This summer, I traveled outside of California for the first time since being diagnosed with—and beating!—breast cancer. I spent three weeks making up for lost time on the East Coast, visiting family and soaking in every bit of the pure wonder of being alive.

During our trip, we stayed at The Russell—a cozy and colorful boutique hotel in the heart of East Nashville. Originally built as a church in 1904, it was remodeled a few years ago and is now a Music City mainstay. From the historic stained glass that influenced the interiors to the artwork inspired by country music legends, The Russell is a must-visit if you’re in Nashville.

My Stay at The Pearl Hotel in San Diego

Every year in the spring I start to get an itch to travel somewhere warm and relaxing. I dream about driving along the coast with the windows down, feeling the familiar warmth of the sun on my skin, listening to the song of the ocean as the waves race toward the dry sand and slowly back again.

After a year spent looking at the four walls around us, being able to escape to a place like this was even more meaningful than ever. And so at the end of March (and safely taking all precautions), my husband and I escaped to the ease of southern California for a week.

I had never visited San Diego, but as soon as we touched down on the tarmac I knew it was a special place I’d be visiting for years to come. From the Sunset Cliffs and the food to the overall beauty of the landscape and weather, I was hooked. Then we arrived at our hotel which was the absolute cherry on top. We stayed at a spot called The Pearl, which served laid back mid-century meets casual surf energy until our hearts were content. And unknowingly when we booked our stay, it ended up being nestled perfectly halfway between the cliffs where we watched the sunset each evening and the coffee shop we visited almost every morning during our stay.

13 Things to Do in San Diego

A San Diego travel guide featuring 13 of the best parks, local restaurants, local coffee shops, beaches, and hotels to plan your getaway to Southern California.

The Pearl Hotel – for a stay at the mid-mod motel of your dreams. The interiors are an effortless blend of mid-century meets casual surf energy.
Charles + Dinorah – restaurant at the Pearl Hotel. The perfect spot for drinks and dinner while posting up and watching a projected film by the evening glow of the pool.
Moniker Coffee / Moniker General – coffee shop and general store with the most amazing curated selection of goods from clothing to homewares and everything in between.
Cafe Gratitude – a next-level plant-based restaurant. I highly recommend going and getting the I Am Ecstatic – their crispy brussels sprouts, and the I Am Blessed – the most amazing butternut squash pasta dish I’ve ever eaten. Both are pictured below!
Sunset Cliffs – the most beautiful cliffs where we watched the sunset every evening. Pro-tip – get take out and sit in your car to watch the sunset for a fun date night, or grab a coffee in the morning and sit on the cliffs to take in the view.