Near L.A.: Orange County, Pasadena, & More

Los Angeles is really one megalopolis, especially heading south and including Anaheim, Irvine, and Long Beach south to practically San Diego. Here, we’ve included some suggestions for running in areas where business travelers might end up, or particular ‘destination’ runs if you have the time.

Irvine/Orange County
A trip to “L.A.” might mean you’re in Irvine/Orange County, where there is a huge concentration of businesses. There are great places to run here, but dispersed. We’ve mapped 15+ of the best routes – Huntington Beach, Santa Ana River Trail, Laguna Niguel, & more!

Newport Beach
Great running along the beach and on the Balboa Peninsula. Part of our extensive Orange County Guide.

Laguna Niguel/Dana Point
Really lovely spot along the water. A great run down here is Strands Revetment Trail to Dana Strand Rd. to the Dana Point Headlands trails, and then along Dana Cove Rd. around the Dana Point Harbor. Part of our extensive Orange County Guide.

Pasadena
28 miles from the airport, 12 miles from downtown. The two runs to do in Pasadena are The Rose Bowl Loop and a run around the lovely Bungalow Heaven neighborhood.

Santa Barbara
90 miles north of L.A. If you have time, or get stuck in L.A. for a weekend, etc., Santa Barbara is a worthy running ‘destination’. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to running in Santa Barbara, inclusing

• Ellwood Shores. Great running by the ocean
• Jesusita Trail up to Inspiration Point, 8 miles RT. Continue down the other side of Inspiration Point, grabbing the Tunnel Trail, which finishes near 3,995-foot La Cumbre Peak, the highest point in Santa Barbara, for an added 3.5 miles one way
• Bluffs Overlook Trail runs right along the cliffs. Access at  Ellwood Elementary School
• Hope Ranch neighborhood. Fabulous running neighborhood with upscale homes
• Cabrillo Boulevard. Pleasant, palm-lined coast run.