One thing I love about Southern California (yes, I know I’m biased) is how many unique destinations exist right here in the state - that are easy to drive or even take the train to. You don’t have to go very far to enjoy a refreshing break from the norm. I was recently invited to enjoy a little staycation at The Pearl hotel and its brand new restaurant, Ponyboy, in San Diego. I already love this cool coastal city, but this place was an incredibly pleasant surprise and the perfect quick getaway.

Per journalistic integrity, we disclose that the writer of this piece was invited on this trip by Modern Currency PR, with expenses covered. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this piece are their own.

Let’s start with The Pearl itself. I can honestly say that if you’re trying to figure out where to stay in San Diego, this small 23-room hotel is a great choice. The retro style takes you back to the 1960s and offers a chic, Palm Springs kind of vibe. We arrived to a warm and friendly reception and were assigned a corner room upstairs.

I had looked at the website, of course, and read reviews, many of which said the rooms were small but very comfortable. Even so, I was surprised - in a good way. The rooms are not huge but are far from cramped. I think Goldilocks would call them just right. 

I absolutely loved the balance between simplicity and luxury, vintage and modern, starting with the wood floors (with bedside rugs so your first morning steps are warm), furnishings, and accents - and, by far, one of the best hotel beds I've slept in. I was very impressed by the thoughtful touches, inviting decor, and careful attention to detail. I felt instantly comfortable and relaxed: just how a hotel room should make you feel (in my humble opinion).

Everything felt purposeful - quality toiletries in pretty, eco-friendly glass bottles, steamers instead of irons and ironing boards, cotton robes, hand-made pottery-style drinking tumblers, and a live plant on the desk. Oh, and I don’t know about you, but I never use the drawers in those bedside tables, and often there aren't plugs on both sides of the bed. So, I found it very cool that The Pearl turned them into flip-down docking stations, each with outlets and USB ports - so clever and convenient!

After checking in, with a bit of time before dinner, we set off to walk around the neighborhood. Point Loma is a vibrant waterfront community with boutique hotels, local businesses, independent cafes and restaurants, and more. We ended up strolling along the waterfront where there is a boat-filled marina, fishing shops, and a great local brewery.

Back at the hotel, we dined at the best new restaurant in San Diego, Ponyboy, named after the young protagonist in the famous book The Outsiders. Ponyboy is a small-but-elegant cocktail bar and poolside restaurant that is far more than it appears.

If there were only one thing I could say to get you to try it, it would be that the Jidori Kiev Chicken will make it hard to stop when you’re full. Golden and crispy on the outside, paired with the creamiest, most delicious Robuchon potatoes, and rich truffle butter (they literally had me at “truffle butter” before I even tasted it). Absolutely game-changing. 

I actually started with the Waldorf Salad. It’s not usually my go-to, to be honest, but dining outdoors by the pool on a perfectly warm afternoon, it just sounded good - and it was yummy, not to mention almost too pretty to eat. In fact, the presentation of everything was just stunning.

The fun specialty cocktail menu is full of innovative takes on familiar classics, several of which were very appealing, but in the end, I opted for the Summer Vodka Collins. No regrets whatsoever. I also heard that the Pink Squirrel and Banana Daiquiri were really good.

After a blissful night’s sleep, we enjoyed breakfast at the poolside bar (included with everyone’s stay.) I would call it a healthy *continental plus* spread with bagels and cream cheese, yogurt, granola, berries, fruit, and a few other goodies, along with fresh coffee, loose-leaf teas, and various juices. I decided to order an oat milk cappuccino (yep, they have espresso drinks, too!) and it was lovely.

After checking out, we left our bags at the front desk and did a bit more exploring before heading home. There is a lot to see in this part of San Diego, which sits on a high peninsula and is home to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Cabrillo National Monument, renowned tide pools, and incredible views of Coronado Island. It is also close to SeaWorld, Old Town, and more. 

Ready to plan a perfect little coastal getaway? Check out the Ponyboy website for more information, menus, and more; then make your reservation at The Pearl. Have you had the chance to stay here or dine at Ponyboy? If so, we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.