San Rafael · Marin County, CA
Free things to do in San Rafael
Scout analyzed 30 San Rafael places and surfaced the ones that actually fit free.
Places analyzed
30
Matches
11
Typical spend
—
Typical visit
1.5 hr
Scout-verified spots
Outdoors
McNears Beach Park
55-acre green space with picnic tables & tennis courts, plus a fishing pier, swimming pool & trails.
Outdoors
Mount Tamalpais Watershed
Protected mountain area with streams, redwood & fir forests & hiking, biking & equestrian trails.
Outdoors
Gerstle Park
Historic estate with 12 ornate rooms & cottages in a 2-acre park setting used for community events.
Outdoors
Piper Park
Outdoors
Lagoon Park
Outdoors
San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Nature reserve & hiking spot featuring trails, local wildlife & scenic views of the SF Bay.
Outdoors
China Camp State Park
Park with reservable picnic & camp sites, plus 15 mi. of hiking, biking & equestrian trails.
Sports & Recreation
Mount Tamalpais East Peak
Quarter-mi. trail with dramatic valley views, plus picnic tables, restrooms & drinking fountains.
Outdoors
Paradise Beach Park
Waterside park in a residential neighborhood, offering views, picnic lawns, a fishing pier & beach.
Outdoors
Dipsea Trail Head
Almonte
Hook Fish Co. at Proof Lab Beer Garden
Hip skateboard & surf shop offering gear, attire & accessories, plus lessons & community activities.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
Book ahead
Book tours and tickets in San Rafael
Lock in the parts of the plan that sell out — tours, tastings and timed-entry tickets across San Rafael.
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Make it a night out
Staying over in San Rafael?
Hotels, resorts and vacation rentals across San Rafael — book the stay and make a full weekend of it.
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