Our 2026 Pacific Beach Half Marathon Ambassadors shared their favorite places to train, along with insider tips to help you make the most of each run.
One of the best parts of training for the Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 5K is discovering new places to run. Luckily, our 2026 Ambassador Team has logged plenty of miles across San Diego County—and they were happy to share some of their favorite routes.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic long run, an easy loop with plenty of amenities, or somewhere new to explore this weekend, these ambassador-approved routes are worth adding to your training schedule.
🚆 The Coaster Run
Recommended by: Jenn S., Janessa & Antoni
Best for: Long runs • Marathon training • Coastal scenery
If there’s one route that feels uniquely San Diego, it’s the Coaster Run. Instead of driving to your turnaround point, you’ll take the Coaster from Solana Beach to Oceanside before running the entire coastline back home.
Getting Started
Start: Solana Beach Transit Center
105 N. Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach
Purchase a one-way Coaster ticket (about $5) using the PRONTO app or station ticket machines (cash is not accepted).
Ride north to:
- Oceanside Station (16 miles)
- Carlsbad Village (~12–13 miles)
- Carlsbad Poinsettia (~9 miles)
- Encinitas (~4 miles)
Once you leave the station, head toward the coast and connect with Highway 101. Stay on the 101 all the way back to Solana Beach for an uninterrupted coastal run featuring ocean views, beach towns, coffee shops, and some of San Diego County’s most iconic scenery.
Ambassador Tip 💙
Finished your run? Walk a few blocks over to Fletcher Cove Beach and let the Pacific Ocean become your recovery ice bath. Bring sandals and a towel—you’ll thank yourself later.
🌴 Centennial Park & Coronado Loop
Recommended by: Jenn S.
Best for: Flexible distances • Waterfront views • Recovery runs
Centennial Park might have one of the best skyline views in all of San Diego.
Starting from First Street in Coronado, this route can be customized into anything from a quick three-mile shakeout to a twenty-mile long run.
Route Options
Run west through Tidelands Park, continue beneath the Coronado Bridge, and follow the Silver Strand bike path toward Imperial Beach.
Prefer loops instead of out-and-backs?
Cross over at Avenida del Sol and return via the Coronado Boardwalk and Orange Avenue.
Approximate distances:
- 5-mile Coronado Loop
- 8-mile Full Coronado Loop
- Up to 20+ miles by extending toward the Silver Strand
Good to Know
- Street parking available (watch posted time limits)
- Drinking fountains and restrooms throughout the route
- Wear bright colors when running along Glorietta Boulevard where cyclists and vehicles share the road.
Ambassador Tip ☕
Morning runners should stop by Coronado Coffee Company near the Ferry Landing.
Afternoon runners can grab a deli sandwich from Boney’s Bayside Market and enjoy a picnic in Centennial Park after their run.
💧 Lake Murray
Recommended by: Antoni
Best for: Easy miles • Marathon training • Weekday runs
If you’re looking for a quieter option away from the coast, Lake Murray offers a peaceful paved path with plenty of shade and easy navigation.
The lakeside path stretches roughly 2.5 miles one way, making it ideal for repeat loops during marathon training.
Good to Know
- Gates open at sunrise and close at sunset.
- Early or late runners can park along Baltimore Drive and access the trail via nearby ramps and stairs.
- Permanent restrooms are located near Kiowa Drive (availability may vary), with additional portable restrooms around the lake.
Ambassador Tip 💧
Need extra water?
The nearby Starbucks on Kiowa Drive has become Antoni’s favorite emergency refill stop during long runs.
🌊 Cabrillo National Monument Trails
Recommended by: Alex S.
Best for: Scenic runs • Light trail running • Visitors
Looking for one of the most scenic runs in San Diego? Head to Cabrillo National Monument, where gentle dirt trails wind above dramatic ocean cliffs with panoramic views stretching across San Diego Bay and the Pacific. Despite being trails, they’re smooth enough for regular road running shoes.
Highlights
- Two primary trail systems
- Approximately 2.5 miles from the entrance to the Visitor Center
- Incredible coastal viewpoints
- Visitor Center, museum, and gift shop nearby
Good to Know
- Active-duty military and veterans receive free admission.
- Watch for National Park Service free entrance days throughout the year.
- Parking fees may still apply even on free-entry days.
🌴 Mission Bay Park
Recommended by: Ella & Brian
Best for: Every runner • Every distance • PB Half training
If there were one place we’d recommend to almost anyone training for the Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 5K, Mission Bay would be near the top of the list. Wide paths, flat terrain, abundant parking, countless restroom locations, and endless route options make it one of San Diego’s most versatile running destinations.
Popular Starting Points
- De Anza Cove
- Tecolote Shores
- Runner’s Bathroom
Favorite Routes
- 8 miles: Mission Bay Loop
- 5 miles: Fiesta Island Loop
- 3 miles: De Anza Cove Out-and-Back
The best part?
Mission Bay is like an open canvas. Whether today’s schedule calls for two miles or twenty, you can easily create a route that fits your training.
Ready to Explore?
One of the best ways to stay motivated through a training cycle is by mixing up your scenery.
These ambassador-approved routes showcase just a handful of the incredible places San Diego has to offer, from quiet lake loops to iconic coastal miles.
Have a favorite route we should feature next? We’d love to hear about it! Tag @sdrunningco in your photos and share your go-to training spots around San Diego.
