GETAWAY | Long Weekend x Pearl Hotel x San Diego x California

Point Loma—(May 19 to 22, 2022) On a May long weekend "bachelorette party" trip, our group ventured to the Southern California coastal city of San Diego—known for both its large naval fleet next to the Pacific Ocean and proximity to the Mexican border to the South.

Mini Pearl hotel room

Upon arrival after flying in, I spent the night solo at one of Casetta Group's kitschy hospitality properties in the mid-century-style The Pearl Hotel located in the Point Loma ("Hill Point") area. Full of charming little touches and detailed flourishes, the hip boutique hotel has a very modern, minimalist aesthetic inside with cool SoCal beach vibes outdoors.

ice cream flight (cookies and cream + mudslide + sweet ash + coffee crack)

SD offers a healthy mix of local artisanal craftiness and large-scale appeal from its many districts and neighbourhoods. I was fairly impressed by the healthy amount of bustling restaurants both in and out of Little Italy with its wide sidewalks, elaborate outdoor dining spaces, and the sheer volume of classic Italian ristorantes.

The Craft Creamery

From the Gaslamp Quarter downtown for its Granville Street meets Gastown entertainment choices to the dining culture of Little Italy, there's something for everyone with so many different options for every taste.

SmokeShack (cheeseburger with smoked bacon and chopped cherry peppers) + cheese fries

I did personally have to take the opportunity to try out the famous Brooklyn-based smash burger chain, Shake Shack—they make a tasty burger, but it's kinda pricey for fast food.



One of my favourite neighbourhood destinations was the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park (est. 1769) and its surrounding area for its vibrant feel. It was like being in Mexico (which it literally was once, historically) with large strips of businesses featuring both local flavour and more visitor-focused attractions. It felt like the best combination of Southern Californian and Northern Mexican cultures mixed together with Native American influence without being too touristy.



Of the many beaches, piers, docks, and coastal settings, we headed towards Mission Beach (below) near Belmont Park and the Pacific Beach for its endless public boardwalk on an uncharacteristically grey day. It's just so nice being surrounded by water and the ocean in almost every direction.



On the whole, San Diego is a pretty sprawling yet still very walkable big city filled with plenty of attractions, local culture, and a plethora of dining options. I found the coastal city certainly a fun and easy destination to spend a few casually exciting days (and nights).


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