You Might Remember The Now Defunct Southern California Theme Park, Marineland Of The Pacific

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.