What is now San Rafael was once the site of several Coast Miwok villages; Awani-wi, near downtown San Rafael, Ewu, near Terra Linda, and Shotomko-cha, in Marinwood. Mission San Rafael Arcángel was founded in what is now downtown San Rafael as the 20th Spanish mission in the colonial Mexican province of Alta California by three priests—Father Narciso Durán from Mission San José, Father Abella from Mission San Francisco de Asís, Father Luis Gíl y Taboada from La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora Reina de los Angeles—on Dec. 14, 1817, four years before Mexico gained independence from Spain. Mission San Rafael Arcángel was located a donkey’s day walk to the mission below it. The mission and the city are named after the Archangel Raphael, the Angel of Healing.
San Rafael is right at the beating heart of Marin. Not just the oldest and largest city in the county, it’s a place where culture, business, and just plain fun coexist happily. And thanks to its central setting, natural beauty is never far away.
Head downtown, and you’ll find Victorian buildings, ethnic restaurants, eclectic boutiques as well as the San Rafael City Plaza. The plaza is a lively gathering place and hosts eclectic events like the Thursday night farmers’ markets and summertime concerts. Nearby, you can indulge your artistic side at Art Works Downtown, a bustling non-profit art center with galleries, artists’ studios, a jewelers’ guild, and much more. Don’t miss the annual Italian Street Painting Marin, held right near the historic Mission San Rafael Arcángel.
The visionary architect Frank Lloyd Wright left his mark here by designing the impressive Marin County Civic Center. Designated a national historical landmark, you can tour it on Wednesday and Friday, and then every Sunday morning, taste your way through one of the country’s largest farmers’ markets.
San Rafael has plenty for nature lovers, too. At 101 Surf Sports, you can kayak and paddle your way through the marinas and abundant waterways. Hikers, bikers, and campers will want to visit China Camp State Park, with over 1600 acres of open space. Don’t miss the park’s visitor center with its interesting history of the site’s beginnings as a Chinese immigrant shrimping village.
Welcome to San Rafael—the cultural and historic heart of Marin County. As the oldest and largest city in the county, San Rafael offers a unique blend of heritage and vibrancy. Once home to Coast Miwok villages and later the site of the historic Mission San Rafael Arcángel, the city’s roots run deep. Today, its charming downtown is alive with Victorian architecture, international cuisine, boutique shopping, and community events like farmers’ markets and live concerts in the San Rafael City Plaza.
San Rafael also appeals to nature lovers and design enthusiasts alike. Enjoy outdoor adventures at China Camp State Park or paddle the local waterways with 101 Surf Sports. And don’t miss the architectural gem of the Frank Lloyd Wright–designed Marin County Civic Center, a national historic landmark. With its rich history, strong community spirit, and central location, San Rafael offers an exceptional lifestyle—and an incredible place to call home.
The real estate market can quickly change, as evidenced over the past few years. Home values, inventory, mortgage rates, and other factors all have an effect. We will help explain the current market and how it affects you as a customer as you search for a property. To request a local market report for your neighborhood or one you are interested in click the link below
