San Rafael is located in
Marin County, of which it is the county seat, just north of
San Francisco between
Sausalito and
Santa Rosa along US
Highway 101 near the
San Francisco Bay and the
Pacific Ocean.
San Rafael is part of the San Francisco, California metro area.
San Rafael, located halfway between San Francisco and California's famous wine country, is Marin's oldest city. San Rafael is also Marin's central city. Famous for its favorable climate, San Rafael makes a central base for taking day trips to scenic locations such as the Napa/Sonoma wine country, the Pt. Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.
San Rafael's many attractions include its namesake Mission San Rafael Arcangel, the landmark Frank Lloyd Wright Civic Center, Victorian architecture, a lively downtown district, and historic China Camp, and more.
