My 3 Favorite Jogging Routes in San Francisco #jogthroughJune
Though my paranoia surrounding the coronavirus has not waned, I’ve continued to complete my #jogthroughJune goal. At the end of May, I decided that I wanted to go for a jog every day in the month of June. This could be for any distance and any amount of time. All that mattered was that I got outside and got my heart rate up. You can read more about it here.
Now that the month of June is coming to an end, I thought I’d share something I’ve really enjoyed during this challenge.
I’ve lived in San Francisco for seven years now. The majority of those years were spent in the Inner Richmond neighborhood. Because of this, most of my runs have taken place within Golden Gate Park.
And don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the park. I actually jogged over to it this past weekend.
However, since starting my #JogThroughJune challenge, I’ve discovered some new jogging routes. These routes have led me to incredible views and locations. I’d been to most of these places before, but there’s just something about experiencing them alone—while your breathing is heavy but your endorphins are high—that sheds a whole new light on their beauty.
So, without further ado, here are my three favorite jogging routes that I’ve completed in #JogThroughJune.
1. To the Presidio & Beyond
Recently, I’ve discovered that it’s only about three miles from Nob Hill to the Presidio of San Francisco. Better yet, the path there is mostly flat. Jogging from Grace Cathedral to Filbert street, make a left, and it’s a straight shot down Filbert to the Presidio. Once inside the park, you can follow the main road as it winds up to Hardie Avenue. There, you can find an entry point to the Ecology trail.
I don’t think I love anything more than walking in the shade of towering trees after jogging a few miles.
2. Short seal sighting
There have been days during the month when I just don’t feel like running very far (or at all, if I’m honest). Sometimes, I wake up late and can only squeeze in a short jog before work. On short jogging days, I often choose to run through the Financial District. You can head down toward the Embarcadero. This is also nice because it’s very flat with hardly any hills. If you make it just past the aquarium (on your way toward Fisherman’s Wharf), there’s a wooden dock. Running out onto the dock, you can hear the seals barking, splashing, and flopping around. They’re always having a riotous time. It’s so much fun to watch them basking in the sun or swimming in the blue water of the Bay.
3. Fantastical palatial ruins
Finally, a jog that I’ve found to be completely magical is around the Palace of Fine Arts. Of course, I’ve been to this incredible structure before. However, there’s something about getting there early in the morning, when only the swans and a few older couples are around, that makes it feel like a place of legends. Its grand columns rise above you, the dark water glistens, and as you navigate the narrow path around the lake, you wonder what secrets are hidden in its depths.
Again, it’s a straight shot from Nob Hill. Any of the main roads that lead toward the Presidio will get you there (Filbert, Greenwich, Union). Once you hit the Presidio, you’ll spot the Palace and all you have to do is head straight for it.
June is coming to an end, but I’ve greatly enjoyed these little moments and routes. I’ll be out of town for a while and am excited to find new jogging paths in my new location. Until then, I’ll keep these in my memory as some of my favorite jogging routes in San Francisco.
