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Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
California
Marin County
San Rafael

San Rafael City Tour loop

Easy

4.7

(4175)

14,881

riders

San Rafael City Tour loop

00:18

4.91km

20m

Cycling

Cycle an easy 3.1-mile (4.9 km) loop through San Rafael, California, passing urban landmarks and green spaces in just 17 minutes.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

801 m

Albert Park

Highlight • Rest Area

11.5 acres of tree-shaded trails, sports fields, two baseball diamonds, lawn, tennis courts, bocce ball courts and a recreation center and playground. Across Albert Lane is the Wildcare animal refuge. justplaygrounds.com/albert-park

Tip by

2

1.26 km

San Rafael

Highlight • Settlement

San Rafael is a nerve center for urban culture with its eclectic combination of shops, ethnic restaurants, Victorian buildings, breweries, coffee shops and unique retailers. It is the oldest and …

Tip by

3

1.40 km

Mission San Rafael Arcángel

Highlight • Religious Site

Mission San Rafael Arcángel was founded in 1817 as a medical asistencia ("sub-mission") of Mission San Francisco de Asís. It was a hospital to treat sick Native Americans, making it …

Tip by

4

1.92 km

Boyd Memorial Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Surrounding the grounds of the San Rafael Historical Museum is a large partially fenced in area with manicured lawn, picnic tables, playground, and a hiking trail along the stream, leading …

Tip by

5

3.10 km

Pond Farm Brewing Co.

Highlight • Pub

Fantastic local brewery! Family friendly, dogs allowed on the patio, bike racks inside (dollar off your first beer if you show them your helmet!). Great food. Great service. Snag an underberg and a brew!

Tip by

6

3.39 km

Johnny Doughnuts

Highlight • Cafe

Johnny Doughnuts is the go-to place if you have a sweet tooth and have been lucky enough to enjoy a handcrafted offering from one of their food trucks at another …

Tip by

7

3.88 km

Artworks Downtown

Highlight (Segment) • Monument

Artworks Downtown is a central visual arts hub with 28 art studios, four art galleries, coffee shops and restaurants. You can see works from local artists in the windows as …

Tip by

B

4.91 km

End point

Bus stop

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

2.36 km

1.60 km

825 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.12 km

1.59 km

160 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Sunday 10 May

25°C

11°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of the San Rafael City Tour loop?

This route is classified as easy, making it suitable for most fitness levels. It features minimal elevation gain, primarily on paved surfaces, which is typical for urban touring bicycle routes in San Rafael, California.

How long does it typically take to complete this touring cycling loop?

The San Rafael City Tour loop is a short ride, designed to be completed in approximately 18 minutes. This duration is for continuous cycling and does not account for stops at points of interest.

What are the main points of interest along the route?

The loop takes you through several notable spots in San Rafael. You'll pass by Albert Park and Boyd Memorial Park. You can also see the historic Mission San Rafael Arcángel, and pass by local establishments like Pond Farm Brewing Co., Johnny Doughnuts, and Artworks Downtown.

What is the terrain like for cycling on this route?

The San Rafael City Tour loop primarily features paved surfaces, characteristic of urban cycling routes in San Rafael, California. It's a smooth ride with very little elevation change, ideal for touring bicycles.

Does the route intersect with other well-known cycling paths?

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several official trails. You'll ride along parts of the San Francisco Bay Trail, the Second Street Cycletrack, and the SMART Pathway.

Is the San Rafael City Tour loop suitable for families or beginners?

Absolutely! Given its easy difficulty, short distance (approximately 4.9 km), and minimal elevation gain, this loop is very suitable for families with children and beginner cyclists looking for a pleasant urban ride.

What is the best time of year to cycle this route?

San Rafael, California, generally offers pleasant cycling weather for much of the year. Spring and fall typically provide mild temperatures and clear skies, making them ideal. Summer can be warm but is still enjoyable, while winter might bring some rain but is generally mild.

Are dogs allowed on this cycling route?

As an urban cycling route, dogs are generally permitted in public parks and on city streets, typically on a leash. However, specific rules may apply to certain establishments or park areas along the route, so it's always best to check local signage.

Where can I park to access the San Rafael City Tour loop?

Since this is an urban loop through San Rafael, parking can be found in various public parking lots or on-street parking areas throughout the city center. Consider parking near one of the highlighted parks like Albert Park to easily start your ride.

Are there any permits or fees required to cycle this route?

No, there are no specific permits or fees required to cycle the San Rafael City Tour loop. It utilizes public streets and park pathways, which are freely accessible.

Are there places to eat or drink along the way?

Yes, the route passes by several establishments where you can grab a bite or a drink. You'll find Pond Farm Brewing Co. for beverages and Johnny Doughnuts for a sweet treat, among other options in downtown San Rafael.

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