Downtown

If you aren't ready to completely give up the city life- then Central San Rafael is certainly the place to go.Known for its favorable climate, colorful downtown, rich history and proximity to both San Francisco and Sonoma.I love that I can walk to downtown San Rafael from my really great neighborhood of Forbes. Fourth Street is anything but boring! Grab a cup of Joe at Aroma Cafe (next to the Theater) and take in the scene.
The night life a 5 on a scale of 1-10. It isn't the most lively night life in Marin but it certainly has things going on and places to be seen.San Rafael is Marin County’s oldest city and Marin’s governmental business and cultural center. The neighborhood is mixed with rentals properties and owner occupied, single family homes and apartments.

Downtown San Rafael reminds me a lot of Palo Alto. It is definitely the same kind of demographic as well.

Like most downtowns, this is where you go to find the cool restaurants. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Napoli Pizza
2. Lotus Cuisine (an Indian place)
3. Sol Food (a Puerty Rican joint)
4. Il Davide (an Italian place)
and 5. Panama Hotel Restaurant

These are all on 4th Street, the main drag here. There are some bars and pubs too:

1. Nickel Rose
2. The Mayflower Pub
3. Pint Size Lounge

It is definitely a nice spot to hang out on a Sunday morning or to come at night for a bite to eat.

This is also where you will find the public library, the San Raphael Arcangel Church--which is a reconstruction of the original church that the Catholics once built here.

There is even a tattoo parlor: Spider Murphy’s. So its got something for everybody.