Beautiful weather, fabulous beaches, a harbor, and great running trails make San Diego one of the most popular places for runners. Whether you run on the paved tracks or practice trail running in the mountains, the scenic views will turn your workout into a delight for your eyes. It is not a city; it’s a running paradise!
We’ve gathered the top San Diego runs to save time choosing one that’s closest or most comfortable for you.
1. Convention Center/Embarcadero
This is a cool San Diego running path in the city’s center. You start your workout near the convention center, running through the Embarcadero North & South, Seaport Village, and the park. Its length is 4.75 miles.
This paved path on the waterfront is perfect, especially for city guests.
Why is it great?
- The trail is one of the best running routes for business travelers since the San Diego airport is only a couple of miles from the convention center.
- This comfortable and convenient track is perfect for beginners because there are no inclines.
- You run near plenty of restaurants and shops, so you can stop to eat or buy something along the way.
- You get a great view of the water and the city as you run – an aesthetic pleasure.
2. Balboa Park
This famous park is one of the best places to trail run in San Diego. It is located near the city center, close to interesting sights and attractions, such as the famous Zoo and museums. All 65 miles of Balboa park running trails are tracks of varying difficulty.
Why is it great?
- There is an opportunity to choose paths of different difficulty: from paved paths to trails in the park’s wooded area.
- The park is usually crowded, but you can always find a place for a quiet run deep in the wood.
- Many trees protect you from the sun; many benches allow stopping and resting.
- There is beautiful nature that you can observe while running.
- It is convenient to get to the park from any part of the city.
3. Mission Bay
Mission Bay is an iconic San Diego running path loved by runners who adore nice views while running. The park is located a few minutes from the center of San Diego. It is the world’s largest park of its kind: the 4,600-acre aquatic playground is surrounded by 27 miles of meandering shoreline, with various waterways, inlets, and islets to explore.
You’ll find plenty of trails for short and long runs, as there’s a 12-mile loop that you can run in its entirety or shorten to a 4-mile loop around Fiesta Island.
Why is it great?
- Mission Bay is excellent for long runs as there are plenty of restrooms, parking areas, and lawns where you can stop and rest.
- After the run, you can stop and have a snack or drink coffee because there are many coffee shops and cafes.
- Great view of the ocean – what could be better than watching the ocean with a cup of hot coffee after a run?
4. Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs is one of the best San Diego running trails for an evening or morning running workout. The trail length is 2.5 miles; if you want to make your run longer, add the distance from the nearby Ocean Beach and run 7 miles. Many runners consider it the best trail run in San Diego.
Why is it great?
- Here you can run with dogs.
- It is suitable for beginners and experienced runners because you can run on a paved or dirt trail.
- You can go down to the beach at the end and watch the sunset, or make it more challenging by running on the sand.
- Of course, you can observe the most beautiful sunset from the highest rock if you like evening runs. And if you look more closely, you might be lucky enough to see California gray whales.
5. Mission Beach-Pacific Beach
Let’s continue with another iconic place to run in San Diego. This 3.1-mile trail from Mission Beach to Pacific Beach is perfect for beginners or city visitors, as there are plenty of sights and landmarks to see along the way.
Why is it great?
- You can run on a boardwalk or make your workout harder by running on sand.
- On the way, you will see many shops, restaurants, and cafes – there is a place to stop and rest.
- You can start the run from any point along the waterfront.
- This trail is also suitable for cycling if you are training for a triathlon or want to add such workouts to your training plan.
- Many local runners consider Mission Beach-Pacific Beach the safest place for a night run in San Diego – it is always crowded and lit, so it is safe to run after dark.
6. Torrey Pines
Torrey Pines Nature Reserve is not only a great place to walk, but it’s also a great place to run five miles north of La Jolla. It is a real paradise for runners, who can observe incredible landscapes, amazing flora, and fauna on the route. There are six main routes, ranging from 0.4 miles to 1.5 miles.
Why is it great?
- Torrey Pines has excellent running trails near San Diego for both beginners and experienced runners. They can combine the routes in different ways – from ordinary trails and paths to beach running or increase the distance by combining all the tracks into one running course.
- Also, running on hills, rocks, and trails helps work different muscle groups, which is great if you prefer trail running.
- There is free parking at Torrey Pines, but be careful to find it. Newcomers often miss it due to the paid options.
- There is an incredible sunset that you can watch during an evening run – it’s worth a try.
7. La Jolla: Waterfront
If you are north of San Diego and google “running paths near me,” this is the place for you. La Jolla is thirteen miles north of San Diego. Running along the boardwalk is a great workout and a real treat because you can admire the gorgeous homes, ocean, and nature.
Why is it great?
- One of the best sunsets in San Diego makes your running workout truly iconic.
- Suitable for both short and long runs depending on how you plan your route. The ‘heart’ of the trail is about 2 miles between La Jolla Cove and the end of Coast Blvd. at Ravina St.
8. La Jolla Shores to Torrey Pines
La Jolla Shores and Torrey Pines are great running trails apart from each other, but you can combine them for an excellent beach run. Run here at low tide when the sand is firmer. The entire route consists of 5 miles.
Why is it great?
- You can shorten your route by taking the detour to La Jolla Farms Rd. or Gilder Port. Or make it even longer and run north to Del Mar.
- This is one of the best beach running routes in San Diego.
- Beautiful landscapes and fresh air make your workout picturesque.
- If you google “the best beach running trails near me” in San Diego, try this route – it is incredible.
9. Coronado Beach
Coronado beach has been one of the country’s most beautiful beaches for many years. It is a great place for runners of all levels and experience, as there are many routes of varying difficulty.
Why is it great?
- From Hotel Del Coronado, you can run a 4-mile round-trip on a comfortable paved path which is excellent for beginners.
- You can choose the 6-mile island loop that starts at Tidelands Park and ends under the Coronado Bridge.
- There is an opportunity to increase the workout by running on the sand.
- There is a 7-mile cycle path along the Silver Strand – a good option if you’re training for a triathlon or cross-training.
10. The Coaster
The last trail on this list is unsuitable for those who google “running near me” because this is a real adventure! To get to this paved trail, you’ll need to board the Coaster train north of Solana Beach and go the distance you plan.
The longest route will be if you go to Oceanside. Then you’ll have the option to bike or run the entire 16 miles.
Why is it great?
- Ideal for preparing for a half-marathon – you will have enough track to simulate a half-marathon route.
- You will see beautiful views of the ocean.
- An excellent option for beginners – the trail is flat and comfortable.
If you are looking for running trails nearby or in San Diego, you can use this list of the best variants and save time. If you know some interesting places to run around San Diego that we didn’t mention in this article – add them in the comments!
