Major city · United States
FairfaxFairfax, California
Base in San Rafael or Mill Valley and give Fairfax one evening: live music, a brew pub and the bicycle museum fill a half-day, not a trip.
Fairfax is a small Marin County town of about 7,400 people, 30–40 minutes by bus or car from San Rafael and roughly an hour from San Francisco. Its downtown is a few walkable blocks of bars, cafés and bike shops, with live music most nights and trailheads for road and mountain biking on the doorstep. Most travellers see it as an evening or a half-day stop from a larger Marin base rather than a place to sleep.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug fog and weekend traffic on Sir Francis Drake Blvd
- Airports
- SFO · OAK
- Nights
- 0–1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Fairfax911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Fairfax Police (non-emergency)415-453-5330
- Poison control1-800-222-1222
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Fairfax, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyFairfax is a low-crime small town and walking downtown at night is normal.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 415-453-5330 Fairfax Police (non-emergency) · 1-800-222-1222 Poison control
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSFO San Francisco International (About 1 h to Fairfax by car outside rush hour; longer in the morning and evening peaks).
- Getting aroundDowntown is a few flat blocks and you can walk it end to end in about 10 minutes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–6
- BeerBrewery pint$8–10
- Metro or bus rideMarin Transit bus ride$2–4
- Budget bedMotel or chain hotel in San Rafael, a night, per roomUS$120
- Mid-range bedFairfax Inn double room, a night, per roomUS$260
- High-end bedFairfax Inn double room, a night, per roomUS$400
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$150 · High US$300
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SFO San Francisco International (About 1 h to Fairfax by car outside rush hour; longer in the morning and evening peaks) · OAK Oakland International (About 1 h 15 min by car; bus links via San Rafael)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Feb
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Mar
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jan (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jan (11 rain days), driest Jul (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Fairfax: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Feb
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
Mar
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
6 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
0 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Dec
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Downtown is a few flat blocks and you can walk it end to end in about 10 minutes. Marin Transit buses run from San Rafael and San Anselmo; the West Marin Stagecoach serves the coast side. A car or a bike opens the trails and West Marin roads.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30 min
Marin Transit bus from downtown, or 15 min by car
Bigger downtown, more food and the main bus hub for the county.
Door to door: About 30–45 min
Car via Sir Francis Drake Blvd and US-101, or bus with a change in San Rafael
Gateway to Mount Tamalpais trails and redwoods.
Bolinas
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Car over Bolinas–Fairfax Road, or the West Marin Stagecoach
Coast village with a beach and a slow, quiet feel; bring layers.
Door to door: About 30–40 min
Car or bus via US-101 south
Waterfront walk and ferry back to San Francisco.
Door to door: About 35–45 min
Car via Sir Francis Drake Blvd and US-101
Better as a ferry-and-lunch stop than a full day.
Door to door: About 25–35 min
Car north on US-101
Suburban; only worth it for a specific errand or trail.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown Broadway
The only hotel in town sits here, steps from the bars and the museum; expect small-town quiet after about midnight.
San Anselmo or San Rafael
10–20 min away with far more beds and better bus links; the usual choice for a Marin stay.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–100 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–200 excl. bed
- High
- $250+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Fairfax Inn double room1 × 1 night × US$260 | US$260 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$150 | US$300 |
| Marin Transit fare, one ride2 × US$2 | US$4 |
| Museum entry, adult2 × US$10 | US$20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$62 |
| Trip total≈ US$343 per person per day, bed included | US$686 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at checkout. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–6 |
| Ice cream coneSmall local scoop shop; cash only | $3–5 |
| Burger and fries | $15–22 |
| Brewery pint | $8–10 |
| Cocktail at a Broadway bar | $12–16 |
| Marin Transit bus ride | $2–4 |
| Rideshare San Rafael → FairfaxHigher at peak times | $15–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Sir Francis Drake Blvd backs up on weekend afternoons and at commute times.
- Bars on Broadway can be loud and crowded late on weekends; keep an eye on your group.
- Trail riding here is steep and shared with hikers: ride within your skill and yield on blind corners.
- Summer fog can sit over the hills all day; the coast side is often colder than the town.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Fairfax Police (non-emergency)
- 415-453-5330
- Poison control
- 1-800-222-1222
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
FairfaxFairfax, California
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Fairfax Police (non-emergency)415-453-5330
- Poison control1-800-222-1222
Embassy
No embassies in Fairfax; consulates-general are in San Francisco (check your country's listing).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Marin Transit, San Rafael → Fairfax: about $2–4, 20–30 min
- West Marin Stagecoach, coast villages: a few runs a day; check the timetable before you rely on it
- Rideshare San Rafael → Fairfax: $15–25
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the bus stop? — Where is the bus stop?
- One ticket, please. — One ticket, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink at bars.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Fairfax. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug fog and weekend traffic on Sir Francis Drake Blvd · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Bus and Stagecoach timetables field-checked for the last evening return to San Rafael.
- Walking cluster map for downtown: Broadway bars, the museum, the theater, the park.
- Trail pages with grade, surface and parking notes for Repack and Camp Tamarancho.
- Live-music night fixtures so a reader can pick a date before booking a Marin bed.
Sources
Ask about Fairfax
Loading…