop on site.

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Phone: (415) 456-3016
Address: 1104 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael
Directions: In the heart of downtown San Rafael