Best Running in San Diego

Looking for the best running in San Diego? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around San Diego. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the incredible Outbound community.

Hike the Rose Canyon Trail

This hike is open year-round but is especially beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming and the spring is running. This trail offers good entry level mountain biking, with mostly flat well maintained trails and a couple of challen...

8.9 miles 725 ft gain

Hike to the Rope Swing in Tecolote Canyon

Tecolote Canyon offers a great opportunity to explore nature right in the heart of San Diego, whether it is a hike, run, or bike ride on the trails. But the best kept secret is perhaps a rope swing over the creek! The main trail starts off at Te...

4.4 miles

Hike the Fortuna Mountain Trail

The Fortuna Mountain Trail is an easy drive from San Diego. The waterfall is most visible in the spring or after heavy rains. The trail is accessible year-round, and allows dogs that are kept on leash. Print out trail maps before getting started ...

6.2 miles 1459 ft gain

Hike to South Fortuna Peak

Hiking at sunset/night is a great way to beat both the heat and the crowds. On a clear day you can see from Mexico to Catalina Island! If you stay long enough, you can see all of San Diego's city lights turn on, or the marine layer fog creep into ...

5 miles 1000 ft gain

Hike the Balboa Park Trails

The Balboa Park Trail offers the chance to see wildlife and is open year-round. The trail is shared by runners, families, hikers, and bikers. Dogs are able to use the trail but must be kept on leash. There is a dog park you will pass by.

4.3 miles 459 ft gain

Hike the Visitor Center Loop Trail

The Visitor Center Loop Trail is a 1.4 mile hike in San Diego that features river views and allows dogs. This trail allows for the practice of a variety of activities: rock climbing, mountain biking, trail running, birding, camping horseback ridin...

1.4 miles 190 ft gain

Stroll the Visitor Center Loop Trail

The Visitor Center Loop Trail is a well maintained, quick hike with shady spots scattered along the path. This hike is great for kids and dog owners. There is a great network of connecting trails if you wish to extend the distance! Dogs are allowe...

1.4 miles 170 ft gain

Run the Convention Center Stairs

This is a great spot to get in a workout and to get some fresh air. The stairs are around 100 steps to the top, so if you're feeling good, you can get a few rounds in. In terms of safety, there are usually people around the convention center, so y...

Hike the Lake Miramar Trail

The Lake Miramar Trail allows dogs on leash. This is a great location for trail runners looking to do some training or for parents with younger children. This trail is accessible year-round, but is best used in the mornings or late evenings durin...

4.9 miles 173 ft gain

Hike the Beach Trail at Torrey Pines State Reserve

I'm stoked for those of you to find this adventure! Torrey Pines is home to a species of tree that is one of the most rare native pines in the United States. Below I have directions on how to get to the trail head as well as the parking lot to pa...

2 miles 364 ft gain

Hike to Pyles Peak

Most people who live in San Diego have heard of, if not hiked, Cowles Mountain.At 1591 ft., Cowles is the highest peak in the city of San Diego. It's a hugely popular destination for day hikers and trail runners looking to get in a little trail ti...

Catch a Sunset at Coronado Beach

Photograph the iconic and historic Hotel Del and Coronado Beach on Coronado Island. The Del is a beautiful Victorian resort, which is the second largest wooden structure in the United States. The Del offers amazing photo opportunities during sunse...

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