Just when you think you’ve explored every natural gem in SoCal, a new corner of beauty reveals itself. A resort might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a hidden spot, which may be what makes Terranea so perfect. This SoCal treasure boasts breathtaking hiking trails that hug the coastline, unparalleled views of the Pacific, an abundance of wildlife and a stunning hidden beach.
- Credit: Terranea Resort / Meta
It is set along the stunning Palos Verdes Peninsula, where California’s first theme park Marineland once stood until the late 80s. When the owners of SeaWorld in San Diego bought the struggling oceanarium, the killer whales were transferred to the San Diego facility and Marineland was shuttered. After years of being left in ruins, it was bought and given new life as a luxe eco-resort.
- Image: Courtesy of Terranea Resort
Terranea is devoted to conserving the 102 acres of natural beauty and maximizing the pleasure of all it has to offer. Their dedicated Experience Conciergeare at hand ensures you make the most of this coveted setting with exciting activities categorized by land, sea, and air.
The land-based activities include guided coastal hikes, biking along the bluffs, or nature walks exploring wildlife habitats. Once you’re familiar with the rugged shoreline, you can head closer to the crashing waves with activities like tide pooling, whale watching, or kayaking. Then, head back to solid ground to take up archery that dates back 5,000 years to the Tongva people who inhabited the Palos Verdes Peninsula. You can round off your stay by directing your gaze to the stars, where you can admire views of the Milky Way, uninterrupted by the usual light pollution of Los Angeles.
- Image: Courtesy of Terranea Resort
Of course, this staycation dream comes with gigantic pools overlooking the ocean, spas, a restaurant, a bar with live music, and a hot tub if you’re splurging on a villa stay. If you’re still trying to keep up with crippling rent in L.A., you can still access the hiking trails and beach.
Thanks to California law, residents cannot be denied access to land, so the resort has created the Terranea Trail, offering panoramic views of the cliffs and water. You can get to the hidden beach, also known as Terranea Cove, by taking the Beach Trail which connects with the Terranea Trail.
You can find out more about Terranea here. or discovers another Palos Verdes gem here.