The Best Running Route in San Francisco

Written by
Melanie Clancy
This 4.8-mile route is the quintessential urban run, in one of the best active lifestyle cities in the world. While the famous hills of San Francisco may intimidate you out of packing your running shoes, this route manages to have only 450 feet of elevation rise, with a steep climb to the Golden Gate Bridge and then a fast and fun descent into Sausalito.

Make sure to pack: cash or debit card (a ferry ride costs $10.50), your phone for those classic Golden Gate Bridge selfies, and a light windbreaker, as the mornings can be nippy in San Francisco and—depending on the season—the ferry ride back to the wharf can be downright chilly.

You'll want to start this one early, as the foot and bicycle traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge can get crazy.
Crissy Field
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Start your run from Crissy Field in the Presidio neighborhood, part of the National Golden Gate Recreation Area. Not only does this waterfront park on the northern coast of the city have jaw-dropping views, it's also where the locals go to play.
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From Crissy Field
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Head west on Old Mason Street. Turn left toward Crissy Field Avenue. Turn right onto Crissy Field Avenue and right onto Lincoln Boulevard. Turn right onto Battery East Road.

Head northwest on Battery East Road toward Battery East Trail (0.61 mi). Continue onto Battery East Trail.
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Golden Gate Promenade
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Follow the inevitable foot traffic along the Golden Gate Promenade and climb up to the Golden Gate Bridge, where spectacular views of the Marin Headlands await.
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Marin Headlands
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Turn left toward Coastal Trail. Turn right toward Coastal Trail at 0.8 miles. Take the stairs. Turn right onto Coastal Trail. Turn left at 0.86 miles, then turn right and head southwest at 0.88 miles.
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Golden Gate Bridge
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Take your time along the three-mile bridge. Remember, you're standing on one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Forget about your Garmin and just soak in the view. Note: The Golden Gate Bridge is packed with pedestrians, cyclists and cars — take your earbuds out and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
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Vista Point
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Head left off the Golden Gate at 2.67 miles. As you cross the bridge, stop at Vista Point for a few more quick pics; then start the descent into the quaint seaside town of Sausalito. Your descent will bring you back to the waterfront, where you can keep going to the Sausalito Ferry Terminal and catch your ride back to shore; but we recommend browsing the local boutiques and grabbing lunch before heading back to the city.
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Breathtaking views
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Head north toward Alexander Avenue and turn right on Alexander. Continue onto South Street. Take a slight right onto 2nd Street. Turn right onto Richardson Street. Richardson Street turns slightly left and becomes Bridgeway. Turn right onto El Portal Street.
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Sausalito Ferry
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The ride across the bay puts San Francisco on a gorgeous pedestal, as the steep city streets paint an unforgettable vista and fog rolls over the surrounding mountains.
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Fisherman's Wharf
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The ferry will drop you at Fisherman's Wharf, another popular attraction worth visiting. We recommend stopping by the Buena Vista Café to toast your success with one of their famous Irish coffees.
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Run San Francisco
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Check out the full San Francisco running route from MapMyRun.
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