Home › California › Encinitas › Coastal Rail Trail
Coastal Rail Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · Running trail in Encinitas, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Coastal Rail Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Coastal Rail Trail
“Nice and easy family walk destination with options to see a beautiful nature mixed with human art pieces.”
“Very easy walk if you’re looking for something for the whole family!”
I walk, run, and roller skate this trail all the time. It runs parallel to the 101 but is elevated, so the ocean views are incredible. It runs from just above Swami's in Encinitas to Chesterfield Dr in Cardiff by the Sea. There are some rolling hills but it is a pretty easy walk...
Lovely walking path, but very crowded. Path is nice and wide, easily accommodating 2 couples to comfortably pass by each other without anyone having to move out of the way.
Costal Rail Trail is a great place for walking, running or pushing a stroller. It is easily wide enough for people to pass each other in comfort for most areas and the trail is nicely paved so accessible for anyone.
Very easy walk if you’re looking for something for the whole family! Avoid weekends and after work hours if you’re looking for a clear trail without a lot of people.
Trail conditions & character
“Del Mar Sunset – One of San Diego’s Most Breathtaking Views Watching the sun slowly sink into the ocean from the edge of a cliff is an unforgettable experience.”
“Lots of dogs were on leash, unfortunately some owners do let their dogs get in your personal space but otherwise everyone we passed seemed very polite.”
“Costal Rail Trail is a great place for walking, running or pushing a stroller.”
“It is easily wide enough for people to pass each other in comfort for most areas and the trail is nicely paved so accessible for anyone.”
Plan your run at Coastal Rail Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitetraillink.com
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Encinitas
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sea Cliff County Park
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Encinitas Community Park
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Encinitas Viewpoint Park
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Children's play equipment, picnic facilities, and ocean views are features of this park.
D Street Viewpoint
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Park featuring restrooms, benches, and an ocean overlook, plus stairs down to the beach.
Cottonwood Creek Park
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City park offering basketball & tennis courts, a gazebo, picnic facilities & a kids' play area.
