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California

California

The best running trails in California

4.6

(1236)

134,242

runners

8,339

runs

Running in California is one of the best ways to explore more of this region. To help you discover the most beautiful places to run, we’ve reviewed our full collection of routes in California—and are proud to present the best running trails. Click on any of the routes for more details and browse real tips and photos uploaded by other runners.

Last updated: October 14, 2025

5.0

(9)

1,478

runners

1. Venice Beach Boardwalk out and back & Santa Monica — Los Angeles

11.1km

01:09

20m

Intermediate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

5.0

(6)

425

runners

2. SDSU Beach, Cystal Pier & South Mission Beach via Ocean Front Walk — San Diego

8.47km

00:52

Intermediate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

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5.0

(6)

311

runners

3. Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier out and back from Shoreline Marina — Los Angeles

9.15km

00:56

10m

Intermediate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

5.0

(1)

294

runners

4. Embarcadero Marina Park North via The Embarcadero — San Diego

12.3km

01:16

20m

Intermediate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.0

(2)

295

runners

5. West Campus to Andrea Park Bird Refuge via Chase Palm Park

10.8km

01:07

40m

Intermediate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

212

runners

6. Lake Miramar loop — San Diego

7.98km

00:55

60m

Intermediate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.8

(4)

215

runners

7. Chase Palm Park 5k running loop from Santa Barbara Station

4.94km

00:30

10m

Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

180

runners

8. Mission Bay loop — San Diego

18.7km

01:56

30m

Expert run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Expert

5.0

(1)

192

runners

9. Stanford Dish Loop Trail — Stanford

6.12km

00:40

130m

Intermediate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

3.0

(1)

197

runners

10. Shoreline Park to Waterfront via Santa Barbara Harbor

14.1km

01:27

30m

Intermediate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Other adventures in California

Along the legendary John Muir Trail through the magical Sierra Nevada

Hiking Collection by

Caro "Bandit"

American Discovery Trail — Walking from sea to shining sea

Hiking Collection by

Andrus

Bay Area Ridge Trail — Circumnavigating the San Francisco Bay

Cycling Collection by

Andrus

The Sierra High Route — Solitude in California’s alpine country

Hiking Collection by

oliviakellis

Into The Desert — Bikepacking California

Cycling Collection by

Liam Yates

Riding the length of Baja California, Mexico — Baja Divide

Mountain Biking Collection by

Sònia

Adventure Cycling Association's Bicycle Route 66 — LA to Chicago

Cycling Collection by

Doubletrackfanatic

High heat on the Oregon Timber Trail

Mountain Biking Collection by

Conan Thai

Most popular routes in California

Hiking in California

Waterfall hikes in California

Easy hikes in California

Road Cycling Routes in California

Cycling in California

MTB Trails in California

Gravel biking in California

Mountain Hikes in California

Most popular attractions in California

Places to see

Natural Monuments

Waterfalls

Mountain Peaks

Lakes

Canyons

Bike Parks

Mountain passes

Huts

Caves

Castles

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The best running trails in California

1. Venice Beach Boardwalk out and back & Santa Monica — Los Angeles

2. SDSU Beach, Cystal Pier & South Mission Beach via Ocean Front Walk — San Diego

3. Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier out and back from Shoreline Marina — Los Angeles

4. Embarcadero Marina Park North via The Embarcadero — San Diego

5. West Campus to Andrea Park Bird Refuge via Chase Palm Park

6. Lake Miramar loop — San Diego

7. Chase Palm Park 5k running loop from Santa Barbara Station

8. Mission Bay loop — San Diego

9. Stanford Dish Loop Trail — Stanford

10. Shoreline Park to Waterfront via Santa Barbara Harbor

Other adventures in California

Most popular routes in California

Most popular attractions in California

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