When things start to heat up in the summer, there’s no better place to escape to than the beach. Coastal real estate is limited for luxury hotels and resorts, especially in the greater Los Angeles area, which makes Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, the ultimate beachfront getaway with 102 acres of prime indoor and outdoor space surrounded by the area’s natural beauty. Fun fact: it’s also the only oceanfront resort in LA.

Set along the edge of the scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula and 20 miles from Los Angeles International Airport, the luxury resort offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean throughout the property, refreshing coastal breezes, and a wide array of amenities and activities for guests to enjoy during their stay.

Spa Profile: The Spa at Terranea

My husband and I recently decided to beat the heat in South Pasadena where we live by heading to Terranea Resort for a pre-4th of July stay. During our visit we experienced a variety of the property’s culinary offerings, the award-winning spa, beach activities, the oceanfront golf course, and their Veuve Terrace Experience.

Because of the holiday the resort was busier than usual, but it was exciting to be in the midst of the action and see lots of families arriving and having fun together as lawn games and activities were being set up. Terranea also hosted an Independence Day Celebration that included live performances of Beach Boys tunes, festive bites and patriotic drinks, and a fireworks display on a big screen set up on the main lawn. It was open to the public to attend with purchase of a ticket.

Los Angeles Spa Guide: The Best Spas in the South Bay

We had an incredible time and absolutely loved every minute we spent there. As pet lovers and dog parents ourselves, we enjoyed seeing lots of cute pups walking around the resort with their owners and playing on the grass. We didn’t bring our dogs with us this time, but after seeing how dog-friendly Terranea is, I can definitely picture a future visit where we bring our fur babies with us. For more pet-friendly hotels and resorts that pamper four-legged companions, click here.

Read on to discover everything you need to know about Terranea Resort so you can plan your next getaway.

Why You’ll Love It

Expect luxurious coastal-themed accommodations, tranquil ocean views and breezes, multiple swimming pools, top-notch service, friendly team members, world-class dining options, an oceanfront 9-hole golf course, one of the best spas in LA, and a diverse selection of unique experiences and activities.

The property is both family-friendly and dog-friendly, making it the perfect destination for family vacations and wedding parties, couples’ romantic getaways, travelers with pets, as well as corporate groups. It’s also a great place to stay if you’re traveling solo and want to relax in an elevated beachfront setting.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the abundance of sea and land adventures offered including kayaking, archery, falconry, guided hikes, and more. The expansive property features abundant indoor and outdoor space that allows guests to connect with the natural beauty and energy of the stunning Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Accommodations

Terranea Resort’s luxurious accommodations combine comfort with style, capturing the essence of coastal beauty in every guestroom, suite, casita, bungalow, and villa—making for the perfect memorable stay. Depending on the size of your party and the experience you want, the 560-room resort has a wide range of accommodations that offer something for everyone.

Terranea Resort’s accommodations include:

• Guestrooms: The resort’s main hotel building offers comfortable guestrooms with 450 square feet of space that include private balconies or patios with ocean views, premier ocean views or exclusive oceanfront settings overlooking the waves below. Bungalow guestrooms are located near the spa, come with a balcony or patio, and offer views of the ocean and Catalina Island. Casita guestrooms are nestled within the residential-style Casitas, feature lavish interiors, a balcony or patio, and have resort and ocean views.

• Suites: The 900-square-foot, one-bedroom hotel suites blend comfort and style with a spacious design, views of the ocean and Catalina Island, private balcony or patio, and include a separate living room area as well as a second half-bathroom. Nestled at the pinnacle of the peninsula, the Shearwater Suites offer 1,800 square feet of space, come with a private balcony or patio, and feature a spacious living room, dining room, and second half-bathroom. The Vanderlip Suite is the most opulent of the suites with 2,200 square feet of space, a private balcony or patio, oceanfront views, a spacious living room, dining room, and second half-bathroom.

• Casitas: Ideal for families and groups of friends, the residential-style casitas range from one to three bedrooms and include expansive living areas, full kitchens, and great rooms accompanied by ocean views. The one-bedroom casita features 1,100 square feet; the two-bedroom casita features 1,550 square feet; and the three-bedroom casita features 2,040 square feet of space—so you’ll feel right at home. Other perks include an outside foyer with fireplace, washer and dryer, an indoor fireplace, and more.

• Bungalows: Located just steps away from the resort’s spa, the bungalows are especially ideal for guests that want to focus on their wellness and relaxation with all the amenities of a luxury resort for a rejuvenating experience. They come with spacious living areas, kitchens, fireplaces, and patios with fire pits, ranging in size from one bedroom (1,100 square feet) to two bedrooms (1,550 square feet). Special features include wellness equipment (yoga mat, resistance bands, dumbbells) and L’Occitane bathroom amenities. Accessible bungalows are also available to help guests with additional access requirements.

• Villas: The ultra-exclusive villas are located in a secluded enclave overlooking The Links at Terranea golf course offering views of the ocean and Catalina Island. Whether you’re planning an extended stay or a getaway with family and friends, the villas feature spacious living areas and full kitchens to provide the comforts of home along with the luxury of a resort. The villas range in size from two bedrooms (starting at 1,850 square feet) all the way up to four bedrooms (2,900 square feet) with a private outdoor hot tub.

We stayed in a one-bedroom hotel suite overlooking the resort pools and ocean with Catalina Island in the distance. At 900 square feet with a separate living room, two private balconies, and a second half-bathroom, it felt more like a home than a hotel room, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

The master bathroom had his and hers sinks, a large walk-in shower, and one of my favorite features—a generously sized bathtub with a tray caddy stocked with amenities such as a loofah, bath salts, shower cap, and soap. There was room left on the tray for a glass of wine to further enhance the relaxing bath experience.

I used the tub on both nights of our stay and it was the perfect way to unwind after long days filled with fun activities. Whenever I travel, I always find that taking a bath before bed helps to improve the quality of my sleep. For more tips on how to improve your sleep while traveling, click here.

When we were in our room, my husband and I loved sitting on the balcony and enjoying the view. It was a great spot to start the morning with a cup of coffee and to end the day catching a beach sunset with a glass of wine. We also slept with our balcony doors open, allowing the calming ocean breeze to keep us cool at night while we drifted to sleep—nature’s perfect lullaby.

The nightly turndown service left small bottles of pillow and linen spray by our bedside featuring fragrance notes of basil, mandarin, and kale. I spritzed it across my pillow and sheets before bed, closing my eyes as I took several slow and calm breaths, inhaling the pleasant aroma as I relaxed my mind and body before falling asleep.

On our final night, housekeeping left complimentary packets of lavender seeds for us to take home and plant as reminders of our time at Terranea Resort, which was a lovely touch (and I look forward to growing fresh lavender in our backyard!)

The resort has its own produce trees and grows various ingredients including lavender, which co-exist with the wild native plants in the area, to incorporate into various aspects of the guest experience including food and beverage offerings, which provides guests with a more authentic experience and taste of the region.

Swimming Pools

There are four swimming pools at Terranea Resort that provide personalized service and cater to families, kids, adults-only, and spa-goers. Ocean views and poolside service can be enjoyed from each pool while private cabanas can be rented at a daily rate for an elevated experience. All of the pools are heated, open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and offer food and beverage service from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Resort Pool

Designed with families and children in mind, the 5,000-square-foot resort pool includes a 140-foot water slide, splash pad, and poolside cabanas. Our room overlooked the resort pool, which was busy throughout our stay with lots of children having fun under the sun.

Cielo Point Pool

For travelers without children who want a more relaxing atmosphere, Cielo Point Pool is the resort’s adults-only pool for guests ages 21 and up. It’s located down a long set of stairs at the edge of the water and offers dramatic ocean views.

It has a full bar and grill station, and a menu that serves light poolside fare and cocktails. Cabanas are available for daily rental and non-resort guests can purchase a day pass. During the summer, head to the Cielo Point Pool on weekends from 1 to 5 p.m. for Drinks and Beats, where live DJs play music.

Vista Pool

Located above the resort pool, the Vista Pool is open to guests ages 13 and up. It includes a sundeck, hot tub, private cabanas for rental, and views of the ocean. Full food and drink service is also available at this pool.

Spa Pool

Available exclusively to spa guests, the tranquil Spa Pool offers a retreat of its own, located adjacent to the fitness center and movement studio. The 25-meter pool offers stunning ocean views, is surrounded by fire pits, and has cabanas available for a daily rental fee. Guests can order healthy bites and drinks poolside or dine at solviva restaurant, which is located next to the pool and spa.

During our time at The Spa at Terranea, we spent half the day relaxing in a cabana, which truly elevated our poolside experience. The spacious cabana included a covered sitting area with a table where we could take a break from the sun. It was a great place for stashing belongings that needed to be kept out of the heat including cell phones and other personal belongings. We enjoyed views of the pool and the ocean from our cabana, which made for a relaxing afternoon.

The cabana also had a shelf with extra beach towels and our attendant brought us pitchers of fresh ice water and hibiscus tea. We ordered various healthy bites and beverages off the poolside menu, which were freshly prepared in solviva’s kitchen.

Retail

The resort has several boutiques and retail shops that offer gift items, branded resort merchandise, clothing, and more. The spa boutique carries an impressive selection of workout clothing, resort wear, accessories, candles, skincare, and wellness items.

For everything golf-related, The Links Golf House retails golf apparel from renowned brands such as Travis Mathew, as well as golf accessories.

Located inside Sea Beans, Pointe Discovery is where you’ll find all the Terranea-themed items you could want ranging from magnets and cups to clothing and beyond.

Next door to Sea Beans is Marea Boutique, which sells luxury items including designer sunglasses from brands like Gucci, high-end resort wear and swimwear, fine jewelry, lounge wear and accessories from Aviator Nation, among others.

Meetings & Events

With its scenic backdrop and beautiful setting, Terranea Resort is also a popular conference and wedding destination with over 135,000 square feet of flexible event and meeting space, and can accommodate receptions of up to 1,500 people.

The resort offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for hosting all kinds of events ranging from its ballrooms and terraces to its gardens and lawns—all featuring stunning ocean views. Meeting and event facilities include:

• Palos Verdes Grand Ballroom (18,000 square feet)

• Marineland Ballroom (6,600 square feet)

• Ocean View Ballroom Foyer (11,000 square feet)

• Catalina Room (4,400 square feet)

• 33 meeting rooms

• 15 breakout rooms (many with ocean view terraces)

• 4 boardrooms

• 1 large hospitality suite

• Oceanfront Palos Verdes Meadows (16,000 square feet)

• Palos Verdes Terrace and Lawn (13,000 square feet)

• 7 additional oceanfront lawn spaces

Cuisine

Whether you’re in the mood for an elegant dining experience, Asian fare, a casual beach bar with fire pits or health-focused dishes, Terranea Resort has eight different food and beverage options ranging from award-winning restaurants to a grab-and-go cafe ensuring that all guests’ culinary needs are met.

The cuisine served at Terranea Resort reflects its bounty with many ingredients coming from local farms including nearby Catalina View Gardens, the resort’s own garden, and the Pacific Ocean. The resort’s dining options include:

• Bashi: With indoor and outdoor dining areas accompanied by coastal views, this restaurant specializes in dishes inspired by Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian dishes. They have an extensive sake list, Asian beers, specialty wines, and make the best handmade rolls at the sushi bar.

• Catalina Kitchen: Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Catalina Kitchen also offers stunning ocean views and its menu highlights New American cuisine with a coastal twist. They incorporate high-quality, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients from Southern California and are known for their Friday night seafood buffets and Sunday brunch. They offer a daily happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. Dishes to try include their flatbreads such as the fig and prosciutto, the Catalina Kitchen Burger with basil aioli on a brioche bun, and the wood oven-baked brie served with toasted baguettes.

• Lobby Bar & Terrace: Located right off the resort’s entryway, the Lobby Bar & Terrace is a great spot for a leisurely drink and small bites while enjoying ocean views accompanied by live music offered daily from 7 to 11 p.m. In addition to craft cocktails, fine wines and beer, they have special weekly events including Cevicheria (fresh ceviche and margaritas) on Tuesdays from 2 to 5 p.m., Whiskey Wednesdays (curated whiskey cocktails and chef-paired light bites) from 2 to 5 p.m., Aperitivo (Italian spritzes, fine wines, and small bites) on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m., and Breakfast on the Terrace from 9 a.m. to noon on Sundays.

• Mar’sel: A fusion of the Spanish and French words for “sea” and “salt,” mar’sel offers an elegant dining experience with the ocean as its backdrop for dinner and seasonal Sunday brunches. Its menu features an inventive twist on California cuisine with local ingredients and produce from the on-site chef’s garden. Dishes range from oysters and caviar to lobster and filet mignon, paired with a curated list of notable wines from California and France, among others.

• Nelson’s: With outdoor fire pits, ocean views, and live entertainment, Nelson’s is the perfect spot for a casual meal by the beach. Its menu features regional favorites including Baja fish tacos, salads, sandwiches and fries along with local microbrews, California wines, and blended drinks. On Fridays and Saturdays they host their annual concerts known as Sound Series from 6 to 10 p.m. which are complimentary to resort guests and cost $30 for general admission; ages 13 and under are free. On Sundays from 3 to 7 p.m., enjoy dishes from the smoker paired with live blues and country music on Slow Smoked Sundays. Cost is $66 for adults, $36 for kids ages 4 to 13, and complimentary for ages 3 and under.

• Sea Beans: Located by the entrance to Terranea Resort, this grab-and-go cafe opens daily at 6 a.m. and serves specialty coffee and tea, fresh baked goods, and other treats including s’mores kits. They have several indoor and outdoor tables, and on weekends they offer an outdoor pancake station for an extra charge as well.

• Solviva: Featuring locally and sustainably grown produce paired with nutrient-rich ingredients, solviva is the spa’s restaurant that serves healthy and tasty dishes that enhance well-being. Their menu items are also available to order at the spa pool and cabanas. Celebrate Golden Hour on Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 7 p.m. during Sips and Sunsets, where they serve curated fine wines, charcuterie, and live music. Cost is $48 per person.

• The Grill at the Resort Pool: Perfect for those long days at the pool, The Grill serves classic items, light bites, and craft cocktails. Enjoy food and drink from the comfort of your cabana or lounge chair, or sit at the bar area while watching a sports game on TV.

We started every morning at Sea Beans, where my husband ordered coffee while I enjoyed an iced matcha latte. We picked up breakfast sandwiches and pastries there our first morning on the way to The Links at Terranea for a round of golf, and on our last day we picked up our drinks before going on a morning hike around the property.

We had dinner at mar’sel on our first night and it was one of the highlights of the trip. We sat at one of the tables on the outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean, where we experienced one of the most beautiful sunsets during our stay.

Our waiter was kind enough to capture some photos of us on the lawn in front of the restaurant, and the service and food were incredible. Throughout the evening, numerous guests at the restaurant took photos in the same spot as we did, so clearly it’s a popular request!

Our favorite dishes included the bread basket (featuring four different breads with butter), beet salad, cacio & pepe pasta with egg yolk and truffle, and the Chilean sea bass. For dessert we enjoyed a trio of seasonal fresh made gelato with innovative flavors such as avocado and ube banana.

The other evening we dined at bashi, which was our other favorite spot at the resort. We ordered various hand made rolls and fresh sashimi, in addition to steamed edamame and the Hamachi Carpaccio. Highlights from the evening included the crispy rice dish with spicy tuna, the salmon avocado roll, tuna sashimi, and more.

They also serve a long list of creative cocktails and our waitress had the bartender make me a non-alcohol version of the Matcha Made in Heaven, which tasted absolutely divine with coconut, matcha, pear, lemon, and egg white froth.

During our spa day, we ordered off the menu at solviva and had the items brought to our cabana. The menu featured a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts—all made with healthy ingredients.

We opted to split the chips with guacamole (made with fresh avocados) and the avocado sweet potato, which consisted of a baked sweet potato topped with organic poached egg, pico sofrito, pomegranate seeds, and kelp sea salt flakes. I enjoyed the sweet potato dish so much that I’m going to try making it at home—I could see it becoming one of my regular dishes in my cooking routine.

Drink options included fresh cocktails, spritz drinks, and mocktails. I tried the Elderflower Relaxation spritz, which was just the right balance of sweet with St. Germain, lemon juice, strawberry puree, mionetto prosecco, and strawberry.

Spa & Wellness

When it comes to spas, Terranea Resort has one of the nicest facilities I’ve been to and I always recommend it to people. The 50,000-square-foot, award-winning spa offers an abundance of indoor and outdoor space with ocean views, which isn’t something you find at many spas in LA.

With 25 treatment rooms, multiple relaxation areas, cabanas available for rental, and a large outdoor spa pool, The Spa at Terranea is ideal for groups celebrating a special occasion like a birthday as well as bridal parties.

With various co-ed relaxation areas including the pool deck, it’s perfect for couples that want to enjoy a spa day together. At the same time, the spa is also great for solo spa-goers who want to treat themselves to a day of self-care.

The spa’s amenities include separate men’s and women’s locker rooms, indoor and outdoor relaxation lounges, hot tubs and cold plunges, outdoor showers, saunas and steam rooms, a couple’s meditative relaxation area, a spa pool, spa boutique, spa cafe, and full-service salon.

The spa also has a 5,000-square-foot Fitness & Wellness Center with an adjoining oceanfront Movement Studio. It’s equipped with state-of-the-art machines and offers an extensive list of fitness classes that are complimentary for spa guests. Offerings include seaside yoga and cycling, sound baths, swim workouts, and more. View the monthly fitness classes here.

Personal training sessions are also available for a charge and Spa Day Passes are available for resort guests ($80) and non-resort guests ($120) to purchase if they want to experience the spa’s amenities including the pool and fitness center without booking a spa treatment.

For avid spa enthusiasts that want to make The Spa at Terranea a part of their regular routine, a spa membership is also available. It comes with multiple benefits including discounts on spa treatments, salon services, cabana reservations, dining at solviva, and the spa boutique; full access to the Fitness Center and Movement Studio (including scheduled classes); exclusive invitations to special events; and more. For more information about spa membership, click here.

The treatment menu at the spa is designed to rejuvenate guests while harmonizing them with the energy of the tranquil seas. Among the spa’s newer signature wellness treatments is the Crimson Revival, a unique 120-minute service that revitalizes the body through the practice of contrast therapy. I had the opportunity to experience this treatment during my recent stay—read all about it here.

Spa Review: The Spa at Terranea Offers Restorative Treatments in a Harmonious Oceanfront Setting

The spa also offers a selection of massages, body treatments, facials, couples packages, enhancements, and CBD treatments by OTO, a premium wellness brand from the UK.

Beauty Boss: Gemma Colao, Founder and Creative Director of OTO

Activities

There is no shortage of things to do at Terranea Resort, making it a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts and families with children and teens. From water and land activities to a golf course and kids club, in addition to several special experiences, guests are spoiled for choice. The only challenge you might face is choosing between activities—and in that case, perhaps you’ll just have to extend your stay. All of these activities can be booked through the resort’s Experience Center.

The Beach Cove

Located towards the southern end of the resort in a secluded enclave, the beach cove serves as the scenic backdrop for many of Terranea’s outdoor activities on land and sea. A wide variety of adventures await but if you just want to relax and enjoy the scenery, you can book a beach cabana which includes two lounge chairs, two Adirondack chairs, and a splash table for young guests. Available activities include:

• Kayaking and guided kayak tide pool adventures

• Stand-up paddle boarding

• Leopard shark & snorkel tours

• Tide pooling adventures

• Private falconry experience

• Stargazing tours at night

• Archery & archery tag

• Guided coastal hikes

• Horseback trail rides

• Tennis & pickleball at the Peninsula Racquet Club

As soon as we arrived at the resort it was time for our archery lesson down at the beach cove. I had never tried archery before and my husband had only done it a few times when he was younger, so we thought it would be fun to step outside our comfort zones and try something different. I was slightly nervous, mostly out of the fear that I might accidentally hurt myself, but our instructor Daniel immediately put my fears to rest.

He’s been working at the beach cove ever since it opened and has multiple years of experience teaching archery. He was very knowledgeable, took the time to explain each step to us, demonstrated how to properly shoot, and he had a great sense of humor. We really enjoyed our hour-and-a-half long lesson, and my husband and I both hit our intended targets (including the bullseye) multiple times, so we left feeling accomplished and in good spirits.

During the summers, the beach cove also hosts movie nights where guests and families can enjoy an outdoor movie under the stars. Snacks are available for purchase and the experience is complimentary for resort guests. Heat lamps and blankets are provided, along with free popcorn.

Golf at The Links

My husband is an avid golfer and I’ve recently started getting into the sport, so I decided to join him for a tee time at The Links at Terranea. Located south of the resort, The Links are a quick golf cart ride away through the connected parking lot.

It’s also within walkable distance from the resort entrance, but we opted for the complimentary golf cart ride since my husband had brought his golf clubs. Concierge makes it easy to store your clubs and will have them waiting for you in the lobby when you’re ready to play. I don’t have a set of golf clubs yet so I used a rental set provided by The Links.

We arrived 30 minutes before our tee time, which allowed us to browse the pro shop and warm up in the various practice areas including the hitting bay and chipping area. There was also a putting green but we didn’t have time to use it. Then it was off to the races!

The oceanfront course is woven through its natural surroundings and offers plenty of challenge such as changes in elevation and numerous bunkers. The 9-hole, par-3 course takes approximately two hours to play and was perfect for a beginner like me who isn’t used to playing the standard 18 holes. Tip: don’t be fooled by the short yardage—every level of golfer will find just the right challenge on this course.

Designed for beginners and more experienced golfers, the course offers tees of different lengths depending on the challenge you want. My husband hit from the back tees while I hit from the front tees. The tee placements ranged from 104 to 173 yards, and the holes had names like Long Point (named for the historic land where the round starts) and Portuguese Bend (the green offers a lot of movement like its namesake).

It’s a links course so there are no golf carts, but pull carts are available to carry your golf gear; we enjoyed the extra exercise walking from each hole while taking in the beautiful scenery. My husband’s favorite aspects of The Links included the lush landscaping and the difficult yet manageable elevation changes.

If you’re looking to brush up on or improve your game, The Links offers private and group instruction, golf clinics led by PGA professionals, and junior player lessons. There’s also a golf simulator at The Golf House for swing development.

The Links are open to the public and you can reserve a tee time online. They also offer a golf membership that includes various perks such as discounts on merchandise and preferred green rates, a complimentary lesson, and more. If we lived closer to Terranea Resort, we would highly consider getting a membership to The Links. Learn more about golf membership here.

Destinations By Lexus

The resort is a preferred partner of DESTINATIONS by Lexus, where guests have the opportunity to discover the latest Lexus vehicles for up to three hours of complimentary use to explore the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Terranea Resort also offers a complimentary Lexus shuttle that will drop guests off at various destinations nearby including the Peninsula Racquet Club, Point Vicente Lighthouse, and Portuguese Bend Riding Club, among others.

Veuve Clicquot Terrace Experience

One of the other favorite aspects of our visit to Terranea Resort was the Veuve Clicquot Terrace experience, which is offered daily on the Lobby Terrace from 2 to 10 p.m. It’s a cute set-up with tables, umbrellas, and a bar area—all decorated in the brand’s signature yellow color.

We had a reserved table and enjoyed sitting under one of the Veuve umbrellas while sipping on Veuve by the glass with a few small bites off the menu. My husband tried a glass of the Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label while I tried a glass of the Veuve Clicquot Rosé—both were wonderful and refreshing, especially paired with the ocean as our backdrop.

Also available by the glass and bottle are Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame (2012) and Veuve Clicquot Rich. Veuve Clicquot Vintage Brut (2015) and Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut Extra Old are available by the bottle only.

The small bites menu offered a choice of three items for $25 with options that included:

• Mushroom & Truffle Arancino

• Salmon Tartar

• Charred Top Sirloin Arrosticini

• Wagyu Beef Slider

• Pan Tumaca

• Gilda Skewer

We split the slider, salmon tartar, and mushroom truffle arancino, all of which were beautifully presented on a small platter. The bites are mini sized so if you’re really hungry, I’d recommend ordering more items (why not try all six?) In our case we were headed to dinner shortly after, so it was the perfect way to please our palates without filling up too much.

Walk-ins are accepted although reservations are encouraged due to limited space and seating. Currently the Veuve Clicquot Terrace experience is available through the end of the summer, but check with the resort for updates regarding potential extensions of the offering.

Kids Club

Guests with children will be delighted with all of the resort’s fun-filled offerings that educate kids while keeping them entertained. Parents that need a break to relax can drop their children off at the Terranea Kids Club, which will keep young ones busy with various outdoor games and athletics, crafting and arts, science-based learning, and films. It’s also a great way for them to socialize and make friends while discovering the beauty of the coastal landscape.

The Kids Club is available to day and overnight guests and includes a meal. Children must be between the ages of 3 to 12 years old and parents must remain on property. The staff is CPR certified and special needs capable. The Kids Club is located on the second floor of the resort past Catalina Kitchen.

Other fun kid-friendly activities at Terranea include Meet-a-Mermaid on Sundays at the beach cove, where kids can meet and take photos with the resort’s resident mermaid. On July 21, the resort will host the annual Terranea Food and Wine Festival, which features a variety of bites from the resort’s restaurants, local eateries, winemakers, breweries, and live music. A portion of event proceeds will benefit the James Beard Foundation.

Hiking

The resort has a public trail around its perimeter and there are various walking paths throughout the property, offering endless options for scenic strolls and runs. Several vista points are located across the resort and are great spots for whale watching.

Complimentary guided coastal hikes led by a naturalist are available for guests and include stops at various viewing points along the coastal trails such as the Terranea Sea Salt Conservatory and Point Vicente Lighthouse. During the one to two-hour hike, you’ll learn all about various local flora and fauna. Private guided coastal hikes can also be arranged.

On our last morning at Terranea, my husband and I enjoyed an hour-long walk on the public trail around the resort. It took us through the beautiful Sea Bluff neighborhood and Vanderlip Park, where many residents and resort guests were walking their dogs, going for a run, and stopping to look out over the beautiful ocean.

It was a great way to start the day and the perfect way to conclude our incredible stay at Terranea Resort.

Insider Tips

• Daily visitor parking costs $27 ($10 with validation) and overnight valet parking costs $67 per night.

• Terranea’s daily resort fee is $67 ($85 for those staying in Lifestyle Collection bungalows, casitas, and villas) and includes wireless internet, nightly turndown, complimentary water bottles upon check-in, fitness center access, a complimentary falconry meet & greet, and much more. View the full list of inclusions here.

• The pet-friendly resort welcomes well-mannered dogs on the property’s public trails, lawns, and outdoors at Sea Beans and Nelson’s. Complimentary potty bag stations are located throughout the resort grounds and pets must be leashed at all times.

• Children 17 and younger can stay at no additional charge in the same room as their parents and the resort offers pack’n plays for the comfort of young children.

• For an elevated poolside experience, reserve a private cabana at one of the resort’s pools while ordering from the poolside menu which includes cocktails and mocktails. Cabana rates vary depending on the pool and day of the week. Day passes are also available for purchase to the Cielo Point pool (ages 21 and up), which features live DJs every weekend.

• For a fee, resort guests can reserve a Beach Cove Cabana down at the Beach Cove, which includes two lounge chairs, two Adirondack chairs, and a splash table for young guests. The cost to reserve a seaside cabana is $371 for six hours (maximum of six people). Each additional person costs $50 for up to eight people.

• The Links at Terranea are open to the public and non-resort guests can book a tee time to play the 9-hole course. Clubs and walking carts can be rented, and membership to The Links is also available.

• Pick up a s’mores kit (available for purchase at sea beans cafe) to enjoy at one of the resort’s fire pits located throughout the property—the perfect evening activity for winding down after a fun day.

• The Movement Studio at The Spa at Terranea’s Fitness Center offers complimentary daily classes for spa guests including seaside and sunset yoga, sound baths, guided meditation, seaside cycling, and more. Personal training sessions are also available at a cost of $125 for one guest (60 min) and $350 for two to four guests (60 min).

• Spa Day Passes are available for purchase and include use of the spa’s amenities, fitness center, and pool. Spa passes are good for one day and guests must be 18 or older. Spa Day Passes costs $80 for resort guests and $120 for non-resort guests; they are available Monday through Thursday excluding holidays).

• Terranea Resort offers a variety of daily activities, experiences, pop-ups and activations (some are are open to the non-resort guests for a charge). View the resort’s event calendar here.

For more information and to book a stay at Terranea Resort, call 866-547-3066 or visit their website. Follow on Instagram: @terranearesort

100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

More luxury destinations:

Discover Sensei Porcupine Cerek in Rancho Mirage, CA

A Visit to Nemacolin, a World-Class Destination in Pennsylvania’s Lauren Highlands

[Photos courtesy of Terranea Resort/select photos by Kamala Kirk]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk