Located in the center of Marin, San Rafael is perhaps the oldest, largest, and most diverse city in the county. It is also a main connection hub, to the East Bay using the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, or north to Santa Rosa via the SMART train.
Home to local government the Marin Civic Center, built by Frank Lloyd Wright, is both a state and National Historic Landmark. Fourth Street, the main drag of downtown, is lined with treasured hole-in-the-wall shops, and what might be county’s largest variety of restaurants in one location. Here you’ll find options such as Japanese, Italian, Indian, Thai, Mexican, and local Puerto Rican sensation, Sol Food.
San Rafael is home to three popular Farmers Markets attracting hundreds of vendors and participants –Thursdays on Fourth Street from April-Sept, and Thursdays and Sundays at the Civic Center year-round.
Not to be outdone, an impressive almost 30% of San Rafael is comprised of park land. From forested hills and valleys, to bayfront vistas, San Rafael is an ideal location for an outdoor enthusiast. Highly recommended is China Camp State Park, with walk-in campsites, a protected beach, and trails for running or biking.
There are an impressive 30 distinct neighborhoods recognized by the City of San Rafael. From classic Victorians near Dominican College, to mid-century Eichler homes of Terra Linda, or custom homes found in Lucas Valley – there is a plethora of opportunity and options waiting for you.
San Rafael has long summers, rarely experiencing rain outside of the window from November to early April. Temperatures generally range between 42F-76F. Rarely does it drop into mid-30’s or rise above 85F.
Fun Fact – Lucas Valley is often assumed to be named after George Lucas, who acquired land for Lucasfilm’s Skywalker Ranch in the 1970’s. But it is actually named after a 19th century rancher, John Lucas. Lucas Skywalker Ranch is still going strong is a sound mixing and recording facility for Lucasfilm and other film companies.
San Rafael Resources
- San Rafael City Schools – https://www.srcs.org/
- Marin Civic Center – https://www.marincounty.org/depts/cu/about-center
- China Camp State Park – https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=466
- Rafael Film Center, owned and operated by the California Film Institute – https://rafaelfilm.cafilm.org/
- Dominican University – https://home.dominican.edu/
- Peacock Gap Golf Club – https://www.peacockgapgolfclub.com/
- Skywalker Ranch, Lucasfilm’s sound design – https://www.lucasfilm.com/campuses/skywalker-ranch/
- Farmers Markets – https://www.marinmagazine.com/about-marin-county/marin-grown/farmers-markets/
- Sol Food – https://www.solfoodrestaurant.com/
- San Rafael City Schools – https://www.srcs.org/
