Mission San Rafael Arcángel

After being there 20 years ago the area is soooooo very different. Great memories from the past. ❤

We enjoy visiting historical sites throughout California. This mission and grounds is one of the smaller that we've visited. After a moment of refection, silence, and prayer in the mission church one can walk through the grounds in a few minutes. The gift shop was closed on this Saturday we visited. There is both parking within the mission parking lot and street side. One can even take a stroll around the downtown area of San Rafael from here.

We visited mission San Rafael on a Thursday afternoon. This is the 20th mission and it’s located near the downtown area. The mission chapel is to the right of the larger Parish church and we were able to go inside. There is a gift shop and restrooms just to the left of the chapel.

Very nice church and mission. Completely rebuilt, working church. This doesn't have the same feel like a "walk back in time" of other missions and museums like Mission San Juan Bautista or Mission San Diego. I went on Saturday at 8am, and mass was being held even though Google said the church was closed. The mission (which looks like a little chapel on the side) is open daily starting at 6:30am. No holy water or candles to light at the alters right now, but they have hand sanitizer and masks are optional. Grounds looked very nice, and everything was very clean. There is a small parking lot if you don't want to pay for street parking, since the mission is smack in the middle of downtown.

My mom and I went on a Saturday. Not too busy. A beautiful mission! So small and charming.

This was the second mission church we have visited. It has a special place in our hearts. We had a close devotion to St Raphael during our courtship. We came to attend mass and give thanks for his intercession in our lives. The mission church was beautiful.

Beautiful architecture and still used as a school.

Nice little mission with blooming roses and easy parking at the front. Good for short 30 min stop

Very nice place to visit if you like historical churches and missions.

A very beautiful church!

Beautiful church with beautiful stained glass, pipe organ, lots of seating available....I told my friend I would want to get married in this church!

Nice small mission. There is also a gift shop and small museum.

Gift shop does not open till 1:30pm

A nice mission to check out when ur close. Its inside San Rafael and we had a parking spot right in front.

The staff at the gift shop are very friendly and accommodating.

Beautiful church. Nice mass in English at 10 am.

This mission is welcoming and lovely. I love the fact that mass is held in both the chapel and the church. Their museum is inside the gift shop, their exhibit is small but fascinating.

Mission San Rafael Arcángel, was originally built as a hospital.

Arrived in time for Mass, priest and community is very welcoming and spiritual.

It's peaceful as it can possibly be in the middle of the city almost...it's not only historic but it feels old n u can learn a lot about the history of San Rafael....church is nice n it's just a place to go n relax n slow down...liked it it a lot ..but they could use better lighting outside...the lights don't do justice to the building n adjecent areas...
..check it out...
It's worth it!!