Welcome to San Rafael
San Rafael is the county seat, Marin’s most populous city, and the most culturally diverse. It’s where much of the county’s business gets done and is home to a variety of unique neighborhoods. San Rafael straddles 101, so it has quick freeway access from most areas, although the freeway at central San Rafael is often the bottleneck for morning commute traffic. However, public transit is a great alternative as San Rafael is well-served by Marin’s bus lines converging at the San Rafael Transit Center. The downtown area features a nice variety of shops and restaurants, including nightlife, and also serves as the site for many outdoor events.
Once a month from May through September, Downtown San Rafael's 4th Street comes alive for the San Rafael Summer Market — a Friday evening street fair with live music, a beer garden, and local food vendors, plus artisanal goods and kids' activities. It's often paired with the 2nd Friday Art Walk. The now-iconic Puerto Rican restaurant Sol Food got its start here as a market vendor. All the action isn't confined to downtown, either, there's a huge farmers' market a few exits north at the Civic Center, open twice a week year-round.
With its diverse neighborhoods and homes to fit every budget and taste, from modest condos to multi-million dollar estate properties, it can take some time to really get to know San Rafael. But it’s time well spent, and there is something for everyone.
Welcome to San RafaelSan Rafael is the county seat, Marin’s most populous city, and the most culturally diverse. It’s where much of the county’s business gets done and is home to a variety of unique neighborhoods. San Rafael straddles 101, so it has quick freeway access from most areas, although the freeway at central San Rafael is often the bottleneck for morning commute traffic. However, public transit is a great alternative as San Rafael is well-served by Marin’s bus lines converging at the San Rafael Transit Center. The downtown area features a nice variety of shops and restaurants, including nightlife, and also serves as the site for many outdoor events.
Once a month from May through September, Downtown San Rafael's 4th Street comes alive for the San Rafael Summer Market — a Friday evening street fair with live music, a beer garden, and local food vendors, plus artisanal goods and kids' activities. It's often paired with the 2nd Friday Art Walk. The now-iconic Puerto Rican restaurant Sol Food got its start here as a market vendor. All the action isn't confined to downtown, either, there's a huge farmers' market a few exits north at the Civic Center, open twice a week year-round.
With its diverse neighborhoods and homes to fit every budget and taste, from modest condos to multi-million dollar estate properties, it can take some time to really get to know San Rafael. But it’s time well spent, and there is something for everyone.
