Field guide
Running routes in San Diego at city parks and reserves
Find running routes in San Diego. Get official information on paths at Mission Bay Park, trails in Balboa Park, and hikes at Cowles Mountain.
San Diego offers several large parks for running and hiking. For long, paved paths near the water, Mission Bay Park has many options. Balboa Park provides a mix of cultural sites and canyon trails for hiking near the city center.
For more challenging terrain, Cowles Mountain is the city's highest point and offers a strenuous hike. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve has hiking trails in a protected coastal area with specific rules for visitors.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Bay Park | Close to 14 miles | Not listed | Not listed |
| Balboa Park | Not listed | Daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m. (year-round) | Not listed |
| Cowles Mountain (Mission Trails Regional Park) | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve | Not listed | Open at 07:15 a.m. and close at Sunset. | Not listed |
Mission Bay Park
This large aquatic park contains close to 14 miles of bike and walking paths, suitable for running. The park has 27 miles of shoreline, including 19 miles of sandy beaches, offering varied surfaces. Public restrooms and showers are available for use. The paths are shared with cyclists and other park users.
- Type of park
- Largest aquatic park of its kind in the country
- Bike path length
- Close to 14 miles
- Restrooms and showers
- Public restrooms and showers are available
- Area
- Over 4,235 acres in roughly equal parts land and water
- Shoreline length
- 27 miles of shoreline
- Sandy beaches and swimming areas
- 19 miles of sandy beaches with eight locations designated as official swimming areas
- West end features
- Network of channels and islands – a perfect spot for everyone from windsurfers to water-skiers
- Activities
- Swim, enjoy the sun or rent a boat to explore the thousands of acres of waterways
Source: Mission Bay Park (sandiego.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Mission Bay Park parking, paths, and facilities
Balboa Park
Located minutes from downtown, this park of more than 1,000 acres has canyon trails for hiking. Visitors can park at Inspiration Point and use the free Balboa Park Tram to reach different areas of the park. The tram operates daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but does not run during special events and can be subject to delays.
- Park description
- More than 1,000 acres, 15 museums, various gardens, arts and international culture associations, and the San Diego Zoo.
- Location relative to downtown
- Just minutes away from downtown San Diego
- Tram operating hours
- Daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday organ concerts
- Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m. (year-round)
- Museum admission
- Discounted admissions via Balboa Park Explorer; free admission one Tuesday per month on a rotating basis.
- Explorer Pass options
- Annual, One Day, Multi-Day Explorer, and Multi-Day Pass/Zoo Combos available.
- Free museum admission eligibility
- Free general admission on a rotating basis for San Diego City/County residents and active military/dependents.
- Tram parking
- Ample parking at Inspiration Point (Park Boulevard and Presidents Way).
Source: Balboa Park (sandiego.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Running in Balboa Park: trails and access
Cowles Mountain (Mission Trails Regional Park)
The trail to the summit of Cowles Mountain is a hike to the highest point in the City of San Diego, at an elevation of 1,591 feet. From the top, there are views of San Diego County. This location is part of the larger Mission Trails Regional Park.
- Description
- Highest point in Mission Trails Regional Park and the City of San Diego
- Located in
- Mission Trails Regional Park
- Summit elevation
- 1,591 feet
- Notable features
- Offers views of San Diego County and beyond
Source: Cowles Mountain Summit (sandiego.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
This reserve has hiking trails in a coastal setting. It is a protected area, and dogs, picnicking, and camping are prohibited. Organized groups need a permit for hiking. Vehicle day use fees apply for the North and South beach lots, with a minimum of $10.00 and a maximum of $25.00. Free public parking is allowed near some extension trail heads.
- Type of place
- Majestic reserve, home of the nation's rarest pine tree (Torrey pine), one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California.
- Geographic location
- Between La Jolla and Del Mar, California, north of San Diego.
- Park gates hours
- Open at 07:15 a.m. and close at Sunset.
- Group hiking permit
- Required for any organized group; must also schedule a docent guided hike if hiking.
- North Beach Vehicle Day Use Minimum
- $10.00
- North Beach Vehicle Day Use Maximum
- $25.00
- South Beach Vehicle Day Use Minimum
- $12.00
- South Beach Vehicle Day Use Maximum
- $25.00
Source: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (parks.ca.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: The Torrey Pines trail system for runners and hikers
Before you go
- Check park hours before you go. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve gates open at 7:15 a.m. and close at sunset.
- Be aware of service changes. The Balboa Park Tram does not operate for special events or City holidays.
- Follow all posted park rules. Dogs are not allowed at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
- Plan for parking and fees. Day use vehicle fees at Torrey Pines range from a minimum of $10.00 to a maximum of $25.00.
- Confirm if facilities are available. Mission Bay Park has public restrooms and showers, while other locations may not.
- If you are with a group, check for permit requirements, which are necessary for organized hikes at Torrey Pines.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.