Despite coming down with a gnarly cold and being ridiculously sore after running the Nike Women’s Half Marathon on Oct. 14, I was determined to get out and enjoy the gorgeous weather as much as possible for the remainder of my trip. It was sunny and in the 80s on most days!

There’s something about this city that makes me want to just walk for hours on end. And no matter how many times I’ve checked out all the main attractions, it never gets old. In fact, I’m like a giddy kid every time I see the Golden Gate Bridge. After lounging for a day to recover from the half marathon, I embarked on an adventure by foot…in gladiator sandals, no less!

After meeting my friend for lunch in the Financial District, I walked down to the Ferry Building to browse the outdoor craft stands and check out some of my favorite shops. No trip to the Ferry Building is complete without a Blue Bottle Coffee (try the New Orleans style iced coffee!) and a pistachio macron from Miette. I enjoyed my treats in the sun while people-watching and taking in this amazing view of the Bay Bridge and East Bay:

Next, I continued along the Embarcadero to Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. The last time I visited Fisherman’s Wharf was during a road trip when I was a kid.

Since I didn’t get a chance to see the Golden Gate Bridge when I passed it during my half marathon, I decided to continue along the waterfront to get a glimpse. I made it to the Municipal Pier, which gives you the best all-in-one view: Golden Gate Bridge on one side, Alcatraz straight ahead, and the city skyline on the other side.

I was a little bummed that the glaring sunshine made it hard to see the bridge. I debated walking all the way over to and across the bridge but my feet had reached their limit and my legs were still extremely sore from the half marathon. So I made my way to the nearest MUNI stop — with a quick pitstop at Ghirardelli Square to pick up a gift — to head back to my friend’s house in the Mission District, just in time to freshen up for my fabulous 30th birthday dinner.

In all the times I’ve visited San Francisco, I’d never seen the famous Painted Ladies in person. I’m so fascinated with the Victorian style homes that give the city such a unique look and feel. On the hottest day (I was sweating bombs all day), my friend and I ventured out to Alamo Square where I got this great shot of the Painted Ladies with the city in the background (cue Full House theme song…”ahhh ahhh ahhh ahhh…shooby-doo ba-ba-ba”). PS: I totally want to live in the yellow house – so cute!

On my final night, we celebrated my friend’s birthday on a PARTY BUS! Among the stops that night: Treasure Island (another first for me) and, as fate would have it, across the Golden Gate Bridge. There was this ginormous light-up statue on Treasure Island — it looked really cool with the Bay Bridge and city in the background:

Every time I visit San Francisco, I fall more and more in love with the city. This trip was no exception and I’m glad to have had so much quality time taking in every sight, sound, smell and taste. Until next time, SF!