Terranea Oceanfront Resort, Los Angeles
More photosTerranea Oceanfront Resort, located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, is a stunning 102-acre escape that feels worlds away from the bustle of Los Angeles. Opened in 2009, the property sits on a site with a fascinating past. It was once the home of Marineland of the Pacific, a legendary 1950s oceanarium that was essentially California’s first major theme park.
The resort’s design, led by Hill Glazier Architects and Scheurer Architects, draws heavy inspiration from Mediterranean villages. The architecture is intentionally understated, featuring two and three-story buildings that seem to cascade down the coastal bluffs toward the sea to preserve the dramatic ocean views.
History buffs might recognize the coastline from the classic TV show “Sea Hunt,” which used these rugged cliffs as a primary filming location in the late 1950s. Today, the resort honors its roots by naming amenities after local landmarks and preserving the natural beauty of the area, including native coastal sage scrub and original trees that were carefully replanted during construction.
Nature and exploration are at the heart of the experience. Guests have access to scenic bluff-top trails perfect for whale watching, as well as the nearby Point Vicente Lighthouse. Those looking for adventure can explore hidden sea caves at low tide or enjoy the resort’s nine-hole golf course.
Whether you are enjoying a meal at Nelson’s—named in a nod to the area’s television history—or exploring the nearby tide pools at Abalone Cove, Terranea serves as a sophisticated, environmentally conscious sanctuary on the Pacific coast.
Terranea Oceanfront Resort, located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, is a stunning 102-acre escape that feels worlds away from the bustle of Los Angeles. Opened in 2009, the property sits on a site with a fascinating past. It was once the home of Marineland of the Pacific, a legendary 1950s oceanarium that was essentially California’s first major theme park.
The resort’s design, led by Hill Glazier Architects and Scheurer Architects, draws heavy inspiration from Mediterranean villages. The architecture is intentionally understated, featuring two and three-story buildings that seem to cascade down the coastal bluffs toward the sea to preserve the dramatic ocean views.
History buffs might recognize the coastline from the classic TV show “Sea Hunt,” which used these rugged cliffs as a primary filming location in the late 1950s. Today, the resort honors its roots by naming amenities after local landmarks and preserving the natural beauty of the area, including native coastal sage scrub and original trees that were carefully replanted during construction.
Nature and exploration are at the heart of the experience. Guests have access to scenic bluff-top trails perfect for whale watching, as well as the nearby Point Vicente Lighthouse. Those looking for adventure can explore hidden sea caves at low tide or enjoy the resort’s nine-hole golf course.
Whether you are enjoying a meal at Nelson’s—named in a nod to the area’s television history—or exploring the nearby tide pools at Abalone Cove, Terranea serves as a sophisticated, environmentally conscious sanctuary on the Pacific coast.
Expert reviews
“Just south of Los Angeles, atop the Palo Verdes Peninsula, Terranea offers ocean view guest rooms decked out with luxurious perks such as deep tubs and rain showers.”
“Nature trails wrap this 120-acre property, skirt the wild coast and are open to the public at LA’s best five-star beach resort. Rooms are flooded with natural light and have been designed in classic California style.”
“A stunning getaway without having to go too far away, Terranea Resort is a chill Mediterranean family retreat on the Palos Verdes Peninsula about 45 minutes south of Santa Monica.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Los Angeles.
“Its magnitude and amenities are unequaled in Los Angeles. Commanding 102 acres of hilly coastline, only one-quarter of which the resort occupies, its greatest amenities are fresh air, open space, and leisure to take advantage of them.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Los Angeles.
What guests liked
- Ocean view
- Great food
- Friendly staff
- Excellent Wifi
- Top location
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
4 January 2026
The location and natural beauty at Terranea were excellent, but the staff and luxury amentities did not meet expectation
The location is beautiful!
The food was horrible and the service/staff really lacked. It took 45+ min for breakfast and even longer for lunch. The pool was understaffed making it hard to get drinks/food. Staff lacked responsiveness to basic requests. Housekeeping never came, didn’t bring fresh towels, unable to bring luggage cart at check out.
2 September 2025
Don’t waste your money here
Gorgeous setting
Came here 10 years ago, was fantastic. This time place was poorly managed , dirty in all public places , had too many guests for seats around pool . No Lifeguard in pool with loads of very small kids . Rude restaurant staff. Loud music outside our room as a wedding was taking place at night . The place is shabby and ratty. Needs a good refurb. Was just a miserable experience
23 August 2025
Sadly overpriced for facilities and service that were not five star
Beautiful location, albeit off the beaten path
Almost purposely overpriced to the point of ridiculousness.
3 July 2025
Should have gone to Europe for the insane cost.
Location
Insanely expensive
27 May 2025
Slightly disappointing for a family week end. No real activities for kids
The view and the little beach at the end of the resort
Restaurant booking management for breakfast. Arrived Monday morning to the only place for breakfast with kids in the Catalina Kitchen and they told us the waiting list was 40mn.
Then I went online to check and manage a table in 10mn. Once inside the restaurant we could see a lot of empty and free table . Don’t understand.
Then solviva restaurant also was empty and we wend a morning with 2 kids and refused to serve us because we had kids with us . Unbelievable . Understand the spa and pool is just for adults but the restaurant outdoor and even more it was empty . Can’t understand .
The pool is way too small for so many families so almost no space for towel and only 1 pool open for kids .
Kids club very poor also. So his is not a ideal place for family with kids .
19 March 2024
Excellent service and great vistas
Location. Great vistas.
No real concerns.
8 December 2023
It's great but need not to park due to parking fees.
View and hike trail.
Parking fees and buffet prices.
13 November 2023
Nice place, great location.
Friendly staff, nice accommodations.
Felt we could’ve been put into a better location. Stuck in a corner location with very little Ocean View, which is what we purchased. Room was more akin to a Resort View. Valet was very slow. Took over 25 minutes to get the car, causing is to be late to an appointment. Would like to see a self-parking option at this resort, rather than being forced to pay $60 a night for a car parked a few feet away.
9 September 2023
Had a wonderful stay here for a honeymoon. Would choose this place again.
Friendly staff everywhere.
Parking.
12 August 2023
Overpriced resort; poor service; lovely location.
Clean; comfortable beds; nice spa; beautiful walks along the ocean.
Service was a total hit or miss and always slow. Food outrageously priced and nothing exceptional about its quality. Last but not least, paid for a room with an ocean view and got a tiny partial glance of the water, blocked by a huge cluster of vegetation. Went to the lobby to request a change and was dismissed coldly by a “no, this is the standard at this hotel”.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Kid-friendly buffet
- - Wine/champagne
- - Fruits (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Barber/beauty shop
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (free)
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Grocery deliveries (additional charge)
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Tennis court (additional charge)
- - Sauna (additional charge)
- - Fitness centre
- - Golf course (within 3 km) (additional charge)
- - Fishing (additional charge)
- - Spa & wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Table tennis
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Hiking
- - Cycling
- - Diving (additional charge)
- - Horse riding (additional charge)
- - Snorkelling (additional charge)
- - Mini golf
- - Water sport facilities on site (additional charge)
- - Kids' club (additional charge)
- - Beachfront
- - Evening entertainment
- - Beauty services
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Massage chair
- - Fitness
- - Yoga classes
- - Fitness classes
- - Personal trainer
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Beach
- - Stand-up comedy (additional charge)
- - Movie nights
- - Walking tours
- - Bike tours (additional charge)
- - Themed dinner nights (additional charge)
- - Happy hour (additional charge)
- - Tour or class about local culture (additional charge)
- - Cooking class (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance
- - Live sport events (broadcast)
- - Archery (additional charge)
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
- - Picnic area
- - Outdoor fireplace
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Pool and wellness
- - Water slide
- - Swimming pool toys
- - Pool with view
- - Heated pool
- - Salt-water pool
- - Pool bar
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Sun umbrellas
- - Fence around pool
- - Kids' pool
- - Swimming pool
Entertainment & family services
- - Board games/puzzles
- - Indoor play area
- - Kids' outdoor play equipment
Parking
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available
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14 June 2026
Never going there again!!!