Let’s be honest, keeping up with an exercise routine when you have little kids is super tough. But if you have a jogging stroller it becomes a bit easier. No need to plan childcare or join a gym, just toss your stroller in the car and you’re off! Here are 19 places that East Bay parents tell us they like to go running with their strollers.
This guide to great running and jogging (and walking and talking) trails for parents with jogging strollers is sponsored by FIT4MOM 510. Save 10% off your first 8-week training program, FIT4MOM 510 Run Club+ with code 510FAMILIES. Your first class is always free.
Meet up for a FIT4MOM run along the Bay Trail between Emeryville and Berkeley Marina | Photo: FIT4MOM 510
13 Places East Bay Parents Love to Push Their Jogging Strollers
We’ve divided the list into two sections: the first is all Bay-front trails that will motivate you with a view of the water. Scroll down mid-way to find a list of more inland spots that also offer safe, paved trails for running with a stroller.
Bay-Front Trails
Cesar Chavez Park Trail (Albany)
A 1.5-mile loop, this easy spot for shorter runs or walks offers Bay views. Dogs are welcome, but if you are not a dog person, be aware dogs are allowed off-leash. There is no shade cover, but the breeze from the Bay means it’s never hot and is often quite cold, so bundle up! See a park map here.
Trail info on All Trails is here >
Bay Trail (Oakland, Berkeley, and Emeryville)
The Bay Trail runs along the waterfront through all of Berkeley and Emeryville. You can start at Golden Gate Fields and head South for an up-and-back route along the water. Views in the west direction are of the waterfront and San Francisco skyline across the Bay, and to the east: freeway traffic. More info here >
Point San Pablo to Point Pinole Regional Shoreline (Richmond).
The running trails include slight rolling hills with beautiful views of San Pablo Bay. The 2,315-acre park can be a giant adventure with your sidekick if time permits. Make a morning of it with your little one; play at the playground, watch the trains go by, and then play at the beach. Probably best to bring a change of clothes! More info about fun at Point Pinole here >
Shoreline Park (Hercules).
Access to the Bay Trail here is a bit quieter in this neighborhood with easy street parking. The paved trail is wide and runs right along the train tracks. Similar to the Point Pinole Bay Trail Access, the quiet toddler-friendly playground with a tugboat play structure and paved loop for scootering make the Shoreline Park at Hercules a welcome place to push the jogging stroller. Take the trail south towards Point Pinole, the views are beautiful and you may catch some great ferry-spotting in the San Pablo Bay. Right along the SF-Mare Island route. Point your GPS here >
San Leandro Marina Park (San Leandro).
We do like our smooth, flat paths right on the water, and here’s another! There’s also plenty of green space and a playground for a post-run snack and play. More info here >
Harbor Bay Trail, Bay Farm Island (Alameda).
Offering a choice of a 3.5-mile out-and-back or a 5.75-mile loop if you include running along Harbor Bay Parkway. Park at the end of Veterans Ct, Alameda near Veterans Pier. Free parking for up to 4 hours. There are restrooms along the shoreline portion of the run. Trail info from AllTrails >
Crown Memorial State Beach (Alameda).
The Alameda shoreline path is nice and flat, has stunning views, and the parking is pretty easy. What more could you want? Make it a beach day after your workout, if you’re prepared. More about Crown Memorial Beach in Alameda >
Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline (Richmond)
A flat waterfront trail with easy parking and a playground. The pathway isn’t always the smoothest, so your kiddo may get a bit of a bumpy ride. Miller/Knox is also a great place to fly a kite if you’re so inclined. More info here >
Bay Trail/Point Isabel/Marina Bay (Albany to Richmond).
It’s nice to pick up the path at Point Isabel (near Costco) and head North or start at Marina Park (open space park, no play structure) and head south around the marina on the Bay Trail. You’ll pass through a toddler-friendly playground just before the 1-mile mark, Barbara & Jay Vincent Playground, which is also a great spot to start from if you’re headed to Point Isabel Shoreline. It’s a good short out and back between the two parks if you’ve got a wiggly toddler on your hands. It’s about another 2 miles if you continue on to reach Point Isabel from there. Best in the late mornings and afternoons. The wind can be tough to navigate in the early mornings and evenings. Find Marina Bay running paths here >
The SF-Oakland Bay Bridge Path (Emeryville).
This reader recommendation is for the ambitious urban runner. Running along the Bay Bridge is a gentle incline until you get to Treasure Island rewarded by a gentle downhill on the way back. Cut the run short by turning around at any point during this out-and-back. The scenery of running over the Bay is always a reward. Start near IKEA or save a mile or two and start at Burma Road where there is 5-hour free parking at Maritime. Or try your luck at the Bay Bridge Trail parking lot, further West on Burma Road toward the Toll Plaza. More info here >
March 17: FIT4MOM Spring Run Club+
8-Week Training Program Kicks Off. Save 10% off your first 8-week training program, FIT4MOM 510 Run Club+ with code 510FAMILIES.
Away from the Bay: Where to run with a tot in the East Bay
Fremont Central Park, Lake Elizabeth (Fremont)
This 2.1 mile loop is perfect for a child to accompany you on a scooter or bicycle. The loop can get crowded later in the day, so it is best for morning stroller jogs. The playground offers a big wow factor, so don’t miss it! More info here >
Inspiration Point in Tilden Park (Berkeley)
Inspiration Point offers beautiful views and is the trailhead for Nimitz Way, a wide path with rolling hills that goes out about 3 miles. This is a reader favorite and a beautiful option for enjoying a paved nature run without the distractions of a city environment. It can get a bit crowded with other hikers though, especially on the weekends. More info here >
Iron Horse Trail (Danville to Alamo)
The length of Iron Horse Trail is 26 miles stretching from Concord to Pleasanton, with many points of entry for runners. We suggest timing your run around a visit to the small railroad museum in Danville, heading north for a 5-mile out-and-back. Get details on AllTrails >
Lake Chabot (Castro Valley)
There are lots of running options at Lake Chabot, but the most stroller-friendly is the East Shore Trail which offers 3.6 miles on an out-and-back paved road. Get details on AllTrails >
Lake Merritt (Oakland)
Another reader favorite, both for convenience and an approachable loop (just over 3 miles), Lake Merritt is a solid choice. Arizmendi Bakery is a tasty option for an after-run coffee and pastry treat (you earned it!). And if you’re in the mood, go on a gnome hunt with a curious toddler after your run >
Lafayette Reservoir (Lafayette)
Pay to park in the lot and then enjoy the warmer temps on the east side of the tunnel or hills, depending on your starting point. The paved Lakeside Trail is under 3 miles and a playground is at the east end of the field. The path isn’t too challenging, with just a few ups and downs. More info here >
Lafayette Moraga Regional Trail (Lafayette)
11.6 miles total when you do this out-and-back paved trail (so turn around anytime!) The Fit4Mom team recommends doing the 5 mile stretch that goes between Lafayette Community Park and Moraga Commons Park which gives you playground time on both ends. More info here >
Mountain View Cemetery (Piedmont)
Note: This popular destination has been closed to recreational use during the pandemic closures, but it won’t be forever. Just up the hill from Piedmont Ave, this is a stroller-friendly destination where you’ll see plenty of people pushing joggers and just strolling along. One edge of the cemetery offers a panoramic view of the Bay Area, and it’s filled with interesting structures. (Don’t miss “Millionaire’s Row”) Check out more places to go with kids in Piedmont >
Ohlone Greenway (Berkeley/Albany/El Cerrito)
This heavily traveled walking and biking path follows underneath the BART tracks from North Berkeley through El Cerrito with plenty of people-watching and mural spotting for your stroller-bound passenger. Stop at the intersection of Solano and Masonic in Albany for some extra exercise, or a break and a snack.
This guide to great running and jogging (and walking and talking) trails for parents with jogging strollers is sponsored by FIT4MOM. Save 10% off your first Run Club+ 8-week training program, FIT4MOM 510 Run Club with code 510FAMILIES. Your first class is always free.
Fit4Mom offers Free Community Fun Runs (walk or run!) January through March, weather permitting. Each meet-up is lead by an amazing Run Club Coach, Lauren. Location varies across the East Bay (eg. Emeryville Bay Trail, Ohlone Greenway Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito, Lake Merrit Oakland, Richmond Marina). Come solo or load up your stroller with your favorite kiddos and fam in tow. All levels are welcome.
Fun Run Schedule >
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When it’s not closed b/c of storm damage, Lake Chabot also has a few miles of stroller-accessible trails.