Loading…

We couldn't find that.
Let's go back home and try again.

The History of Terranea, California

Learn more about how Terranea Resort has wowed its guests for more than 20 years since

The sprawling, 102-acre Terranea Resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula overlooks the dazzling Pacific with views of Catalina Island in the distance
Published
By
Image Credits Courtesy of Terranea Resort

The Palos Verdes Peninsula takes its name from Canada de Palos Verdes, “canyon of green trees” in Spanish. Explorer Juan Cabrillo discovered the area in 1542, but prior to then, the native Gabrielino-Tongva tribe made their living from the sea as fishermen, sailors, and traders. In the 1900s, Japanese farming communities sprouted up. In 1913, New York investors, led by Frank A. Vanderlip, considered the peninsula’s founder, bought up 16,000 acres for homes and fine estates on the terraced hillsides. But perhaps Rancho Pales Verdes is best known as the site of Marineland of the Pacific, which opened in 1954 — just a year before Disneyland. Marineland, known for its orca “killer whale” performances, was the largest oceanarium in the world. SeaWorld in San Diego bought the property in 1964 and closed the theme park. It changed ownership several times before Jim York bought the land in 1995 for a hotel and residences, where Terranea Resort has wowed its guests for more than 20 years since its 2009 debut.

Explorer Juan Cabrillo discovered the Palos Verdes Peninsula, “Canyon of Green Trees,” in 1542, but long before that, Native Americans made their living here from the sea
Explorer Juan Cabrillo discovered the Palos Verdes Peninsula, “Canyon of Green Trees,” in 1542, but long before that, Native Americans made their living here from the sea

One Comment

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *