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San Francisco Waterfront - San Francisco, CA

Our week in California was packed with miles--hiking, walking, running--and so I did not have any expectations of logging my usual weekly long run. (The day before we arrived in San Francisco, we'd gone on an epic hike, so the legs weren't exactly feeling fresh.) Yet, on our first morning, we managed an 11 mile run. California sure is beautiful, and that can definitely keep you running...perhaps, like me, even longer than you expected!

From our hotel in Union Square, we headed straight for the water and entered at the Ferry Building. We took a left, ran through the Embarcadero (good people watching!), through Chrissy Field, took a detour for a Golden Gate Bridge photo op (see below), cut through the Presidio down to Baker Beach, then made our exit near Lobos Creek. Phew!


Clear views of the Golden Gate Bridge on our unexpected long run along the San Francisco waterfront.

Our original idea was to do a quick out-and-back along the water, but once we saw the Golden Gate Bridge at a distance, we just had to keep going! That long run was a fantastic introduction to San Francisco, and a mini-version of that run--which also included going to the right of the Ferry Building/to AT&T Park--became our morning routine while staying there.

Another, less healthy, part of our routine was two ice cream trips per day, and a mission of finding the best burrito in the Mission District. (My husband votes Roosevelt Tamale Parlor, I vote San Jalisco.)

The Run Down 


  • Type: Running route
  • Distance: 11 miles (easy to shorten or lengthen)
  • Location: San Francisco waterfront
  • Terrain: Flat...unlike the rest of that hilly city!
  • Hydration/nutrition: Some public water fountains at beaches/in parks
  • Bathrooms: Some public restrooms at beaches/in parks
  • Other conditions to consider: It can get windy! Pack your wind breaker to stay comfortable, and if you do an out-and-back, get the windy part over with first.
  • Recommended? Yes.
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