7 Great Cities of the World to Go for a Run When You Visit

Running along the roads and footpaths in the tiny village of Kinderdijk (pictured), we were surrounded on all sides by twirling giants. What a way to see this quaint destination in the Netherlands. We were away from the crowds and made our own way looping around from the water to the interior canals, and before an hour had passed, Colleen and I had spotted animals (many cows, horses and mallards), ships, trees, flowers, chatted with residents and seen every windmill in town.

This is often how we like to explore ports areas and other destinations. You get to see more, find a little piece of solitude and best of all, it's free and good for your health.

We have enjoyed runs in St. Thomas USVI, London, New York City, Key West, Orlando, Dublin and many, many more.

Many cruise-port cities offer great walking/running paths that are natural fits for excellent sightseeing while you get in your workout.

Plot Your Route

Several apps and websites help you find a safe route to run. You can chart your own course/distance or use a route that has been entered and shared by someone who has been there and done that.

Try these:
MapMyRun.com
RunKeeper.com
TrailLink.com
Runners World Route Finder — rw.runnersworld.com/
route/routefinder.html

Just throw on your running shoes and grab your camera, then head out for a cheap self-guided tour in these spots.

1. Miami

Go for a morning or sunset run at Miami Beach Boardwalk in South Beach. The route offers continuous views of the ocean, sandy beach — and interesting people. The route runs for 40 blocks north from the South Beach area, and you can pull off to find a wide variety of other things to see or do: eat, drink, shop on Lincoln Road or check out the Art Deco designs of the hotels and homes. How about, trying it all?

2. New York

Central Park gets busy, but there is plenty of room for everyone. Miles and miles of loops offer endless variation as you run within view of impressive skyline, trees, foliage and lakes and bridges. Also, you'll spot bikers, walkers, people playing Frisbee, softball, bocce and all sorts of activities. 

Or, try a run along the High Line Park, a 1.5-mile long path that has been built on a refurbished portion of an old New York Central Railroad section. The park on Manhattan's West Side extends from 34th Street to Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District and contains wildflowers and wild grasses as well as public art, food vendors and unique views of the bustling city life below.

3. Cozumel, Mexico

Enjoy a scenic and sunny run along the Malecon that stretches from the International Cruise Port area all the way to downtown San Miguel (about five miles). Your run follows the ocean the whole way, and you can slip into the water to cool down after your run at several small public beach spots, many adjacent to quaint bars/eateries. I think it's awesome to start the day with a challenging, sweaty run and then reward yourself with a couple beers, chips and salsa and relaxing time in the cool, clear waters. But that's just me. 

4. Houston

A slow-moving river, Buffalo Bayou, winds through the city, and you can run along the banks of this waterway. About 20 miles worth of trail segments form a park system shared by bikers, walkers and runners and goes through downtown Houston and features green spaces, a skate park, paddlesports, scenic waterfall, art installations and even an observation deck to view the nightly spectacle of the Waugh Bridge bat colony — the creatures emerge at dusk to begin their hunt for mosquitos.

5. Montreal

The city's popular Mount Royal Park holds a wide variety of trails. You can challenge yourself with some elevation change up the mountain path to Montreal's highest point (at just 764 feet, Mount Royal is really a hill) or glide along to enjoy the green expanse of the Golden Square Mile. Paths are unpaved, making it easy on the knees and feet. 

6. Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Trail is a 30-mile-long route that begins at Victoria Peak (pictured) and descends into wooded forests, and along the way includes climbs of some of the islands' highest peaks for amazing views. The trail contains eight sections and goes through five country parks. Don't worry. If you just want an easy run, you can plot out a mild section. (The first leg, from Victoria Peak, is a relatively easy four-mile stretch, for example.)

7. New Orleans

A section of the Mississippi River Trail goes through the Crescent City and is a hot spot for visitors and residents. Run on a levee atop the banks of the Mighty Mississippi after you set out from Audubon Park (pictured), which also features its own beautiful two-mile running path. In fact, the city is filled with options for runners who want to enjoy the sights. Check out the mansions on St. Charles Avenue from your route along the roadways' "neutral ground" median.

Please share spots you have discovered for your runs/walks around the world.

Thanks for reading,

JR