Dive into a tale of marine wonder right here at Dolphin Park. This isn’t just a park. It’s a place where history, entertainment, and marine life once danced together.
Once upon a time, before today’s Dolphin Park, there was Marineland of the Pacific. It opened its doors in 1954. Believe it or not, it was the world’s largest oceanarium. It even predated Disneyland by a year. William Pereira designed it. He was the architectural mind behind iconic structures. Think of the Transamerica Pyramid and the Los Angeles International Airport.
Marineland was famous for its performing orcas. Imagine killer whales leaping 18 feet. They snatched fish right from their trainer’s teeth. Dolphins jumped through fire-ringed hoops. Sea lions crooned tunes.
Orky and Corky called Marineland home. These orcas were the stars of the show. Marineland showcased pilot whales. Bubbles and Bimbo were the first ever captured for display. Dolphins, sea lions, and sharks also lived here.
But there was even more than just the animals at Dolphin Park. The Sky Tower offered a circular elevator ride. It soared 344 feet above the sea. Hourly boat tours showed off the stunning coastline. The Baja Reef was a swim-through aquarium. Visitors snorkeled with brightly colored fish and sharks.
Around 1979, a macaw show entertained guests. Cartoon characters strolled through the park. A marine animal care center showcased how the animals were cared for.
Sadly, Marineland closed in 1987. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich purchased it. They owned the SeaWorld theme park group. The park was run down. It was barely breaking even. Restoration plans fell through. The company moved Orky and Corky to SeaWorld San Diego. They said it was for mating purposes.
Rancho Palos Verdes wanted Harcourt to maintain the park. They wanted to keep the beach accessible. But Marineland closed suddenly. The owners poured concrete into the drains. They made sure the park could not be reopened.
For almost 20 years, the park sat abandoned. Marineland’s tower stood tall until 1995. The Marineland Restaurant remained open until 2004. It was renamed the Catalina Room.
In 2007, development began on a new resort. It cost $450 million. The resort was completed in 2009. Today, the Terranea Resort stands here. It pays tribute to Marineland’s history.
The Point Vicente Interpretive Center displays Marineland artifacts. See a Save Marineland pin. Admire old publications. Spot one of the original dolphin statues.
The Marineland of the Pacific Historical Society formed in 2003. It preserves the park’s history. They offer information to students, researchers, and fans.
In 2022, Tod Perry launched a podcast. It covered Marineland’s 33-year history. Hear stories about the animals’ lives.
Marineland appeared in TV shows and films. “The Beverly Hillbillies”, “The Munsters”, and “Wonder Woman” are just a few. Scenes for “Pirates of the Caribbean” were filmed here too.
So, as you stand here at Dolphin Park, remember Marineland. It was a place of wonder. It was a place of entertainment. It was a place where memories were made.