Ocean Views and Forested Trails: The Most Beautiful Running Routes in San Diego

bleed on a tread-wheel in San Diego is essentially a sacrilege thanks to all of the scenic spot to bring out . The weather is temperate nearly all year , and with miles of sidewalks , route , and trails , you basically never have an exculpation to be lead indoors . But when the whole city is much asking for you to run all over it , how can you perchance find the substantially - looking routes giving you the aesthetical encouragement to endure all the logged mile ? We establish the eight most beautiful running routes in the orbit to help you along .

Pacific Coast Highway

The PCH stretches throughout the urban center , so there are many unlike ways to undertake this run . For a flat four - ish Swedish mile run with sweeping views of the shoreline , begin at Swami ’s Reef and head to the south . The pedestrian path passes the San Elijo State Beach camping ground , with smoky campfire smell wafting through . Another flat route is in Carlsbad : the protected seawall and beach - side trail miss the ocean , and it runs the distance of the metropolis . Start anywhere in Carlsbad Village and go out - and - back ; then treat yourself to a meal in the hamlet .

Mission Bay

A flat pavement snakes around Mission Bay for a full 11 - mile loop , with plenty of different start points and frequently - changing view , and the boats sail on the water service as a welcome beguilement from the monotony of a tenacious run . The mile - markers on the pavement here are handy reminders , let you screw just how much ( or little , no judging ) you ’ve run . The Mungo Park is almost always full of dog - walkers , stroller pack , and families on bikes , so stay on your toes to avoid run into people . However , the pedestrian itinerary is full enough that there ’s rarely a traffic crush .

Balboa Park

Sure , it ’s one of the most popular tourer destinations in the metropolis , but it ’s also possible to receive some purdah on the throng of trails to get your exertion on in pacification . For a flat , well - pave run , start up at Sixth Ave and Upas St and comply the pavement . The run goes through the heart of Balboa Park , so hedge tourists becomes a game . For a more secluded sashay , take the pronounced track at the same starting point and follow the cherry diamonds for a rugged six - miler that finishes on the remote Bridle Trail .

Cabrillo National Monument

San Diego ’s only interior monument has a light trail with wholesale views of Point Loma and the bay . Out and back , the Bayside Trail is 2.5 miles , and starts at the old lighthouse . It may be short , but there ’s a 240 ft climbing in elevation , so you ’ll definitely be sweating by the end of it , length be damned . There are also lots of scenic lookout point to stop and do bodyweight exercises in case the incline was n’t enough . Afterwards , Liberty Public Market is n’t far away , so you may refuel with a good beer andsome good food .

Sunset Cliffs

The expansive ocean , the shoreline , the halt cliffsides – Sunset Cliffs has all the quintessential San Diego views . The track is locate straight above the sea , separated from traffic . When the lunar time period is low , the reefs supply a tranquil background ; the sea breeze is n’t a terrible incentive either . The trail is about a mile , and has two start head . Park at either the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park or in one of the few wads near Sunset Cliffs Blvd and Osprey St. For a longer run , extend on Sunset Blvd into Ocean Beach and head to the wharfage .

Torrey Pines

Torrey Pines is one of the most popular nature preserves in the city , and with good reason . More than 2,000 acres of natural land were go under aside to leave San Diegans a time out from development . run through the winding trails , it ’s easy to get a sense of what California was like before all the motorway came along . Build your own run here , as there are many track and distances , from half - mile to 5 + naut mi loop topology . go at the beach and work your room up the bluff - side trail , or manoeuvre up the super - steep paved route and take one of the many trail head downward . There is spare parking , but to preserve you the hassle of finding a post that might not be where you require to start your run , there ’s a paid lot that costs anywhere between $ 10-$15 , depend on the sidereal day and time of year .

Cowles Mountain

At nearly 1,600 ft high , Cowles Mountain is one of the marvelous blossom in San Diego . On a unclouded day , you could see Mexico , the ocean , and most of our comely metropolis . At only three mile , this trail may not be with child for hard-core athletes , but the scene at the top is unlike any other in the metropolis – there may not be an " urban " persist more sensational . The track can be rocky , so by sharpen on not slipping , you ’ll capture three naut mi before you know it .

Blue Sky Ecological Reserve

Nearby Mount Woodson with Potato Chip Rock tends to get all the love in Poway , but Blue Sky Ecological Reserve is an unnoted ball carrier ’s Eden . There are shadowiness canopies , trail traffic incline to be light , and there ’s a drainage basin all the agency at the top . No swimming is technically " allowed " in the drainage area , so we would never recommend bring a floatie to bask a brief swim after a long running play . But leashed dogsareallowed , so you may bring a running mate that wo n’t mock you ( hopefully ) . The political campaign to Lake Ramona is about two Swedish mile from the trail head , making a full eyelet right around four .

running in San Diego