San Francisco Embarcadero Run to Fort Mason and a Fitness SF Day Pass

Updated October 3, 2026

A 9.7 km loop from Fitness SF Transbay follows the flat Embarcadero past the Ferry Building and Pier 39 to the Fort Mason meadow. The way back crosses the foot of Russian Hill and runs down Columbus Avenue through North Beach.

Ask a local where to run downtown and the answer is the Embarcadero, the wide bayside promenade that replaced an elevated freeway. This loop follows it from the Ferry Building past the piers and sea lions to Fort Mason, where a grassy meadow looks straight at the Golden Gate. It then turns back over the foot of Russian Hill and down through North Beach. Fitness SF Transbay is at the transit center, and a free locker will hold your bag while you run. Some gyms count a day pass as a single entry, so check at the front desk that you can come back in to shower. For a bigger suitcase, use Bounce. As of October 2026, its San Francisco listings start at $2.25 daily.

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The run: Embarcadero to Fort Mason waterfront loop

Route map of a 9.7 km loop from Fitness SF Transbay past the Ferry Building, Pier 39 and Aquatic Park to Fort Mason, back by Washington Square

Most of the loop is flat, the bay is beside you for most of the way out, and the one short climb on the way back leads to a mostly downhill finish through North Beach.

Distance: 9.7 km (6.0 mi)
Start: Fitness SF Transbay

The mapped loop starts on Fremont just south of Mission, a short walk from the club's 1st Street entrance at Minna. Head east to Beale, go up Beale to Mission and run east to the Embarcadero. Turn left onto the bayside promenade and head north past the Ferry Building, where the Saturday farmers market brings crowds, and Pier 39, then west along Jefferson through Fisherman's Wharf. Follow the Aquatic Park promenade around the cove, staying off Municipal Pier, and climb McDowell Road into Fort Mason. Cross the Great Meadow and turn around where Laguna meets Marina Boulevard. Come back south beside Laguna to Bay, follow the path along the park's southern edge east to Franklin, and go one block down Franklin to Francisco. Head east on Francisco, then climb a block of Larkin and a steep stretch of Chestnut. Run down Columbus Avenue past Washington Square to the Transamerica Pyramid, then take Washington, Clay, Commercial and Front across Market and down Fremont, across Mission, to the start. From there, it is a short walk back to the 1st Street entrance.

Open the route map

Day pass: Fitness SF Transbay

The club spans two city blocks, with more than 15 power racks, Olympic lifting platforms, several studios, free daily lockers, towel service and a HydroMassage recovery room.

Price: As of October 2026, a 1-Day Pass is $35 and works at every SF club
Showers: Yes
Hours: Mon to Fri 5 am to 10 pm, Sat and Sun 7 am to 8 pm

Day pass details

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