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San Rafael is the county seat and oldest city of Marin County, set in a sheltered valley just north of San Francisco between Mount Tamalpais and San Pablo Bay. The city grew from Mission San Rafael Arcángel, founded in 1817 as the twentieth of California's 21 missions, originally as a hospital mission where the mild climate could help ailing neophytes from San Francisco. After statehood it became a small county town and later a summer retreat for wealthy San Franciscans, who built Victorian estates in its wooded hills.
Today San Rafael is a city of around 60,000 people and Marin's commercial center. Its downtown along Fourth Street is lined with restaurants, cafes, a historic movie theater and local shops, and a replica of the mission chapel stands just off the main street. North of downtown, Frank Lloyd Wright's Marin County Civic Center, with its long blue-roofed arches and golden spire, is one of the architect's last major works and a National Historic Landmark.
San Rafael also opens onto some of the Bay Area's best outdoors. China Camp State Park protects bayshore meadows, oak woodland and the remains of a historic Chinese shrimp-fishing village, with trails popular among hikers and mountain bikers. The Sunday farmers market at the Civic Center is one of the largest in Northern California, the Falkirk Cultural Center preserves a grand Victorian mansion, and Dominican University's historic campus adds stately buildings and gardens.
Mission San Rafael Arcángel was founded in 1817 as the 20th California mission, first as a hospital outpost for Mission Dolores. The present chapel is a 1949 replica near the original site, with a small museum and gift shop beside St. Raphael Church downtown. Entry is free, and a visit takes under an hour.
The Marin County Civic Center is the last major work designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, with long arched buildings, a blue roof and a golden spire set over green hills. It houses county offices, a library and a lagoon park. Free docent-led tours run on set days; book ahead to see the interior details.
Dominican University of California is a small university with a historic wooded campus in San Rafael's Dominican neighborhood. Its grounds include century-old buildings, the Meadowlands residence hall and redwood groves. Visitors can walk the campus and attend public concerts and lectures held through the school year.
Downtown San Rafael centers on Fourth Street, with restaurants from many cuisines, cafes, bars, bookstores and shops in older buildings. It is the busiest walkable district in Marin. Thursday evenings in summer bring a lively street market, and public garages offer easier parking than street meters.
The Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center is a restored 1938 Art Deco cinema on Fourth Street run by the California Film Institute. It shows independent, foreign and documentary films and is a main venue of the Mill Valley Film Festival. Check the schedule online, as screenings often include talks with filmmakers.
Falkirk Cultural Center is an 1888 Queen Anne Victorian mansion surrounded by gardens and old trees in central San Rafael. It is owned by the city and hosts art exhibits, classes, concerts and weddings. The gallery is free to visit, and the grounds make a calm place for a short stroll.
China Camp State Park covers shoreline and oak-covered hills on San Pablo Bay, with hiking and mountain bike trails, a campground and the preserved China Camp Village, a former Chinese shrimp fishing settlement. A small museum tells its story. A day-use fee applies, and weekends at the village beach are busy.
McNears Beach Park is a Marin County park on San Pablo Bay east of San Rafael, with a sandy beach, a fishing pier, a seasonal swimming pool, tennis courts and large picnic lawns. It is a family favorite on warm summer days. There is a vehicle entry fee, and the pool is open only in the summer season.
The Marin Farmers Market at the Civic Center is one of the largest farmers markets in Northern California, held on Thursday and Sunday mornings. Dozens of local farms sell produce, cheese, bread, flowers and prepared foods. Arrive early for the best selection, and bring your own bags for purchases.
Guide Dogs for the Blind runs its main California campus in San Rafael, where it breeds and trains guide dogs for people who are blind or have low vision. Public campus tours show training and kennels, and graduation ceremonies are open to visitors. Check the website to reserve a tour slot in advance.
The Marin County Fair is held each summer around the Fourth of July on the grounds of the Marin County Civic Center. It features carnival rides, concerts, art and craft exhibits, farm animals and fireworks over the lagoon. Many rides and shows are included with admission, so it is good value for families.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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