Favorite Routes by Theme

Favorite Seafront Promenades: North America

Running along a wide path with a view of the sea is a favorite for many runners. Our ‘seafront promenades‘ category has nearly 200 of these types of routes, worldwide. Here, we choose 20 of our favorites in North America. The criteria: must be along an ocean, or one of the Great Lakes (not a river), at least 2 miles long, not on the road, and feature unobstructed views of the water. Note: these are listed in alphabetical order, by location.

Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

Big Sur/Monterey/Carmel, CA

The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, which spans the coast of Monterey between Pacific Grove and Castroville, is a beautiful 18 mile former railway, which is now a two lane path leading to some of the most notable tourist attractions in the area.

Brooklyn – Coney Island

New York City: Boroughs

Coney Island is the quintessential New York attraction, from the beach to the boardwalk to the rides at Luna Park. The boardwalk is approximately 2.5 miles from end to end.

Chicago Lakefront Path

Chicago: Downtown & Central

This 18-mile trail is one of the most spectacular urban runs in the country. Gorgeous views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline, urban beaches, marinas, and beautiful parks, passing by some of the city’s famous cultural institutions.

Seawall Urban Park

Galveston, TX

Run the longest continuous sidewalk in the United States, while enjoying splendid ocean views! Seawall Urban Park is the sidewalk along Seawall Blvd. on Galveston's Gulf (south) side . Good water views the whole way. A festive scene.

Halifax Waterfront

Halifax, Nova Scotia

A wonderful run along the Halifax waterfront. Dedicated boardwalk most of the way, with great views of the water and harbour. Lots of great shops, restaurants, and important Halifax sights along the way.

Jersey Shore Boardwalks

Jersey Shore, NJ

The Jersey Shore is famous for its boardwalks, and the longer ones are great for running. Great ocean views, people watching, and entertainment. Our favorites: Atlantic City, Wildwood, Avalon to Belmar, and Seaside. Might have to dodge the crowds in summer.

Santa Monica Beach to Venice Beach

Los Angeles, CA

One of the iconic sections of the Marvin Braude path. Starting at Santa Monica Pier, 3.3 miles to Venice Beach, ending at Washington Blvd. Includes Muscle Beach, the famed outdoor basketball courts, and Venice Skatepark.

Miami Beach

Miami, FL

One of the great urban beaches. The wide sand beach stretches for nearly ten miles from south to north with a running path along most of the way. South Beach is where the action is .

Eastern Promenade Trail

Portland, ME

One of Portland’s centerpieces, running from downtown, along the water, to Back Cove. The waterfront trail is built along an old rail corridor and offers spectacular harbor and ocean views.

La Marginal de Arecibo (Boardwalk)

Puerto Rico

The cement walkway/boardwalk along Avenida Victor Rojas in Arecibo on Puerto Rico's northern coast offers stunning ocean views. It's nearly 2 miles between the bridge over the Río Grande to the point of Obrero. A great spot for a sunset run.

Mission Beach-Pacific Beach

California Coast: All Routes

San Diego’s fabulous beaches are part of the city’s fabric. The signature run is the Oceanfront Boardwalk, a 3.5 mile paved path from North Pacific Beach to South Mission Beach.

Crissy Field to Fort Point

California Coast: All Routes

The run along Chrissy Field from Fort Mason to Fort Point is one of the great urban runs of the world. Water views the whole way. Heading north, views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands, and south, the SF skyline.

Santa Barbara Waterfront Run

California Coast: All Routes

The classic Santa Barbara run, through the most Instagram-worthy spots in the city: Andree Clark Bird Refuge, the Cabrillo bike path, Stearns Wharf Pier, and Butterfly Beach. Lots of options for variety - can add Harbor & Shoreline Dr. for extra 2+ miles.

West Cliff Drive

Santa Cruz, CA

Wonderful coastal running along a multi-use path that runs from Municipal Wharf to Natural Bridges State Park. It's 2.8 miles one-way. Great views, with Seal Rock/Lighthouse Point being one of the scenic highlights.

Tampa – Bayshore Linear Park Trail

Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL

Claimed to be the world’s longest continuous sidewalk, stretching 4.5 miles along the waterfront. Spectacular views of the Bay and the downtown skyline. Fountains, fitness stations, mile markets. The neighborhoods inside the path are also gorgeous for running.

Martin Goodman Trail

Toronto, Ontario

The signature running trail along the Lake Ontario waterfront in Toronto. A great run from downtown is from Queen’s Quay to the Humber River Bridge, about 5 miles.

Scarborough Running Options

Toronto, Ontario

The iconic run in Scarborough is the waterfront path at Scarborough Bluffs, with great views of the cliffs and the waterfront. There's also a 10 km waterfront path between East Point Park and Frenchman's Bay. Trail runners will love Rouge River Park.

The Seawall

Vancouver, British Columbia

The 17-mile Seawall is the world longest uninterrupted waterfront path. Highlights include the Stanley Park loop, False Creek, and the Seaside area.