Discovery Trails
Life on the Terranea Trail
Walk the Discovery Trail that surrounds Terranea and learn about all the indigenous plants and wildlife through naturalist-guided tours or our interpretive signage. A sampling of plants includes dune buckwheat (host plant to the endangered El Segundo Blue Butterfly), California bush sunflower, lemonadeberry, and coastal prickly pear. This varied mix of perennials, cacti and hardy shrubs provides a visual feast of color and texture for trailgoers, as well as a welcome refuge for local wildlife.
The El Segundo Blue Butterfly, seen in the area in June, July and early August, depends on the dune buckwheat to survive. The establishment of new populations of this species increases its chance of recovery and eventual removal from the endangered species list.
Guests may also be attracted by the faint "wew" of the California Gnatcatcher hunting small insects in the coastal sage scrub. These active, gray, four-inch songbirds have long black tails that help distinguish them from the other similar species. The adult males are recognized by their trim black caps.
Guests can also scope for birds offshore or at the cliffs. Hooded Orioles nest in the California Fan Palms at nearby Point Vicente Lighthouse. Guests may hear the "churr" of a Cactus Wren on the steep hillsides above the beach or along the road. There is also an excellent show of different species offshore including the majestic California Brown Pelican and Black-vented Shearwaters.
Signs throughout six interpretive areas guide you through our Discovery Trail giving you a glimpse of the Ages of Geological Splendor, the majestic silhouette of Catalina Island; a look into California's rare coastal native plants and wildlife; and a dive into the Pacific Ocean realm.
- Lady of the Light - Find out who is the ghostly presence seen at Point Vicente Lighthouse
- It's So Diatomaceous - Capture the hidden beauty of microfossils
- Live Forever - Learn the secret of Terranea's 14 acres of native plants
- Explore the Ocean Floor - Dive into the art of Tide Pooling
- Search for the Spout - Enjoy a "whale" of a discovery, and possibly witness the magnificent California gray whale
- One and the Same - Your feet are planted on an ancient island
In addition to the "teachable moments" provided by these interpretive signs, along the scenic bluffs of our Discovery Trail are three telescopes for guests to enjoy the views of nature.
View Palos Verdes Penisula Trail map (PDF)
"Best Hikes on the Palos Verdes Peninsula" Map is courtesy of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. For more information or to purchase a guide, contact (310) 541-7613 or visit www.pvplc.org.
The dramatic setting with 270-degree panoramic ocean views; coupled with the impressive selection of resort activities makes the Terranea Resort one of a kind.
