Where to Stay in Southern California: Terranea Resort

Picture yourself looking to your right, then to your left, then straight ahead, and seeing nothing but the beautiful blue ocean stretch ahead – OK, maybe throw in a few grey whales and a paddle boarder or two – and that is the view from pretty much anywhere on the Terranea Resort property. This fantastic hotel, spa,.. no, escape, is in one of the most picturesque locations on the California coastline, Palos Verdes Peninsula. Situated on it’s very own point, the property has vast ocean views like – these California girls can attest – we’ve never seen before. We had the pleasure of visiting Terranea this past month and, naturally, fell in love. Not only with it’s beauty, but with all it offers as a vacation resort. Plus, it’s just a quick commute from the heart of Los Angeles – not that you’ll ever want to leave.

If you’re escaping to (or from) the L.A. area for travel, this is where you should stay. And here’s why:

The Location

We just went on and on about the optimal placement of Terranea, but being only 30 minutes south of L.A., and 30 minutes North of Orange County (hello, Disneyland), if you do decide to leave and explore for the day it’s situated for the quintessential Southern California vacation. Being right on the coast, it’s also a picturesque spot for hiking, and ocean activities.

The Activities

Speaking of activities, there is no shortage of excursions or relaxation available to you at Terranea. As we mentioned above, we hiked along the beautiful cliffside choosing to take in the views from the nearby lighthouse to the North, but hope to return to explore the tide pools along the shore in the South. Beyond hiking, there are plenty of ways to stay active while visiting. From fitness classes (with an ocean view of course) to kayaking, to stand up paddle boarding and golfing, there is always an enjoyable exercise option available. Just walking the expansive resort felt like a nice dose of activity for us as well!

If you’re looking to relax after a workout (or in place of), the spa is the place to be. We can’t speak highly enough of our experience at the Spa – partially for the secluded pool area that’s incredibly picturesque, but mainly because we received one of the best facials we have ever had. The estheticians treated our skin SO well and the effects were visible – plus the aromatherapy products are amazing!

You can also find plenty of space to relax at one of 4 pools – a cabana at one of the adults only pool, Cielo point, was our pick, but the Resort pool, complete with a water slide, is great for families.

The Food

What can we say, the way to our hearts is truly through our stomachs – and Terranea’s chefs won us over big time. From the Poké salad at Nelson’s to the rich coffee floats enjoyed around the fire pit, we enjoyed every second of the culinary experience. There are 8 dining options on the property – of which we tried them all – that vary in cuisine and style. Picking a favorite is hard but we are still raving about the pan-asian dishes at Bashi! If you want to visit the resort just for a delicious meal, you should also try Nelson’s for lunch or Mar’sel for an exquisite dinner, where we had an incredible assortment of appetizers in addition to our meal.

The Romance

Terranea is great for families but it’s even better for couples because it’s so peaceful and romantic! Private bungalows or Villas are available in addition to the fantastic hotel rooms to cater to whatever accommodation you desire. If you’re getting married this is an idyllic venue! Wether you’re a SoCal local or looking for the dream destination spot it offers a stunning array of ceremony sites, reception venues, and accommodations for all your family & friends all in one area. While we stayed at Terranea, we were able to experience all that the events team can provide for brides & grooms executed by a fabulous dinner on the terrace with a cocktail reception, catered meal (from the fabulous culinary team there), and stunning table decor. The wedding & events team makes planning a wedding so much simpler with their incredible staff and resources. Plus, it’s a great spot to return on subsequent anniversary trips!

This was the view from our room – like we said, ocean all around!