California vacations: 4 jogging tours through San Diego

Last summer, I started running for the first time. I’m still in the training process, so I’m always looking for inventive ways to push myself. That’s why I was thrilled to see that the recent jogging tour trend has hit one of my favorite cities: San Diego. After six San Diego vacations, I’ve learned that the weather is simply gorgeous year-round, making it the perfect destination for fitness-friendly tours.

San Diego Jogging Tours offers four fast-footed excursions for visitors and locals training for San Diego marathons. Here are some highlights of each tour, and some San Diego hotels where tired runners can rest their busy feet. I’m so excited for the opportunity to take a healthy, environmentally-friendly California vacation.

Coronado Tour
Enjoy a priceless view of the downtown San Diego skyline from the quaint township of Coronado Island. This tour takes runners along a scenic route including multimillion dollar homes and the pristine Coronado beaches.
Miles: 6.1
Difficulty: Easy
Nearby San Diego hotels:

• Stay at one of 440 shoreline guest rooms at the Loews Coronado Bay Resort near the U.S. Naval Air Station.
• Soak in an oversized tub and enjoy breathtaking views from the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa.
• Experience Coronado Island on a budget at the Best Western Suites Hotel.
• Luxuriate in a private suite with a fireplace and porch at 1906 Lodge.

Downtown Tour
After meeting the jogging tour guide in the heart of the vibrant downtown area, runners discover San Diego’s unique blend of modern influence and historic tradition. Highlights include the Maritime Museum and Gaslamp Quarter.
Miles: 8.4
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Nearby San Diego hotels:

• Stay at the Manchester Grand Hyatt for quick access to the jogging tour and downtown attractions.
• Relax at the Hard Rock San Diego and fuel up on famous Japanese cuisine at Nobu.
• Get away from it all at nearby Shelter Island’s Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites.
• Locals recommend Kona Kai Resort, a hidden gem on Point Loma where you might get a glimpse of passing whales.

Old Town Tour
Famous for classic Spanish architecture, Old Town is known as the birthplace of San Diego. While shorter than the other tours, this jogging route has more elevation changes, beginning with a downhill run. Don’t miss out on authentic Mexican food after the run. There’s nothing like a fresh hand-made tortilla with all the fixings.
Miles: 3.5
Difficulty: Moderate
Nearby San Diego hotels:

• Stay close to it all at the Best WesternHacienda Old Town, a great budget option.
• The Holiday Inn Express in Old Town is a surprisingly charming option with great reviews.
• Walk to more than 100 nearby attractions from the La Quinta Inn San Diego Old Town.
• Bring the kids to the Courtyard by Marriott and enjoy the NickelodeonYour Stay Program.

Uptown Footbridges Tour
On this somewhat-challenging 10-mile jogging tour, runners visit some of San Diego’s most famous attractions, including Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. The eclectic uptown neighborhoods and historic architecture provide an intriguing backdrop to this fitness excursion.
Miles: 10
Difficulty: Moderate
Nearby San Diego hotels:

• Britt Scripps Inn is located on the edge of Hillcrest in Bankers Hill. Enjoy free appetizers and wine at this unique retreat.
• Enjoy an authentic uptown feel at the Park Manor Suites, a vintage property with convenient access to the Footbridges tour and Balboa Park.
• Located near Scripps Mercy Hospital, the Sommerset Suites hotel offers spacious, family-friendly suites.

Related resources

• Book a flight to San Diego
• Head north to San Francisco
• Take a side trip to Disneyland

Maria Mora is a memoir blogger and wannabe photographer. She travels extensively throughout Florida and the Caribbean with her two young sons.