HomeCaliforniaDel Mar › San Dieguito River Park

San Dieguito River Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 80 Google reviews · Running trail in Del Mar, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
65 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from San Dieguito River Park'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.

Mixed65 miScenicDog-friendlyFlat & fastRestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

Open space park in the San Dieguito River Valley with a network of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.

What runners say about San Dieguito River Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (80 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“It is an easy trail with beautiful scenery, quiet, and clean.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“If you are the trail runner this is a nice trail to come and get a scenic run in while enjoying a ocean breeze.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“Highly recommend for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful outdoor escape.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“It is an easy trail with beautiful scenery, quiet, and clean.”

San Dieguito River Park (Coastal) is a great place to get close-up views of the San Dieguito Lagoon. There are three trails in the area. The River Path Del Mar starts/ends at the Grand Avenue Overlook and runs along San Dieguito Drive, crossing Jimmy Durante Boulevard and continuing along the river towards the coast.

★★★★☆ — Craig , Apr 2024

Trail Series, Part 3 The “Coast to Crest Trail” is located in Del Mar, CA and can be accessed in several places including at San Dieguito Park on San Andres Drive, just South of Via De La Valle.

★★★★★ — Henry , Jul 2022

Nice trail for a nice walk or bike ride to and back from the coast. Watch out for the golf balls!

★★★★★ — Claudio , Apr 2022

We had lunch on Sunday at Viewpoint Brewery with our dog and walked along this park. The entrance is close to the brewery. We walked around 3 miles. It is an easy trail with beautiful scenery, quiet, and clean.

★★★★★ — Catherine , Sep 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 80 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 13 mentions

“If you are the trail runner this is a nice trail to come and get a scenic run in while enjoying a ocean breeze.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 9 mentions

“There is ample parking on the street and there is a large shopping center across the street so you won’t feel like you’re leaving your car in an isolated location.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 7 mentions

“We had lunch on Sunday at Viewpoint Brewery with our dog and walked along this park.”

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Flat & fast 6 mentions

“The dirt trail is entirely flat and welcomes walkers, runners, cyclists, and equestrians.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“Highly recommend for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful outdoor escape.”

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🪨 Crushed gravel / limestone 2 mentions

“The trail is dirt/gravel, flat, and wide.”

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🪵 Boardwalk

“Another trail is the short, planked Boardwalk that leads into the lagoon.”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

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🏃 Long-run distance (5mi+)

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Plan your run at San Dieguito River Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
  • Distance65 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
  • 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.
  • Websitesdrp.org
  • Phone(858) 674-2275
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–6 PM
Thursday 6 AM–6 PM
Friday 6 AM–6 PM
Saturday 6 AM–6 PM
Sunday 6 AM–6 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find San Dieguito River Park

Coast to Crest Trail, Del Mar, CA 92014

Get directions

Running trails near Del Mar

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Coast to Crest Trail

4.3 ★★★★☆ 9 reviews

Del Mar, CA

65 miBoardwalk

1.1 miles away

San Dieguito County Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 920 reviews

Del Mar, CA

ShadedScenic

This scenic park offers play & picnic areas, plus trails, baseball & basketball facilities.

1.3 miles away

Del Mar Shores Stairway to Solana Beach

4.7 ★★★★★ 48 reviews

Solana Beach, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Beach, known for surf and dogs.

1.5 miles away

Fletcher Cove Beach Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 3,286 reviews

Solana Beach, CA

ScenicDog-friendly

Picturesque park with a viewing deck, grassy area & playground, plus tables & a basketball court.

1.7 miles away

Santa Carina Trail

4.5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews

Solana Beach, CA

LoopDog-friendly

1.9 miles away

Annie's Canyon Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 2,156 reviews

Cardiff, CA

LoopPavedLitScenic

Rugged wilderness hiking paths in an ecological reserve with sweeping ocean & lagoon views.

1.9 miles away

All running trails in Del Mar, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.