Every resort has its hidden gems—the places you stumble upon that add unexpected joy to your stay. At the luxurious Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, that gem is Sea Beans Café.
Tucked inside the resort, Sea Beans offers an inviting spot for coffee, pastries, gelato, and quick bites. While Terranea is known for its fine dining at Mar’sel and cliffside meals at Nelson’s, sometimes you just want a latte, a croissant, or a scoop of gelato to enjoy with the ocean breeze.
During our family stay at Terranea, Sea Beans quickly became our go-to stop for morning fuel, afternoon pick-me-ups, and late-night treats. Here’s everything you need to know about this sweet spot:
- The atmosphere and vibe.
- Coffee and drink options.
- Pastries, sandwiches, and light meals.
- Gelato and dessert highlights.
- Pricing and value.
- Why it works for families.
- Tips for visiting during a Terranea stay (or as a day guest).
First Impressions: Coastal Café Charm
Walking into Sea Beans feels like stepping into a chic, coastal café designed with both convenience and comfort in mind.
- Décor: Light wood, coastal tones, clean counters lined with pastries.
- Ambiance: Relaxed, buzzing with families grabbing breakfast, couples with coffee, and guests ordering gelato.
- Service: Quick but friendly—perfect for resort guests who want something casual.
👉 Unlike Terranea’s sit-down restaurants, Sea Beans is grab-and-go with seating nearby—making it approachable for families and kids.
The Coffee: Morning Magic
For parents, coffee is often the first stop of the day. Sea Beans delivered.
- Espresso Drinks: Lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos—rich and smooth.
- Cold Brew & Iced Coffee: Refreshing, bold, and perfect for warm coastal mornings.
- Specialty Drinks: Seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice or caramel vanilla lattes.
- Tea Selection: Green, herbal, and black teas available.
💡 Parent Tip: Grab your latte and enjoy it on the resort’s terrace overlooking the ocean—it beats any café view in LA.
Pastries & Breakfast Treats
The pastry case at Sea Beans is irresistible.
- Croissants: Flaky, buttery, with chocolate and almond varieties.
- Muffins: Blueberry and bran—simple but satisfying.
- Danishes: Sweet and filled with fruit or cream cheese.
- Bagels: Served with cream cheese or lox for a more filling start.
Our daughters loved the chocolate croissants, while we enjoyed almond pastries with coffee.
Sandwiches & Light Meals
Sea Beans isn’t just about sweets—it also offers savory options.
- Breakfast Sandwiches: Eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage on fresh bread.
- Paninis: Turkey, ham, or vegetarian—perfect for lunch on the go.
- Salads: Light, fresh, easy to take to the pool or beach.
- Grab-and-Go Snacks: Fruit cups, yogurt parfaits, and protein boxes.
💡 Tip: Pick up sandwiches before heading to the pool or coastal trails—they make a great picnic.
Gelato & Desserts: Afternoon Bliss
The highlight for our kids (and honestly, for us too) was gelato.
Flavors We Tried
- Stracciatella: Creamy vanilla with chocolate ribbons.
- Pistachio: Nutty, smooth, authentic.
- Raspberry Sorbet: Tart, refreshing, dairy-free.
- Chocolate Hazelnut: Rich and decadent—tastes like frozen Nutella.
Beyond Gelato
- Cookies: Freshly baked, chewy and classic.
- Cakes & Tarts: Rotating seasonal selections.
- Brownies: Perfect with a scoop of gelato on top.
👉 Gelato became our daily afternoon ritual after swimming—it felt indulgent, but also part of the Terranea experience.
Drinks Beyond Coffee
- Smoothies: Kid-friendly fruit blends.
- Fresh Juices: Orange, carrot, and seasonal juices.
- Wine & Beer (to-go): For adults wanting something light without a full sit-down bar.
Pricing & Value
Sea Beans is resort-priced, but not unreasonable.
- Coffee Drinks: $5–$7.
- Pastries: $4–$6.
- Sandwiches & Salads: $10–$15.
- Gelato: $6–$8 per scoop.
- Family of Four: ~$40–$50 for breakfast, ~$25 for afternoon gelato.
👉 Comparable to upscale cafés in Los Angeles, but with unbeatable views and resort convenience.
Family Perspective: Why Sea Beans Works
For Kids
- Gelato + cookies = happiness.
- Quick service means no long waits.
- Fun picking out treats from the pastry and gelato cases.
For Parents
- Great coffee and pastries without committing to a sit-down meal.
- Easy to grab food before or after family activities.
- Outdoor seating makes it stress-free with kids.
As a Family
It became our “in-between” spot—perfect for refueling between pool time, walks, and dinners.
Why Locals & Day Visitors Love It Too
Sea Beans isn’t only for resort guests. Locals often stop by for:
- Morning coffee with an ocean view.
- Afternoon gelato with kids.
- Quick bites while hiking nearby trails.
💡 Local Tip: You don’t need a room at Terranea to enjoy Sea Beans—just park and walk in.
Comparisons: Sea Beans vs. Other LA Resort Cafés
- Fairmont Santa Monica Lobby Café: Larger but more corporate; less cozy than Sea Beans.
- Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Café Market: Similar offerings, but Sea Beans has better views.
- Terranea’s Nelson’s: Full meals and cliffside dining, but Sea Beans is quicker and sweeter.
Insider Tips
- Go early in the morning—pastries sell out fast.
- Get gelato in the afternoon—it’s less crowded than evenings.
- Use Sea Beans for grab-and-go meals if dining reservations are booked.
- Try seasonal specials—flavors rotate and are often unique.
- Sit outside—the ocean breeze adds to the experience.
What Other Guests Say
- “Best gelato outside of Italy!”
- “Perfect for breakfast before hiking the Terranea trails.”
- “Expensive, but worth it for the quality and convenience.”
- “Our kids begged to come back every afternoon.”
FAQs
Is Sea Beans kid-friendly?
Absolutely—pastries, gelato, and quick service make it ideal for kids.
Do you need a hotel reservation to visit?
No. Sea Beans is open to locals and visitors as well.
What’s the must-try item?
Gelato, especially pistachio or stracciatella.
How much does it cost?
Around $40–$50 for a family breakfast, $25 for an afternoon dessert stop.
Is there seating?
Yes, indoor and outdoor options available.
Final Verdict: A Sweet Stop Worth Making
Our experience at Sea Beans at Terranea Resort was one of the highlights of our stay. From flaky croissants and rich lattes in the morning to creamy gelato in the afternoon, it became part of our family’s daily rhythm.
👉 Our verdict: Sea Beans isn’t just a café—it’s part of the Terranea experience. Whether you’re a guest or a local, it’s worth stopping by for a sweet treat or a quick bite with a world-class view.
