San Rafael California Map

About San Rafael, California

San Rafael is a locality in Marin County, California, United States. It has a population of 61,271. The population density is 1426.2 people per km². San Rafael is located at 37.9810°N, 122.5069°W. It observes the Pacific Time (America/Los_Angeles) timezone. San Rafael is an incorporated locality. ZIP codes: 94901, 94903, 94912.

San Rafael emerges from the landscape where the meandering San Rafael Creek carves a path through the valley floor, defining the character of the terrain. It lies 1.7 miles east of San Anselmo, CA (from San Anselmo, CA: bearing 93°T), and is situated 9.5 miles south-southeast of Novato. The environment is shaped by the proximity of the Pacific Ocean, which lies a mere two miles away, casting a cooling influence over the basin of Sun Valley. To the distant horizon, the rugged profile of the Coast Ranges provides a stoic backdrop to the local topography. Residents often find solace at Boyd Memorial Park, a tranquil sanctuary that sits at the center of daily life, while the nearby Forbes Hill Reservoir offers a quiet reflection of the sky. The light here possesses a singular, golden quality at dusk, softening the edges of the earth and illuminating the transition between the developed streets and the wilder, untamed reaches of the land.

Mission San Rafael Arcángel serves as the foundational cornerstone of the settlement, marking the site where early colonial aspirations were first anchored in the soil. The growth of San Rafael followed the rhythms of agricultural expansion and the eventual arrival of the railroad, which transformed the settlement from a quiet outpost into a bustling hub. Over the decades, the architectural evolution of the area has mirrored the shifting needs of its inhabitants, moving from simple mission-era structures to the diverse residential and commercial buildings that now define the streetscape. The history of San Rafael remains a quiet undercurrent to modern life, felt in the preservation of historic sites and the persistent memory of the early settlers who navigated the valley long before the modern grid was laid.

Economic vitality in San Rafael is driven by a diverse array of professional services, specialized industries, and a robust retail sector that sustains the local population. Infrastructure is focused on accessibility, with major transit corridors functioning as the primary arteries for commerce and daily movement across the region. Higher education finds a place here through institutions like the Dominican University of California, which contributes to the intellectual and professional development of the populace. As the local economy matures, the focus remains on balancing industrial growth with the preservation of the surrounding environment, ensuring that the development of San Rafael supports a sustainable future for its workers and families alike.

Cultural life in San Rafael is defined by a vibrant calendar of events, including local festivals that bring the community together to celebrate the unique heritage of the region. Outdoor enthusiasts frequently traverse the Ross Trail, enjoying the natural beauty that extends toward the nearby Simms Island and the shimmering expanse of the coast. For those seeking the drama of falling water, Dawn Falls offers a seasonal spectacle that draws visitors into the deeper, wooded pockets of the landscape. While the area is not defined by major professional sports franchises, the spirit of competition thrives in local schools and recreational leagues. Notable figures, such as the filmmaker George Lucas, have long maintained a significant presence here, further cementing the status of San Rafael as a place where creative vision and the quiet beauty of the Pacific coast intersect.

About This San Rafael Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of San Rafael, California. Coordinates: 37.981003, -122.50693. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service. Real-time local and world news feeds keep the page current.

Detailed location data for San Rafael includes the ZIP code (94901, 94903, 94912), telephone area code (510), county seat of Marin County (San Rafael), and school district assignment (San Rafael City High School District).

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.