Running Map - The Embarcadero Promenade

The Embarcadero

This has to be one of the most popular runs amongst the casual runner in San Francisco. The Embarcadero is the main street that runs along the shore.

Positives:
  • Very few traffic lights.
  • Great scenic views
Negatives:
  • Lots of foot traffic during the day (Solution: Do a morning run.)

A complete out and back run is slightly over 6.5 miles. If you would like a longer run, you can check out our map to the Golden Gate Bridge. Okay, with that out of the way, let's get into the details.

San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge to Pier 39

Bay Bridge to Pier 39

Let's start the run in the shade of Bay Bridge. From this point you can head west along the bike path towards Pier 39. This section is generally a peaceful run with lots of space and few people. The only distraction is the whizzing of car traffic. Enjoy the calm before you enter tourist magnet Pier 39.

Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf to Fort Mason

Pier 39 to Fort Mason

So this is where your senses will be overstimulated. If the oblivious walking tourists don't require all of your mental energy to get around, it gets tougher to focus when your runner's appetite is tempted by the scent of fresh seafood from the Wharf or the iconic sourdough from the Boudin Bakery. Now to challenge the newcomer, at this point you have to be alert enough to leave The Embarcadero and turn onto Jefferson Street. Once on Jefferson Street you just run until the street ends and then hop onto a short bike path that borders the shore. Once the bike path ends you have reached the perimeter of Fort Mason.

Fort Mason Loop

Fort Mason Loop

The Fort Mason loop is our turn around point. You'll simply run up Van Ness Avenue and then down Bay Street before hopping onto a dirt path that runs parallel to Laguna Street. You then simply loop around the Fort and back to our bike path towards Jefferson Street and complete the out and back run.

Directions

  • The N, T, and 12 lines will drop you off right next to the Bay Bridge, but grabbing any form of transportation that drops you along The Embarcadero will do.