Bay Farm Island Shoreline Trail

Just moved to the Bay from LA and was kind of worried about finding that ONE running spot. This is definitely one of my favorite places! Much less crowded than San Leandro Marina & Lake Merritt. In fact, it’s never been crowded every time that I’ve gone.

This is a great place to go for a walk that can last for hours without even noticing the time flying by. The cute beach houses along the shore and wild flowers and palm trees make it a relaxing walk with views of the city. After walking, there is a close by south shore plaza which happened to have Off the Grid so it was a great stop for lunch after walking for three hours! People in this area are friendly and it has a relaxed, beach vibe.

I don’t want to share this secret, but Bay Farm Island might just be my new favorite place. A great, flat 6 mile running loop, I love the natural scenery and views of the city that Bay Farm Island has to offer. I also like that it has paved trail but also a dirt path along the side.
In training for my last marathon, I discovered Bay Farm Island in trying to make creative 20 mile routes. Take a lap around the lake, run along the shoreline/​east O, cross the park street bridge and down park street, around bay farm island, along the alameda shoreline and through the Webster tube for a great run.
Bay farm island is host to a bunch of unusual birds and has much less traffic than the Alameda shoreline. On my last run I saw 5 herons! A great place for a leisurely walk, bike ride or run.

This is probably my favorite bike ride in the east bay, if not in the top two. There’s a paved path for bikes and a dirt trail for walkers which keeps me from running over old ladies and chihuahuas. The views and bay breezes make it a fresh ride every time regardless of the weather.