San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, offering stunning views that win the hearts of both tourists and local athletes who want to experience its variety of flat and hilly trails. If you live in San Francisco and want to deviate from the usual route near your house, keep reading to learn the best places to run in San Francisco.
1. Golden Gate Park
This park is one of the most popular Bay Area trail runs in San Francisco for good reasons.
First, the 1,017-acre area offers a total of approximately 6.9 miles of trails. Second, during your run, you can check out local attractions such as the Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, California Academy of Science, San Francisco Botanical Garden, and de Young Museum. Finally, this is a safe family place, so you won’t get lost or run into any trouble.
Why is it great?
- Golden Gate Park running routes are quite diverse, so you can choose the mileage you need. For example, if you run from the eastern end of Golden Gate Park to the Arguello Gate, you will cover 1 mile. And if you build a route from the intersection of Lincoln Way and Martin Luther King Dr to Stanyan St., you get 3.6 miles.
- All trails are mostly flat and paved and, therefore, welcome runners of all levels.
- There are eateries and restaurants in the park, so you don’t have to go home immediately after a run to eat.
2. Ocean Beach
When running in SF, take the chance to enjoy the breeze and the surf view at Ocean Beach. The Great Highway, the most common route here, runs between the Cliff House and Skyline Blvd and spans 3.8 miles. Alternatively, you can build a route from Sutro Heights and run 2.5 miles along the ocean to the San Francisco Zoo.
Why is it great?
- The Great Highway is closed to vehicles from Friday noon to Monday at 6 am, making your workout safer.
- Unlike many other beaches, Ocean Beach is not very crowded, and therefore you do not need to dodge between other visitors.
- The track is mostly flat, with a few ups and downs. So it’s great for runners of all levels.
3. Embarcadero
This waterfront boulevard was rebuilt after the 1989 earthquake and is now suitable for walking and jogging. While Embarcadero offers several San Francisco running routes, the most popular is from AT&T Park to the Fisherman’s Wharf terminus.
During your 3.4-mile run, you can see landmarks such as Market St., the Exploratorium, Ghirardelli Square, Bay Bridge, Pier 41, and Alcatraz Ferry.
Why is it great?
- Running in San Francisco, you won’t find a flatter route. So if you are a beginner or your training does not include hill running, this track will be a great solution.
- If you need more than the above 3.4-mile route, you can easily extend it by running from Fisherman’s Wharf to Fort Point, adding another 4 miles one way.
- This is truly one of the most scenic runs in San Francisco. In addition to the sights mentioned above, you will have a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge, the bay, and the marina.
4. Chrissy Field
Crissy Field is a former military airstrip that has been turned into a great recreational area. It stretches from Fort Mason to Fort Point (about 6.1 miles) and allows you to enjoy views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito/Tiburon, and the Headlands.
At the 3-mile mark, you will come across the famous Hopper’s Hands created by bridge ironworker Ken Hopper. Many runners high-five this sign and turn around to run back.
Why is it great?
- San Francisco runs here include straight paved paths and piers, allowing you to run up and down enjoying beautiful views.
- This track has separate paths for cyclists, which means you can safely run without fear of colliding with representatives of another sport.
- You can visit parks where dogs are allowed off-leash or have a picnic in one of the grassy green areas. In other words, before or after training, leisure is provided.
5. Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge is suitable for lovers of breathtaking urban views. Its main charm is that the mileage of your workout can vary significantly.
For example, if you select only the bridge itself, you will cover approximately 1.7 miles. If you run from Crissy Fields over the bridge and back, you will increase your mileage to 5 miles. And if you are a fan of long runs, don’t turn back at the end of the bridge, but run further to the Marin Headlands, which will be as much as 11 miles.
Why is it great?
- The path on the bridge is paved and relatively flat (less than 1% grade), so if you only choose the bridge itself for a run, your workout will be manageable.
- The bridge has a protective barrier that separates vehicles from pedestrians, cyclists and joggers for everyone’s safety.
- You can take panoramic photos of the city as a keepsake (especially if you run in the morning when there are still few people).
6. Presidio
Presidio is a former military installation converted into a national park with various trails totaling 24 miles, perfect if you are training for San Francisco races. Depending on your chosen itinerary, you can explore local attractions such as the National Cemetery, Mountain Lake, Letterman Digital Arts Center, and the Walt Disney Family Museum.
Why is it great?
- You can easily and quickly develop your running route on the spot using the National Park Service map, which shows trails of different lengths.
- If you are a tourist staying at one of the motels along Lombard St. looking for “a running trail near me,” look no further.
- Most local roadways prohibit or restrict vehicle access thanks to the Presidio Slow Streets program. So traffic will not interfere with your workout!
7. Twin Peaks
If you are looking for San Francisco jogging trails for hill running, visit Twin Peaks. Thousand-pound elevation gain, 400-foot per mile climb, and 10-11% grades will give you a hardcore workout.
You can choose the loop up and around Twin Peaks for 5.26 miles or conquer the summit of Twin Peaks by running Twin Peaks Blvd for 1 mile. In any case, you will get an unforgettable experience.
Why is it great?
- The 360-degree view of the city, ocean, and bay is a popular spot for watching sunrises, sunsets, and fog.
- Golden Gate Park is 1 mile from Twin Peaks Blvd, allowing you to continue your workout while taking a break from the hills.
- This place is not crowded and, therefore, perfect for secluded workouts in the wild.
8. Lands End Trail
This almost 3.5-mile loop trail passes through the wooded section of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and offers excellent views of the Pacific Ocean and Golden Gate Bridge. In addition, athletes can experience some history with Sutro Baths, the Palace of the Legion of Honor Museum, and the USS San Francisco Memorial nearby.
Why is it great?
- Dogs are allowed and, in some places, can even be off-leash. So if you want to run with your dog, you are welcome.
- This trail is moderately difficult, making it “runnable” even for beginners.
- In addition to the main route, you will find many small trails. So you can extend your training in different picturesque corners.
9. Angel Island
Angel Island is definitely one of the top San Francisco running routes for those who love solitude and want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can get there in half an hour by ferry from Pier 41. But this little trip is really worth it.
Why is it great?
- The scenic and paved 5-mile loop runs neatly around the island’s perimeter and leaves no chance of getting lost.
- In addition to this loop, the island offers many hiking and cycling routes, the longest of which includes climbing to the top of the hill. Thus, runners can choose a path according to the desired distance and difficulty level.
- Fishing, swimming, and camping are available here. So you can go for a weekend and organize some great running and leisure time.
10. Sea Cliff Neighborhood
Sea Cliff is an upscale residential area between Lands End and Presidio routes in northwest San Francisco. The main track is Lake Street, which is 1.5 miles long. As you run, you’ll be able to take in the picturesque ocean landscape and stunning mansions all around you.
Why is it great?
- Like the Presidio, Lake Street is free of vehicles, which means you can run freely without restrictions.
- After finishing your run, you can head to China Beach nearby for a refreshment on a hot day.
Whether you’re a beginner runner or a seasoned athlete who loves challenges, San Francisco has the right track for everyone. If we missed one of your favorite local trails, tell us about it in the comments.
