You Might Remember This Now Defunct Southern California Theme Park

Want to take a walk down memory lane? This former theme park and oceanarium in Southern California was a beloved local gem for more than thirty years. Featuring beautiful orcas, dolphin shows, and family swims, this popular destination provided many fond memories for locals and out-of-town visitors. Here’s a closer look at the Marineland of the Pacific. Do you have any fond memories of this SoCal destination?

Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Marineland Of the Pacific was a popular theme park and oceanarium that had quite a loyal following in Southern California.

flickr/steve and michelle gerdes

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Opened from August 1954 to February 1987, this iconic theme park was a memorable destination for local families and out-of-town visitors for more than thirty years.

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Although many people think Disneyland is SoCal’s first amusement park, Marineland of the Pacific actually opened a year before Disneyland and is considered to be Southern California’s first large-scale theme park and the world’s largest oceanarium.

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Although it was best known for its performing orcas, Marineland of the Pacific was also home to a variety of sea animals including dolphins, seals, sharks, and sea lions.

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Family swims, dolphin shows, and a swim-through aquarium were some of the highlights that families enjoyed at this oceanarium.

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When Marineland of the Pacific eventually closed in 1987, its most famous orca was relocated to Sea World in San Diego and became known as Shamu.

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Did you ever visit this iconic theme park? If you’ve enjoyed this walk down memory lane, you may also want to keep reading about these 8 abandoned places in Southern California that nature is reclaiming.