Welcome to SAN RAFAEL
Tucked along the San Francisco Bay, San Rafael is Marin County’s county seat and a prominent neighborhood in North Bay. “The City with a Mission” is set against the redwood forest, with homes taking advantage of hillside and San Francisco Bay views. Eclectic and energetic, this town is popular with commuters due to its close proximity to the Golden Gate Bridge. San Rafael’s architecture is rich with history, giving it a timeless appeal.
If you’re craving a dose of live music, Terrapin Crossroads is San Rafael’s go-to entertainment destination. Founded by Grateful Dead member Phil Lesh, this venue is more than just a rock joint. Terrapin Crossroads is also home to a farm-to-table restaurant with a decadent all-day menu, from brunch to late-night bites. With a full-service bar, a stunning outdoor park known as The Backyard, and a stage where legends have played, a night out at Terrapin Crossroads is perfect for any music lover. San Rafael restaurants boast a wide variety of cuisines. Puerto Rican fares are on the menu at Sol Food. This local favorite serves traditional Puerto Rican dishes in a colorful dining room. Ristorante La Toscana dishes up classic Italian cooking with elegance and sophistication. With intimate dining room seating and a TV bar, this long-standing, family-owned San Rafael establishment has the best of both worlds. For drinks, head to The State Room, a gastropub brewery where they craft signature beers, exquisite cocktails, and pair it all with elevated bar food small bites.
Each year, the Marin County Fair takes place at the Marin County Fairgrounds in San Rafael. A full weekend of fun in the sun, the fair is a family-friendly celebration with carnival rides, live entertainment, indulgent fair food, a petting zoo, and fireworks. The Downtown San Rafael Farmers Market takes place on 4th Street during the summer and is the perfect destination for locally-grown fruits and veggies and handmade goods. For groceries, Andy’s Local Market provides the North Bay area with high-quality foods, including a can’t-miss deli and pizza shop. Get outside at China Camp, a historic Chinese-American shrimp-fishing village near Pablo Bay. The park has incredible hiking and biking trails as well as scenic views for the less adventurous. Peacock Gap Golf Course is a complete golf experience that Marin Magazine considers the “Best of the County.”
San Rafael is fortunate to have several remarkable educational facilities that reflect its devotion to nurturing generations of young learners and fostering a lifelong love of learning. A few of the notable schools in San Rafael include Glenwood Elementary, Sun Valley Elementary, Miller Creek Middle School, and Terra Linda High School.
