San Francisco is 48 square miles and boasts running trails all over the city! There’s plenty of variety including hills, trails, and beaches, so finding something that works for you isn’t hard at all.
Ocean Beach – Located on the west side of the Golden Gate bridge this area offers a different feel. Most of the time, the weather conditions on this side of the bridge tend to be a little more cold and foggy. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the awesome views of the ocean. There are a few options for running here including right along the beach, a paved path between highway 1 and the beach, as well as an interior path located on the east side of highway 1.
The Presidio – This former military installation offers plenty of trails for running with a variety of hills, vistas, and woods to explore. The Presidio is a National Park that in itself encompasses multiple popular running spots; it also serves as a connection between the Marina and Pacific Heights neighborhoods. A majority of the routes here are hilly with spectacular views. A map provided by the National Parks system lays out The Presidio. On the map you’ll find popular running options like Crissy Field, Lover’s Lane, and the Mountain Lake Trail.
Golden Gate Park – There are plenty of running options throughout Golden Gate Park ranging from perimeter roads to trail running. The Golden Gate Polo Fields is a nice option for running and cycling. If you want a great pace run, Kezar Stadium (located in the park) has a cement track and is the former home of the San Francisco 49’ers. You can get creative with your runs here because there’s no particular route to follow. The park also offers plenty of non- running activities as well including, botanical gardens, the De Young Museum of Asian Art, tennis courts, and a disc golf course. For more information on the park check out this map.
Angel Island – This island is a state park that’s only accessible by ferry, but don’t let that discourage you. On the island enjoy a run free of traffic with great views! A five-mile loop goes around the perimeter of the park however, there are other options for running. If you like hills take the North Ridge Trail to the top of the island for a great overlook of the entire area. This running spot is perfect for weekend runs with a ferry running regularly from Pier 41.