Marineland of the Pacific

When it opened in 1954, one year before Disneyland, Marineland of the Pacific was the world's largest oceanarium. The park was designed by William Pereira, whose work, which included the Transamerica Pyramid, the Los Angeles International Airport, and the Geisel Library helped define the architectural look of mid-20th century California.

Marineland was best known for its performing orcas. One tourist guide in 1974 stated, “Entertainment is the first purpose of this well-known Palos Verdes show place. Here’s a rare opportunity to see a ‘killer whale’ leaping 18 feet out of the water to grab a fish from the teeth of its trainer, a dolphin jumping through a fire-ringed hoop, or a sea lion crooning a tune.”[2]

Marineland was home to Orky and Corky, two of the most famous orcas on exhibit at any oceanarium at the time. They were the second pair of orcas at the facility with these names; the original "Orky" and "Corky" did not live long in captivity and had no calves. Marineland was also home to the first pilot whales ("Bubbles" and "Bimbo") ever captured for display,[3] as well as dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals, sharks, and a variety of other related sea creatures.

Other attractions included the Sky Tower, “a circular elevator ride 344 feet above the sea,” and hourly boat tours of the coastline.[2]

Marineland was also noteworthy for its Baja Reef concept, a first-of-its-kind swim-through aquarium featuring “many brightly colored fish.” Visitors could enter the winding aquarium wearing a swim mask and snorkel and swim with the fish and sharks. The tour lasted seven minutes in 1979.[4] Special admission tickets to this attraction cost $4 in 1985 US$5 (equivalent to $10 in 2022).[5]

Circa 1979 there was a “new macaw show,” strolling cartoon characters and a “marine animal care center” at the park.[4]

Pilot Whale & Dolphin Show, August, 1962

Harcourt Brace Jovanovich (the owner of the SeaWorld ocean park family) purchased the facility in December 1986 from a Hong Kong developer. At the time the park was run down and was just breaking even. Restoration plans were canceled on January 30, 1987 as Harcourt claimed that the park was in more disrepair than expected. Yearly losses of $2 million were projected unless improvements costing $25 million were undertaken.[6]

Orky and Corky were moved to SeaWorld's San Diego park a few weeks after the purchase supposedly for mating,[6] where Corky was given the new name of "Shamu". Rancho Palos Verdes city council passed an ordinance requiring them to maintain the park and allow access to its beach.[6] Although the company had promised to keep Marineland open, it was suddenly closed on February 11, 1987,[7] six weeks after the sale was completed. Harcourt said it received bomb threats after announcing its change of heart, prompting it to lock the gates three weeks before the announced closing.[6] The animals were trucked out in the middle of the night, and the new owners poured concrete into the drains so the park could not be reopened. Many local residents complained about the sudden closure. On March 1, 1987, the company announced that the park would stay closed.[6]

Bubbles the Pilot Whale, performing, August, 1962

Much of the infrastructure was left abandoned for nearly 20 years. Marineland's most visible landmark, the 414-foot (126 m) high tower, remained standing until 1995. The Marineland Restaurant continued operating through 2004 as the "Catalina Room" (where Catalina Island was visible on a clear day). Several other structures remained through 2006.[8]

In 1995, developer York Long Point purchased 480 acres (1.9 km²) of coastal land that included the Marineland location for $24 million.

After several false starts, development began in 2007 on a new $450 million resort, a project by Lowe Destination Development, which was planned to include a hotel, privately owned "casitas", and full spa and resort facilities. Originally projected to include an 18-hole golf course, the plan was changed to include only an "Executive Par 3" golf course on the resort property.

In early 2006, two small temporary sales offices replaced the abandoned gas station at the park entrance, and the large concrete sign along Palos Verdes Drive South (with a tower resembling a whale's tail) was altered to feature the logo and artist's impression of the resort. In July 2007, principal construction commenced, starting with the demolition of the remains of Marineland. The resort was completed in 2009.[9] Today, the Terranea Resort occupies the site, but pays tribute to the history of the location, including Marineland.[10]

The Point Vicente Interpretive Center, located a half-mile north on the same road, reopened in July 2006 after extensive remodeling, and it has a number of items related to Marineland in an exhibit, including a "Save Marineland" pin and various publications from the park. One of the original dolphin statues that formerly adorned the entrance to Marineland is also on display.