San Francisco is a runner’s paradise. California’s Bay Area hotspot has ideal running weather and gorgeous scenery to take in along the way. The city has an active and enthusiastic running community, which welcomes seasoned athletes and newcomers alike. Best of all the city is home to many running tracks, parks, and trails that are suitable for a variety of running styles and skill levels. If you are looking for the best running tracks in san francisco, look no further than these options.
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Kezar Stadium
The former home of the San Francisco 49ers features not just one but two running tracks. Kezar Stadium, which is tucked inside Golden Gate Park, is a favorite among local runners for a number of reasons. In fact, Kezar Stadium has 4.5 stars on Yelp with most reviewers raving about the track and facilities. The primary 8-lane, quarter-mile track circles a football field often used for soccer practices. This is an all-weather, slightly cushioned track, which is perfect for a lower-impact run. The second track is slightly uphill of the primary track and is a single lane, one-third mile, asphalt loop. Start your visit by grabbing free on-street parking, or pull into the nearby paid lot for $6 – $8. Access to Kezar Stadium is free and there are ample restrooms which can be used to change clothes. This well-maintained, clean stadium is open from 5:30AM to 10:00PM seven days a week and is well-lit for safe after-dark runs.
Golden Gate Park
Surrounding Kezar Stadium is the iconic Golden Gate Park. The facility is easily a front runner among the best running tracks in San Francisco. The park offers a variety of trails, which weave between ponds, fields, a Japanese Tea Garden and a Botanical Garden. However, the best, and most clearly marked running path is the Perimeter Loop. This 7.3-mile track is beautiful, yet intense, thanks to a 500-feet elevation gain. Along the way, you’ll pass a pond, thousands of trees and, perhaps more importantly, clean restrooms. Since this park is a favorite within the running community, you are sure to meet many other runners on the trails. This is an ideal place to expand your network of running friends to meet up with a running club. The 1,017-acre park offers several parking options, all of which make convenient starts to your workout.
While there is free street parking available, it fills up fast and isn’t a reliable option. Instead, opt for the Kezar Stadium lot, or the Main Concourse Garage which is located at the south entrance is is open from 7am – 7pm all year long. If you run with a furry friend, Golden Gate park is the spot for you, since leashed dogs are welcome on all the trails and pathways. Every area of Golden Gate Park is well-lit and safe for both late-night runs and midday miles.
Cox Stadium at San Francisco State University
The home of the San Francisco Gators track and soccer teams is also open to runners looking for a well-maintained all-weather track. The track, and the surrounding facilities, got a much-needed facelift in 2019, making this one of the best running tracks in San Francisco. Though Cox Stadium is light on facilities, since you won’t find any changing rooms or café facilities onsite, the upgraded running surface more than makes up for the lack of luxuries. Access to this state-of-the-art running track is free, though you may need to share the space with the university’s track teams. Cox Stadium is easy to find and is located behind the Gymnasium Building in the northern end of the campus, on Holloway street. There is ample parking, so you won’t need to walk far before starting your run. However, expect to shall out a few bucks for the parking meters.
Crissy Field
It may not boost an ultra-sophisticated running surface, but Crissy Field is what San Francisco running is all about. This previous Air Force facility and modern-day park features views of the Gold Gate bridge and the Headlands. The park features a mix of paved paths and gravel trails which are sure to satisfy all styles of runners. At the west end of the park, the Warming Hut offers drinks, snacks and sandwiches and is an ideal spot for mid-run fueling or a post-run cool-down. To make the most of your visit, set off on the Crissy Field to Hooper’s Hands path. This 3.2-mile round-trip is the perfect training run on a relatively flat terrain. You’ll run along gravel paths though the park’s wildlife habitat to Fort Point. The turn-around point on the 150-year-old military base is clearly signaled by a plague. On the way back, take in views of the marine headlands for a inspiring end of your workout.
Lake Merced
For waterside running, where fantastic scenery is sure to distract you from your run, head to Lake Merced. The full loop around the lake features 4.5 miles of both paved and dirt tracks. If you are short on time, of just want a shorter run, detour across the bridge which spans the lakes southern tip. This alteration decreases the distance by half but is arguably the more scenic route which makes the most of the coastal breezes. Whichever route you opt for, Lake Merced offers a relatively flat run with just a few slight inclines.
The Lake Merced running track is both stroller-friendly and dog-friendly, which makes this an ideal run for the whole family. Perhaps the best part of the running track is its location in an upscale residential area. Because Lake Merced is situated outside of the tourist areas of the city, you’ll find local runners and hikers focused on their workouts, rather than selfie-snapping visitors. When you arrive, two free parking lots, one at each end of the park, along Lake Merced Boulevard serve as convenient starting points. The running tracks and trails at Lake Merced are clean, well-maintained, and moderately well-lit. However, there are a few spots that lack sufficient light, so solo runners might save this one for daytime miles.
Conclusion
This concludes the comprehensive review and guide to best best San Francisco running tracks. I hope this information helped to find the best running track near you, which suits your purposes.