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 City Facts
| City | San Rafael |
| State | California |
| County | Marin County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | San Francisco Bay Area - North Bay |
| Incorporated | February 18, 1874 |
| Founded | 1817 |
| Total Area | Approximately 22.5 sq mi (58.3 km2) |
| Land Area | Approximately 16.6 sq mi (43.0 km2) |
| Water Area | Approximately 5.9 sq mi (15.3 km2) |
| Elevation | Approximately 43 ft (13 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 60,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 60,222 |
| Population Density | Approximately 3,600 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 94901, 94903, 94912, 94913, 94915 |
| Area Code | 415 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Route 101, State Route 580 |
| Public Transit | SMART Train, Golden Gate Transit |
| Major Attractions | Mission San Rafael Arcangel, Marin County Civic Center, China Camp State Park |
| Official Website | https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/ |
Distance from San Rafael, CA to Nearby Cities
- Novato, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
- Mill Valley, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
- Larkspur, CA – 4 miles (6 km)
- Corte Madera, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
- San Anselmo, CA – 3 miles (5 km)
- Fairfax, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
- Sausalito, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Petaluma, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Vallejo, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Napa, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Richmond, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Berkeley, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Oakland, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- San Francisco, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Daly City, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Concord, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
- Walnut Creek, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
- Santa Rosa, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
- Healdsburg, CA – 55 miles (89 km)
- San Mateo, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
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