San Rafael City Guide

Food focuses on fresh California ingredients and offers wide international options. Vegan and vegetarian food is common. Late-night options exist but are limited.

Downtown has bars, pubs, and a few live music spots. The vibe is low-key compared to San Francisco.

Good local coffee scene with specialty roasters and cafes. Not as intense as big cities but high quality.

Tipping is expected. Typical amounts: 15-20% in restaurants and rideshares, $1-2 per coffee, and $2-5 per night for hotel housekeeping.

SIM cards are available at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile stores, and Best Buy. Coverage is good, and prepaid SIMs usually don't require ID. eSIM depends on carrier and phone.

San Rafael is generally clean with regular waste and recycling services and good street cleanliness.

Limited 24/7 services. Some pharmacies and minimarts open overnight. Few late-night food options; urgent care closes early.

Supermarkets like Safeway, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s carry international products. Farmers markets offer fresh local produce. Stores usually open 7 AM–10 PM and stay open most Sundays and holidays.

Most shops and restaurants accept credit and debit cards. You rarely need cash for daily spending.

ATMs are common at banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo, and in some grocery stores. Expect $2.50 to $5.00 fees for out-of-network machines.

San Rafael High School and Terra Linda High School serve the area. English is the main language. International schools are rarer but available in the Bay Area.

The nomad community is small but growing. Nearby San Francisco has more meetups and coworking spaces.

Excellent parks and green spaces like Albert Park and China Camp State Park provide trails and outdoor activities.

Safe and scenic running routes along the bay and park trails. Running groups are active in the area.

A range of gyms and wellness centers offer fitness classes, yoga, and personal training.

Tennis courts are available at public parks and private clubs. Rentals and coaching accessible at some locations.

Padel courts are rare locally, more common in wider Bay Area private clubs.

Many studios offer various yoga styles with drop-in classes and English-speaking instructors.

Facilities offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, and more, often with English-speaking instructors.

No local skiing; nearest resorts are 3–4 hours away in the Sierra Nevada.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing are common in local bays with rental options.

Beaches like Stinson and Bolinas offer surfing for beginners and advanced surfers. Water is cold; wetsuits are needed year-round.

Cold water and currents make diving challenging. Monterey Bay is a popular spot farther south.

MarinHealth Medical Center and urgent care clinics provide good care with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens offer common medicines and often stay open late.

Tap water meets all state and federal safety standards and is safe to drink.

Several parks and kid-friendly cafes are available. Attractions like the Marin County Civic Center and Bay Area Discovery Museum are great for families.

The area is inclusive and safe. Pride events happen in the region. Legal protections are strong in California.

Many parks and trails allow dogs on leash; off-leash parks exist. Veterinary care and pet supplies are easy to find.