Best Flat Place to Run

The main criteria for a good flat running trail are separation from car
traffic; adequate public restrooms and drinking fountains; not too many
walkers, bikers, dogs, and other obstacles; a reasonable sense of
safety; and a scenic view. While the sidewalk around Lake Merritt is
good on some of these counts, the best flat running space is along the
Bay Trail of Alameda. You can run any or all of eleven miles between
the island community’s two ferry buildings (or, if you prefer a one-two
beverage punch, from Peet’s’ headquarters to the Rosenblum winery)
without having to check traffic, simply by hugging the shoreline and
taking in the water, sand, battleships, city skylines, pelicans, sea
lions, and cranes (both mechanical and fowl). Or, if you don’t mind a
few traffic lights, you can get further variety by circling back inland
through shady streets and Victorians.