From downtown streets to waterfront loops, here are some of our favorite San Diego routes for runners looking to explore the city on foot. Whether you’re training for your next race or just chasing a coffee after a few miles, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Powerhouse Canyon Trail & Golden Hill Loop
Balboa Park / Golden Hill
Distance: 2.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Incline: Some rolling elevation with a few short, steep climbs
A scenic and lightly trafficked loop that winds through a mix of canyon trails and historic neighborhoods on the east side of Balboa Park. Great for early morning runs with a mix of nature and city views.
2. Embarcadero Marina Loop
Downtown Waterfront
Distance: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Incline: Flat
This is a classic short loop that hugs the harbor with views of the bay, boats, and skyline. Perfect for recovery runs, shakeouts, or sightseeing jogs near the Convention Center.
3. Bayshore Bikeway: Centennial to Tidelands Park
Coronado
Distance: 6.7 miles (point to point)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (due to distance)
Incline: Flat
This long, paved path runs along the San Diego Bay, connecting downtown to Coronado’s Tidelands Park. Ideal for long runs or scenic tempo sessions with ocean breezes and skyline views.
4. Luxor Canyon Trail (Bowzer B Trail)
Bankers Hill / Hillcrest area
Distance: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Incline: Light incline with some gradual ups and downs
A short, mellow trail tucked near Balboa Park. Great for a peaceful urban escape with greenery and a gentle loop layout.
5. Bankers Hill Historic Walk Trail
Bankers Hill
Distance: 3.0 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Incline: Moderate (some uphill sections through the neighborhood)
Explore historic homes, canyon views, and architectural gems as you loop through Bankers Hill. Good for hill training or a scenic mid-distance run.
6. Shelter Island Loop
Point Loma / San Diego Bay
Distance: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Incline: Flat
This peaceful, palm-lined loop wraps around Shelter Island with sweeping views of the marina and downtown skyline. Ideal for sunrise miles or relaxed cooldown jogs.
7. San Diego Walking Tour: Gaslamp, Little Italy, Marina District
Downtown Core
Distance: 4.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Incline: Mostly flat with some light city-grade inclines
A great sightseeing route that covers major downtown neighborhoods, waterfront views, and some of the best coffee and food stops along the way.
8. Balboa Park Gardens Loop
Balboa Park
Distance: 2.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Incline: Mild inclines with some short rises
This picturesque route loops past the park’s stunning gardens, fountains, and museums. Expect a mix of paved and dirt paths, perfect for morning jogs or photo-worthy recovery runs.
9. Maple Canyon Trail
Bankers Hill / Mission Hills
Distance: 1.5 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Incline: Light incline at entrance/exit, mostly flat
This quiet, shaded trail offers a peaceful escape from the city, running under historic footbridges and through a lush canyon. It’s a favorite for locals looking for a soft surface and a quick loop that connects with nearby neighborhoods and coffee stops.
With so many diverse routes packed into the downtown area, it’s easy to keep your running routine fresh, fun, and scenic. Whether you’re squeezing in a quick loop before work or mapping out your weekend long runs, these trails and paths offer a perfect mix of city energy and outdoor escape. Every route brings something unique to the table—and there’s always a new corner of San Diego to explore on foot.
Want us to pick your next route for you? Check out this reel.