San Francisco’s Best Outdoor Workout Spots (With Trainer Tips)
Local parks, coastal trails, and trainer-approved ways to sweat outside
San Francisco is one of the best cities in the country for outdoor workouts. Whether you’re into bodyweight training, stair sprints, trail runs, or yoga with a view, the city has something for everyone — all within a few miles of each other.
Here are some of our favorite outdoor workout spots in SF, plus tips from our trainers on how to make the most of each one.
1. Crissy Field
Best for: Running, bootcamp circuits, bodyweight strength
With unbeatable views of the Golden Gate Bridge and plenty of flat open space, Crissy Field is a go-to for outdoor workouts. You’ll find runners, personal trainers, and group classes using this area year-round.
Trainer Tip:
Use the long stretch of grass for interval circuits. Try a workout of 5 rounds: 200m run → 15 air squats → 10 push-ups → 10 walking lunges per leg.
2. Alta Plaza Park
Best for: Stair sprints, hill training, core workouts
Tucked away in Pacific Heights, Alta Plaza has a massive staircase that’s perfect for lower-body training and cardio conditioning. You’ll also find a wide flat area up top for mat work or mobility flows.
Trainer Tip:
Try stair repeats combined with planks at the top. For example: 5 stair sprints + 30-second front plank × 3 rounds.
3. The Lyon Street Steps
Best for: Glute and leg conditioning, interval training
These famous steps are no joke — and they’ll fire up your quads and glutes fast. The elevation and stunning bay views make this a challenging and rewarding spot for quick, high-intensity sessions.
Trainer Tip:
Alternate between single-leg step-ups and stair climbs for a combo of strength and endurance. Always watch your footing on descent.
4. Dolores Park
Best for: Mobility work, low-key circuits, group hangouts
Dolores Park offers a lively vibe with a sloped hill and flat grassy areas that are great for casual workouts. Bring a mat or resistance band and enjoy an easy session in the sun.
Trainer Tip:
Bring a light kettlebell or use resistance bands for a lower-body focused mobility circuit: banded lateral walks, glute bridges, single-leg balances, and hamstring stretches.
5. Golden Gate Park
Best for: Trail running, long walks, bike intervals, recovery days
Golden Gate Park has over 1,000 acres of space to explore. It's ideal for longer cardio sessions, biking, or walking workouts. You’ll also find plenty of shady areas perfect for stretching or breathwork.
Trainer Tip:
Map out a 3-mile loop for a walk-run combo session. Add in bodyweight movements every half-mile: 10 squats, 10 push-ups, 10 lunges.
Final Thoughts: Outdoor Fitness, San Francisco Style
You don’t need a gym to train well in San Francisco. The city is your playground — and with a little creativity, these outdoor spots can become your personal training studio. Whether you're solo or training with one of our Custom Fit coaches, getting outside is a powerful way to boost your energy, mood, and fitness all in one.
