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The city has a population of roughly 58,000. San Rafael has a mild climate, with an average temperature of 59 degrees [url=http://www.usclimatedata.com/climate.php?location=USCA1011].]There's heavy rain in the fall and winter, with occasional frosts and temperatures hovering between 40 and 60 degrees during these seasons. Summers are generally hot (into high 80s or more) so pack a swimsuit!
San Rafael is home to many schools, including multiple high schools and a university, so a young crowd is always present walking through downtown on a daily basis as well as during community events.
The Marin County Visitor's Bureau [http://www.visitmarin.org/index/san_rafael.html[/url] located in the Civic Center in San Rafael offers information on all surrounding towns as well as activities, attractions, events, and transportation in San Rafael. The phone number is +1 415 925-2060.
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By plane
San Francisco International Airport [url=http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/index.jsp]]is about 40 minutes away across the [[Golden Gate Bridge[/url]] and is the largest airport in the area. This airport offers the Marin Airporter [url=http://www.marinairporter.com/],]a shuttle with scheduled service between the airport and several Marin County towns including San Rafael.
*Oakland International Airport [url=http://www.flyoakland.com/[/url]]is also located about 40 minutes away, but across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. This airport offers the Airport Express [http://www.airportexpresssf.com/cart_oakland.php[/url] shuttle.
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By car
San Rafael is on the 101 Freeway, north of [wiki=f4334fdfa1c728eae375fe781e2e2d9d]San Francisco[/wiki] over the Golden Gate Bridge. 101 crosses Highway 580 in San Rafael, making the city a major influx point for drivers from the [wiki=68e2f343f220f59ad2a6705ccabe9aff]East Bay[/wiki].
*If coming through [wiki=f4334fdfa1c728eae375fe781e2e2d9d]San Francisco[/wiki], you'll be taking the 101 across the famous [wiki=a19fd6486866d7fdd6b95cacfdd37a1b]Golden Gate Bridge[/wiki] and through the rainbow tunnel. This route takes you through Southern [wiki=4d3d709be9de0281d3c872678318fe1c]Marin County[/wiki], until you see an exit for Central San Rafael.
*If coming through [wiki=4bac8b29a785f62220607ed2d9aa85c0]Berkeley[/wiki] or other East Bay cities, you'll be taking the 580 across the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, driving past San Quentin State Prison [[San Quentin State Prison],|where it connects to the 101 in the center of San Rafael.
*If coming from up North, either from [wiki=2ff4bdbec0419eb92d7fada8b262b480]Sacramento[/wiki]], or [wiki=2320aa741f4a01cb6928669874b83a44]Napa County[/wiki], you'll be taking Highway 37 to the 101 and will pass through Northern [wiki=4d3d709be9de0281d3c872678318fe1c]Marin County[/wiki] towns like [wiki=25c6994fb1b4d8701ae837b6ed8cc70b]Novato[/wiki].
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By boat
The Golden Gate Ferry [url=http://goldengateferry.org/schedules/Larkspur.php]]is another way to get into San Rafael, though less direct. It leaves [[San Francisco[/url]] or [wiki=e7578d4583eb01290ac90fc08758ad14]AT&T Park[/wiki] (from baseball games) and arrives in nearby [wiki=66ce321cb0bc5d02d8733ed4a76ff772]Larkspur[/wiki], less than 5 minutes down the 101 from San Rafael.
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Downtown San Rafael is based on a grid network, with numbered streets running east-west and lettered streets running north-south.
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By bus
San Rafael is home to the San Rafael Transit Center, which serves the Golden Gate Transit [url=http://goldengate.org/schedules.php]](San Francisco, Sonoma, and Marin counties), the Marin Transit [url=http://www.marintransit.org/[/url],]the airport shuttles, and Greyhound bus lines among others.
*Marin Airporter, +1 415 461-4222, offers service between various [[Marin County[/url]] locations, including the San Rafael Transit Center, and San Francisco International Airport.
*Airport Express, +1 415 775-5121, offers service between various [wiki=4d3d709be9de0281d3c872678318fe1c]Marin County[/wiki] locations and Oakland Airport.
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By taxi
The following taxi companies are located in San Rafael:
*Marin North Bay Taxi, +1 415 258-2800.
*Marin County Taxi Cab, +1 415 383-5511.
*In Marin Taxi, +1 415 258-8112.
*San Rafael Taxi, +1 415 789-1999.
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Mission San Rafael Arcangel, 1104 Fifth Avenue (at A Street), 415-456-3016, [url=http://www.saintraphael.com/].]M-F 6:30AM-5PM, Sa 8:30AM-5PM, Su 9AM-5PM. The second northernmost of California's 21 missions, San Rafael was founded in 1817 as an asistencia or adjunct to Mission Dolores in [[San Francisco[/url]]. San Rafael was a hospital mission, tending the sick from Spanish settlements and natives. The mission chapel has been restored in 1949, and tours of the site as well as a museum are open to the public. Free.
* Marin County Civic Center The Civic Center is the only example of a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed government building in the world, and was considered to be well ahead of its time, making it a creative choice as the backdrop of the film Gattaca.
* This is a beautiful park and neighborhood right next to downtown. The park is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing day. The neighborhood even has a few restaurants, including Muffin Mania and the Panama Hotel Restaurant (see "Eat" section).
* This beautiful Victorian house dates back to the 1880s and is now operated by the city of San Rafael. The property includes expansive gardens and ponds open to the public daily, and the center hosts a bevy of events throughout the year including tea parties, musical performances, and holiday festivals.
* This historical Victorian house now serves as a museum dedicated to [wiki=4d3d709be9de0281d3c872678318fe1c]Marin County[/wiki]'s past. It is located right next to the Falkirk Cultural Center.
* This park is located along the shoreline of the [wiki=359f4e0ae29d7fb7af480e4e87ced439]San Pablo[/wiki] bay. It includes sprawling lawns with panoramic views of the bay, a swimming pool with a snack bar, tennis and volleyball courts, picnic tables, and a fishing pier. This is a great place to spend a day regardless of the season, with many activities available.
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The Farmers Market every Sunday at the Civic Center is a great place to stock up on farm fresh vegetables & fruit, bread from many local bakeries, and gourmet cheeses and fresh seafood. Grab a cup of coffee, sample a fresh crepe or waffle, and get to know some of the most dedicated farmers in Marin.
*The Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center is a beautifully restored Art Deco theater that was seen in the film American Graffiti. It plays independent films, popular foreign films, and documentaries daily and is located at the heart of 4th street.
* This market is different from the one at the Civic Center. It takes place in Downtown San Rafael on 4th Street, the main thoroughfare of downtown, which is shut down for the public during the market. The market features fresh fruits and vegetables, restaurant tents, kids activities, and live music. Many bars along 4th Street also have a special Happy Hour during the Farmers Market season.
* McInnis features a 9-hole par 31 golf course with views of the [wiki=f4334fdfa1c728eae375fe781e2e2d9d]San Francisco[/wiki] Bay and nearby [wiki=ae40d8897abc2bedd9d8c85cf85bdfb4]Mount Tamalpais[/wiki]. The center also includes a driving range and a Golf Academy where it provides lessons to the general public for a fee. There is a mini-golf course for children as well as batting cages and a snack shop. Inside, there is a restaurant and full bar which are both open to the general public.
* China Camp offers activities such as camping, boating, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. Swimming and picnic site reservations are also available. China Camp Village contains a museum, and there is a variety of wildlife to be observed throughout the park.
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San Rafael has multiple shopping locations. Downtown San Rafael, namely 4th Street, contains a variety of shops.
*Spider Murphy's Tattoo on Lincoln Ave.
*A spectacular collection of materials for dyeing fabric. You can also order from them online.
* Located in Northern San Rafael, this newly renovated mall contains a Macy's, Forever 21, H&M, Gap, and other big name brands. There are also a few restaurants including Applebee's, BJ's Restaurant and Brewery, and Panera Bread, among others.
* One of many 4th Street establishments, Viva Diva is a go-to for girly style and trendy clothes. This store also sells prom and evening dresses, and the staff is very friendly!
* Another 4th Street staple is Triumph, a skate shop run by two young men from San Rafael. The shop sells items by brands like Nike SB, The Hundreds, HUF, and others. The owners often organize events, like in-store movie nights and promotions at neighborhood skate parks.
* Keeping with Marin County's hippie roots, The Mighty Quinn is a head shop that sells hookahs, vaporizers, pipes, and bongs. This quirky shop is located on 4th Street downstairs from the First Republic Bank.
* T&B Sports has been a staple on 4th Street for decades, providing quality equipment for the following sports: baseball, softball, football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, lacrosse, and volleyball. The store also sells local sports team jerseys, clothing articles, and accessories (Oakland As, Oakland Raiders, San Francisco Giants, and San Francisco 49ers). This store has almost anything you would need for sports.
* This store is actually a non-profit! The store provides clients with wardrobes to aid them in a successful transition to self-reliance, whether helping individuals dress for job interviews or helping struggling families. The shop is also open to the general public. Feel free to help with donations!
* A go-to for jewelry products in Marin, this store sells pearls, silver, and stone pieces, among others, and everything you would need to create earrings, necklaces, and more!
* Aubergine specializes in authentic vintage clothing from a number of different eras. The store is also a consignment shop, but only accepts vintage clothing in near-perfect condition.
* This fun and quirky boutique is actually an "intimate apparel and accessories" store. They sell sex toys, costumes, lingerie, and games, among other items. The store itself is really small and cozy, and the staff is extremely friendly and helpful--the result is a comfortable, laid back feel. They even hold classes that discuss things related to a healthy sex life, and can be rented out for private parties. It’s definitely become a staple in San Rafael.
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Like most Bay Area towns, San Rafael has a number of pubs and taco joints as well as cafes and bars. Many restaurants are located on Fourth Street
*Muffin Mania, Vegan and cornmeal muffins. Grateful dead atmosphere. Delicious sandwiches. Excellent coffee.
*Mayflower Inn, 1533 Fourth Street, [url=http://www.themayflowerpub.com/].]Phone: +1 415 456-1011 British Pub serving lunch & dinner. Great salads, burgers, fish & chips, bangers & mash, sausage rolls, and other standards.
*Broken Drum Brewery & Wood Grill, 1132 Fourth Street. California pub / dinner food with burgers, fish tacos, and other standards.
*Sushi To Dai For, 869 4th St, Phone: +1 415 721-0392
*Taqueria San Jose, 615 4th St, Phone: +1 415 455-0999 Just under highway 101.
*Panama Hotel Restaurant and Inn, 4 Bayview St, Phone: +1 415 457-3993, 800-899-3993. Cozy Marin County Bed and Breakfast and Restaurant. Check out the Jazz Thursday nights. Mexican-Italian-Californian Cuisine in an artsy Interior. Great outdoor dining in spring and summer.
*Lotus Indian Cuisine, 4704 4th St., Phone: +1 415 456-5808 Simply the best Indian food in Marin, relaxed and quiet atmosphere, excellent service, and a retractable ceiling to let in the sun on a warm day.
*Sol Food, 732 Fourth Street, [url=http://www.solfoodrestaurant.com/[/url].]Phone: +1 415 451-4765. Puerto Rican cuisine and tropical ambiance make this restaurant very popular with the locals.
* Amici's is considered by many as one of the best pizza places in [[Marin County[/url]]. They serve New York style pizza with a variety of toppings, pasta, soups, salads, and desserts, and they also deliver.
* Il Davide was recently voted as the best restaurant in [wiki=4d3d709be9de0281d3c872678318fe1c]Marin County[/wiki]. They serve authentic Italian food, and their extensive menu features small plates, salads, pastas, meat, and seafood, as well as dessert, wine and drinks.
* This is a delicious Thai food restaurant with both a lunch menu and a dinner menu. It has a beautiful decor with a fountain and bamboo sticks. It's considered one of the best Thai food restaurants in [wiki=4d3d709be9de0281d3c872678318fe1c]Marin County[/wiki].
* This family-owned restaurant opened in 2009 and has been a popular spot ever since. They serve fresh Italian food and also have a generous wine and beer list. They're particularly known for their fresh house-made cannoli.
* This pizza place made famous in [wiki=f4334fdfa1c728eae375fe781e2e2d9d]San Francisco[/wiki] brews its own beer. The laid back layout offers cushioned seating on the ground around low tables on oriental rugs, which makes it a great late night hangout.
* This restaurant sticks to its Spanish roots, with popular tapas accompanied with wine and apéritifs as well as delicious entrées. They often have live music. Their bar includes a very extensive wine list, as well as sherry.
* San Rafael Joe's has become a tradition among Marinites, having been around since 1947! They have a classic Italian menu and offer nightly specials, as well as a fairly long wine list. There's often featured art hanging on the walls and some nights have live music by local musicians.
* Voted Best Breakfast in Marin in 2012, this is a local favorite. With classic breakfast and lunch menus as well as weekly specials, you're sure to find the comfort food you're craving. Has a hole-in-the-wall feel to it, but is very cozy and quirky.
* This restaurant serves up classic Chinese cuisine and even has a banquet menu for parties of 10 or more. Their Kung Fu Lounge offers a full bar, a late night menu, and live music. Overall, this is a very popular eatery in San Rafael.
* By far the best sandwich shop in [wiki=4d3d709be9de0281d3c872678318fe1c]Marin County[/wiki], Mike's Sourdough is a favorite, especially among high school students (so be wary of a long--yet fairly quick--line around lunchtime during the school year!). Their sandwiches come on their fresh baked sourdough bread, and it makes all the difference! They also feature a daily special, and have sides available to add to your sandwich. Absolutely delicious, and if you're from out of town it's definitely worth trying some of [wiki=f4334fdfa1c728eae375fe781e2e2d9d]San Francisco[/wiki]'s famous sourdough bread!
* If you're in the mood for some unique food, try Le Chalet Basque. This restaurant serves food inspired by the Basque areas of Spain and Southern France, and features a full bar and beautiful outdoor patio. The food is authentic, as well--the head chef and owner is from France and dedicated to preserving Basque traditions with a slight twist.
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Fourth St. Tavern
*Mayflower Inn -- Authentic British Pub & Grill, same location since 1971 -- 1533 Fourth Street
*Trevor's Tavern -- A home away from home.
* This new restaurant and sangria bar has become a popular stop on 4th Street. They serve fun and unique tapas and have delicious sangria, beers on tap, and wine. The decor is bright and fun, and gives off a laid-back Caribbean vibe. Almost like a mini vacation!
* Vin Antico is a highly popular spot in San Rafael. The restaurant has dishes that change daily as well as fixed seasonal menus, which include flatbreads, seafood, local cheeses, and tapas. But the real kick here is the wine list, over 7 pages long. There's also a happy hour on weekdays from 5:00-6:00, and the restaurant often hosts events such as wine tastings.
* The Broken Drum is a popular hangout, especially during the 4th Street Farmer's Market due to their outdoor patio. They offer special twists on classic bar food and brew their own beers, their I.P.A. being the most popular; there's also a full bar. Join them for Taco Tuesday or Wednesday Trivia Night!
* The Nickel Rose is popular amongst the younger crowd (of drinking age!) in San Rafael. This spot is popular because of its karaoke nights, live DJs, and themed nights. Check their Facebook page to find out what event is going on each night; sometimes you’ll find a secret code for a free drink!
* This is a local hangout for high school and college students, but is also a great place for anyone to sit, relax, and enjoy a drink or pastry. Aroma often features art by local students or artists, and has sofas and comfy chairs in the back, perfect for hanging out or getting some work done on the computer. They have a wide list of smoothies, hot and cold beverages (non-alcoholic), and pastries or sandwiches. Just keep in mind they only accept cash.
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Embassy Suites San Rafael / Marin County Hotel and Conference Center 101 McInnis Parkway. (415) 499-9222, [url=http://essanrafael-marina.felcor.com/].] Located towards the north of the renowned Golden Gate Bridge.
* Days Inn, 737 E. Francisco Blvd., +1 415-453-3450, [http://www.daysinncalifornia.com/html/days-inn-san-rafael.asp[/url].
*Panama Hotel Restaurant and Inn, 4 Bayview St, 415-457-3993, 800-899-3993, [url=http://www.panamahotel.com].]Bed & Breakfast. Wireless Internet, Restaurant and friendly staff.
*Extended Stay Deluxe, 1775 Francisco Blvd, 415-451-1887, [http://www.extendedstayhotels.com/newhotels/[/url]. Accommodations geared towards the Extended Stay Traveler. 112 guest rooms complete with fully equipped kitchens, on-site laundry facility, Indoor Pool, Outdoor Hot Tub, Meeting Room, Breakfast in the morning, Business Center, Wireless Internet throughout the property, Flat Screen Televisions in all rooms, and Fitness Center on-site.
*B&B.
*Actually, the Panama is NOT a B & B. It is a small, quaint, nice hotel, with unusual and uniquely decorated theme rooms (not corny). The restaurant is likewise unusual and pleasing, and yes, the jazz is a nice addition. The whole affair is located in a quiet district, near the center of town. Rates include a very nice (no fruit loops) continental breakfast. If you like eclectic, not the same-as-usual experiences, this is the place.
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San Rafael's crime rate would be considered moderate. Gang violence has increased in recent years, with stabbings and/or shootings occurring every few weeks. The downtown area has a higher amount of car break ins than one might expect.
The Canal District is known for having the highest crime of any neighborhood in San Rafael. If you decide to venture into the Canal District, stay alert, even in the daytime. The District is home to many first-generation immigrants who densely populate apartment buildings to offset the relatively high cost of living, and street gangs are relatively common. Try not to wear too much red- or blue-colored clothing--you may easily be confused as a rival to another gang. It is best not to walk around the Canal District at night while alone. The neighborhood has a fairly high amount of gang violence, robbery, and car theft. If driving through the Canal District, it is best to keep your windows rolled up and your doors locked at all times. Not all part of the Canal District are Dangerous(Novato street is the street with most gang members hanging out).
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Nearby [wiki=c15a32ff4b9c86f0bb95e9dc0366dd6b]Fairfax[/wiki] and [wiki=66ce321cb0bc5d02d8733ed4a76ff772]Larkspur[/wiki]
* [wiki=f4334fdfa1c728eae375fe781e2e2d9d]San Francisco[/wiki] is just a 20-30 minute drive south on 101.
* Head over the hill to [wiki=52026d1a8017ff5d26f00f5ff02fecd5]Stinson Beach[/wiki] on the Pacific Coast.
* Continue north on 101 towards [wiki=99a1e06b7ce7afb7e4a388847c774679]Napa Valley[/wiki] and the wine country.
[wiki=6bcfcd73f5f5751d0adf42a7f1007ff9]wts:Category:San Rafael (California)[/wiki]
[[WikiPedia:San Rafael, California]]
[wiki=877695453e79d424f9069cb6167025ab]Dmoz:North_America/United_States/California/Localities/S/San Rafael[/wiki]
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