San Francisco

The Embarcadero and Crissy Field offer waterfront runs without the city’s steepest hills. Blue Heron Lake gives you a shorter park option among the trees of Golden Gate Park.

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The numbers mark each start. Distances exclude the journey from your accommodation.

Map of San Francisco with three numbered running-route starts. — San Francisco · north is upOpen full-size map

Embarcadero

Financial District & Fisherman’s Wharf

6.9 km Out & back

Crissy Field

Marina & Presidio

2.7 km Out & back

Blue Heron Lake

Golden Gate Park

1.7 km Loop

Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenFreeMap · OpenMapTiles

Where to run in San Francisco

Embarcadero

Piers and ferry landings mark a longer bay-side route from downtown to the northern waterfront.

Approx. distance6.9 km

Underfoot

Paved pedestrian paths

Start here

At the Ferry Building waterfront promenade.

Follow the Embarcadero to the Aquatic Park waterfront, then return along the same path.

Getting there

Walk from the Embarcadero BART/Muni station to the signed public path.

Before you go

Watch for streetcar crossings, pier traffic and dense crowds around Fisherman’s Wharf.

Park / route information

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Directions to the start Download GPX

Crissy Field

The marsh, open bay and Golden Gate Bridge replace downtown’s working piers.

Approx. distance2.7 km

Underfoot

Paved paths and compacted natural surfaces

Start here

At the Crissy Field East Beach promenade.

Follow the Golden Gate Promenade west past the marsh to its junction with the Mason Street approach at West Beach, then return along the same path.

Getting there

Walk from the Mason Street/Crissy Field transit stops to the signed public path.

Before you go

Wind and fog can make it cool. Share the promenade with walkers and cyclists; this route turns before the Fort Point approach.

Park / route information

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Directions to the start Download GPX

Blue Heron Lake

The lake wraps around Strawberry Hill, making a compact alternative to the exposed bay paths.

Approx. distance1.7 km

Underfoot

Paved pedestrian paths

Start here

At the Blue Heron Lake boathouse path junction.

Follow the outer lakeside path around Strawberry Hill and return to the boathouse area.

Getting there

Take Muni to the Golden Gate Park area, then follow park paths to the Blue Heron Lake boathouse.

Before you go

The lake was formerly called Stow Lake. Boatshed construction is planned from mid-2027; check later notices and stay clear of the water’s edge.

Park / route information

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Directions to the start Download GPX

Get running directions on your phone

Choose a distance and start at your hotel. RunFromHere plans a loop back to your door and guides you along it. Download the area’s map before you leave to use it offline.

The app generates its own routes from your chosen start; it doesn’t open the routes in this guide.

More places to run

Presidio Promenade

Choose this inland trail for more climbing and a route through former military landscapes.

Park / route information

Lands End

Coastal trails bring steps and rougher footing; check current closures before extending a run.

Park / route information

Sources & route notes

Researched using the official visitor and park sources below; not checked on foot. Maps and GPX files use the same saved OpenStreetMap pedestrian paths. Distances are measured from that geometry and rounded for display; actual running distance can vary. Check local notices for access, gate hours and diversions.

Researched October 17, 2026