A former military installation, now a gorgeous park with miles of trails for walking and running. There are hills, wooded trails, and scenic vistas out to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. Also some great loop options involving Crissy Field.
Another great loop option involving the Presidio, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Golden Gate Promenade. Take the Presidio Promenade Path through the Presidio, then return along Crissy Field. Great views and variety.
Golden Gate Park is the left coast version of New York’s Central Park. The Park runs from Highway 1 at the ocean to the west, to the Haight-Ashbury area to the east.
This is a popular place for hill runs and sunset views. It’s about 1 mile to the summit of Twin Peaks, using Twin Peaks Blvd.
The Great Highway runs for 3.8 miles from the Cliff House to Lake Merced in the Sunset/Ocean Beach area. Closed to cars Friday noon to Monday 6am! Run on the road, beach, or interior bike path. Scenic & festive!
Some good running options just south of Great Highway/Ocean Beach. There's a 4.5 mile loop around Lake Merced, some nice trail running in Fort Funston including a 2-mile bike path, and pedestrian paths around the campus of SFSU.
A unique, traffic-free run with views and hills. Angel Island is in the middle of the Bay, accessible by ferry only. There's a 5 mile loop around the island, or a longer run can include the hill to the top. Other trail options too.
Three unbelievable runs. Marin Headlands/GG National Recreation area is challenging & hilly running just over the GG Bridge. Mt. Tam has a switchback fire road to the summit. And Point Reyes has spectacular trails and running options.