Run the Golden State: 10 Stunning California Half Marathons That Are Totally Bucket-List Worthy

Are you looking for a 13.1-mile adventure with unforgettable scenery and vibes? Go to California!

Whether you’re into beach vibes, desert nights, mountain trails or wine-country delights, California offers a half marathon for every type of runner. Here are ten, each with its own unique flavor of the Golden State’s terrain and community spirit.

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Best Half Marathons in California
Photo: @santabarbarahalf

1. Rose Bowl Half Marathon

If you have ever dreamed of running into a stadium to roaring applause, the Rose Bowl Half Marathon is your chance.

This race winds through beautiful Pasadena passing historic landmarks like the Colorado Street Bridge, Old Town Pasadena, and Caltech’s campus, and culminates in a one-of-a-kind finish on the field of the world-famous Rose Bowl stadium.

The course itself is mostly gentle, showcasing tree-lined streets and mountain views in the cool of a January morning. The finish on the Rose Bowl’s 50-yard line is truly majestic, with your final steps broadcast on the jumbotron and fans cheering from the stands. This half marathon perfectly blends small-town charm with big-game excitement.

2. The San Francisco Half Marathon

San Francisco’s signature half marathon is a local favorite and an ideal winter race-cation. The course is a scenic tour of Golden Gate Park and the Pacific waterfront, showcasing why SF is a runner’s paradise.

You’ll start in Golden Gate Park amid towering redwoods and gardens, cruise past Spreckels Lake and the bison paddock, and then pick up speed on a flat stretch along Ocean Beach with the waves crashing beside you.

Don’t worry about the notorious SF hills, this route is famously flat and fast, perfect for chasing a PR. In fact, it’s been voted Road Race of the Year multiple times for its smooth, certified course and excellent organization.

The vibe is friendly and laid-back, many Bay Area runners treat it as the kickoff to their year. With typically cool February weather, you couldn’t ask for better running conditions. This half is a Bay Area institution, blending city sights and nature vibes in one awesome 13.1.

Best Half Marathons in California
Photo: @sanfranciscohalf

3. Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Half Marathon

This is the original Rock ‘n’ Roll race (dating back to 1998) and it’s earned a reputation as a 13.1-mile block party.

The course is an energetic city tour, taking you through a bunch of San Diego’s distinct neighborhoods: from the historic Balboa Park area at the start, out through eclectic districts like Hillcrest and Normal Heights, and back toward downtown’s waterfront finish. Every mile or so, a live rock band, DJ, or drum line is on course cranking out tunes, so you can truly leave the headphones at home.

The crowd support is fantastic too: locals come out with hilarious signs and even offer high-fives (and the occasional sip of beer) from their front yards.

There are some gradual hills, but nothing too crazy, the last few miles trend downhill, helped along by that cool Pacific breeze. Finishers are greeted with music at the post-race concert, medals that double as bottle openers, and an all-around party atmosphere.

4. Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon

Calling all wine lovers: the Napa-to-Sonoma Half Marathon is basically a running tour of Wine Country, with a celebratory twist at the end.

This popular point-to-point race starts at a vineyard in Napa’s Carneros region and rolls through 13.1 miles of picture-perfect wine country scenery to finish in Sonoma’s historic plaza.

The course is paved but feels delightfully rural. Don’t be surprised if you see farm animals like horses and sheep watching you from their fences!

As you enter the charming town of Sonoma, you’re greeted by applause, and the aroma of fermenting grapes. That’s because the finish line festival is a Wine & Music Festival in the Sonoma Plaza.

Runners 21+ get to toast their accomplishment with local wines (your race bib comes with wine tasting tickets). It’s truly the perfect reward: sipping a chilled rosé or cabernet under the oak trees while swapping race stories.

Run the Golden State: 10 Stunning California Half Marathons That Are Totally Bucket-List Worthy
Photo: Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon & Rosé 5K

5. Big Sur Trail Half Marathon

If you’re up for a challenge, the Big Sur Trail Half Marathon delivers epic California scenery and a serious workout.

Set on the rugged Big Sur coast, this race traces the historic Old Coast Road–the original dirt road that connected Big Sur to Monterey before Highway 1 was built. Don’t let the “road” fool you, though: it’s a hilly out-and-back trail with approximately 3,000 feet of elevation gain, so expect your calves to burn.

Your prize is spectacular views of mountains, redwood forests, and the Pacific Ocean at every turn. You’ll grind up long, steep climbs and fly down the corresponding descents surrounded by pristine wilderness and maybe a low coastal fog hanging in the canyons.

Crossing the finish line here earns you massive bragging rights, you’ve conquered one of California’s toughest half marathons.

6. Catalina Island Half Marathon

A half marathon on a semi-tropical island? The Catalina Island Half Marathon is an adventure from start to finish. You’ll take a ferry from the Southern California coast to reach Avalon, the quaint Mediterranean-esque town on Catalina, and that’s just the beginning.

The race starts by climbing out of Avalon and into Catalina’s wild interior, following trails that few tourists ever see. It’s a challenging course with big climbs and descents, including stretches of single-track trail that will test your legs and lungs.

At the summit of the route, you’re rewarded with sweeping panoramas of the Pacific Ocean, on a clear day you might spot other Channel Islands in the distance. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, too: Catalina is home to wild bison, foxes, and eagles.

After cresting the high point, you’ll descend through eucalyptus groves and the gardens of the Wrigley Memorial, eventually winding back to Avalon.

The finish line is right by Avalon’s picture-perfect harbor, think bobbing sailboats, cheering crowds, and the satisfaction of conquering one of California’s most beautiful and rugged half marathons.

7. Joshua Tree Half Marathon

How about a half marathon under a canopy of stars?

The Joshua Tree Half Marathon is a one-of-a-kind night race that lets you experience the high desert in a whole new light or rather low light. Kicking off after sunset near Joshua Tree National Park, this race sends runners on a challenging dirt trail loop through the Mojave Desert, guided by headlamps and illuminated by a sparkling night sky.

The terrain is sandy and rugged (trail shoes recommended), and there are stretches where the only sounds are your footfalls and the occasional coyote howl. It’s tough but immensely rewarding.

Twisted Joshua trees and clear, star-filled skies create a surreal backdrop for the entire 13.1 miles. Runners often camp out at the start/finish, and the post-race vibe is like a cozy bonfire party with fellow adventurers.

Related: From Skyscrapers to Salt Mines: 7 Unbelievable Running Races in the USA

8. Griffith Park Trail Half Marathon

  • When: November
  • Where: Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA
  • Official website: khraces.com

The Griffith Park Trail Half Marathon offers a wildland adventure right in the heart of LA. Griffith Park is one of the country’s largest urban parks, a sprawling oasis of hills and oak groves above the city.

This challenging trail half takes you up and down fire roads and single-track paths to some of the park’s most iconic. You’ll crest hills near the Griffith Observatory, descend toward the Bronson Caves, and even run below the Hollywood Sign on Mt. Lee. Along the way, you’re treated to panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline on one side and the Pacific Ocean glinting on the other.

It’s a tough course with plenty of elevation, but the scenery and sense of escape are worth every hill climb. With a low-key, friendly trail running community vibe, Griffith Park’s half feels like a hidden gem.

9. Run Malibu Half Marathon

  • When: November
  • Where: Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA
  • Official website: runmalibu.com

The Run Malibu Half Marathon treats runners to stunning oceanfront views along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. With waves on one side and Santa Monica Mountains on the other, you’ll soak up spectacular coastal scenery at every turn.

The course is relatively flat and fast, making it friendly for PR-seekers. And on the finish line, you’ll find festival-like vibes with music, local vendors, and plenty of post-race brunch options.

10. Santa Barbara Half Marathon

Santa Barbara is nicknamed the “American Riviera,” and this half marathon gives you a grand tour of this gorgeous seaside city. The course showcases Santa Barbara’s two greatest hits: the waterfront and the downtown.

The route is flat and fast along East Beach, you’ll even run by the famous volleyball courts and the marina, so enjoy the ocean breeze and maybe a glimpse of dolphins in the surf.

The last 5K is the real treat: a downtown Santa Barbara finish down State Street, the city’s historic promenade. Imagine running the final stretch with Spanish-style architecture and palm-lined streets around you, as spectators line the sidewalks of the open-air shopping district.

The finish line is right in the heart of downtown, typically accompanied by a finish festival in the “Funk Zone” arts district with live music, local craft beer, and food from nearby eateries.

This race is relatively new but growing fast—and it’s easy to see why. It’s scenic, celebratory, and accessible, welcoming everyone from serious runners (the course is USATF-certified and fast) to casual run-walkers out to enjoy the view.

Sun-kissed coasts and desert nights—California’s half marathon scene has it all. Each of these races showcases a different side of the Golden State’s beauty and running community.

From the roar of the Rose Bowl to the tranquility of Big Sur’s trails, you really can’t go wrong. So pick a race, start training, and get ready to experience 13.1 miles of pure California dreamin’.

By Lena Sage

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