Fans of Sea Hunt and Lloyd Bridges dive into Nelson's Restaurant

October 26, 5:32 PMSF Upscale Travel ExaminerLee Daley

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By Lee Daley                 

Named for the popular scuba diver Mike Nelson on the TV show Sea Hunt,  Nelson’s Restaurant at Terranea Resort on southern California’s Palos Verdes peninsula emphasizes the same environmental themes that the show’s star Lloyd Bridges espoused

Bridge’s character Mike Nelson, an adventurous ex-Navy frogman turned freelance diver, captured the imaginations of young and old alike and while the show ran for just four seasons, the popularity of its re-runs continued well into the sixties. Ahead of his time, the actor ended each episode of Sea Hunt with a personal plea to protect the world’s oceans

Many episodes were filmed in the waters of the Pacific above which Nelson’s Restaurant resides. Inside the upscale surf shack, black-and-white framed photos of the actor decked out in surfing gear grace the walls. Wherever possible, environmentally sensitive materials are used for the nautically-themed decor, including a bar counter top made of recycled wine bottles

Restaurant menu offerings include regional Southern California favorites such as tacos, shrimp, and grilled fajitas presented in a casual dining atmosphere while you relax by outdoor fire pits and soak in the incredible natural beauty of the Palos Verdes coastline You’ll find locals and resort patrons here where the sun sets over the Pacific with a view of the Point Vicente Lighthouse

An homage to Mr. Bridge’s lifetime efforts to protect the environment and the ocean, Nelson’s is just one of the many examples of Terranea Resort’s conscious efforts to protect the valuable resources of their unique Palos Verdes peninsula location 

Photo by Lee Daley.

It’s been reported that Lloyd Bridges reluctantly decided to leave the show after four seasons because the producers wanted to emphasize cops-and-robbers plots while Bridges wanted to focus more on environmental themes.  His Sea Hunt character was an early voice in bringing the message to the world that the oceans are one of our most vital resources which we should do all we can to preserve.
 

If you live nearby, a trip to Nelson’s is like going on vacation right in your own backyard.

If you’re traveling to Southern California, the resort is located about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, about 20 miles south of Los Angeles International Airport. You might want to stay longer than a few hours once you’re there. Check out the resort’s web site at www.terranea.com.  On 102 pristine acres, 75 are designated “green space.”

Read an article about Terranea Resort's 7-year-old concierge here.

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Quote:. "As time went on, I got envious and wanted to do a lot of stunts myself."  Lloyd Bridge on why he became his own stunt man on the TV show Sea Hunt.