What Was Terranea Before It Was a Resort?

By Alice Nichols

Have you ever wondered what the land that Terranea Resort now stands on used to be? The stunning 102-acre property located in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, was once a thriving marine research and education center owned and operated by the Marineland of the Pacific.

The History of Marineland of the Pacific

Marineland of the Pacific opened its doors in 1954 as one of the world’s largest oceanariums. The park featured various attractions that showcased marine life and offered educational programs for visitors. The park was home to several iconic sea creatures like Orky and Corky, two killer whales that performed for audiences.

The Rise and Fall of Marineland

Despite its success, Marineland faced financial troubles in the late 1970s due to competition from other Southern California theme parks like Disneyland. In 1987, after years of struggling to keep up with its competitors, Marineland closed its doors for good.

Terranea: A New Beginning

After Marineland’s closure, developers purchased the land with plans to transform it into a luxury resort. However, it wasn’t until over two decades later in 2007 that Terranea officially opened its doors as a world-class destination resort.

The Transformation of Terranea

During its construction phase, Terranea made a conscious decision to preserve many of the original structures left behind by Marineland. Today, guests can still see remnants from Marineland’s past like the circular outer walls of one of their animal exhibits.

Exploring Terranea Today

Nowadays, visitors come from all over the world to enjoy Terranea’s luxurious amenities like its award-winning spa and golf course while admiring stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

In conclusion, while Terranea Resort may be relatively new, the land it occupies has a rich and storied history. It’s fascinating to think about the transformation of the property from a marine research center to a world-class destination resort. So, next time you visit Terranea, take a moment to appreciate its unique history and all that it has become.