The Daycation
Many of Terranea’s activities are available for day-trippers, so when you wake up in Southern California and feel like a Pacific costal excursion and a full day of relaxation, dining, and wellness pursuits, look no further than these coastal bluffs.
WHAT TO DO…
Park your plug-in vehicle at the charging section to revive your ride while you’re enjoying the resort’s amenities.
Take a nature walk. Get your bearings and learn about the resort’s history with an hour-long meander around the grounds. A resort adventure leader can be your guide to the property’s flora and fauna, from the Sea Salt Conservatory and coral trees to rabbits and red-tailed hawks.
Have lunch at Nelson’s near the shore, the backdrop to numerous TV shows and movies, like Pirates of the Caribbean and This Is Us. Baja fish tacos have been on the menu since day one and are always a tasty bet.
Ring the bell! Hanging near the picnic tables at Nelson’s, a large metal bell is ready to be rung when anyone spots whales or dolphins.
Book in advance one of Terranea’s many adventure offerings. Try your hand at archery. Located at the Beach Cove with a trained instructor, you can experience this 5,000-year-old sport that requires concentration and skill with a bow and arrow.
Get in the water with a kayak. Here you can not only paddle out past the sea kelp and into the horizon, but you can also spot whales and schools of dolphins while working on your core and upper-body strength.
Indulge in some retail therapy. Shop the latest in designer clothing and accessories at luxury boutique marea, as well as unique, locally inspired souvenirs for the whole family at pointe discovery.
Take away a treat. To remember your day trip fondly, pick up a whale or butterfly-shaped cookie from sea beans on the front drive on your way out. House olive oil and salt infusions are also available for your home kitchen.
A Romantic Weekend
Whether you’re here from Friday to Sunday or taking a midweek trip, you’ll find no shortage of ways to spend quality time with a loved one. For an added bonus, book one of the more secluded rooms, like the Vanderlip or Shearwater Suites, for complete privacy, expansive oceanfront views, and wraparound terraces.
WHAT TO DO…
Order liquid room service. While you can’t go wrong with the wine list or a bottle of bubbly, try a festive pitcher of margaritas with premium tequila and spicy jalapeño to kick up the mood.
Linger in The Spa. Book the Ocean Suite with a copper tub for two and a private terrace where you can watch the sunset after your couple’s treatment. A fireplace right next door in the coed relaxation area keeps the vibe going, along with a cup of Rishi botanical tea.
Secure a secluded picnic spot. Take a walk along the bluffs with snacks from sea beans—wine, sandwiches, and petit fours from the bakery case. Stop at the picnic tables just outside cielo point and Nelson’s for a romantic lunch with an unbeatable view of the coast.
Take a cove hike. Pelican Cove is accessible through the resort’s trails, which allow you to wander through stunning flora. You can even bring your beloved four-legged friend along for the journey.
Book a private cabana. cielo point is the adults-only pool where you can have privacy in your own cabana, order frothy cocktails, grab a bite, and hear nothing but the clinking of your glass and the sound of crashing waves.
Chill out with a singing crystal bowl. Each day at sunset, experience this ancient ritual known for healing and relaxation through ringing, sound, and vibration.
Take in sunset views. With 270-degree views, at Terranea you can watch the moon rise and the sun set all from one spot: Catalina Point. It’s also a perfect perch for a wedding (or vow-renewal) ceremony.
Listen to music. The Lobby Bar hosts an array of live music most Fridays and Saturdays. The ever-changing lineup includes jazz bands, pianists, and acoustic guitar players.
Visit Wayfarers Chapel, known as the “glass church,” near Portuguese Bend. This romantic spot is a marvel of modern architecture and still holds Sunday services and weddings.
Bleisure Trip
Book one of the villas, which are close to The Links, where business deals are made on the golf course. Be sure to take a lesson with a pro at the Golf Academy to brush up before you hit the green.
WHAT TO DO…
Not many venues have ballrooms and meeting rooms with an ocean view. Try to spot whales from the sixth-floor balconies of executive boardrooms when you need a break from PowerPoint presentations.
Meditate on the Palos Verdes Terrace or take a break on the Cove Terrace and lawn near the agave bushes. Breathe in the salt air mixed with coastal sage before you head back to the conference room.
When you have a full 30 minutes, unwind at The Spa's Fitness Center and Movement Studio, swim some laps in the pool, or jump on a treadmill or spin bike with a panoramic ocean view to clear your mind and break a sweat.
For a caffeinated break, head to sea beans for a cold or hot brew, or mix it up with a custom gelato shake. Bring back a house-made energy bar with goji berries and white chocolate for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Family Getaway
Book one of the ocean-view, residential-style casitas to spread out with the whole family. You can drive your car right up to the door of these accommodations, which are complete with full kitchens, living rooms, and plenty of outdoor space.
WHAT TO DO…
Check out the Kids Club Discovery Garden. Your little ones can thrive while parents have a little downtime.
Ride along the bluffs. The whole family can enjoy an electric-bike ride through Palos Verdes, but if you want something a little more rugged, try a group horseback ride along the local trails with a guide.
Explore the tide pools. Low-tide excursions are led by resort naturalists. Take a close-up look at the sea life at local beaches—and be sure to get a family selfie.
Learn about falconry. Guests of our Southern California resort are introduced, up close and personal, to the beauty and natural history of our working birds of prey including falcons, Harris’s hawks, and Eurasian eagle owls. Our falconer will show you how to identify these birds in the wild and discuss the important roles they play, not only at Terranea, but in the wider environment as well.
Visit a historic site. While you can see the 87-foot tower of the Point Vicente Lighthouse from the main lawn, it’s actually off property and makes a great goal for a family hike with incredible views out to Catalina Island.
Take a day trip to Catalina Island. You’ve seen it from afar, now head to San Pedro Harbor, less than nine miles away, to board a one-hour boat ride to the island. Pro tip: The backside of the island features ziplining.
Lose the lanyard and enjoy your downtime by utilizing the Lexus Drive Experience. Guests can borrow the vehicles for up to three hours for drives within a 25-mile radius. Take a soothing coastal drive or cruise through Rolling Hills Estates and stop at Medwar Fine Jewelers for luxury retail therapy.
Hike to the Point Vicente Interpretive Center to learn the history of the ancient peninsula—the spot is also well situated to view the whale migration.
Dine solo. The bar at bashi is lively, friendly, and a good perch to watch the sushi bridges being made in the kitchen—the chefs actually build a small bridge of select sushi of your choosing, accompanied by a sake flight.
Exercise in your room. Bungalows feature yoga mats and weights so you can work on your home routine while on the road. You can also book a private training season if you need a little help getting motivated.
Unwind and recharge. Whether you are jet-lagged or just not a morning person, The Spa offers unique ways to help you ease into the Pacific Time Zone and be refreshed for that important presentation.
