Welcome
Hello, and welcome to the 2024 San Francisco Marathon! We’re thrilled to have you join us for this unique tour of our stunning city. A big thank you to our incredible volunteers and sponsors for making this event possible! We can’t wait to get started and show you the sights in a way only San Francisco can offer.
Invite your buddies from around the world to The San Francisco Global Run to join the fun! Your buddies can join you globally, what’s better than running with your best buddies?
Event Schedule
FRIDAY, JULY 26
WHEN WHAT WHERE
11:00 a.m. — 7:00 p.m.
Health & Fitness Expo and Bib Pickup
6:00 PM Puma Shakeout Run
SATURDAY, JULY 27
Fort Mason Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd.
The Firehouse at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
WHEN WHAT WHERE
7:00 am
5K Saturday
8:00 a.m.
Seabastian’s 1K Mad Dash
9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
10:15 pm
Health & Fitness Expo and Bib Pickup
Chargel Ultra Marathon, First Loop
Crissy Field adjacent to Sports Basement Presidio
Crissy Field adjacent to Sports Basement Presidio
Fort Mason Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd.
The Embarcadero at Market Street
Event Schedule Cont’d
SUNDAY, JULY 28
WHEN WHAT WHERE
3:50 - 4:05 a.m.
5:45 - 7:50 a.m
5:15 a.m.
7:00 a.m.
7:00 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
Post Race
Busses depart from BART stations *Check your location and exact departure time HERE
1st and 2nd Half Marathon Shuttle Busses
Full Marathon Start
1st Half Marathon
Alexi Pappas 10K
2nd Half Marathon
5K Sunday
Finish Line Festival
*Check your location and exact departure time HERE
The Embarcadero at Market Street
Presidio, adjacent to Crissy Field Sports Basement
The Embarcadero at Market Street
MLK Jr. Drive @ Golden Gate Park
The Embarcadero at Market Street
Full Marathon and 2nd Half Marathon Finish Line
Taiwan’s #1 Airline - Serving San Francisco to Taipei and 190+ other destinations.
Expo & Bib Pick-Up
July 26th & 27th Expo & Bib Pick-Up
Join thousands of runners at the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion for an unforgettable Expo. Celebrate the kickoff of your race weekend by picking up your bib, shirt and other goodies. Your bib confirmation was emailed to you on July 18th, that is the number you’ll need to pick up your items. See you soon!
When:
Friday, July 26: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 27: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Fort Mason Festival Pavilion, #2 Marina Blvd. (Take me there)
Parking: If you choose to drive to the Expo, a paid parking lot is available. However, parking may be challenging, so we recommend using public transportation or a rideshare service for your convenience.
What do I Pick Up at the Expo?
Your bib is what you attach to your shirt and contains your timing chip. The packet available at pick-up contains your bib, timing chip, race shirt, and sweats drop-off bag. In order to pick up your packet please remember the following:
Race Day Bib pickup will not be available
Participants must present their photo ID for bib
Picking up for a friend or family, you must present a copy of their ID
Runners must pick up the shirt size printed on their bib
Shirt exchanges can be made on race day at the Shirt Exchange Tent at Main Finish Line
• Shirts must be unworn
• Subject to availability
Event Change requests can be made at the Expo based on availability. Please bring your assigned bib to the solutions table
To request a faster-starting corral, please have your bib stamped at the Pacer Booth or the Solutions Table during the Expo. To move back to a slower starting corral, no bib stamp is necessary
Have additional bib questions? Click HERE
Pre Race Events powered by
Forever. Faster. Shakeout. Run.
When: Friday, July 26: 6 p.m.
Where: Firehouse building next to the Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason
Join our partner PUMA for a 3-mile shakeout run. You’ll have the chance to run alongside PUMA Athletes & Ambassadors Molly Seidel, Jenna Prandini, Charles Lawrence, and Jon Levitt! You can leave your items there while you run. After the run, you can meet and greet our athletes and ambassadors and enjoy music, food, raffles, and more! You will also have the unique opportunity to demo SHOKZ headphones.
Sign Up HERE.
Coffee Shop Shakeout Run
When: Saturday, July 27: 9 a.m.
Where: Equator Coffee in Fort Mason
Can’t make it on Friday? Join PUMA and UNSEEN Run Club on Saturday! You’ll have the chance to run alongside PUMA athletes and ambassadors Alex Toussaint, Molly Seidel, Jenna Prandini, Charles Lawrence, and Jon Levitt! There will be music, coffee, food, raffles, and more.
Sign Up HERE.
Pre Race Events Cont’d
Coffee Shop Shakeout Run Cont’d
Make sure to attend the speaker series panel at 12:00 PM for a discussion on “How Running Connects Us: A Conversation with Athletes About the Connecting Force of Running.” The event will take place at the Firehouse building next to the Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason. Special guests include Alex Toussaint, Molly Seidel, Jenna Prandini, Charles Lawrence, Justin Williams, and Jon Levitt.
Sign Up HERE.
Come either day to meet our amazing SF Marathon Community Ambassadors and get tips for race day strategy while you shake out your legs.
Photo courtesy equatorcoffees.com
Race Morning Travel
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
BART doesn’t run early enough to get you to The San Francisco Marathon Embarcadero Start Line, but don’t worry! The San Francisco Marathon offers early morning bus service from six Bay Area BART stations. Please note that these aren’t free shuttle buses—you can purchase the morning bus tickets on our website until the end of the Saturday Expo. These buses arrive by 4:30 am at the Main Start Line on the Embarcadero.
After your race, you’ll just need to purchase a regular BART ticket and return to the station you left from in the morning. The return ticket is not included in the purchase price of your BART Shuttle.
Morning bus stations and departure times:
Walnut Creek: 3:55 a.m.
El Cerrito Plaza: 4:05 a.m.
MacArthur: 4:05 a.m.
Bay Fair (San Leandro): 3:50 a.m.
Daly City: 4:05 a.m.
Millbrae: 4:05 a.m.
(These times may be updated, we will notify all runners who purchased a BART ticket if need be.)
Bus drivers will have a list of people who have purchased tickets—you do not need a physical ticket with you to board the bus. Plenty of free parking is available at each BART location. The service is available to all runners who have pre-purchased it on the SAN FRANCISCO MARATHON website.
Race Morning Travel Cont’d
Race Morning Shuttles
Race morning shuttles are also offered for First Half Runners and Second Half Runners. No reservations are required. Simply show your bib to board.
First Half Runner Shuttle Buses
Transportation to the Start Pick Up Runners from 5:45 am to 6:45 am near the main starting line on the Embarcadero, at Howard and Spear Street, and drop off between Marina Blvd. between Baker and Brodrick St., walking distance to the 1st Half starting line in the Presidio.
Transportation to the Main Finish Line Festival Shuttles will also be provided from 7:30 am to 11 am to take runners back from the First Half Finish Line back to the Main Finish Line Festival on the Embarcadero. Pick up at Fulton St at the 11th Avenue.
Race morning shuttles are also offered for First Half Runners and Second Half Runners.
Second Half Shuttle Busses
Transportation to the Start Runner Shuttle Buses will pick up 2nd Half runners from 6:50 am to 7:50 am from the Main Start Line near the Embarcadero at Howard St. and Spear St., and drop them off within walking distance to the start line of the 2nd Half Marathon, at Lincoln Way, between La Playa St. and 48th Ave.
Gear Check Information
At the Expo
You will be given a clear plastic gear check bag. You will be instructed to write your bib number on your bag and store your gear in this bag on race morning. There will be gear check stations by the Start and Finish lines on race morning. There will be no gear check available at the 2nd half-marathon start line. Look for signage directing you to the gear check tents for drop-off before the race and pick-up after the race.
Gear check drop-off/pick-up locations by distance
Full and 2nd Half Marathons: gear check drop-off is located by the main start in the Embarcadero.
Reminder: there will be no gear check available at the 2nd half-marathon start line. Pick-up is at the same location as drop-off.
1st Half Marathon: gear check is located by the 1st half start line in the Presidio. Pick-up is by the finish line in Golden Gate Park.
Alexi Pappas 10K: gear check is located at the main start line area in the Embarcadero. Pick-up is at the same location as drop-off.
Sunday 5K: gear check is located by the main start line in the Embarcadero. Pick-up is at the same location as drop-off.
The San Francisco Marathon is not liable for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Distance/Event Overview
Distance, aid station, start+finish, corral information, and cutoff overview
Ultramarathon
July 27, 10:15 p.m. The Embarcadero at Mission St.
Alexi Pappas 10K
July 27, 7:30 am Presidio, Crissy Field
*For more detailed cut off information please click HERE
Corral Start Times
Individual Race Information
Here’s your detailed run-down of your distance of choice.
Ultramarathon
https://www.thesfmarathon.com/ultramarathon/
When: Saturday, July 27, 10:15 p.m.
Where: The Embarcadero at Market Street
Shuttle: None
Distance: 52.4 miles
Time limit: First lap by 5:30 a.m., second lap 6 hours
About the distance:
Running two marathons in San Francisco is a challenge for the bold! Along the way, you’ll experience:
• San Francisco at night, illuminated landmarks
• Breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay.
• Iconic parks, areas, and neighborhoods including Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina Green, Crissy Field and Sausalito, Presidio, Golden Gate Park, Haight St,
Individual Race Info
https://www.thesfmarathon.com/full-marathon/
When: Sunday, July 28, 5:15 a.m.
Where: The Embarcadero at Market Street
Shuttle: None
Distance: 26.2 miles
Time limit: 6 hours
About the distance:
Running the full marathon in San Francisco is a thrill! Along the way, you’ll take in:
• Breathtaking views from the Golden Gate Bridge of the San Francisco Bay.
• Iconic parks, areas, and neighborhoods including Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina Green, Crissy Field and Sausalito, Presidio, Golden Gate Park, Haight St, and the Mission District.
• Up-close views of major league sports stadiums including homes of the Golden State Warriors and the San Francisco Giants. Full Marathon
First Half Marathon: “The Bridge Half”
https://www.thesfmarathon.com/1st-half-marathon/
When: Sunday, July 28, 7:00 a.m.
Where: Sports Basement Presidio, SF
Shuttle: every 5-10 minutes from 5:45 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. on the Embarcadero at Howard and Spear Street. Click HERE for more information
Distance: 13.1 miles
Time limit: 3 hours
Return Shuttle: from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Fulton St. and 11th Ave.
About the distance:
The 1st Half, or “Bridge” Marathon, is packed with thrills—including a run across the Golden Gate Bridge! On this run, you get to experience:
• The unique pleasure of running on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
• Refreshing Bay breezes with Eucalyptus in the air – a constant while running in San Francisco.
Individual Race Info Cont’d
Second Half Marathon: “The City Half”
https://www.thesfmarathon.com/2nd-half-marathon/
When: Sunday, July 28, 8:30 a.m.
Where: MLK Jr. Drive @Golden Gate Park
Shuttle: every 5-10 minutes from 5:45 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. on the Embarcadero at Howard and Spear Street. Click HERE for more information
Distance: 13.1 miles
Time limit: 3.5 hours
About the distance:
The 2nd Half Marathon, “The City Half,” is a local favorite. With a start in Golden Gate Park near the ocean, it winds through the Golden Gate Park around Stow Lake and past the Conservatory of Flowers before finding your way to iconic city neighborhoods with a finish at the official San Francisco Marathon Finish Line—and with a later start time and faster route, runners have more time to take in the festivities! This unique and memorable route is packed with experiences, including:
• The Start Line is located at Golden Gate Park near Murphy Windmill.
• Refreshing Bay breezes with Eucalyptus in the air – a constant while running in San Francisco.
• Picturesque views of Stow Lake, the de Young Museum,
• and the Conservatory of Flowers.
The Alexi Pappas SFM 10K
SFM 10K
https://www.thesfmarathon.com/10k/
When: Sunday, July 28, 7:00 a.m.
Where: The Embarcadero at Market Street
Shuttle: None
Distance: 10k/6.2 miles (flat)
*Course and start time subject to change
About the distance:
Running in San Francisco is a thrill! Along the way, you’ll take in:
• The iconic Bay Bridge.
• Running along the Bay.
• Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square.
• Views of beautiful historic sailing ships along Aquatic Park.
• A flat, fast course that’s perfect for racing or walking. Non-stop views and positive vibes!
5K’s and 1K Mad Dash
Saturday 5K Fun Run
https://www.thesfmarathon.com/saturday-5k/
When: Saturday, July 27, 7:00 a.m.
Where: Crissy Field adjacent to Sports Basement Presidio Shuttle: None
Distance: 5k/3.1 miles (flat)
*Course and start time subject to change
Sunday 5K
https://www.thesfmarathon.com/sunday-5k/
When: Sunday, July 28, 9:00 a.m.
Where: Mission Street The Embarcadero Shuttle: None
Distance: 5k/3.1 miles (flat)
*Course and start time subject to change
Seabastian’s 1K Mad Dash
https://www.thesfmarathon.com/sebastians-1k-mad-dash/
When: Saturday, July 27, 8:00 a.m.
Where: Crissy Field adjacent to Sports Basement Presidio Shuttle: None
Distance: 1k/.62 miles (flat)
Start and Finish Line Maps
First Half and Second Half Start
Please view our larger maps HERE
First Half Finish
Please view our larger maps HERE
Full Individual Course Maps
Please view our complete individual course maps HERE
Maps & Race Cont’d
Please view our larger maps HERE. Start Line, Main Finish Line & Festival
Please view our complete individual course maps HERE. For race weekend information please view HERE. Individual Course Maps & Race Weekend Information
Our (Hi)Story
The San Francisco Marathon will take you around the perimeter of the city and its iconic landmarks and historic neighborhoods. We can’t wait for you to embark on this journey through Golden Gate Park, over the Golden Gate Bridge, and past many more awe-inspiring places.
The Inaugural San Francisco Marathon
What has become a monumental and extraordinary race is rooted in the ambitions of a passionate and authentic local running community. It was the Pamakids Runners Club that put on the inaugural San Francisco Marathon on July 10, 1977. A taxi driver from Reno won that year, running the course in 2:24:59. Nobody knew back then that the race would become one of the largest marathons in the United States.
The Best Way to Get to Know the City
One of the best things about running through a city is the possibility to explore places normally viewed by car on foot. The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most memorable locations for San Francisco Runners. Some dread the hill coming up to it, some are excited to get up there. One thing is for sure: nobody is indifferent when it comes to this portion of the race.
Our (Hi)Story Cont’d
“
I know what it feels like to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. Twice. On foot. I know what it feels like to finish a race without wanting to die as soon as I cross the finish line. Finally, I know what it feels like to have a favorite marathon.”
Ethan Newberry, The Ginger Runner
Even though the bridge might be the single most talked-about landmark, there are many other breathtaking views along the way, like the Golden Gate Park. Besides many famous places like the Conservatory of Flowers, runners can encounter wildlife not everyone would expect to see in the middle of a city. For example—and this is not an April Fool’s joke—bison. The park, in short, is yet another unforgettable part of the course.
“
Where else can you see bison and botanical gardens in the same location? Certainly not in Connecticut!”
Jeanne Corey Marchand, 2019 San Francisco Marathon Ambassador.
Starting just before sunrise, the race fits a full week’s worth of sightseeing into one morning. The sky usually gets lighter as the race participants pass Fisherman’s Wharf and the sun comes out as they near the Golden Gate Bridge.
“
There is nothing like seeing the beautiful sunrise over the water as you’re
Our (Hi)Story Cont’d
The Secret Sauce: Community
From 5K to 50 miles (okay, 52.4 miles, but who’s counting…), the San Francisco Marathon is an experience of a lifetime. As the runners leave the coast, the bridge, and the park behind and enter the city streets, they may think that all the “good” segments are behind them. The gorgeous views and exciting landmarks are, however, only a part of the race’s charm—it’s the people and the community that make it truly special. San Francisco Marathon participants are supported not only by the race organizers, volunteers, and medical crews but also by the local community and both running and non-running spectators. Every year, hundreds of volunteers and thousands of spectators come out to cheer on and help the race participants in any way they can.
Along the course, and as the finish line nears, runners are welcomed by cheering crowds, witty signs, and the Bay Bridge, announcing that they have only a few minutes left until they reach the finish line.
“
Take in the scenes, read all the signs, high-five every kid, and smile for the cameras!.” wrote Marchand.
Everybody takes part in getting the runners to the finish line, no matter how big or small their contribution. The race, despite its size, is still a community event, just as it was when it was first organized 47 years ago.
“
I fell in love with this race the moment I ran [it] but not just for the views and challenging course, but because of the community,” wrote Walter.
Any finish line is a place made of dreams. The San Francisco finish line is a place where those dreams have been made true for decades, and the community and organizers wish for nothing more than to keep helping others reach their goals, no matter how big, for years to come.
(A version of this article, written by Pavlína Marek of the San Francisco Marathon, first appeared in Outside Magazine in May 2022.)
Meet Your Fellow Runners
Distance: Ultramarathon
Damaris is a Latina runner who has been running every single day since January 2021. When she first moved to San Francisco, her biggest goal was to run from her home to the beach. Once she did that, her goal was to run to the Golden Gate Bridge. Now, she finds herself preparing to run the San Francisco Ultramarathon! What once was an inconvenience became what she’s most passionate about. Meet her out on the Ultramarathon/Full Marathon course!
Jeremiah Maestre
Distance: Full Marathon
Jeremiah Maestre is a Filipino-born Orange County runner and martial artist, a father of two, and a man with big dreams and an even bigger heart. He’s helped build boxing gyms across the US and coaches combat sports fighters and runners alike. Only a few months ago, he’d become a Marathon des Sables finisher, having pushed himself further than ever before by running for six days in the Sahara desert. Learn more about Jeremiah in his Runner Spotlight Story and meet him out on the 2024 San Francisco Marathon course!
Damaris Guiterrez
Meet Your Fellow Runners
Scott Benbow
Distance: Alexi Pappas 10K
Scott Benbow is a San Francisco Marathon Ambassador and nonprofit specialist who lives in San Francisco. In his previous career as a lawyer, he practiced in two places important to marathon running: Boston, Massachusetts and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He is a passionate SFM runner who has run every mile of the marathon course countless times.
Although Scott’s favorite marathon is the San Francisco Marathon, he won’t be running it this year. Instead, he will be “rucking” (hiking with a weighted backpack) the Alexi Pappas SFM 10K. He is recovering from a hip injury and rucking has been his path to strength and cardiovascular fitness for the past several months. If you want to learn more about this sport, see Scott’s article, Rucking Your Way to a Better Marathon (And Fewer Injuries)!
Welcome to San Francisco!
Here’s Your Mini Travel Guide
We love our beautiful city. Whether you’re coming from near or far, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with it, too. Here are a few tips for your visit.
Ready, Set, Refuel! Where to Eat After the San Francisco Marathon?
You’ve run your race, now it’s time to refuel. Where to eat after the San Francisco Marathon? Whether you like a good burger, prefer some fresh oysters, or crave the best Japanese vegan food inspired by Zen Buddhist recipes, you’re in the right place in San Francisco. Dive into the food scene of the City by the Bay, dig in, and enjoy!
The Perfect Post-Race Meal
There are as many perfect post-race meals —and you can (most likely) find them all in San Francisco.
The Ferry Building
If you’re a beer-and-burger kind of marathoner, what about heading to the Ferry Building It’s right by the finish line and houses the taproom and Gott’s Roadside which serves burgers and other American classics. From there, you can go on a full-blown beer tour and see all the best breweries San Francisco has to offer.
Chowders
Fancy a bowl of clam chowder as your first non-sugary food after getting your medal? Say no more. Clam chowder is one of San Francisco’s signature dishes, the perfect hearty meal to lift up the spirits when Karl the Fog pays a visit. Try Chowders on Pier 39 (a walkable distance from the finish line) or choose from the best clam chowder spots on this comprehensive list
Photo courtesy chowderspier39.com
Back to T.O.C.
SF Mini Travel Guide
Cha-Ya San Francisco
Are plants more your speed? Are you looking for a calm experience after the rush of a race day morning? Cha-Ya San Francisco can offer just that. With its plant-based cuisine inspired by the principles of Zen Buddhism, this family-owned and operated restaurant is the perfect spot to share a meal with your (newly-made) friends or reflect on your race in peace.
Looking for something else? Find the best seafood spots, eat at Michelin Restaurants, visit the top five farmers markets, or eat your way through each of San Francisco’s neighborhoods. The possibilities are endless!
Next-Day Brunch
Did you sleep in the day after your race? Good for you! Look at you, kick-starting the recovery process like a champ. After you find your way out of bed, it’s time to get in more good food—and the best way to do that is with a big brunch.
Sweet Maple
There are countless places in San Francisco where you can find just what you’re looking for. Is it time for some classic American bacon-and-eggs combo? Sweet Maple with their famous sweet and spicy Millionaire’s Bacon is just the place to go.
Yank Sing Restaurant
Is dim-sum the new bacon? Three generations have been serving guests dim-sum for brunch for nearly 70 years at the family-owned Yank Sing restaurant. Choose from more than 100 rotating dishes served from traditional pushcarts and enjoy a brunch like no other.
Photo courtesy sweetmaplesf.com & yanksing.com
SF Mini Travel Guide
Son & Garden by Farmhouse Kitchen
If you’re looking for an Alice-in-Wonderland kind of experience with your brunch, Son & Garden is the place to go. Smell roses and become bedazzled by the bright décor as you enjoy unique dishes and drinks like Bear Belly Benedict, Bobamosa, or Sakura Latte.
Now you know where to eat after the San Francisco Marathon! Looking for something else? See the full SF Travel list of best brunch spots
Photo courtesy sftravel.com & sonandgarden.com
SF Mini Travel Guide
SFM Guide to green
“Oh, the Places You Will Go! Green Spaces in San Francisco to Satisfy Your Need for Nature...”
In comparison to other cities, San Francisco is quite small. Surrounded on three sides by water, the City by the Bay has nowhere to grow, which allows for plenty of green spaces to remain more or less untouched. There are the Marin Headlands right across the Golden Gate Bridge, and many state and regional parks dot the peninsula just south of the city. Even with all this natural space nearby, San Francisco is dappled with green spaces within, all of which can be reached without a car.
Beaches
The waves of the Pacific Ocean wash right up against the western end of the city. Thanks to that, San Francisco has several beaches. Whether it’s a sunny day that’ll make you want to dip your toes in the ocean or a moody one filled with fog, there is always a beach you can go to. Want to cool off your feet after the race while you watch the sunset? Head to China Beach. Is it foggy, the perfect weather for a moody shot of the Golden Gate Bridge? Baker Beach is the place to go.
Choose your beach
Golden Gate Park
One of the largest urban parks, the Golden Gate Park offers many attractions as well as hidden gems. Within its green borders, there are several gardens like the Rose Garden or the Japanese Tea Garden with traditional Japanese landscaping features, snacks, and teas. The park is also home to many critters as well as a herd of American bison. It houses the California Academy of Sciences and offers miles of trails and paths to walk, run, and stroll along.
Explore GG Park
SF Mini Travel Guide
Presidio Tunnel Tops
The Presidio Parkway runs under the newly-open Presidio Tunnel Tops Park. Thanks to the park, people can now easily and safely get from Presidio to Crissy Fields as they walk among native plants and temporary art exhibitions. There’s a play area for kids and adults alike built completely from natural materials and many picnic spaces to kick back and relax. (Also, did you know that there’s a Yoda fountain nearby?)
Explore the Presidio Tunnel Tops
Salesforce Park
The best roof isn’t made of roof tiles but plants. The Salesforce Transit Center proved this when it opened a 5.4-acre rooftop park. Some 600 trees and 16,000 plants now grow four stories off the ground in the Salesforce Park. It has many perks: greenery is proven to regulate the temperature in cities on hot days. On top of that, it also has a positive impact on people’s mental health. Explore a bamboo grove, a fountain, or 13 botanical gardens, representing ecosystems from around the world.
Explore Salesforce Park
Whale Watching
While the best whale-watching spots aren’t directly in San Francisco, you technically don’t have to leave the city to hop on a whale-watching boat tour. Whales get close to the shore near San Francisco because they migrate along a “highway” that runs right through the Gulf of the Farallones, between Point Reyes and the Farallon Islands. Of course, these tours can get costly and are unsuitable for people who get seasick. In that case, the Point Reyes and Point Bonita lighthouses are your best bet.
SF Mini Travel Guide
Do you have exactly three days to explore San Francisco? Follow or get inspired by SF Travel’s Three-Day Outdoor Adventure guide! Travel around the green spaces in San Francisco and enjoy your time in the City by the Bay.
Top 5 Natural Attractions Near San Francisco
The San Francisco Marathon is called a destination race for a good reason. Besides the city itself, there are many natural attractions near San Francisco that runners can visit in the days leading up to and following the race itself. Explore the parks, beaches, and towns locals love!
Mount Tamalpais
Mount Tamalpais rises from the waters of the Pacific Ocean, its unmistakable East Peak an inseparable part of the surrounding landscape. It dominates Marin County and offers uncontended views. From its top, you can see as far as the Sierra Mountains and admire Mount Diablo as it rises above the East Bay landscape.
You can drive up “Mount Tam” or take one of its many trails that range from mellow to extremely technical. A gorgeous hike with a combination of fun trails and comfy fire roads will take you from Stinson Beach to the top of the mountain. Go via Dipsea and Steep Ravine trails to Reach Pantoll Campground, then get on the Old Stage and Old Railroad Grade roads to complete the hike to the top. Don’t forget you have to get back down again; we don’t recommend taking on this adventure
Photo courtesy sftravel.com
SF Mini Travel Guide
Muir Woods
Under the watchful eye of Mount Tamalpais, wrapped in its arms, lies Muir Woods National Monument. Ancient redwood trees fill this little valley carved by Redwood Creek. It’s one of the many great natural wonders Marin County has to offer. There are three ways you can get to Muir Woods. Because visitation has increased in recent years, you’ll need a reservation to drive to and park in the valley. If you want to avoid driving and parking stress, shuttles are a great (and greener) option. The third (and cheapest) way to get to Muir Woods is by foot. You can hike in from Mill Valley via the famous Dipsea Trail and its stairs if your legs are ready for another challenge post-race!
Point Reyes
On the weekend, many San Franciscans head north to Point Reyes National Seashore. Don’t let the maps fool you; this park covers an area of more than 100 square miles! Most of the park slowly slides north along the coast; did you know that some 20 million years ago, Point Reyes sat right next to where Los Angeles is today?
The park is home to the California-endemic tule elk as well as typical Californian fauna and flora like mountain lions or the California poppies. You can also walk right along the San Andreas fault that separates it from the continent and see how far the land jumped during the infamous 1906 earthquake.
On the other side of the Point Reyes peninsula is a favorite local getaway place: Tomales Bay. It may be a beautiful area but the main attraction here are oysters. Incomparably fresh, the shellfish are cultivated and harvested right in the bay. You can either order oyster dishes or go out to shuck your own.
SF Mini Travel Guide
Angel Island
Moving slightly south, there’s Angel Island. It used to be the immigration port of the West, like Ellis Island in New York. Nowadays, the island welcomes visitors with its trails, history tours, and a coffee shop right by the water. Compared to other destinations like Alcatraz or Muir Woods, Angel Island is virtually without crowds.
The whole island is a state park with campgrounds and even its own mountain. The top of Mount Livermore overlooks the bay from 788 feet above sea level. If you’re not in the mood for sleeping in a tent, Angel Island also makes for a perfect day trip— start by taking a ferry from San Francisco (not too) early in the morning and plan your perfect day with our handy Angel Island Guide.
Highway 1: Towns, Beaches, and State Parks
If you fancy a mini road trip, the famous Highway 1 that hugs nearly the entire California Coast is a great choice. If you drive south from San Francisco, you’ll soon reach Half Moon Bay. There are many hiking trails, a distillery, and beaches for days—just stop at one and relax!
If you keep driving, you’ll pass by more beaches (which you’ll have mostly to yourself)
