Free & Cheap Things to Do in San Rafael, CA

  • The list below includes 431 free or cheap things to do in or near San Rafael, California, including 129 different types of inexpensive activities like Movie Theaters, National & State Parks, Parks and Swimming Pool.
  • From China Camp State Park to China Camp, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in San Rafael and in nearby cities within 25 miles like San Francisco, Berkeley, South San Francisco and Richmond.
  • The list below includes 431 free or cheap things to do in or near San Rafael, California, including 129 different types of inexpensive activities like Movie Theaters, National & State Parks, Parks and Swimming Pool.
  • From China Camp State Park to China Camp, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in San Rafael and in nearby cities within 25 miles like San Francisco, Berkeley, South San Francisco and Richmond.
Showing 1-10 of 1093
0.0 Miles
Explore the bay atop a stand-up paddleboard or a classic kayak
9.8 Miles
84% 199 votes
National & State Parks N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 94901 MoreLess Info
China Camp State Park is most frequented by locals, as it is tucked away as one of San Rafel's secret treasures. The park offers beautiful marshlands, hiking trails and premier bird watching.
4.4 Miles
82% 67 votes
National & State Parks N San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 MoreLess Info
A California State Park, China Camp lies on the shores of San Pablo Bay. It is an ideal spot for wildlife viewing, and was once the site of a fishing village with a primarily Chinese population.
4.5 Miles
88% 25 votes
Beaches 201 Cantera Way, San Rafael, CA 94901 MoreLess Info
Composed of 55 acres, McNear's Beach acts as a regional park along the shores of the San Pablo Bay. Facilities available at the beach include sand volleyball courts, a snack bar, picnic areas, tennis courts, and a swimming pool.
1.8 Miles
88% 8 votes
Parks Armory Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903 MoreLess Info
Civic Center Lagoon Park is a waterfront park that offers many relaxing and recreational amenities. The park features large grassy areas, a children's playground, a sandcastle building area and more.
3.1 Miles
75% 8 votes
Parks 350 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 MoreLess Info
McInnis Park is a community-managed park that not only offers visitors familiar amenities like picnic areas, playgrounds, and ball fields, but also contains a natural wetlands preserve. Visitors will also find a dog park and award-winning skateboard area here.
2.0 Miles
96% 47 votes
Landmarks 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, CA 93463 MoreLess Info
A multi-purpose entertainment venue and cultural center, the Marin Center hosts a variety of community events. This includes musical concerts with famous artists, as well as symphony, dance and theatrical performances.
0.2 Miles
94% 36 votes
Baseball Fields 1115 Second Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 MoreLess Info
Sports fan enjoy taking in a San Rafael Pacifics Baseball game at Albert Park. The park, favorited by locals, features entertainment and quality food, to accompany the game.
3.3 Miles
75% 8 votes
Swimming Pool 670 Del Ganado Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 MoreLess Info
At Terra Linda Community Center & Pool, visitors can swim laps or sunbathe at its outdoor aquatics facility. The center has a shallow wading pool, in addition to a lap pool.
0.3 Miles
56% 18 votes
Farmers Markets 935 Lootens Pl, Ste 208, San Rafael, CA 94901 MoreLess Info
Featuring live musical talent, a wide array of local and regional vendors selling everything from produce to handcrafted jewelry, and food from local restaurants and farmers, the Downtown San Rafael Farmers Market offers a variety of attractions for visitors.
3.9 Miles
63% 8 votes
Swimming Pool 775 Miller Creek Road, San Rafael, CA 94903 MoreLess Info
The centerpiece of the Marinwood Aquatic Facility, the Marinwood Pool is a 25 yard pool that features a double flume water slide. The pool hosts open swimming as well as group and private swimming lessons.
Showing 1-10 of 1093
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