Photo credit: -
ABOUT
SAN RAFAEL, CA
San Rafael is centrally located in beautiful Marin County. It is the oldest, largest, and most culturally diverse city in Marin, and is the county seat. With parklands and open space accounting for nearly 30 percent of the city's land, there is a thriving natural environment to enjoy outdoor recreation. Along with this lush landscape, there is also a lively business district and great shopping in the downtown area. The Mediterranean climate enables residents to enjoy all that the town has to offer, and there are community based events held throughout the year.
San Rafael's deep rooted history in Marin County can still be felt today. Many of the turn-of-the-century buildings have been restored and are beautiful remnants of times past. These buildings include the Marin History Museum, the Falkirk Cultural Center, and the 106 year old Dominican University. An enduring symbol of the town, the Mission San Rafael Arcangel, is an authentic recreation. It was founded in 1817 as part of California's mission chain and is a replica of the original mission. The Marin Civic Center, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is an architectural treasure and a nationally designated historical landmark.
The 57,713 people that live in San Rafael enjoy the temperate climate throughout its 22.4 square miles. It has an excellent school district, many different neighborhoods and is an amazing place to raise a family.
Allow Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty to find you the perfect home in sunny San Rafael.
Photo credit: Unsplash
EXPLORE
SAN RAFAEL, CA
Visit San Rafael and you’re 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.
Photo credit: Christina Mueller, Monk’s Kettle, Lo Coco’s Authentic Italian Pizzeria
FEAST IN
SAN RAFAEL, CA
San Rafael is Marin’s answer to urban. Equal parts sprawling, gritty, and gentrified, its dining activity centers mostly in the downtown and West End grid with Terra Linda emerging as a dining destination and outliers along Miracle Mile and the industrial stretch along 580 into the Canal neighborhood. The options are as varied as the neighborhoods, with fast bites and ethnic eats alongside hole-in-the-wall favorites and sit-down dining.
Lou’s Takeaway - Bicyclists returning from a ride along San Rafael’s Lucas Valley Road are in on the not-so-secret eats from Anthony (Lou) Rizzi’s petite restaurant. Though the menu changes frequently, look for favorites like chilled chicken noodles with roasted peanuts and pickled long beans, spicy honey-glazed fried chicken, and pork belly with black vinegar caramel sauce. Enjoy everything outside on the deck or to go–there is no indoor seating.
Monk’s Kettle - Like the original in San Francisco, Christian Albertson’s restaurant in the shopping center kitty-corner from the Terra Linda Pool serves quaffable beers (like Pliny the Elder on tap), burgers, and pub grub to match the suds. The Mission Fried Chicken has an ardent following but there are plenty of veg-forward offerings, too, all to be enjoyed on the shaded patio.
Lo Coco’s Authentic Italian Pizzeria - This local favorite was founded by the Sicilian Lo Coco brothers, who took pride in the authentic Italian flavors in their recipes. Their Neapolitan-style pies are simple but hearty. Popular menu items include their mushroom pizza, roasted eggplant pizza, a zucchini and garlic pizza, baby clam, oregano and garlic pizza, and their most notable artichoke heart pizza.