Terranea Resort. Is it s romantic getaway?  A wedding destination?  A family retreat? A corporate event center?  Yes. Yes, it is. 

This relatively new posh Southern California 350 room resort sits on 100 acres of prime oceanfront real estate just 20 miles south of Los Angeles.  It occupies the land where Marineland once entertained millions of visitors for four decades until it closed in 1987.

Decades of planning and hundreds of millions of dollars were invested into creating this one of a kind property.  Even though it was completed in 2009, when the U.S. economy was still in a state of doldrums, no corners were cut and no expenses were spared to create a resort that is unlikely to ever be created again along the Southern California coastline.

Initially I booked this resort simply as a convenient place to stay prior to our Panama Canal cruise that departed out of the Port of Los Angeles (officially located in San Pedro). I quickly realized that Terranea is a perfect retreat on its own whether it is for a romantic getaway or a family vacation.

Because it is situated on a peninsula jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, nearly all of the rooms have glorious views of the rocky coastline (you might recognize some of its glorious setting  from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies). Additionally, the unique geography affords you both exquisite sunrises and sunsets at the resort. 

In addition to the 3 luxurious swimming pools, Terranea has created a small man-made beach in a rocky cove where you can launch sea kayaks and paddle boards.  A variety of other rentals and adventures are at your disposal through the Pointe Discovery center on site.

The nights are cool which makes the outdoor gas fire pits all the more tantalizing and hypnotic.  In fact, the sundry shop sells smore’s kits so you can take full advantage of the flames.

While at the resort we were able to enjoy 3 of their fabulous dining options.  Their gourmet café is “sea beans” where there is a wonderful selection of soups, sandwiches and chef-made salads.  It is a perfect place to grab your caffeine or sugar fix as well (most of the desserts are stunning to the eyes and equally rewarding to the palate).  Nelsons is a well executed beach shack restaurant right on the bluff. Catalina Kitchen is a great option for a full service breakfast, lunch or dinner.  The patio seating lets you enjoy the succulent cuisine while enjoy the outdoor beauty of the resort.  There were other dining options for both fatter and skinnier wallets also on site. 

The only thing that could be better about the resort is if we actually lived there.  And that is an option as well. 

If you go:

Terranea Resort

100 Terranea Way Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 

Information (310) 265-2800 | Reservations (866) 802-8000