Guidebook for San Rafael
Parks & Nature
Muir Woods National Monument
Magical Redwood Trees
Mount Tamalpais
Stunning gem, sacred mountain.
Stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco and Oakland on the windswept coast.
194 locals recommend
Marin Headlands
Stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco and Oakland on the windswept coast.
Food Scene
Peet's Coffee
5800 Northgate DriveGreat coffee. Actually a cool vibe in this very suburban area . . .
Lotus Cuisine of India
812 4th StOutrageously good food.
Sol Food
903 Lincoln AveAmazingly delicious, extremely busy so be prepared to wait!
Aroma Cafe
1122 4th StHip place to hang out.
Fabulous, reasonable Sunday Brunch, all you can eat with the most outrageously delicious selection of Mole (chocolate) based sauces.
Los Moles Hecho En Casa
912 Lincoln AveFabulous, reasonable Sunday Brunch, all you can eat with the most outrageously delicious selection of Mole (chocolate) based sauces.
Can walk there from our house. The only restaurant in our neighborhood and has a great old world feel.
8 locals recommend
Le Chalet Basque Restaurant
405 N San Pedro RdCan walk there from our house. The only restaurant in our neighborhood and has a great old world feel.
Drinks & Nightlife
Excellent food, elegant setting, music ranges from fantastic to average.
18 locals recommend
Fenix Restaurant and Bar
919 4th StExcellent food, elegant setting, music ranges from fantastic to average.
Terrapin Crossroads
100 Yacht Club DrOwned by Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead.
Sweetwater Music Hall
19 Corte Madera AveHuge range of middle of the road rock and ok food.
Entertainment & Activities
Smith Rafael Film Center
1118 4th StGreat selection of art films.
Essentials
Our neighborhood grocery store that has organics, ready made salads and meals and produce. Also has a butcher and deli inside that makes good sandwiches. Veggie options.
8 locals recommend
Santa Venetia Market
71 San Pablo AveOur neighborhood grocery store that has organics, ready made salads and meals and produce. Also has a butcher and deli inside that makes good sandwiches. Veggie options.
The Sunday Marin Farmers Market
3501 Civic Center DrWonderful local produce and crafts.
Wonderful local produce and crafts. I prefer this to Sunday since it is smaller.
7 locals recommend
Thursday Marin Farmers' Market
5800 Ave of the FlagsWonderful local produce and crafts. I prefer this to Sunday since it is smaller.
Getting Around
Catch a bus to the City, catch the Airporter to the airport, Catch a bus to the Larkspur Ferry and take a Ferry to the City.
31 locals recommend
San Rafael Transit Center station
Catch a bus to the City, catch the Airporter to the airport, Catch a bus to the Larkspur Ferry and take a Ferry to the City.
SMART (Sonoma Marin Area Rapid Transit) Our new electric train! Currently goes from San Rafael north to Santa Rosa and stops in Petaluma and downtown Santa Rosa where there are great restaurants. Take train from Civic Center (20 minute walk from our house) to downtown San Rafael or points north. Can take bicycles on board.
SMART Marin Civic Center Station
3801 Civic Center DrSMART (Sonoma Marin Area Rapid Transit) Our new electric train! Currently goes from San Rafael north to Santa Rosa and stops in Petaluma and downtown Santa Rosa where there are great restaurants. Take train from Civic Center (20 minute walk from our house) to downtown San Rafael or points north. Can take bicycles on board.
Mike's Bikes of San Rafael
836 4th StCan rent conventional and ebikes to get around. Very cool!
Super fun for an excursion around Tiburon and Belvedere. Great views of SF and Bay.
Pedego Electric Bikes Tiburon
10 Main StSuper fun for an excursion around Tiburon and Belvedere. Great views of SF and Bay.