San Rafael Hotels

Top reasons to visit San Rafael

• Scenic Outdoor Adventures: San Rafael offers breathtaking hiking trails and access to national parks, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
• Historic Downtown Charm: The vibrant downtown area blends family-friendly vibes with urban culture, showcasing local shops and eateries.
• Ample Accommodation Options: A variety of hotels and resorts cater to all preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay for every traveller.
• Cultural Experiences: Engage with local festivals and explore the rich heritage of the area through its neighbourhoods.
• Proximity to San Francisco: San Rafael serves as an ideal base for exploring the attractions of nearby San Francisco.

Find great hotels near San Rafael

San Rafael offers a delightful selection of hotels and resorts, perfect for both business travellers and families seeking a memorable vacation. With a range of pet-friendly options and well-appointed hotel rooms, you'll find accommodations tailored to your preferences. From charming local establishments to modern facilities, San Rafael's hotels cater to diverse needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay amidst the captivating beauty of California.

• Executive Hotel Vintage Court: Located 22.5km from San Rafael, the 3-star Executive Hotel Vintage Court offers a pet-friendly retreat in a vibrant shopping district. With a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10, this hotel caters to travellers seeking convenience and comfort. Notable features include a welcoming atmosphere for pets, allowing dogs and cats with specific restrictions. The hotel's proximity to shopping venues makes it an excellent choice for those wanting to explore local retail options while enjoying a comfortable stay.
• SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Point Richmond: A budget-friendly option situated 14.5km from San Rafael, the SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Point Richmond provides essential amenities for a pleasant stay. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast options daily, including a buffet selection. For those who enjoy recreational activities, nearby golf facilities are available. The hotel also offers entertainment options with multiple televisions in rooms, ensuring that relaxation and leisure are easily accessible during your stay.
• Hotel Kabuki, part of JdV by Hyatt: This 4-star boutique hotel, located 22.5km from San Rafael, boasts a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10. Hotel Kabuki provides a unique atmosphere with decor that reflects Japanese influences, creating a peaceful retreat for families and business travellers alike. The hotel offers amenities tailored for children, such as complimentary cribs and breakfast options for younger guests. Its thoughtful design and artistic touches set the stage for a memorable stay in a culturally rich environment.

Where to stay in and around San Rafael

San Rafael is a charming destination that offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventure and stunning scenery. Visitors can explore the historic downtown, where family-friendly vibes meet urban charm. With excellent lodging options in Marin and breathtaking views near San Francisco, San Rafael serves as a perfect central location for your adventures. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere and discover nearby neighbourhoods that showcase the area's rich culture and natural beauty.

• McNears Beach: Nestled within the San Rafael area, McNears Beach offers a charming coastal escape for visitors seeking outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities. This village is particularly lively from July to September, attracting those keen on beach experiences, with its picturesque bay and sandy shores. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the nearby country private club and golf course, while the local neighbourhood buzzes with a laid-back vibe. Whether it's a sunny day on the beach or a leisurely stroll through the scenic surroundings, McNears Beach promises a delightful outdoor getaway.
• Strawberry: Located a mere 8.0km from San Rafael, Strawberry is a quaint village that beckons nature lovers and adventurers alike. With its peak visitor season in the summer months, this area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in stunning scenery and outdoor activities. The nearby recreational area offers ample opportunities for exploration, while the local theatre and shopping spots ensure a well-rounded experience. Strawberry’s proximity to beautiful beaches, a national state park, and nature reserves makes it an excellent choice for a day of adventure or relaxation amidst nature.
• Tiburon: A vibrant city just 11.3km from San Rafael, Tiburon is a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking picturesque views. With a steady influx of visitors during the summer, Tiburon is famed for its recreational areas, shopping centres, and wellness options. The local attractions, including stunning beaches and a national state park, create an inviting atmosphere for all who visit. Whether you're indulging in a spa treatment or exploring the scenic trails, Tiburon offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal spot to explore during your stay.

Things to do near San Rafael

Shopping

In San Rafael, you can explore local shops along 4th Street, where unique gifts and artisanal souvenirs await. If you're up for a drive, visit Northgate Mall in nearby San Rafael for a wider selection of brands and stores to satisfy your shopping desires.

Recreation

In San Rafael, the Marinwood Community Center offers yoga classes and wellness workshops amidst scenic surroundings. Alternatively, visit the spa at the Four Points by Sheraton, where you can indulge in rejuvenating treatments and enjoy the tranquillity of the nearby hiking trails for a holistic experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Sonoma Raceway, located 20.9km from San Rafael. Feel the adrenaline as you watch high-speed races in a vibrant atmosphere. Alternatively, visit Simraceway Performance Driving Center, 22.5km away, for an immersive driving experience in a dynamic setting.

Nightlife

San Rafael offers a vibrant nightlife with options like the Marinwood Plaza for casual dining and drinks, or the historic Angelico's for live music and dancing. For a more relaxed evening, consider the local breweries and wine bars scattered throughout the city.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for San Rafael

San Rafael offers numerous ways to save on your visit. Enjoy free attractions like the Marin County Civic Center and Mount Tamalpais State Park. For budget-friendly travel, consider visiting in February or November to December, when accommodation prices drop. Sundays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays are pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to find affordable hotels, and consider combining flight and hotel bookings for extra savings. Don't forget to look for eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Take advantage of advance prepayment deals for added discounts.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in San Rafael are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in San Rafael is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay in San Rafael is Tuesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that the most affordable hotels appear first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation in San Rafael with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around San Rafael

San Rafael is an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including urban parks, beautiful beaches, and national state parks. Whether you crave cultural experiences or urban exploration, San Rafael caters to all travellers, ensuring a delightful holiday filled with diverse activities.

• Coit Tower: Located 22.5km from San Rafael, Coit Tower offers a unique blend of history and stunning panoramic views of San Francisco. This iconic structure features vibrant murals that depict California's history, showcasing the rich cultural vibes of the area.
• Mission San Rafael Arcangel: Situated within San Rafael, this historic church is a serene place to explore California's mission history. With its charming architecture and peaceful surroundings, Mission San Rafael Arcangel provides an insight into the region's cultural heritage.
• Golden Gate Bridge: Just 17.7km away, the Golden Gate Bridge is an engineering marvel that captivates visitors with its grandeur. Walking or cycling across the bridge offers breathtaking views of the bay and the city, embodying the vibrant culture of the region.

Best time to go to San Rafael

The best time to visit San Rafael can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in San Rafael falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in San Rafael falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
February	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	54.9°F (12.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	57.6°F (14.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	61.3°F (16.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	63.7°F (17.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	61.2°F (16.2°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to San Rafael

Reaching San Rafael, California, is convenient via three major airports. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located 41.8km away, with luxurious hotels nearby, such as The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons Hotel, both 19.3km from the airport. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is 114.3km away, offering quality accommodations like the DoubleTree by Hilton and Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, both 17.7km from the airport. Lastly, San Jose International Airport (SJC) is 85.3km away, with options including Hotel Valencia Santana Row, just 6.4km from the airport. Each airport provides various transport services to ensure a smooth journey to San Rafael.