Top Places to Run in San Diego

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Top Places to Run In San Diego

Basically, all runners, new or pros, love a great scenic view when running. You want to see mountains, beaches, and lakes while you run. Luckily, for people who reside in San Diego or are visiting, the list of scenic places to run are endless. 

With the sun shining for most days of the year, the captivating mountain views, lush fields, and amazing beaches, you wouldn’t want to stop running! If you’re wondering where exactly these scenic places are, here is a comprehensive list of top places you can and should go for a run in San Diego. 

  • Sunset Cliffs

Sunset cliffs in the Point Loma community, San Diego, is one of the best places to go for a run. The cliff right on the side of the ocean, stretches for miles, giving you as many miles as you need for your run. The cliff is also windy, providing you with a great atmosphere for your run. 

When running, you can enjoy the breathtaking view which serves as a great motivation. Sunset Cliffs is also a top running spot because you can also choose to hike down the cliffs after a run. At the end of it all, you can rest atop the cliff and enjoy the view or go for a quick swim in the ocean. 

  • Lake Murray

Lake Murray is definitely one of the top places to go for a run in San Diego. The trail is long and smooth, right between a mountain and the lake. It’s usually a very peaceful place to run. You also get to enjoy a very scenic view of the skies meeting up with the water in a distance. 

Along the running trails are beautiful flowers which can boost your morale during your run. The water and view also have a calming effect after your run and you can be sure to want to hang around for a few minutes before packing up to head back home.

  • Coronado Beach

Considering it’s names as one of the finest beaches in the Americas, it’s only ideal that Coronado beach is a great place for a run. The beach has lovely white sand which is just as good for lounging as it is for running. You can begin your run from the end of the road close to Hotel Del Coronado and get a four mile run down at the end of the beach. 

For a little challenge, you can spend more time running on the beach sand. Sunrise and sunset are the best times of the day to enjoy an amazing view of the beach so you can schedule your workout between those periods.

  • Mission Bay Boardwalk

Another top place to run is along Mission Bay Boardwalk. Mission Bay Boardwalk is near Belmont Park and gives you miles and miles of workout with a great view in the mix. You can begin the run from Mission Bay down to Crystal Pier and if you feel like adding some more miles, you can head down to La Jolla. 

If you prefer running in the company of people, this place is a great option. The route is always filled with runners, joggers, strollers and other people just going about their usual businesses. After your run, there are a lot of spots where you can stop by for ice-cream or coffee. 

  • Torrey Pine State Reserve

Torrey Pine State Reserve has one of the biggest landscapes along South California with 2,000 acres. The park is a great place for all kinds of athletic activities from running to hiking. For runners with little experience, the park has trails which are quite easy to run on. 

You can also choose to walk to the top and then run back down to the base for a little twist to your workout. While running in the evenings, you can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset from the park.

  • Balboa Park

Balboa Park is known in San Diego for its fun event centers like museums and botanical gardens. It’s also a great place to go for a run. The park has a very long trail of over 60 miles with a lot of different route options for you to choose from. 

You can decide to jog along the buildings or close to the woods. One of the best things about Balboa Park is that it provides you with a lot of running options. You can make a plan to change running routes each time and still get a good run at all times. 

  • Fiesta Island Park

If you enjoy taking your dog on runs with you occasionally, Fiesta Island park is definitely a great option for you. The park is great for day time runs with its five mile hike. Apart from running, there are a ton of other activities to be carried out in the park such as water skiing and kayaking. 

Its trail is also a big loop so you can run for a longer mile than the 5 miles it has provided. While running you can also enjoy a scenic view or watch horse owners ride around with their horses.

  • Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument is a great place for a short run with great views of Point Loma and the bay. Starting from the old lighthouse, the trail provides you with a 2.5 mile run. If you want to add climbing to your workouts, there is a 240ft climb in elevation. After your run, you can stop at the Liberty Public Market for some food and drinks.

With all these amazing running points and sceneries available in San Diego, running on a treadmill should be out of the question. The favorable weather all year long, combined with long mile trails and sidewalks are signs you should never have to carry out your workouts indoors. If you weren’t big on running in the past, give it a try in any of these places and watch yourself fall in love with running!