California running

Southern California

• San Diego:
• If you're going to be in San Diego, there are hundreds of places to run. Check in with one of the local running groups for company. The San Diego Running Meetup has a run scheduled just about every day of the year, and the San Diego Hash House Harriers will keep you well "hydrated."
• If you prefer a solo outing, check out my favorite places to run in San Diego.



San Diego evening skyline seen from Harbor Island pedestrian path

• Orange County:
• Head to Back Bay for a paved 10-mile loop (you can carve out a shorter distance by doing an out-and-back run).
• Crystal Cove's Moro Canyon is a favorite of local trail enthusiasts for butt-kicking singletrack.
• Los Angeles:
• There are dozens, maybe hundreds, of running clubs in LA. To help you sort through the options, I'm going to recommend Yelp reviews. RacePlace magazine has the lowdown on upcoming events. 

Central California

• Santa Barbara:
• The Santa Barbara Athletic Association has a comprehensive list of local running routes on their website.

Northern California

• San Francisco:
• While I have run the waterfront along the wharf, I would not recommend this route unless you're lacing up early in the morning, or you enjoy dodging tourists. Instead, head over to Golden Gate Park for miles of looping trails.

Golden Gate Park in San Francisco

Other California Running Resources:

• List of California running clubs from Running in the USA
• Trail Runners Guide: San Diego
• Northern California Running Clubs
• Southern California Running Clubs

Are you involved in a California running group, or do you have a favorite running route that is not listed here? Send me the info and I'll consider adding it to the list.