Best Flat Place to Run

Bay Trail, Alameda

The main criteria for a good flat running trail are separation from car traffic; adequate public restrooms and drinking fountains; not too many walkers, bikers, dogs, and other obstacles; a reasonable sense of safety; and a scenic view. While the sidewalk around Lake Merritt is good on some of these counts, the best flat running space is along the Bay Trail of Alameda. You can run any or all of eleven miles between the island community's two ferry buildings (or, if you prefer a one-two beverage punch, from Peet's' headquarters to the Rosenblum winery) without having to check traffic, simply by hugging the shoreline and taking in the water, sand, battleships, city skylines, pelicans, sea lions, and cranes (both mechanical and fowl). Or, if you don't mind a few traffic lights, you can get further variety by circling back inland through shady streets and Victorians.