For Lauren Bergloff, it was her family road trips to visit her grandparents in Montana with stops at national parks along the way that really inspired her love of nature. This love eventually led her to taking a perfectly tailored job as the Sustainability Leader at Terranea.
What makes the Terranea property perfectly situated for the activities and expeditions you provide?
Lauren Bergloff: Terranea is a “land not so far away.” I love that we are in Los Angeles County, but as soon as you step foot on our property you instantly feel like you are very far away from everything. In my opinion, the property is on some of the most beautiful coastline in Southern California. We have a beach cove that is perfect to launch kayaks and stand-up paddleboards out of. The kelp forest right off our coast is now a thriving ecosystem that you can watch right from your paddleboard or kayak. We are right down the road from Abalone Cove, which is one of the best places to explore the tide pools. Our native plant trails are perfect for hiking.
Is there an expedition or activity you’re particularly fond of at Terranea?
LB: My favorite activity through the Adventure Concierge is the Tide Pool Adventure. The Tide Pool Adventure allows guests to explore Abalone Cove Preserve and not only hike but explore deeply! Because it is a protected area, guests are able to see what the Palos Verdes coastline truly looks like. Another favorite activity of mine is the Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour. I went during the gray whale migration last year and was able to get up close and personal with a gray whale right outside the kelp forest! It was magical.
You often get the opportunity to share your passion for nature with children. What is the best part about working with kids?
LB: My favorite part about working with kids is that they are honest. Kids usually don’t pretend to be having fun, so you know when they are truly enjoying an activity! I love answering all of their questions and instilling a love of nature in them. I believe that if you love something, you will truly want to protect it. I also love getting kids outdoors and off technology. My favorite thing to experience with kids is when they are shocked that they can have so much fun outside in nature.
With so many exciting adventures and beautiful times to enjoy at Terranea, what recommendations do you have for families looking to make the most of their time at the resort?
LB: I highly recommend booking their adventures in advance to make sure they are able to experience as many as possible! Depending on the season, Terranea offers a different experience. The winter provides smaller crowds, beautiful sunsets and beautiful greenery along the native plant trail. The spring is wonderful because of the gray whale migration and blooming flowers. The summer is an obvious choice with great weather and longer days. For some reason, the fall has to be my favorite. The crowds die down a little bit, the weather is almost always a perfect sunny day, and the ocean water is the warmest of the year.
As someone who likes to explore, is there anything that gives you pause, or are you one of those people who jumps into adventures with full gusto?
LB: The one thing that I am terrified of is spiders. One time I was in Mexico and our tour guide was about to take us into a cave, but he warned us that huge spiders lived on the walls. Needless to say, I did not go into the cave. I’m pretty much open to any other adventures that don’t involve spiders.
What’s your most perfect day at Terranea (aside from it not involving spiders)?
LB: My perfect day at Terranea would be leading a morning hike, an afternoon Tide Pool tour and ending the day donating surplus food to Chefs to End Hunger. On the morning hike we would walk around the property, head toward the lighthouse, whale-watch from the Pointe Vicente Interpretive Center and then hike back to Terranea. Chefs to End Hunger is the non-profit sector of one our food vendors, LA & SF Specialty. I love that we are able to donate our surplus food to people in need rather than just throw it into our onsite biodigester. I enjoy full days that keep me active.
Visit the Adventure Concierge outside of pointe discovery alongside the parking rotunda for a full list of daily activities.
