Head to the Pismo Beach area for some wonderful, scenic running opportunities that include beaches, coastal bluffs, and trail running, and a multi-use path.
Pismo Beach. Creative Commons
Pismo Beach. The longest and most developed beach on the central coast. Start at the preserve or downtown and run south for miles and miles. It’s 12 miles to the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve. Fairly reliable compact sand, especially near low tide.
South Pallisades Park & Shell Bluff Trail. Located 3 miles north of Pismo Beach, a very scenic route on a paved path on the bluff above the beach in South Pallisades Park, connecting to the Shell Bluff Trail using Indigo Rd. It’s 1.8 miles from the Park to Pirate’s Cove. If you want to add a scenic, killer hill loop back, take the Ontario Ridge Trail back — a 600 foot climb over 1 mile, but a fun descent as a reward. ROUTE MAP (with Ontario Ridge).
Bob Jones Trail. 3 miles out and back. For a short but flat off road run, the Bob Jones trail is a good option. Paved multi-use path that runs from Avila/Pismo KOA right off the 101, west to the golf course. Offers some nice shade as well. ROUTE MAP
Head to the Pismo Beach area for some wonderful, scenic running opportunities that include beaches, coastal bluffs, and trail running, and a multi-use path.
Pismo Beach. Creative Commons
Pismo Beach. The longest and most developed beach on the central coast. Start at the preserve or downtown and run south for miles and miles. It’s 12 miles to the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve. Fairly reliable compact sand, especially near low tide.
South Pallisades Park & Shell Bluff Trail. Located 3 miles north of Pismo Beach, a very scenic route on a paved path on the bluff above the beach in South Pallisades Park, connecting to the Shell Bluff Trail using Indigo Rd. It’s 1.8 miles from the Park to Pirate’s Cove. If you want to add a scenic, killer hill loop back, take the Ontario Ridge Trail back — a 600 foot climb over 1 mile, but a fun descent as a reward. ROUTE MAP (with Ontario Ridge).
Bob Jones Trail. 3 miles out and back. For a short but flat off road run, the Bob Jones trail is a good option. Paved multi-use path that runs from Avila/Pismo KOA right off the 101, west to the golf course. Offers some nice shade as well. ROUTE MAP
There is some spectacular beach running on California's central coast. Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, and Morro Bay feature miles of rugged, undeveloped beach, with reliably firm, compact sand near low tide.
San Luis Obispo is an attractive town on the central coast, 11 miles inland from the Pacific. Pleasant running downtown in numerous historic districts, and scenic but hilly running in the numerous hills and open spaces in town and right nearby.
Wonderfully scenic running in the hills in and around SLO. Poly Canyon trails are a favorite. Rugged trails around Bishops Peak and Irish Hills Preserve. Flatter options in the Laguna Lake Open Space. For a hilly road run, see our route just behind Cal Poly.
One of the most spectacular places for running on California's Central Coast. There are scenic coastal paths, beaches, and hills. A variety of gentler terrain, and some hillier, more challenging trails. Something for everyone!
One of our favorite running spots on the central California coast. There's something for everyone here: gorgeous beach running, a coastal road/path, scenic and challenging trail running in the hills above the bay, and some decent running in town.
You might go to San Simeon to visit the Hearst Castle, but there's some lovely running in this area. Our favorite spot is trails of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Also good running in San Simon State Park, and some sections of Highway 1.
Huge & gorgeous area 90 minutes from San Luis Obispo is a worth-it destination run. Known for white alkali flats of Soda Lake, Painted Rock, vast open grasslands, and a broad plain rimmed by mountains. FAMOUS for wildflowers, in season!
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