10 Reasons to Add Terranea to Your SoCal Travel Wish List

Terranea is more than just a classic coastal resort; it’s an immersive experience that embodies the spirit of Southern California. Nestled atop the cliffs of Palos Verdes, Terranea caters to sun-kissed dreams of breathtaking Pacific Ocean proximity and stunning sunsets. The Mediterranean-inspired oasis is conveniently located near iconic Los Angeles attractions such as the Santa Monica Pier, the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame, Hollywood Bowl, Universal Studios, Griffith Park, Crypto.com Arena, and the Getty Center. But, with its four inviting pools, a top-notch spa, diverse dining options, boutique shops, and exceptional service, Terranea offers plenty of reasons to stay put within the 102-acre paradise.

Terranea is its own enchanting world, where life is exceptionally well lived. The resort is a nostalgic California Dream realized. Picture kayaking in the Pacific alongside playful dolphins, or sipping champagne while watching a breathtaking sunset, or roasting marshmallows by a warm fire as the gentle coastal fog rolls in. As the resort celebrate its 15th anniversary, it shines brighter than ever. A recent update highlights its outstanding service and luxurious amenities. Here are ten reasons to add Terranea to your Southern California travel wish list:

Nestled atop the cliffs of Palos Verdes, Terranea caters to sun-kissed California dreams

The Views: Terranea is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, one of Southern California’s most scenic and coveted coastlines, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. You might spot blue and humpback whales during summer months, and gray whales in the winter during migration season. Dolphins can be seen frolicking in the distance year-round. And few experiences are as soul-soothing as a glass of bubbly enjoyed on a Terranea terrace as the setting sun glistens upon the water. 

The Accommodations: Each of the resort’s 582 spacious guest retreats is luxuriously welcoming with plush furnishings, rich linens, spa-like baths, and private balconies. For added space and privacy, choose from 50 three-bedroom ocean view casitas and 32 villas, ranging from 1,850 sq. ft. to 2,800 sq. ft., with spacious, fully-equipped kitchens and living areas. 

A Terranea Casita

Terranea Casita primary bedroom

The Swimming Pools: Terranea boasts four different heated swimming pools: the Resort Pool with a 140-foot waterslide and splash pad, the adults-only Cielo Pool, the Vista Pool for guests ages 13 and older, and the Spa Pool, which commands some of the best views from the property. This is the one at which to linger. Reserve a cabana, and allow the professionally attentive staff to fawn over you with healthy food and drink from solviva café. Other than a beach in Nantucket, no more perfect spot can be found at which to listen to your Elin Hilderbrand audiobook.

Terranea Spa Pool

Activities Galore: Regardless of age or skill level, Terranea has an array of activities that appeal to every guest. Terranea’s Experience Center and team of expert Experience Concierge associates can assist with scheduling a variety of services. Offerings include lessons in the art of falconry, nature hikes, tide pooling, paddle boarding and kayaking. There’s nothing quite like kayaking alongside dolphins that playfully leap out of the water in a pas de deux. Terranea’s water sports activities are conducted from their Beach Cove, a magical little spot at water’s edge.

Find both relaxation and adventure at Terranea’s Beach Cove

The Spa at Terranea: This 50,000-sq.-ft. oasis of natural stone and native woods is perched on the cliff and features 25 treatments rooms, separate men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, and an array of luxurious treatments. The aforementioned spa pool is the most perfect place to relax pre and post treatment. Adjacent to the spa is a 5,000 square ft. fitness center with oceanfront Movement Studio. And the spa’s retail space is reason enough to stop by. You’ll find workout and leisure wear, candles, bath and body products, and delicate jewelry.  

The Links at Terranea: With lush natural terrain and dramatic ocean vistas, the award-winning, nine-hole, par-3 Links at Terranea course features a sustainable design that serves as a habitat for native plant species. Here, on-site PGA professionals offer personalized instruction through Terranea’s Golf Academy, helping golfers evaluate every aspect of the game, including proper practice techniques and short game mechanics.

The Links at Terranea

The Cuisine: Terranea is home to eight dining venues. Eight! And each features stunning coastal views. You’ll find no need for meal repeats, though it’s likely a favorite will draw you back for seconds. The exceedingly elegant mar’sel (Spanish for “sea” and French for “salt”) is the resort’s signature restaurant. Set atop the cliffs, it’s is a regional gem, well-illustrated by its Michelin Guide recommendation and its Forbes Travel Guide four star designation. Superb service, crafted cocktails (don’t miss the Basil Hayden espresso martini), an interesting wine list, and perfectly executed, seasonal dishes made for a stunningly memorable meal. bashi is Pan Asian, serving the freshest sushi and family-style Asian dishes at my patio table overlooking the main resort pool and stunning coastline. The menu features nigiri, sashimi, rolls, Hamachi and scallop carpaccio, Bang Bang shrimp, spicy chicken and pork dumplings, shaking beef, and wok tossed noodles among so many other yummy dishes. Nelson’s is the place for a casual lobster roll and a glass of wine served with sunset views. The spa’s solviva café features light, wellness-oriented bites. And catalina kitchen offers al fresco dining overlooking the Resort Pool. sea beans take-out café stocks all kinds of yummy goods like holiday-themed cookies, gelato, ice cream sandwiches, etc.

A meal at mar’sel, Terranea’s flagship fine dining restaurant, is memorable

Hollywood History: You certainly don’t need to know Terranea’s provenance in order to enjoy your stay, but it’s fun to learn that Terranea’s scene-stealing backdrop has attracted Hollywood film crews since the 1950s when Lloyd Bridges starred in the popular TV adventure series Sea Hunt. At the time, the area was also home to Marineland of the Pacific, a seaside animal theme park. Since then, the dramatic landscape and oceanfront setting has been featured in numerous television and feature film productions, from Pirates of the Caribbean to The Beverly Hillbillies.

The Awards: Terranea has plenty of them, including:

 ~ Forbes Four-Star Award for Terranea, mar’sel and The Spa; 2010-2024

~ AAA Four Diamond Award; 2010-2024

~ Readers’ Choice Award, Conde Nast Traveler; 2012-2018, 2020-2022, 2024

~ Top 10 Best Hotels and/or Resorts, U.S. News & World Report; 2012-2024

~ “Best Hotel in the U.S.” Readers’ Survey, Global Traveler; 2021, 2023

~ “Best of Award of Excellence,” Wine Spectator; 2015-2024 

Hike Terranea’s perimeter via the resort’s nature trail

Boutique Shopping: In addition to the aforementioned spa boutique, the resort’s porte cochere is home to marea, a luxury boutique stocked with beautiful, high end resort wear and accessories for both men and women. You’ll find brands like Veronica Beard and L’AGENCE for women, and Peter Millar and Hugo Boss for men. It’s nearly impossible to walk out empty handed. And next door, pointe discovery is where you’ll find Terranea logoed apparel and souvenirs, as well as educational toys that speak to the resort’s seafaring location. You’ll surely want a candle, at the least, to light at home—the aroma of which will transport you back to this singular paradise.

Photos courtesy of Terranea