Mini Weekend Escape: A sweet spot on the Palos Verdes Peninsula

The rocky cliffs, hard-sand beaches and swirling ocean current along the curvy Palos Verdes Peninsula can easily be mistaken for Northern California. There are suited-up surfers off shore, but the land follows steep ups and downs as it hugs (and sometimes falls into) the Pacific. It’s a good place for a close-to-home getaway, particularly for those who haven’t yet explored what must be among the least touristy parts of Southern California.

The bed: Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes opened three years ago on the site of what once was the Marineland aquarium that opened in the 1950s. The ocean-side hotel with 582 rooms is offering a deal for early bookings. There’s also a spa, where guests may book a treatment or pay $40 for day use, and golf course.

The deal: The Countdown to Winter by the Sea is reason enough to go and sample the luxury resort and explore the peninsula. The offer is good for stays Nov. 1 through March 31. Make reservations by Oct. 15 and take 25% off best available rate; book by Dec. 22, the discount drops to 20%.

Tested: I found availability for a room with two double beds and resort view Dec. 7 to 9 for $266 plus tax and a $25 daily resort fee. The same room on the same night usually costs $380 plus tax and resort fee (the discount I found is higher than the promised 25% off the best available rate).

The find: The nearby Point Vicente Interpretive Center(31501 Palos Verdes Drive West) features exhibits about the marine history of the area and the pop-culture Marineland years. But it’s best known for being the premier spot to watch whales migrate during the winter months. Volunteers log counts of Pacific gray whales from December through April and help visitors spot them too.

Contact: Terranea Resort, (866) 802-8000

MaryForgione@latimes.com
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