San Rafael   

California is the most populous state of the United States. Located on the Pacific coast of North America, it is bordered by Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and Mexico. California is known for its pleasant climate and ethnically diverse population. The name California is most commonly believed derived from a storied paradise peopled by black Amazons and ruled by Queen Califia.
 
San Rafael is the county seat of Marin County, California, United States. The city is located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. As of the 2002 census, the city had a population of 55,550 inhabitants. Mission San Rafael Arcangel was founded in what is now downtown San Rafael as the 20^th Spanish mission in the colonial Mexican province of Alta California by four priests, Father Narciso Duran from San Jose, Father Abella from San Francisco, Father Gil y Taboada and Father Junipero Serra, the President of the Missions, on Dec. 14, 1817, four years before Mexico gained independence from Spain.

The notable landmarks include the Mission San Rafael Arcangel, around which the city developed the Marin County Civic Center building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

San Rafael is also known as the town of best geographical environment and has traced its origins back to prehistoric times. Today, one can also learn about its history, from its earliest times and can also enjoy its natural beauty concealed by the beautiful landscapes.