OUT & ABOUT
The San Rafael Guide
Redwood canopies, tiled rooftops, and the hum of Fourth Street on a Saturday morning — San Rafael is the soul of Marin. Historic and creative, lively and lived-in, it’s where old California meets a fresh kind of energy.
The Vibe
As Marin’s largest town, San Rafael has a little bit of everything — vibrant downtown streets, quiet hillside neighborhoods, and pockets of mid-century design tucked between redwoods. You can find a farmers market, a record shop, a Michelin-star meal, and a forest trail all within minutes. Downtown hums with cafés, galleries, and restaurants that spill onto sidewalks. The Mission-style architecture and palm-lined streets give it a sense of place that’s distinctly its own.
You’ll love living here if: you want character, convenience, and creativity all in one zip code.
Real Estate Snapshot: San Rafael’s housing mix is as diverse as its energy — from Spanish bungalows and Victorians to hillside mid-century gems and waterfront homes in Peacock Gap. Prices range widely, offering some of Marin’s best value for space and charm.
Local Lore
Founded around the Mission San Rafael Arcángel, this city grew from California’s historic roots into Marin’s cultural heart. Its creative pulse endures — from art fairs to Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece, the Marin Civic Center.
Eat + Drink
Sol Food — Bright, joyful Puerto Rican flavors and downtown’s beating heart.
Le Comptoir — French-inspired dining, intimate and inventive.
State Room Brewery — Elevated pub fare and a neighborhood feel.
Monk’s Kettle Marin — Craft beer, good food, and easygoing sophistication.
Il Davide — A downtown staple for fine Italian.
Pond Farm Brewing Co. — Locals’ go-to for craft brews and community nights.
California Gold — Upscale bar with a classic aesthetic.
Fox & Kit — Espresso bar meets creative hub and play space for littles.
Johnny Doughnuts — Famous for a reason.
The Studio — Art, music, wine, and connection.
AC Hotel Bar — Sleek and modern, perfect for a nightcap.
Photo Cred | Fox & Kit
Where to Shop
Downtown Fourth Street — Boutiques, record stores, and galleries with local edge.
Copperfield’s Books & Rebound Bookstore — Literary charm and local authors.
Andy’s Local Market — Gourmet essentials and marina-side charm.
Marin Civic Center Farmers Market — The best produce, florals, and food trucks in the Bay.
Andy’s Market | Photo Cred
Where to Learn
San Rafael is served by the San Rafael City Schools District, home to top-rated schools like Sun Valley Elementary and Davidson Middle.
Higher education includes Dominican University of California, a private liberal arts campus anchoring the Dominican neighborhood.
Wellness + Movement
China Camp State Park — Trails, views, and waterfront hikes.
Gerstle Park — Shady pathways and a community playground.
The Studio — Yoga, art, pilates, and sound baths under one roof.
Soulstice Mind + Body Spa — A serene local escape.
Pond Farm Brewing Co. — Community wellness in its own way — music, food, connection.
Where to Get Outside
China Camp State Park — Coastal trails and picnic spots with sweeping Bay views.
Marin Civic Center Lagoon Park — Architecture meets open air.
Gertrude Park Pathways — Storybook neighborhood strolls.
Peacock Gap Golf Club — A local favorite for morning rounds or golden-hour views.
Photo Cred: The Studio Marin
Events + Happenings
Weekly Favorites
Civic Center Farmers Market — Every Thursday and Sunday, with local food trucks and live music.
Live music downtown or at The Studio.
Annual Traditions
Italian Street Painting Festival — Color, culture, and community in every square.
Marin County Fair — Classic summer nostalgia with fireworks over the lagoon.
Downtown Art Walks — Creativity spilling into the streets.
Lighted Boat Parade — Winter magic on the water.
Why We Love It
San Rafael has a little bit of everything — culture, history, community, and creativity — all framed by Marin’s natural beauty. It’s more eclectic than polished, more soulful than staged, and that’s exactly what makes it special.
It’s the kind of place where life feels full — vibrant, lived-in, and authentically local.