Best Running Routes in San Francisco

San Francisco rewards runners with some of the most scenic — and hilly — routes anywhere, from crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to the flat waterfront of the Embarcadero and the leafy paths of Golden Gate Park. Between the bay views, the famous hills, and the cool, foggy climate, running here is unforgettable. Here are the routes to put on your list.

Golden Gate Bridge and Crissy Field

The classic San Francisco run takes you along Crissy Field's flat waterfront path with stunning bay views, then up to and across the Golden Gate Bridge. Running the bridge — roughly 1.7 miles each way — is a bucket-list experience, with the Pacific on one side and the bay on the other. Go early to beat the crowds and the fog, and bring a layer for the wind.

The Embarcadero waterfront

For flat, scenic miles, the Embarcadero runs along the bay on the city's eastern edge, past piers and the Ferry Building with views of the Bay Bridge. It's an ideal route for steady runs where you want to avoid San Francisco's notorious hills, and it connects to other waterfront paths for extended distances.

Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach

• Golden Gate Park: miles of paths through gardens, meadows, and trees, stretching west toward the ocean.
• Ocean Beach: a long, flat stretch along the Pacific at the park's western end.
• The Presidio: wooded trails and hills with bridge and bay views.

More San Francisco running spots

Beyond the headliners, the city offers superb running at Lands End (dramatic coastal trails), the Marina Green, and the climb up to Twin Peaks for panoramic views. Whether you want flat waterfront miles or a calf-burning hill workout with a view, San Francisco delivers in spectacular fashion.