San Rafael is a city located in Marin County, California, United States. It is the county seat of Marin County, and has a population of around 58,929. San Rafael is known for its Mediterranean climate, its natural beauty, and its proximity to San Francisco.

San Rafael is home to a number of parks and recreational areas, including China Camp State Park, which offers hiking, swimming, and boating opportunities, and the McNears Beach County Park, which features picnic areas, playgrounds, and a beach on San Pablo Bay.

The city is also home to a number of cultural and historical sites, including the Mission San Rafael Arcangel, which was founded in 1817 as an extension of the Mission San Francisco de Asis, and the Marin County Civic Center, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is considered one of his most important works.

San Rafael is also home to several notable institutions such as Dominican University of California, a private Catholic university and the San Rafael Pacifics minor league baseball team.

San Rafael is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, art and history lovers and it is also a great base for exploring the rest of Marin County.