Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a forested oasis nestled between the perfect grid of avenues in the Richmond and Sunset districts. The running options here are endless. You have your choice of paved sidewalks, single-track trails, hill repeats on Strawberry Hill, a dirt running track at the Polo Fields, or a 400 meter rubberized track at Kezar Stadium. Runs in the park can easily be extended by adding on mileage through the Panhandle, the narrow eastern extension of the park, or by heading out along the Great Highway, which parallels the ocean. While the park is crowded during the day, especially on the weekends when JFK Drive is closed to vehicles, it can be very lonely and dark after sunset. If you are running alone it is best to run in the park during daylight hours. Parking on the street is typically never a problem and there are plenty of restrooms and drinking fountains throughout the park. This run will wind you through the full length of the park, on paved paths, where you will see landmarks such as the Conservatory of Flowers, the Japanese Tea Garden, two Dutch windmills, the Bison Paddock, the towering de Young art museum, and the California Academy of Sciences. If you are looking for a meal after your run, you can walk to 9th Avenue where you will find several excellent restaurants - Park Chow is a favorite.