San Rafael is a city in Marin County, California, located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. It is the county seat and the largest city in Marin County, with a population of around 59,000 as of 2020. San Rafael is known for its scenic beauty, with a Mediterranean climate, picturesque hills, and proximity to the San Francisco Bay. It offers a vibrant downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The city is also home to a number of parks and open spaces, including China Camp State Park and Marinwood Plaza Park. San Rafael is well-connected to other parts of the Bay Area through public transportation, including the SMART train system.