Where is San Rafael, California Located in the United States? - San Rafael is a city located in the Marin County in California, United States. San Rafael lies between 37.9735 Degrees North latitudes and -122.5311 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of San Rafael, Marin, California
About Map: The map shows the location of San Rafael in Marin County, in the U.S. state of California.
San Rafael Map, California, USA
About San Rafael Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About San Rafael, Marin County, California
San Rafael is located in Marin County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the northern part of the state in the state of the United States within the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. The city was incorporated in 1874 and was named after the Spanish mission San Rafael Arcángel, and it developed from a mission settlement into a residential, cultural, and governmental center.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of San Rafael is 61,271 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 3,800 people per square mile.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, San Rafael covers a total area of approximately 22.5 square miles (about 58.3 square kilometers), including about 16.6 square miles (43.0 square kilometers) of land and 5.9 square miles (15.3 square kilometers) of water.
Location and Surroundings
San Rafael is situated north of Sausalito and south of Novato, positioned along the western shore of San Pablo Bay and surrounded by rolling hills. The city features historic neighborhoods, waterfront areas, and access to nearby open space preserves. U.S. Route 101 runs through the city, providing a major transportation route connecting San Rafael to San Francisco and the greater North Bay region.
Top Attractions
San Rafael offers parks, historic landmarks, and cultural institutions that support tourism and recreation. Popular destinations include Mission San Rafael Arcángel, China Camp State Park nearby, and the Marin County Civic Center designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The city hosts community festivals and arts events that reflect its diverse population and cultural heritage.
Transportation
San Rafael is served by U.S. Route 101 and State Route 580, offering convenient highway access throughout the Bay Area. Public transportation includes regional bus services and ferry connections linking the city to San Francisco. The nearest major airport is San Francisco International Airport, located approximately 35 miles to the south.
Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official San Rafael City Website.
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San Rafael, California Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| City | San Rafael |
| County | Marin County |
| State | California |
| State Capital | Sacramento |
| US Region | West |
| Latitude | 37.9735° N |
| Longitude | 122.5311° W |
| Elevation | 43 ft (13 m) |
| Land Area | 22.20 sq mi |
| Water Area | 8.03 sq mi |
| Total Area | 30.23 sq mi |
| Population (2020 Census) | 61,271 |
| Population Density | 2,760 per sq mi |
| ZIP Codes | 94901, 94903 |
| Area Code | 415, 628 |
| Time Zone Standard | Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC−8 |
| Time Zone Daylight | Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC−7 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| FIPS Code | 06-68364 |
| Congressional District | California's 2nd Congressional District |
Transportation and Connectivity in San Rafael, California
| Transportation Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | San Francisco International Airport / Oakland International Airport |
| IATA Code | SFO / OAK |
| Port | Port of Redwood City and Port of San Francisco (Regional Access) |
| Major Highways | U.S. Highway 101, State Route 1, Interstate 580 (Nearby) |
| Train Service | SMART commuter rail service |
| Local Bus/Transit Service | Marin Transit and Golden Gate Transit |
- U.S. Highway 101: Main north-south highway connecting San Rafael with San Francisco, Sonoma County, and other North Bay communities.
- Richmond–San Rafael Bridge: Provides regional access between Marin County and the East Bay.
- SMART Train: Provides passenger rail service between Marin and Sonoma counties.
- Golden Gate Transit: Provides bus connections between Marin County and San Francisco.
Top Places to Visit in San Rafael, California
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Mission San Rafael Arcángel | Historic Mission |
| China Camp State Park | Historic and Natural Park |
| Marin County Civic Center | Architectural Landmark |
| McNears Beach County Park | Waterfront Recreation Area |
| Marin Museum of Contemporary Art | Art Museum |
| Marin History Museum | History Museum |
| Point San Pedro Road Scenic Area | Scenic Route |
| San Rafael Creek | Waterfront Area |
| Mount Tamalpais State Park | Mountain Recreation Area |
| Golden Gate National Recreation Area | National Recreation Area |
Driving Distances from San Rafael, California to Nearby Cities
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | California | 18 mi | 30 minutes |
| Richmond | California | 18 mi | 30 minutes |
| Berkeley | California | 25 mi | 40 minutes |
| Oakland | California | 30 mi | 45 minutes |
| Napa | California | 35 mi | 50 minutes |
| Santa Rosa | California | 35 mi | 45 minutes |
| Vallejo | California | 35 mi | 45 minutes |
| San Jose | California | 65 mi | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Sacramento | California | 85 mi | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Monterey | California | 120 mi | 2 hours 20 minutes |
Colleges and Universities Near San Rafael, California
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominican University of California | Private | University | Health sciences, business, education, and liberal arts programs |
| College of Marin | Public | Community College | Transfer programs, career education, arts, and sciences |
| University of San Francisco | Private | University | Business, law, nursing, and professional programs |
| San Francisco State University | Public | University | Business, education, arts, and sciences |
| San Rafael City Schools | Public | K–12 District | Primary and secondary education |
Waterbodies Near San Rafael, California
San Francisco Bay, San Rafael Bay, San Rafael Creek, China Camp Lagoon, and nearby waterways throughout Marin County.
Golf Courses Near San Rafael
Peacock Gap Golf Club, San Geronimo Golf Course, Mill Valley Golf Course, McInnis Park Golf Center, and Marin Country Club.
San Rafael, California — Key Historical Facts
- The San Rafael area was originally inhabited by the Coast Miwok Native American people.
- Mission San Rafael Arcángel was founded in 1817 as an outpost of the Spanish mission system.
- The community developed through agriculture, ranching, and maritime activities during the 19th century.
- San Rafael was incorporated as a city in 1874 and became the county seat of Marin County.
- Today, San Rafael is known for its historic mission, waterfront areas, arts community, technology businesses, and location in the North Bay region.
Stadiums and Sports Facilities Near San Rafael
| Facility Name | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Albert Park Sports Complex | Community Sports Facility | San Rafael, California |
| Marin Catholic High School Stadium | High School Sports Stadium | Kentfield, California |
| College of Marin Athletic Facilities | College Sports Facility | Kentfield, California |
| Oracle Park | Professional Baseball Stadium | San Francisco, California |
| Chase Center | Professional Sports Arena | San Francisco, California |
References
- City of San Rafael Official Website
- Marin County Government
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Visit California Tourism
- College of Marin
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