The Storied Past Behind Terranea

Long before the debut of our luxury oceanfront resort in June 2009, the pristine setting of Terranea Resort served as a backdrop to a rich heritage and diverse ecology. Today, guests of Terranea Resort need not look far for remnants of this vibrant past, delicately preserved amid the warm ambiance and breathtaking vistas above the Pacific Ocean.

This land’s fascinating history intertwines with the natural beauty of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, providing a glimpse into the past while offering world-class luxury today.

Where We Began

Once part of the Channel Islands, the Palos Verdes Peninsula slowly fused with California’s mainland over millions of years, creating unique rocks and plant species found only here and on the Islands. Named Palos Verdes (“Canyon of Green Trees”), it was home to the Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe before the Spanish arrival in 1542. The Tribe thrived as seafarers, traders, and fishermen, living in the terraced hills and sheltering coves of this lush, vibrant landscape.

History of Terranea Resort Rancho Palos Verdes California

Aerial view of Pool and Terranea Resort Rancho Palos Verdes California

Frank Vanderlip, The Father of Palos Verdes

In 1913, 16,000 acres of this beautiful land were purchased by a consortium of New York investors led by Frank A. Vanderlip, who is considered the founding father of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Vanderlip envisioned a Mediterranean coastal village and began building grand estates in 1924, laying the foundation for the area’s distinctive Mediterranean style that is reflected in the resort today.

The Ishibashi Family

In the early 1900s, Japanese farming communities played a significant role in shaping the Peninsula’s natural beauty. The Ishibashi family established one of the last Japanese farms in the area, which continues to influence the Peninsula’s history and landscape. Today, remnants of their farming legacy can still be seen near the resort, preserving a part of Palos Verdes’ rich cultural past.

The Marineland And Hollywood Years

Terranea Resort's scene-stealing backdrop started attracting Hollywood film crews in the 1950s, when Lloyd Bridges starred as ex-Navy diver Mike Nelson in the TV adventure series, "Sea Hunt." The popular black-and-white program was filmed in and around the present resort throughout four seasons from 1958-1961. At the time, the land was home to Marineland of the Pacific. "Sea Hunt" is the first television series that focused on underwater adventures and provided an early platform for the protection of the Earth's resources. Since then, Terranea's dramatic landscape and oceanfront setting have been featured in numerous TV and feature films, including "Pirates of the Caribbean," "The Aviator," "Charlie's Angels," "This Is 40," and “Savages.”

Creating Terranea to Present Day

In 1998, Lowe Enterprises became involved in the development of this breathtaking 102-acre Palos Verdes resort, beginning a 10-year transformation process that would result in Terranea Resort as it stands today. The guiding principle of the resort’s creation was to integrate the resort into the Peninsula’s cultural, historical, and ecological fabric. Working with Hill Glazier Architects and Scheurer Architects, the development maintained a Mediterranean design while embracing the region's natural beauty. The resort was built with sustainability in mind, seamlessly blending with the coastline.