You already know of the running meccas—places like Portland, Boulder, Boston, and Chicago. They draw runners from around the world, and for good reasons: from their world-class trails and their historic races to their vibrant food and drink scenes. But the U.S. is chock full of incredible places to run, so why limit yourself to such well-known favorites? After all, the beauty of a good run is discovering somewhere new and unexpected.
Which is why these five cities are perfect for your next running destination. They might not be considered the country’s top running towns, but they’ve got all the hallmarks of a great place to explore on two feet.
Slip away to
Long Beach is home to America’s second busiest port—that’s where most people stop reading. What they don’t know is that this SoCal town has neighborhood hills aplenty, miles of beachfront, and a vibrant LA-influenced food scene for the perfect après run.
From Runners World for Jaybird:
A stone’s throw from the running capital of Los Angeles (or 2 hours in usual traffic) you'll find Long Beach’s Shoreline Way. Run the path (or the sand until your calves cry uncle) from Marina Green to Alfredo’s Beach Club and back. Don’t forget to hit any number of steep beach staircases along the way. When you get to the top, look out and imagine what it will be like when the 2028 Olympic Triathlon is held here.
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AREC (A Running Experience Club) Long Beach has been a staple in the running community since 1982. They’re all about encouraging new and experienced runners alike with well-known Wednesday night runs, training groups for the Long Beach and LA Marathons, and couch to 5K programs.
Where to eat:
Go full Cali with some chic vegan eats to purify your running soul. Under the Sun is an all vegan, all raw, living foods restaurant with tasty sandwiches, burritos, smoothies, and more that’ll satisfy your taste buds and might just clear your chakra along the way.
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All About 75 Hard is the oldest brewpub in LA County. It’s located just off the sand—you might’ve smelled the hops and malts simmer while you were huffing it on the beach. Stop here for a post-run barley pop or a mid-run taste test if you’re that kind of runner.
Spotifys Head of Rock Is Obsessed with Running:
U.S. is chock full of incredible places to run From Runners World for Hoka is perfectly situated for the beginning and end to every adventure, on foot or otherwise.
Portland, Maine
The less-famous Portland might just be running’s best-kept secret. The historic seaside port is the biggest city in Maine, and yet, its population only clocks in at 60,000, giving you access to big city resources (arts, culture, food, and trail networks) without too much hustle and bustle.
From Runners World for Jaybird:
The Eastern Promenade trail, accessible from almost anywhere within downtown, carries runners a few miles along an old railroad corridor with harbor and ocean views to knock your running socks off. At the north end, connect to the Bayside and Back Cove Trails to make it a seaside long run.
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is perfectly situated for the beginning and end to every adventure, on foot or otherwise The Westin Portland Harborview Hotel every Tuesday and Thursday morning for a group run to explore the city in a new light. Runs depart from the lobby and if you forgot your kicks at home, don’t fret, they’ll lend you the latest New Balance running gear, through their gear lending program and throw in a free pair of socks. If you're lacking in motivation, why not do the run for others? Westin has partnered with the app Charity Miles. After you sign up for the app, the hotel will donate money for every mile you log to dozens of partner organization like Feeding America or the ALS Foundation.
Where to eat:
J’s Oyster is waiting for you right at the end of your run, just a couple blocks beyond the Eastern Promenade Trail. Get cozy inside their snug harbor-side digs and enjoy oysters, lobster, chowder and other New England Classics plucked fresh from the deep blue sea.
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Vena’s Fizz House features a slew of refreshingly elevated fizzes, mocktails, and cocktails. From a Dim & Stormy fizz to a Hemingway Frappe, you’ve probably never had a drink—alcoholic or otherwise—with this much thought put into it.
Spotifys Head of Rock Is Obsessed with Running:
The aforementioned Westin Portland Harborview Hotel sits smack in the middle of downtown. It’s just a short walk to the water and an easy jaunt to the Eastern Promenade Trail. Plus, you can enjoy the onsite Artné Spa for some serious post-run pampering.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Though Pittsburgh sometimes plays second fiddle to that “other city” across the state, it probably shouldn’t. This lively sports-town has nightlife and food on par with the best, and its numerous parks and trail systems have opened the door for a thriving running culture.
From Runners World for Jaybird:
Jog almost any direction North, South, or West in downtown Pittsburgh and you’ll find yourself on the From Runners World for Garmin. From there you’ve got 24 miles of pedestrian heaven tracing both banks of each of the three rivers surrounding the Steel City. Want to see a different part of town? Cross a bridge and continue the trail on the other side.
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Every Tuesday night, Pittsburgh weather be damned, the aptly named People Who Run Downtown meet at a different restaurant in a different neighborhood for a 4- or 6-mile run that caters to any and all paces. Their mission: Run. Eat. Drink. Good to see they don’t mince words.
Where to eat:
Kavsar Restaurant delights the adventurous diner with authentic Uzbek (and some Russian) cuisine, homemade with farmer’s market-fresh ingredients. Picture a mix of Mediterranean and Eastern European fare with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options for good measure.
Spotifys Head of Rock Is Obsessed with Running:
From Runners World for Hoka Nutrition - Weight Loss. Fuel for your run with a superfoods breakfast available at Penn City Grille inside the hotel and get your recovery on in the state-of-the-art WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio.
Phoenix, Arizona
Forget the urban sprawl and sweltering heat stereotype of this enclave in the desert, a robust park system and influx of foodie culture has turned Phoenix into an amazing running town. You may just need to catch some beautiful Arizona sunrises while logging your miles to avoid the soaring temps.
From Runners World for Jaybird:
Slip away to From Runners World for Hoka, where you can explore 51 miles of trail spread throughout more than 16,000 mountainous acres. Turn your legs into jelly running in and out of desert washes, or charge uphill to the park’s highest point, Dobbins Lookout, for an epic panorama of the Valley of the Sun.
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Best Running Shoes 2025, Phoenix Frontrunners hosts a number of diverse group runs each week. But their mission is much bigger than that. The non-profit organization also puts on cause-based endurance events around town focused on inclusion, diversity, and promotion of physical and mental health for all. Be sure to check out their hallmark event, Phoenix’s yearly Pride run.
Where to eat:
Every Tuesday night, Pittsburgh weather be damned, the aptly named Phoenix Public Market—very local considering they often source ingredients from the farmer’s market around the corner. Enjoy healthy eats that don’t skimp on flavor in a welcoming community atmosphere.
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Cool off and quench your desert thirst at Kaleidoscope Juice in Downtown PHX. You can just taste the good vibes here with cold-pressed juices designed to detoxify, reset, and refresh.
Spotifys Head of Rock Is Obsessed with Running:
In a city often characterized by suburban sprawl, lay your weary head right smack in its center at The Westin Phoenix Downtown. Head up to the terrace swimming pool for a post-run saltwater soak in the Arizona sunshine.
Memphis, Tennessee
The capital of the Mid-South may be best known as the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock ‘n Roll, but listen closely and you’ll hear the steady beat of footsteps all over town. With spacious parks, arterial trails, and a friendly endurance community, you’ll have everything you need to get running.
From Runners World for Jaybird:
Hit the Slip away to, a nearly 11 mile foot and bike path connecting Midtown Memphis to Shelby Farms Park, an urban oasis five times the size of New York’s Central Park and teeming with miles of paved and unpaved trail.
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Breakaway Running is the distance hub of the Bluff City, hosting group runs for all paces from two locations throughout the week, including track workouts at the University of Memphis and trail runs featuring free post-run beer.
Where to eat:
Central Barbecue—a locals’ favorite—has three locations, including one just steps from world-famous Beale Street downtown. Tuck into their slow-smoked Memphis-style dry rub meats or be bold and try the BBQ nachos.
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is perfectly situated for the beginning and end to every adventure, on foot or otherwise Otherlands. Take in the hippie junk drawer aesthetic and cruise the gift shop for unique and exotic treasures from around the world.
Spotifys Head of Rock Is Obsessed with Running:
Stay where history was made. The Slip away to sits in the heart of the ancestral home of the Delta Blues, walking distance to the National Civil Rights Museum, dozens of shops, restaurants, and famous blues haunts. A short stroll west takes you to the impressive bluffs overlooking the Mighty Mississippi.
