There are plenty of ways to get your adrenaline fix under the San Francisco sun, like sailing in the bay or driving a fast car down the 101. For me, though, the simple joy of a quiet scenic run is the best (and the most affordable — just sayin’).
Whether you’re a newbie runner lacing up your shoes for the first time, a seasoned marathoner, or part of the mysterious breed known as the ultrarunner (bless your hearts, my brave and freakish friends), you’ll quickly find that this seven-by-seven-mile city and the surrounding area have many stunning and unique running routes.
If you’re interested in the road less traveled, take a peek at the routes listed below (and feel free to add your favorites in the comments).
Presidio Loop
Total distance: 6.5–7 miles
Directions to start point
Route
Get out of the city without actually getting out of the city. The Presidio loop is one of my all-time favorite routes in San Francisco, and it has nothing to do with my bias from having lived in this neighborhood for two years.
The Presidio is a labyrinth of soft paths sprinkled with pine needles and covered by towering Cypress trees. You can connect the trails in infinite ways to make up your own favorite route.
Enter through the Presidio Gate en route to Presidio Boulevard. From Presidio Boulevard, hop onto Lovers’ Lane (pictured above).
Turn right onto MacArthur Avenue, then left onto Lincoln Boulevard. Follow that to striking views of the city and Crissy Field as you run along the Presidio Promenade.
You’ll jet past vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge before ducking under the tunnel and back onto Lincoln Boulevard.
From Lincoln Boulevard, dip down onto the coastal bluffs for sweeping panoramas of the Pacific Ocean before climbing a short but steep staircase that brings you up to Washington Boulevard. Follow this road to Arguello Gate, and turn left onto Pacific Avenue, closing the loop as you head back to the Presidio Gate.
Just watch out for the wildlife, as there have been recent mountain-lion sightings.
City Love
Total distance: 7.5–8 miles
Directions to start point
Route
If you love running in the city but hate waiting for stoplights to turn green, this is the route for you.
From the top of the Lyon Street steps, you’ll fly down Pacific Street (note that this is a low-traffic street with minimal stoplights). When your eyes have had their fill of the Victorianhomes with well-manicured lawns and fountains that line the street, take a peek at the sweeping views of the bay (on your left) at each cross street.
Once you’re on the Embarcadero, consider running on the inland side of the street to avoid the obstacle course of tourists. You’ll make your way through Aquatic Park, which harbors old, creaky ships, through Fort Mason (an old military site that’s now residential), and along Marina Boulevard, where you can gawk at the majestic Golden Gate Bridge.
If you’re feeling like channeling your inner Rocky, finish strong with a sprint up the Lyon Street steps. The views from the top (not to mention the climb itself) will take your breath away.
Coastal Cruise
Total distance: 9.5 miles
Directions to start point
Route
If you’re looking for a great coastal run without leaving the city, this route is a gem. Start by the Ocean Beach parking lot, and work your way up the winding Great Highway (appropriately named for the infinite and magnificent ocean views it offers). You’ll pass the historic Cliff House (now a delectable brunch spot for those who like lobster and a view for breakfast) and work your way to Lands End. This mostly dirt trail includes one extreme staircase climb that rivals the Lyon Street steps.
You’ll jet through Sea Cliff before reaching the Presidio. Frolic through the Presidio path until you reach the Golden Gate Bridge, the halfway point. When you’ve gotten your fill of the view, turn around and head back to the Cliff House and the Ocean Beach parking lot — and maybe stop for a quick bite of lobster as a reward.
Kirby Cove Cavort
Total distance: 7.7 miles
Directions to start point
Route
I stumbled upon one of the North Bay’s best-kept secrets — Kirby Cove — on what I like to call an “adventure run” (you know, the kind during which you make up the route as you go, and half the time you end up in someone’s backyard).
Kirby Cove is an Alice in Wonderland–esque backyard of sorts. The steep trail down to the waterfront is lined with calla lilies, and a rope swing hangs from the lone tree on the beach. If you’re like me, you’ll want to calculate in some serious swing time before you make the trek back up to the main road.
Rodeo Beach Loop
Total distance: 9.7 miles
Directions to start point
Route
Rent a Zipcar and take a quick 25-minute trip over the bridge. You can find parking fairly easily in the lot at the trailhead between Conzelman and McCullough Roads (just off the roundabout).
Here you will find all the butterflies, equestrian stables, and phenomenal views of Rodeo Beach that your heart desires. There are plenty of intersecting trails, so you can cut your run short — if necessary — or extend it to soak up that runner’s high.
Tilden Regional Park
Total distance: 14 miles
Directions to start point
Route
Try this 14-mile loop, or create your own adventure by connecting the trails to make your own route.
From San Francisco, Tilden Park is about a 35-minute drive east — and well worth the journey. This 2,079-acre regional park offers soft trails; smooth, rolling hills; and plenty of nature. The wild turkeys here travel in packs and might just try to run alongside you until they tire out.
Redwood Regional Park
Total distance: 9.7 miles
Directions to start point
Route
If you ever want to feel humbled, try standing next to a 1,000-year-old Redwood tree. Or better yet, go for a run through a forest of them in Redwood Regional Park. Roughly a 30-minute drive from the city, this quick trip is well worth it to run among nature’s giants. Just be sure to pace yourself on the way back, as the hill’s a doozy.
Once you’ve conquered each of these runs, keep your sense of adventure alive by exploring more great Bay Area trails. Organizations like the San Francisco Running Company and Presidio Sports Basement put on weekly group runs that are free and welcome to all levels of talent.
Lace up your shoes and hit the trails!
